The 2025 Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards evening was held in Wellington on 12 June, celebrating programmes, projects, and approaches that demonstrate professional excellence in local government management.
Buddle Findlay was delighted to sponsor the Te Tohu Waka Hourua - Buddle Findlay Award for Māori-Council Partnerships. Buddle Findlay partner Paul Beverley presented the award.
This category recognises programmes, projects, or initiatives that showcase a demonstrable and ongoing commitment to working in true partnership with Māori. Entries are invited from any area of local government activity that clearly illustrates the application of Te Ao Māori and a deep understanding and application of Tiriti o Waitangi principles. This is the fifth year running that Buddle Findlay has sponsored the award.
This year, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Taupō District Council were the winners of the Te Tohu Waka Hourua - Buddle Findlay Award for Māori-Council Partnerships. In what is understood to be a New Zealand first, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Taupō District Council and have further strengthened their partnership and connection by coming together in one purpose-built whare ‘He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa’ through living connection to whenua, taiao, cultural heritage and shared goals.
The Judges said: "In a category that showcased a wide range of inspiring approaches to Māori-Council partnerships, He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa was the undeniable standout entry. The judges were particularly moved by the level of commitment required for both organisations to cohabit in this unique way. This deep partnership exemplifies true partnership in both spirit and practice, highlighting the permanence and dedication of both parties. As their entry so powerfully demonstrated, this initiative wasn't simply about bricks and mortar; it's a living connection to our whenua, taiao, cultural heritage, and shared goals for economic and social development."
For more information about the award visit Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards.
