Hamilton has won the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Award and named as New Zealand’s ‘Most Beautiful Large City’.
Clean streets, an improved kerbside collection service, award-winning gardens, vibrant murals and the stunning Waikato River have all contributed to Hamilton achieving this coveted title.
Hamilton and Whanganui were tied for the first prize in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards, with judges instead decided to split the category to include both the cities. As a result, Whanganui was crowned the ‘Most Beautiful Small City’.
“They are both river cities, they have a huge focus on the arts and beautification, and both have well established top-of-the-line recycling facilities,” said Keep New Zealand Beautiful chief executive, Heather Saunderson.
The award ceremony was held via a virtual live stream this evening (October 29). The annual awards recognise and acknowledge towns, cities, community groups and businesses that are working hard to keep New Zealand beautiful.
Hamilton was nominated for the Most Beautiful City award by a resident who chose to stay anonymous.
Judges were treated to a city-wide tour which showcased some of the city’s stunning infrastructure and parks. They also saw a video summarising why Hamilton deserved to take the win.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate was “thrilled” and was elated Hamilton had been recognised for the work Council and others are doing to keep the city one of New Zealand’s best.
“We can and should all be really, really proud. It’s a huge team effort to keep our city beautiful and with all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, no, I’m not surprised at all that Hamilton took out the win.”
She said Hamiltonians were “intensely proud” of their city which is quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s most important urban centres. But making a city beautiful didn’t happen without hard work and foresight.”
Hastings was crowned the Most Beautiful Large Town and Supreme Towns & Cities Award beating out Cambridge in the Waikato.
Arrowtown won the title of Most Beautiful Small Town claiming the victory over Waiheke Island.
Victoria Street in Cambridge, was named the Best Street.
Ruakuri bush walk in Waitomo was judged as the best place for a hike, and Hunua Falls toilets crowned the best best loo in New Zealand.
– from NewsViews
