Whanganui scoops Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards

Published on 25 October 2019

Whanganui has won the Most Beautiful City and Best Street categories in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards announced at a ceremony in Dunedin on Thursday, 24 October 2019.

The awards celebrate towns, cities and local heroes who lead the way with outstanding environmental and beautification work.

 A number of local initiatives were identified in Whanganui’s most beautiful city entry including Whanganui Walls street art festival, Coastcare activities, the urban Shared Pathways initiative, Whanganui’s Town Regeneration work, Bushy Park activity, litter and anti-dumping initiatives, the Heritage Grant Scheme and many more.

The Most Beautiful Towns and Cities finalists were judged by KNZB’s CEO, Heather Saunderson, and celebrity chef Michael Van de Elzen.

Michael loved the fact that everyone in Whanganui was getting involved in making the city better, from the local council to the surrounding iwi. “The recycling centre was just incredible and really set Whanganui apart – I wish every town and city could have one,” he says.

 Whanganui Mayor-elect Hamish McDouall, says winning two categories is quite simply outstanding.

 “There has been a big surge in beautification projects happening in Whanganui over the past year. They range from a street art festival to a scheme funding heritage buildings’ enhancement work. These wins showcase the town-beautification work and sustainability initiatives that are in our community.”

 The Ridgway Street precinct between Drews and Victoria avenues won Best Street category.

Councillor-elect Helen Craig, who entered Ridgway Street into the awards in her personal capacity, says, “Ridgway Street is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful streets, with wall-to-wall heritage buildings, beautiful blossom trees in spring, a small park and a temporary activity and food-cart pop-up community space last summer. A recently-added huge mural overlooking the park is the icing on the cake

 “It’s thanks to Town Centre Regeneration Project Manager, Ellen Young, and citizens like Dave Corney, who generously supported the pop-up park, that helped us to win this award.”

 Background

 Keep New Zealand Beautiful is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping communities clean, safe and beautiful. Campaigns like ‘Be A Tidy Kiwi’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ have been part of New Zealand culture for over 50 years.

Tackling litter, graffiti, waste minimisation and recycling initiatives are core activities and wider environmental projects include community beautification and clean-up events, tree and garden planting, waterway and highway restoration. Education programmes and resources to support volunteers in their community efforts are also provided.