Whakatane Supreme Winner 2021

Whakatane were truly humbled to be named Whakatane Supreme Winner Award at the 2021 Keep NZ Beautiful Awards. While this award acknowledges the undoubted beauty of our town and environment, judges noted the strength of the community. Here’s what the judges had to say…

The Supreme Towns & Cities Award winner is chosen from across all the Towns & Cities and is the judge’s top pick from an already-outstanding set of finalists. “This is always a very hard award to judge, and this year was no exception. The Towns and Cities submissions were of an extremely high standard, and the virtual tours provided great insight into the amazing environmental initiatives that have taken place. The winner of this award is Whakatane…

Biodiversity is a huge focal point for those in Whakatane. The community underwent a tree audit and created tree policies so that people have a better understanding of the value of trees and how their lifespan impacts us. They have also closed the gaps in understanding between rural areas and the township, bringing a tighter cohesion to environmental efforts. The community has also created a Seed Library, and is getting local children and youth involved in plantings, around 4,800 per year.

As part of the awards sponsorship, Resene sponsored a mural painted in Whakatane. Learn More about the Whakatane Supreme Winner Award, Keep New Zealand Beautiful Mural here. Visit Paint New Zealand Beautiful here.

About the Keep New Zealand Awards

Run annually since 1972, the awards, which celebrate sustainability and environmental excellence, inspire, recognise and acknowledge those individuals, schools, community groups, towns and cities working passionately to Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Judges select across towns and cities applicants the Supreme Award winner. They selected Whakatane for the 2021 Supreme Award Winner and judged an “absolute stand out above all other applicants.”

Top things to do in Whakatane during your stay