Three projects are among the Beautiful Awards finalists

19 August 2021

Run annually since 1972, the Beautiful Awards inspire, recognise and acknowledge people, towns and cities working passionately to Keep New Zealand Beautiful. Boffa Miskell has played a role in some of this year's finalists.

Taupō was selected as a finalist for Most Beautiful Large Town based on 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.

In June 2018, Taupō District Council selected Boffa Miskell and Warren + Mahoney to deliver a masterplan that put a high priority on people and public space. Transformation of the Taupō Town Centre was one of a series of Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) projects to receive funding from the 2020 Covid Response and Recovery Fund.

The Taupō Town Centre Transformation project will take place in four phases, over two years, and aims to transform Taupō public places into spaces that attract and encourage people to spend time and invest in the town centre; and offer a better connection to the surrounding lakefront environment.

Foxton was selected as a finalist for Most Beautiful Small Town because of their on-going community beautification and sustainable tourism initiative in restoring the Manawatū River loop.

In 2007, Boffa Miskell was engaged to assist Horowhenua District Council with the preparation of a town plan that captures the essence of Foxton’s history and strengthens its identity. Out of that, Boffa Miskell has contributed to a number of projects; including the award-winning Te Awahou – Nieuw Stroom, Foxton Beach Pump Track and the Riverloop Reserve.

The Best Loo award is a popular favourite; and this year, Leith Place in Tokoroa is in the running. Located in central Tokoroa, the redevelopment of Leith Place sought to provide a flexible, visually interesting space that is visible from the state highway to entice motorists to stop and take a break, and drawing visitors into the town centre.

Boffa Miskell provided landscape design into the connectivity and functionality of the space. Earlier this year, the project won the Waikato / Bay of Plenty NZIA Award for Public Architecture.

For further information please contact Matt Peacocke, Morné Hugo, Helen Baggaley or Stuart Houghton