Shared vision results in recognition for Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council

A Mana Whakahono partnership agreement between Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūrangitukua has been recognised with a national award. Photo / Supplied

Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council have been awarded Te Tohu Waka Hourua - The Buddle Findlay Award for Māori-Council Partnerships as part of the 2022 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards.

The award was announced in an online ceremony yesterday.

The Whakahono ā Rohe Partnership Agreement builds on existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe, an existing tool under the Resource Management Act (RMA) designed to enable tangata whenua and local authorities to discuss and record how they will work together on resource management matters, including joint decision making.

The iwi and council have built on an existing Mana Whakahono to extend this into planning and decision-making under the Local Government, Reserves, and the Ngāti Tūrangitukua Settlement Acts, and in the council's co-governance structure.

The judges praised Taupō District Council, saying this was a standout entry in this category with a focus on culture and behaviour change.

"This genuine desire to empower mana whenua in joint decision-making across the
council made this the most transformative entry in this category. We look forward to hearing more of the progress Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council can make for their community," the judges said.

Taituarā chief executive Karen Thomas congratulated Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council and said it was wonderful to be able to acknowledge the commitment to excellence and the contribution that projects like this make to shaping communities.

"Because we are unable to celebrate in person this year it is even more important to recognise the inspiring projects and dedicated people that contribute to the local government sector."

Te Tohu Waka Hourua - The Buddle Findlay Award for Māori-Council Partnerships recognises programmes, projects, or initiatives that demonstrate outstanding results from working in partnership with Māori. Entries may come from any area of local government activity but must be able to demonstrate a commitment to partnership with Māori.

2022 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards

The Buddle Findlay Award for Māori-Council Partnerships

Taupō District Council for Ngāti Tūrangitukua – Taupō District Council Mana Whakahono ā Rohe Partnership.

The LGFA Supreme Award Winner
Far North District Council for Te Hiku o te Ika Revitalisation Project.

The Minister of Local Government's Award for Council-Community Relations
Far North District Council for Te Hiku o te Ika Revitalisation Project.

The Datacom Award for Transforming Service Delivery
Hastings District Council, Toitoi Hawke's Bay Event Centre Asset Management BIM and Digital Twin.

The GHD Award for Environmental Leadership
Wairoa District Council for Toi te whenua, Manaaki ki te whenua.

The MartinJenkins Award for Collaborative Government Action
Auckland Council and the Wynyard Edge Alliance for America's Cup 36 Base Infrastructure.

The Capability Group Award for Organisation and People Development
Far North District Council for Great Workplaces.

The Beca Award for Placemaking
Hastings District Council for Its Flaxmere's Time!

AskYourTeam Emerging Leader of the Year Award (x2)
Natasha Stubbing, marketing and engagement manager, Northland Regional Council
Shyamal Ram, general manager infrastructure services, Waitomo District Council.

Winners of the NZ Leg of the JLT Australasian Management Challenge
Napier City Council (Second: Western Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Third: Central Otago District Council).