The hunt for Aotearoa New Zealand's most beautiful town
• August 23, 2021
Taupo and Whakatane (pictured here) will face off for the title of the title of Most Beautiful Large Town. Photo: Whakatane Nights by ZK-NZE; CC BY-NC 2.0
The finals of the Most Beautiful Towns & Cities Competition is fast approaching and four towns are in the running.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful's longest-running competition has been going since 1972.
As the public has grown more conscious of sustainable and environmentally friendly living, the competition has only grown.
Taupo and Whakatane will face off for the title of Most Beautiful Large Town, while Kaitaia and Foxton go head to head for title of Most Beautiful Small Town.
The cities are also up for the award with Whanganui and Hastings running for Most Beautiful Small City and Wellington and Dunedin going for Most Beautiful Large City.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful chief executive Heather Saunderson says the award has changed a lot over the years.
"Originally, it used to be an award that was very much between local authorities but over time its grown to really include local residents.
"It’s really a way for us to celebrate and recognise the hard work these towns and cities put back into their communities.
KNZB also has the Beautiful Awards so it can "recognise individuals and the important work they do too".
The finalists are chosen by their efforts, including litter clean-ups, free water top-up stations, sustainable tourism attractions, and active efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Whakatane has been commended for its sustainable tourism efforts like the Kiwi Night Walks, while Whanganui has been commended for successfully tackling illegal dumping.
Whakatane district councillor Julie Jukes says she’s very proud of the recognition the town has received.
"We’re very proud of the nomination. It comes after a lot of hard work and everyone’s really on board.
"Whakatane has also been recognised nationally for its climate change plan so we’re very proud of that."
The winners will be announced at the Beautiful Ball at The Domes in Auckland Zoo on Thursday 28 October 2021, lockdown permitting.
Tickets for the Beautiful Ball are available to purchase on www.knzb.org.nz.
