Reserves Management Plan shortlisted for award

The Tūrangi Reserves Management Plan has been shortlisted for the 2026 New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards in the Landscape Management category.

The Management Plan has been a collaborative effort by Taupō District Council and the Ngāti Tūrangitukua Charitable Trust. It seeks to make particular acknowledgement of Ngāti Tūrangitukua as mana whenua and kaitiaki of the reserves and support community recreation for all the Tūrangi community.

Te Wharau Walker, Co-Chair of the Turangi Co-Governance Committee, says the plan is a key outcome of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe agreement between the council and Ngāti Tūrangitukua.

"This is the type of outcome Mana Whakahono ā Rohe was designed to support. It has enabled us to work alongside Council, recognise the connection and responsibilities of Ngāti Tūrangitukua, and create a shared vision for the future of our reserves."

Councillor Sandra Greenslade, who is also a member of the committee, said the plan was a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the hard work of everyone involved.

“It’s wonderful to see the collaborative effort being recognised on a national stage. Regardless of the final result, being shortlisted is an outstanding accomplishment and something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of."

Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 November in Ōtautahi Christchurch.