Councils compete for SuperLocal awards; 2025 finalists announced

The finalists have been announced for next month’s LGNZ SuperLocal Awards, with 20 councils vying to be recognised across five exciting categories.

The annual LGNZ SuperLocal Awards were created to recognise and celebrate excellent performance by local councils in leading their communities and working together.

LGNZ CE Susan Freeman-Greene says that local government plays a huge role in shaping our communities — yet much of its work goes unnoticed or is undervalued.

“The SuperLocal Awards are all about showcasing the incredible outcomes that councils across the country achieve for their communities. Every year, councils go the extra mile to deliver what their communities need and want, and these awards are our chance to celebrate and share those successes,” says Susan Freeman-Greene.

“The SuperLocal awards are a highlight of our LGNZ annual conference, held this year in Christchurch from 16-17 July. These awards showcase the best in leadership, collaboration, innovation, engagement, and environmental sustainability that our councils have to offer.”

This year’s awards are spread across the SuperHuman, SuperEngaged, SuperCollab, SuperIdea and SuperSteward categories, with judges including former Mayors Rachel Reese, Kerry Prendergast, Tim Cadogan and Justin Lester among others.

View the full list of awards and finalists here.

Award winners will be announced on Thursday 17 July at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, as part of LGNZ’s SuperLocal conference.