In recognition of the innovation and creative excellence of the project, Urban Eels has won the 2021 New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) annual Rodney Davies Project Award.
Funding towards the development of the ‘Urban Eels Implementation Plan’, totaling $9,000, was provided by the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord Community Grants Fund. This funding was awarded through two separate applications in different years.
The project is the brainchild of Fiona Gordon, Director of Gordon Consulting.
“Gordon Consulting partnered with Tanenuiarangi Manawatū Incorporated (TMI) on Urban Eels at the outset and this was integral to the success of this project. We have all worked to prioritise Tikanga Māori and the Māori cultural world view and this was recognised by NZPI when we received the award,” Fiona Gordon says.
Following the adoption of the Implementation Plan, funding to build Urban Eels came from Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) and the Ministry for the Environment Freshwater Improvement Fund administered by Horizons Regional Council. PNCC coordinated the design, consenting and building of the site which was opened in July 2020.