An innovative approach to reviewing Moturoa/Rabbit Island’s reserve management plan (RMP) has made Tasman District Council a finalist in the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) EXCELLENCE Awards.
Now in their fourth year, the Awards recognise and celebrate the key leadership role that local government plays in communities around the country.
The Moturoa/Rabbit Island RMP is a finalist in the Fulton Hogan EXCELLENCE Award for Community Engagement after the council made engaging with the community a key element in reviewing the area’s 2001 plan.
Recognising the area’s iconic status as a much-loved space for sport and recreation, the council undertook a pre-consultation process that saw more than 660 individuals and groups provide ideas on what the RMP should contain.
Feedback on the draft RMP showed the community wanted Moturoa/Rabbit Island’s recreational and ecological values made a priority ahead of commercial operations and the council reflected these views in the final RMP.
Judges commended this project for the excellence of the process used.
“It was timely, inclusive and resulted in strong community buy-in, which means you have a sustainable solution.”
LGNZ President Lawrence Yule said the finalists in the EXCELLENCE Awards showcased outstanding leadership being provided by local government throughout the country.
“Local government is at the centre of every community in New Zealand, helping shape the environment in which we work and play,” Mr Yule says.
“Being named as a finalist is a great achievement and reflects the vision shown by councils and the innovative work being done by staff. The finalists include some truly exceptional projects that are having a profound impact on communities.”
Local authorities were invited to submit award applications in five categories:
- Fulton Hogan EXCELLENCE Award for Community Engagement
- Creative New Zealand EXCELLENCE Award for Best Creative Place
- Air New Zealand EXCELLENCE Award for Environmental Impact
- Chorus EXCELLENCE Award for Best Practice in Infrastructure
- Crown Fibre Holdings EXCELLENCE Award for Best Practice Contribution to Local Economic Development
Judges for the awards are former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, Chair of EQC Sir Maarten Wevers and The New Zealand Initiative’s Executive Director, Dr Oliver Hartwich.