Hastings’ Waiaroha – Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre has been recognised on the world stage, taking out the City Nation Place Global Award for Best Placemaking Initiative in London.

Led by Wayfinder Landscape Planning and Strategy with Ngāti Kahungunu, Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, and Stitchbird, the project reimagines essential infrastructure as a space for learning, connection, and care for wai.

Competing against entries from cities such as Toronto, Stockholm, and Cleveland, Waiaroha’s win celebrates Aotearoa’s leadership in weaving cultural values and environmental innovation into public design.

Read the full story on Landscape Architecture Aotearoa