Tīrau Community Board wins Local Government Award

The South Waikato’s Tīrau Community Board have been recognised for their outstanding work on the transformation of the Tīrau Domain, after winning the Local Government New Zealand’s Enhancing Communities Award.

The project has seen the reserve – which went unused for years after previously being a community hub for the town – be revived to become a community asset once again, complete with a pump track, BBQ area, restrooms, and on and off-lead dog areas.

Among the major topics focused on for this award was the installation of a pedestrian crossing for the neighbouring railway line and a suspension bridge to cross the Oraka Stream, which separates the upper and lower sections of the reserve.

Tīrau Community Board chair Jessica Wanden, who entered the award and was present in Wellington to receive it on August 23, said it was recognition of combined efforts over the years.

“It’s thanks to over a decade’s worth of work from Tīrau Community Board members, the Domain Action Group, the South Waikato District Council, and the wider community, that a largely unused reserve has been transformed into a beautiful asset for locals and visitors to the District,” Wanden said.

“The domain has a longstanding history, but up until recent years it was sitting largely idol due to being difficult to access from the town centre.

“Today, it’s an area that’s well used by many local people and dogs, who enjoy their daily walks there. It’s a picturesque location for a bike ride before setting up a picnic near the Oraka Stream too."

In assessing the entry for the award, judges remarked that the project ‘is really an example of Local Government improving people’s lives’.

After diminished use of the Domain over time, the need for improved urban reserves in Tīrau was identified and since 2014 Council, the Tīrau community, Tīrau Community Board and the Domain Action Group have been working together on the project.

South Waikato District Mayor Gary Petley said having a space and facilities which can be used by individuals and local groups was a key factor in ensuring the Tīrau community thrives.

“I’ve been around long enough to remember when the Tīrau Domain was a hive of activity that was a central meeting point for people, with various sports clubs being based out of there,” Mayor Petley said.

“Projects like this one are about much more than just the area itself and what’s available for people to do there; they’re crucial parts of what makes a community.

"Jessica showed great initiative to submit the project for consideration for this award, and on behalf of Council I want to extend a huge congratulations to her and everyone who has been involved in getting the domain to the position it’s in today."

The latest honour follows on from the Tīrau Domain Project also receiving the Outstanding Active Space Initiative Award at the 2023 Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards.