Te Auaunga wins Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Award

The flood mitigation project is recognised for Excellence in Environment and Sustainability.

Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek stream restoration project was a response to reduce the flood risk and enable intensification and higher-density affordable housing in an underdeveloped Central Auckland suburb.

After winning the IPWEA New Zealand Award for Excellence in Environment and Sustainability in 2020, the project qualified for recognition at the International Public Works Conference in Adelaide earlier this month.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Australasian finalists were drawn from over three years — 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Most IPWEA Divisions conduct excellence awards competitions showcase excellence from the industry within their (Australian) State or New Zealand. These awards provide recognition of excellence in public works infrastructure and showcase the diversity of projects, innovation within the industry and professionalism of those involved in managing these projects / services.

Finalists for the Australasian Excellence Awards must have entered and won their respective IPWEA Division Award.

The Te Auaunga award citation noted:

'Together the project team delivered an extensive park and stream restoration that provides for future housing growth and development, and an extensive public open space upgrade to improve residents’ and visitors’ use and experience'.

'The impact Te Auaunga has had on the community, from planning stages, through delivery, and now in operation has been significant; and will continue as the park is used over the coming years. It has encouraged community engagement and ownership in place-making, realising community aspirations in the process'.