For the first time, the 2014 LGNZ conference was home to the LGNZ EXCELLENCE Awards. Local council initiatives and leadership were recognised at the Awards – designed to showcase council projects, programmes and people who have made a real impact in local communities.
The Awards celebrate some real New Zealand innovation including a range of leadership, events and infrastructure projects from roading, bridges and water supply to recreational projects such as parks, playgrounds and community events.
We were delighted with the high number of entries we received from councils around the country and deeply impressed to see the projects that reinforce the fantastic work being led by local government to strengthen our communities and local economies.
On 21 July, the winners of the awards were announced during the annual LGNZ conference dinner. The winners and finalists for each category are:
Fulton Hogan EXCELLENCE Award for community impact
The winner of this award has delivered a project or programme that has created a more culturally-connected, technically informed, safe or vibrant community in their city, town, district or region. They have demonstrated significant improvements to the way local government has engaged with their community.
Winner:
Kawerau District Council: Kawerau Adopt a Nation - 2013 World Rafting Champs
Finalists:
- Environment Canterbury on behalf of the Mayors of Canterbury: Canterbury Water Management Strategy (Highly Commended)
- Hastings District Council: Development of William Nelson Park and Skatepark
- Horowhenua District Council: Community Well-being in Horowhenua
- Rangitikei District Council: Path to Well-being Initiative
- Wairoa District Council: The Raupanga Amenity Area (Highly Commended)
MartinJenkins EXCELLENCE Award for local economic contribution
The winner of this award will have led an external or internal project or programme that has enhanced the economic wellbeing or the value proposition to ratepayers to parts or all of their city, town, district or region.
Winner:
Hauraki District Council: Hauraki Rail Trail
Finalists:
- Wanganui District Council: 100% Connected (Highly Commended)
- Selwyn District Councill: Electronic Building Consent Process
Beca infrastructure project of the year
This title will be awarded to the council whose infrastructure project has led to improved efficiencies and effectiveness for local businesses, residents and visitors, and has contributed to an economic or environmental benefit for their region.
Winner:
- Kapiti Coast District Council: Kapiti Water Supply Project
Finalists:
- Taupo District Council: Taupo Water Treatment Plant
- Whangarei District Council: Lower Hatea River Crossing
LGNZ community event of the year
The winning council has held an event which has engaged their local community, drawn attendance from outside the region and received positive exposure for their region on a national or international stage.
Winner:
Napier City Council: Tremains' Art Deco Weekend
Finalists:
- Auckland Council: The Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines (Highly Commended)
- New Plymouth District Council: TSB Bank Festival of Lights
The Skills Organisation outstanding contribution to local government
Winner: Frana Cardno, Mayor of Southland District from 1992 - 2013
This award was udged by LGNZ's National Council.
Judging and announcing the winners
The Awards have been judged by a panel of experts in their field of economics, infrastructure, community and local government, including BERL Chief Economist Dr Ganesh Nana, former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and the Chair of NZCID John Rae.