Whakatāne is a finalist in the Keep NZ Beautiful Awards 2021, competing with Taupō for the title of Most Beautiful Large Town.
Whakatāne was selected for iniatives including litter prevention and waste minimisation initiatives which include a school waste education programme, community water bottle refilling station and voluntary litter clean up events. Whakatane has also implemented a community seed library to promote health and wellness through the act of gardening, adopted a Climate Change Strategy and boasts sustainable tourism attractions such as the Kiwi Night Walks.
Taupō was selected as a finalist for their beautification and sustainable tourism project of upgrading the Great Lake Pathway and for their Taupō Town Centre Transformation project which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by introducing car-free pedestrian and cycle friendly zones.
The last phase of judging will involve the Beautiful Awards judges visiting the finalist towns and cities from late August. The winners will be announced at the Beautiful Ball on Thursday 28 October 2021.
Article by whakatane.info
