We have done it again! Whanganui wins ‘most beautiful small town’ award

Whanganui may continue to claim its title of Most Beautiful City in New Zealand after being announced the winner at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards, albeit in a split decision with Hamilton.

Whanganui received the title at the awards night held virtually Thursday night and Hamilton took the award for “Most Beautiful Big City.”

They were both finalists in what was originally a category.

The awards, facilitated by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful charity, celebrate environmental excellence and recognize positive actions taken by communities, businesses, schools, individuals and councils to beautify their environment.

This year, the judges were unable to separate Hamilton and Whanganui.

Judge and Keep New Zealand Beautiful CEO Heather Saunderson said cities showed a strong focus on making their surroundings more vibrant and litter-free.

“They have a great focus on the arts and beautification, and they both have well-established top-of-the-line recycling facilities. The only tangible difference between the two is scale, so we decided to award them both,” Saunderson said.

Last year, Whanganui took the award for the first time, beating Hutt City.

Also the center of attention for the awards was Progress Castlecliff, which took home the Community Group Award for its work to beautify the largest coastal suburb of Whanganui.

In the Best Street category, two of the three nominees were in Whanganui, with the celebrated Victoria Ave and Rangiora St. However, it was not enough on the night: Victoria St from Cambridge took the title.

Last year, Ridgway St of Whanganui won the award.

Journalist and awards judge Rachel Grunwell said the awards shed light on the work of community organizations.

“It has been so nice exploring our backyard as we speak with community groups and organizations about the work they are doing to keep this country beautiful,” Grunwell said.

“The variety of initiatives shows that no matter how big or small, every effort to minimize litter in New Zealand is important and makes a difference, and I find it very inspiring.”