Now in its second year, the Award for Cost Effectiveness, sponsored by Co-Lab, recognises councils that are doing more with less, focusing on smarter service design, better use of resources, and long-term value for communities.
This year, entries from five councils and one council-controlled organisation reflect a changing environment for local government, where fiscal constraint and increasing expectations mean all councils are being asked to do more with less.
Rather than simply reducing services, the entries highlight a shift towards rethinking how services are delivered. Several demonstrate how strong data, planning and collaboration can achieve efficiencies without compromising quality.
Two entries focus on recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and its impact on roading networks. Both highlight a growing recognition that rebuilding like-for-like is not always the best approach, and that investing in resilience upfront can significantly reduce long-term costs.
Auckland Transport’s analysis of storm damage, for example, shows preventative works can cost as little as 15–30 percent of recovery, with long-term savings in the billions. Similarly, Waikato District Council’s coordinated recovery programme restored access quickly while improving efficiency through smarter procurement and prioritisation.
Other entries focus on improving how councils operate and make decisions. Auckland Council’s Better Value Projects programme has delivered more than $10 million in savings and cost avoidance while strengthening governance and project delivery, while Horowhenua District Council’s “Dragons, Data, Discipline” approach shows how disciplined, data-driven decision-making can reduce cost pressures while maintaining essential services.
Innovation at a smaller scale is also evident. Rangitīkei District Council’s low-cost elections campaign achieved its highest voter turnout in over a decade, demonstrating that creative approaches can deliver strong results without significant investment.
The entries also reflect lessons from overseas, particularly the experience of English councils during the austerity period, where simply cutting services proved unsustainable. Instead, long-term cost effectiveness requires rethinking how services are designed and delivered.
The 2026 entries are:
- Better Value Projects – Auckland Council
- Climate Resilience versus Recovery Costs for Transport Networks – Auckland Transport
- Dragons Data Discipline – Horowhenua District Council
- Local Elections 2025 Campaign – Rangitīkei District Council
- Cyclone Gabrielle North Island Weather Event Recovery Project – Waikato District Council
- Whakahou Waitaki – Waitaki District Council
Members’ Choice Award
Taituarā members have the opportunity to recognise the initiatives making the biggest impact through the Members’ Choice Award. The with the top-voted projects progressing to a final round of voting across all categories.
View the entries for the Co-Lab Award for Excellence in Cost Effectiveness. Voting for this category is open from 13 – 17 April.
Winners of the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards® will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 18 June in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Tickets are available to purchase now.
