Ngā tohu SuperLocal
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SuperLocal Awards
The SuperLocal Awards recognise and celebrate excellent performance by councils in leading their communities and working together.
Recognising strong local leadership
Local government does essential work every day but most of it happens without recognition. The SuperLocal Awards exist to change that. Presented at the LGNZ annual conference, they recognise councils and elected members who are delivering results, through strong leadership, effective collaboration, smart problem-solving, genuine community engagement and sound environmental practice.
Application process and key dates
Submit an entry that shows what your council has delivered, why it matters and how it’s made a difference in your community.
Applications are submitted online. Key dates are below:
- Entries have been extended to July 31 at 5pm.
- Winners announced at the Fulton Hogan SuperLocal Awards evening on 15 October
Fulton Hogan SuperLocal Awards evening
This year’s awards celebration will differ from previous years. The awards will be held as an evening reception with standing dinner.
SuperIdea Award - Tū Auaha
This award recognises a council initiative that has solved a problem in a new way. The initiative may involve new approaches or ways of working or significant cost savings. Big or small, the idea must show a clear shift from business as usual and deliver better outcomes for the community.
Find out more
SuperHuman Award - Tū Kaha
Mayors and Chairs nominate this award, recognising an elected member who has really delivered for their community. The award is for those who lead by bringing people with them and by building trust with council, community and partners alike. Their impact shows up in the decisions made, the progress delivered and the confidence others place in them.
Find out more
SuperCollab Award - Tū Kotahi sponsored by Fulton Hogan
This award celebrates partnership that has delivered outcomes no council could have achieved alone. It includes collaboration with the public. The work can cross organisational boundaries, councils, iwi, community groups, businesses or other agencies.
Find out more
SuperSteward Award - Tū Tiaki
This award recognises work that improves the environment in a measurable way. It could be restoring natural areas, reducing waste, lowering emissions or protecting local ecosystems. The work is planned, delivered and tracked over time with clear evidence of progress.
Find out more
Meet our judges
Bonita Bigham
Bonita Bigham (Ngāruahine, Te Atiawa) is Deputy Chairperson and Māori Ward Councillor at Taranaki Regional Council. Now in her sixth term as an elected member, she has held a range of local government leadership roles, including Te Maruata Chairperson and LGNZ National Council member. She is also a Local Government Commissioner and brings extensive governance experience to the judging panel.
Penny Hulse
Penny Hulse served 27 years as a local government elected member, including as Auckland’s inaugural Deputy Mayor, before retiring in 2019. Penny also served on the 2020 Review into the Future for Local Government, advocating for strong councils and communities where local voices are heard.
Brad Olsen
Brad Olsen is Principal Economist at Infometrics and one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. He is a regional economic expert with more than a decade of experience working across local government. Brad has advised elected members and council teams, helping inform decisions on economic development and the future of local communities.
Basil Morrison
Basil Morrison has a distinguished career in farming, local government and public service. He was Hauraki’s inaugural mayor and former President of Local Government New Zealand, as well as Chair of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum Board. Appointed a CNZM, Basil has spent a lifetime serving and strengthening communities across New Zealand.
Andrew Wilson
Andrew Wilson is Chief Executive of RotoruaNZ and Chair of Regional Tourism New Zealand. He has worked across a range of sectors, advising local and central government and supporting businesses of all sizes. Andrew brings a strong focus on economic development, partnership and creating positive outcomes for communities.
Ezra Schuster
Ezra Schuster is the Regional Public Service Commissioner for Bay of Plenty, providing leadership to strengthen the Regional Public Service Commissioner network across New Zealand. He works across local government, iwi, government agencies and communities to align leadership and support better outcomes.
Justin Lester
Justin Lester is a former Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wellington, having served nine years on Wellington City Council. He is now a Director at Dot Loves Data, a leading data analytics consultancy, and serves on a range of public and private boards. Justin brings local government experience alongside a strong focus on data, innovation and governance.
Rupert Hodson
Rupert Hodson is Beca’s Local Government Market Lead, bringing together expertise to support long-term community outcomes. A qualified planner, Rupert has more than 25 years’ experience across New Zealand and the UK in government and consulting. He has worked on regional growth, investment and partnership approaches, including Auckland Council’s Regional Deal.
Mark Butcher
Mark Butcher has been Chief Executive of the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency since 2014. He previously served as Auckland Council Treasurer and worked in debt capital and financial markets. Mark brings extensive financial and governance experience, including current roles with Waikato-Tainui and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.
Alistair Mason
Alistair Mason is Director, Office of the Secretary at the Social Investment Agency. He has worked at the agency since its establishment in 2015 and has held a range of senior public service leadership roles, including Acting Chief Executive. Alistair brings extensive experience in social investment, public sector decision-making and improving outcomes for communities.