“The four entries that have been received in this year’s Beca Award for Excellence in Placemaking cover all of the aspects that make for great places” Taituarā Chief Adviser Raymond Horan says. “We see entries that have taken action to shape or create a vibrant local economy, culture, or promote positive social outcomes.”
The entries in this year’s Award for Placemaking includes two construction projects. Te Whare Whakatere is Ashburton’s new library and civic centre, and represents another project in the ongoing revitalisation of the Ashburton CBD. Napier’s Marine Parade Heritage Restoration showcases the restoration of two places steeped in historical significance along Marine Parade.
Joining them is the Ruapehu Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives Fund. The council used its ‘Better Off” funding to undertake a wide range of smaller pieces of local placemaking from a bronze statue in Waiouru to various cycleway and hall refurbishments.
Raymond notes that placemaking is not just about building things. The final entry this year is the Whakanuia Awards, submitted by Timaru and tells a moving story around the council’s celebration of children and youth with disabilities.
“This award celebrates that ways in which our councils are creating meaningful public spaces centred around the needs and aspirations of their communities. We love working with councils to deliver that work, and for that reason are honoured to support the recognition of these great entries”, says Sanchia Jacobs, Director Local Government at Beca.
The winner of the Beca Award, the other six category winners and LGFA Taituarā Supreme Award will be announced at the Taituarā Awards Dinner at Tākina in Wellington on 12 June.
This Award and the Dinner would not be possible without the sponsorship of Beca, returning as a sponsor for the fourth year. We thank them for their ongoing support.
