The Bay of Plenty has had five local government projects named as finalists- the most from one region- at the Local Government NZ Excellence Awards 2022.

Three of the five projects are initiatives by Tauranga City Council.

The five finalists are Tauranga City Council's Three Waters Collaboration, Kerbside Collections and Kāinga Tupu – Collaborating to Tackle Homelessness, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Kaituna River Re-diversion, Te Awa o Ngatoroirangi/Maketū Estuary Enhancement Project, and Ōpōtiki District Council's Ōpōtiki Our Way – Covid Preparedness and Response.

Local authorities were invited to submit award applications in four categories namely Creative New Zealand Excellence Award for Cultural Wellbeing, Martin Jenkins Excellence Award for Economic Wellbeing, Air New Zealand Excellence Award for Environmental Wellbeing, and the Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities Excellence Award for Social Wellbeing.

LGNZ President Stuart Crosby says the national finalists exemplify the outstanding service and value that local councils provide in supporting the environmental, economic, social and cultural wellbeing of communities

Crosby praises the often unnoticed and behind the scenes work councils do.

'Councils provide far more than vital infrastructure such as water and wastewater management, rubbish collection and roading. They also work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to deliver projects that engage and enrich their communities.”

The finalists' work has caused far reaching impact, says Crosby.

'The 2022 finalists exemplify the value of building strong partnerships to develop and deliver solutions and services that support the wellbeing of millions of New Zealanders.”

Crosby commends the finalists for synergy and accountability.

'A common denominator among them is a focus on strong communication and consultation, involving their communities in the planning and decision-making process.”

A total of 21 finalists have been named with the winners to be announced at the LGNZ Fulton Hogan Conference Dinner in Palmerston North on Friday, July 22.