PHOTO: Taupō is a finalist. FILE
The Beautiful Awards 2023 Urban Center Finalists Revealed
The finalists for the Beautiful Awards 2023, honoring New Zealand towns and cities for their sustainability endeavors, have been unveiled ahead of the winners’ announcement in November.
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Since 1972, the not-for-profit organization Keep New Zealand Beautiful has been hosting these annual awards to recognize environmental excellence and sustainability achievements throughout the country.
The “Most Beautiful Towns and Cities” category acknowledges and rewards local councils that have exhibited a commitment to environmental enhancement over the past year, according to the organization.
This year, Christchurch and Tauranga are leading the race for the title of “Most Beautiful Large City,” with Whanganui, Taupō, Leigh, New Plymouth, and Arrowtown also receiving nominations.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful CEO Heather Saunderson stated, “The Awards provide an opportunity for Kiwis to showcase their community and celebrate outstanding sustainability initiatives in their towns or cities.”
She added, “Through the Beautiful Awards, we can recognize the contributions of local governments as well as those made by community groups, schools, and individuals, all working towards preserving and enhancing New Zealand’s environment. This collective effort is essential for safeguarding Aotearoa’s biodiversity and creating a future that is mindful of waste and climate for the next generations of Tidy Kiwis.”
New Zealanders were encouraged to nominate towns and cities that distinguished themselves through their sustainability efforts, with a specific focus on litter prevention, waste reduction, community beautification, and recycling initiatives.
The Beautiful Awards judges then evaluated the entries based on criteria such as the number of nominations relative to the population, the strength of litter prevention and waste reduction initiatives, community beautification projects, and recycling initiatives. Each of these four categories carried an equal weight of 25 percent, leading to the following finalists:
Most Beautiful Large City:
- Christchurch
- Tauranga City
Most Beautiful Small City:
- New Plymouth
- Whanganui
Most Beautiful Large Town:
- Taupō
- Whakatāne
Most Beautiful Small Town:
- Arrowtown
- Tūrangi
Most Beautiful Tiny Town:
- Awanui
- Leigh
The winners will be revealed at Parliament House on Thursday, November 9th. Additionally, a Supreme award will be presented to the overall winner of the “Most Beautiful Towns & Cities” category, sponsored by Resene, which includes a mural painted in their town or city by a local artist valued at up to $10,000.
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