Art Deco event best in country

Sally Jackson, Art Deco Trust general manager, is proud of the positive impact Art Deco Weekend has on Napier. Photo/File

The Napier City Council's support of the Tremains Art Deco Weekend has been recognised at the inaugural Local Government New Zealand Excellence Awards.

The council won the Community Event of the Year award at an awards dinner in Nelson on Monday night, held as part of LGNZ's annual conference.

The award recognises events which have engaged the local community, drawn attendance from outside the region and received positive exposure on a national or international stage.

The Napier council beat two other finalists for the award: Auckland Council for The Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines (which was runner-up) and New Plymouth District Council for the TSB Bank Festival of Lights.

"It's fabulous to have recognition for what has become an iconic event in Napier," Napier Deputy Mayor Faye White said.

Now in its 27th year, the Art Deco Weekend attracts about 40,000 people to its showcase of history, culture, music and fashion.

"Even after 27 years, Art Deco Weekend is continuing to grow and delight visitors and locals alike. We are very proud of it," Ms White said.

Art Deco Trust general manager Sally Jackson said the award was an excellent example of community and council partnership.

"Napier City Council has worked alongside us for many years and has helped us achieve recognition on a national and international level. Tremains Art Deco Weekend contributes significantly to the local economy as well as having a positive impact on the city's civic pride," Ms Jackson said.

The council works in partnership with the non-profit trust on planning and delivering the event, with private-sector sponsors from local businesses and community groups to national companies such as real estate firm Tremains, Air New Zealand, TSB Bank and AMI Insurance.

LGNZ said Art Deco Weekend had "enduring appeal".

The Wairoa District Council was also recognised at the awards, with its Raupanga Amenity Area project being highly commended in the Fulton Hogan Excellence Award for Community Impact. The project involved transforming a run-down and graffiti-prone amenity area into an attractive space for locals and visitors.