Collaboration is front and centre in the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards, with a record number of entries received in the Morrison Low Advisory Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results.
This category recognises achievements through collaboration with government agencies, community, or private organisations.
As the demands on local government continue to evolve, collaboration is becoming essential. The entries in this category reflect this growing importance – this year there are a record 13 entries, three more than last year.
Raymond Horan, Chief Advisor at Taituarā says “No one agency has all of the levers necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century. A wise local authority knows its capabilities and partners with others to deliver a great outcome for New Zealand.”
This year’s entries demonstrate that in action, tackling issues such as resilience, housing affordability, community health and food security.
Taupō District Council’s East Urban Lands (Oroko Rise) project shows how partnerships between council, iwi and developers can deliver affordable housing at scale, without direct ratepayer subsidy. In Hamilton, the BNZ Theatre highlights how a bold public-private partnership can deliver a major cultural asset, revitalising the CBD and strengthening community connections.
Collaboration is also driving innovative responses to social challenges. Hamilton City Council’s Kai Map, developed with more than 40 organisations, connects residents to free and low-cost food, while Ruapehu District Council’s Hapori Hauora Day brings essential health services directly to whānau, removing barriers to access.
Resilience features strongly, with Porirua City Council’s Community Emergency Water Tanks programme building preparedness through community partnership, and Gisborne District Council’s Growing Resilience Tairāwhiti initiative bringing together landowners, iwi and experts to respond to erosion and land-use challenges.
There is also a clear focus on collaboration to deliver community infrastructure and experiences. From the Open Country Community Stadium in Matamata to Central Otago’s Eden Hore heritage project, councils are working with partners to unlock social, cultural and economic value.
The 2026 entries are:
- Animal Management Action Plan – Auckland Council
- BNZ Theatre – Hamilton City Council
- Breaking the Silos: A National Collaboration Transforming Community Engagement – Hutt City Council
- Community Emergency Water Tanks – Porirua City Council
- East Urban Lands (Oroko Rise) – Taupō District Council
- Eden Hore Central Otago (EHCO): A Collaborative Couture Legacy – Central Otago District Council
- Growing Resilience Tairāwhiti Transition Advisory Group – Gisborne District Council
- Hood Aerodrome Upgrades – Masterton District Council
- Kai Map – Hamilton City Council
- Land Stability Project – Tararua District Council
- Open Country Community Stadium Matamata (Te Whare Hui Ora) – Matamata-Piako District Council
- Taking Care of Business – Masterton District Council
- Taumarunui Hapori Hauora Day – Ruapehu 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 Morrison Low Advisory Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results. Voting for this category is open from 7 – 13 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.
