Rotorua Lakes Council was named a winner at this year's National Māori Language Awards for work delivered by it's Te Amorangi ki Mua, Te Hāpai ō Muri unit.
Ngā Tohu Reo Māori was held in Wellington last Friday and hosted by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission).
The council took home the Kāwanatanga (Government) award which customer solutions' licensing officer Tia Tuahine accepted on behalf of the council.
The council's Kaitiaki Ahurea Māori, Monty Morrison said it was a surprise to win the award given the competition for the category was strong.
"We were competing with some strong contenders, the Environment Protection Authority and the New Zealand Qualification Authority.
"We are elated Te Amorangi has been recognised as a winner at this year's event."
Te Amorangi Unit is made up of council staff which has created bicultural capability development programmes to support biculturalism with staff.
Morrison said the award recognised Te Amorangi and the work that had been achieved by council staff.
"It also demonstrates the council's executive team support and our collaborative commitment to Rotorua Reorua," Morrison said.
Te Tatau o Te Arawa chair Te Taru White was thrilled by the win and said it was an accolade to the work done by council and staff.
"I think it was a great night against some strong competition with big resources, where little old Rotorua got in the middle and won it.
"Te Amorangi is part of a bigger drive, Rotorua Reorua, which promotes our partnership with Council," White said.
The council's Kaiwhakahaere Māori Gina Rangi said the organisation was traversing new terrain as a bicultural district.
She said staff wanted to do a good job but the challenge was working in a space where there were no existing models.
"For example working with Mātauranga Māori experts (Māori knowledge experts) to develop new wastewater treatment systems.
"It will not always be easy but the aim is to maintain integrity and listen to our community. That's why Te Amorangi exists, to support our colleagues," she said.
Rangi said there is still work to do but the accolade was recognition that the council were on the right track.