Two finalist spots for Waitakere City Council

Waitakere City Council was a finalist in two national awards recently – one for its Annual Report and the other for environmental reporting.

The Council was named as a finalist in the Ministry for the Environment’s 2003 Green Ribbon Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to sustaining, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s natural environment.

It entered the local government category for state of the environment reporting, which could include formal 'state of the environment' reports, triple bottom line reports, media releases, displays or newsletters.

Nominated by Keep Waitakere Beautiful, the Council’s entry focussed on promotions and publicity that encouraged residents to take action to protect the environment and how they can go about it. The nomination also included a copy of the special Waitakere City News' supplement (April) that included a free packet of eco-sourced seeds.

Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs, said although the Council didn't win the category (it went to Rotorua District Council), it was an admirable achievement to earn a finalist spot and she applauded the organisation's "valuable contribution to the environment".

The Council was also a finalist in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand’s (ICANZ) 2003 Annual Report Awards. The prestigious awards recognise those organisations which have achieved excellence in annual reporting – presenting a true and fair account of the year’s activities.

Waitakere is a consistent performer in the area of annual reporting, receiving a Highly Commended in the 2001 ICANZ awards and a finalist placing in 2002.

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