Awards season in full swing

Robert Pigou with Charlotte Severne, Māori Trustee, Te Tumu Paeroa at the 2025 Ahuwhenua Awards.

Kay Read, General Manager of Regions at Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit says:

“It’s great to see so much success coming to Kānoa funded projects. From whenua Māori to flood resilience to roading projects, civic centres to art galleries, the scope of projects excelling and being recognised is fantastic and well earnt. Well done to the project owners, we are proud to call you partners.”

The following Kānoa funded projects have been recognised:

Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust Farm Revitalisation (Whangaroa – Te Tai Tokerau/Northland)

The Northland-based Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust was awarded the prestigious 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming.

In 2020, the Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust received a $0.9 million grant from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to revitalise core infrastructure across a 650-hectare cattle farm on whenua Māori. Since then, the trust has turned a struggling farm into a thriving 1,200-head bull beef operation.

Winners of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy - Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust kaumātua and whānau.

Sarjeant Gallery (Whanganui)

Whanganui’s Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, won two awards in the Heritage and Public Architecture categories at the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) 2025 Western Architecture Awards, with its fusion of old and new.

In August 2019, a $12 million grant was approved to Whanganui District Council from the PGF to revitalise the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui, by constructing a new wing and upgrading the existing building (including earthquake strengthening).

In August 2020, a further $11.6 million grant was approved from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund – Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) to support this project. The completed Gallery is a must-see attraction for visitors to Whanganui and has already attracted 44,756 visitors in the first three months of opening (with 64% from outside of the region).

Sarjeant Gallery - Whanganui.

Huarahi Tūhono – Route 52 Upgrade Project (Whanganui/Manawatū)

Huarahi Tūhono – Route 52 Upgrade Project received both the Supreme Award and Community Award at the Āpōpō Supreme Asset Management Excellence Awards.

The project was funded with a $16.6 million grant from IRG to strengthen road sections on State Highway 52 between Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu. The project is benefiting locals, visitors and forest harvesting operators and was delivered through three cyclones and 10 storms, including Cyclone Gabrielle. The award recognises the project partners’ collaboration on road design and resilience.

Whare Waka (Rotorua)

Rotorua’s Whare Waka won the ‘Small Project Category’ at the NZIA Waikato & Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards.

The Whare Waka was the final piece of the puzzle of Rotorua Lakes Council’s redevelopment of the Rotorua lakefront, which received $20.9 million in grants from the PGF.

The Whare Waka houses the Te Arawa taua (war canoe), created in 1989 by master carver Lyonel Grant for the Waitangi centenary celebrations.

Scapegrace Distillery (Otago)

Scapegrace Distillery won the Supreme Under $10 million Award at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.

The new distillery, located on the banks of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago, was supported by a $2.9 million loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) to build and fit out the facility.

Foodeast – Haumako (Hawke’s Bay)

Foodeast – Haumako won both the Commercial Architecture and Interior Architecture awards at the NZIA Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay Architecture Awards.

The project received a $150,000 grant from the PGF to support a business case and then an additional $12 million grant to construct the food innovation hub. Foodeast – Haumako’s purpose is to facilitate collaboration, innovation and development of the local food sector.

Deep Dive Division (Waikato)

Deep Dive Division (Waikato) won the Poutama Trust Hi-Tech Kamupene Māori o te Tau – Māori Company of the Year at the New Zealand Hi-tech Awards.

The company received a $0.7 million loan from the RSPF in 2022 to enable its operations to expand and create 6 new skilled jobs. Deep Dive Division is the only Māori and Pasifika owned commercial and scientific dive company in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Over the last two years, Deep Dive Division have pulled out more than 30 vehicles from the Waikato River.

The Otiria-Moerewa Flood Mitigation Spillway Project

The Otiria-Moerewa Flood Mitigation Spillway Project received 2nd place ‘highly commended’, at the Floodplain Managers Australia conference, which featured 486 delegates from Australia, USA, India, UK and NZ.

The Otira-Moewera Flood Mitigation Spillway Project received a $2.8 million grant from IRG.

This overseas award is a significant achievement, and well deserved recognition for this project and the broader investment we are making to protect our communities from the impact of climate change.

Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga (Hāwera – Taranaki)

Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, a new 1,605m2 civic facility in Hāwera won the ‘Public Architecture’ award at the NZIA Western Architecture Awards.

In September 2020, a $4 million grant was approved from IRG to South Taranaki District Council to construct a new library, a gallery, visitor centre and a café. Completed in 2024, the project replaced aging infrastructure with a vibrant, multi-use facility in the CBD, enhancing community pride and activity.

Community engagement has significantly increased compared to the previous library (40% rise in book issues, 300 new members in 2 months, with many returning after decades.

These achievements reflect the strength of our partnerships and the real-world impact of regional investment. Ka rawe.