Franklin Local Board was awarded an Honorary Commendation for Collaboration Award at the 2025 Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards for ‘Find Your Franklin’ – A Collaborative Model for Place-led Economic Development.
The board was nominated under the collaboration category which celebrates outstanding partnerships between organisations that have worked together to achieve significant economic outcomes.
The EDNZ Excellence Awards Gala took place at Wynyard Quarter in Auckland and is part of the three-day economic conference.The event focused on how local capability drives national growth and elevates New Zealand’s global competitiveness, offering attendees the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers and connect with leaders across the sector.
The award reflects Franklin Local Board’s commitment to economic growth in the area. The Find your Franklin programme was developed and delivered by Franklin Local Board’s Economic Development Broker, Christina Rogstad.
Franklin Local Board Chair Alan Cole says the board is proud to receive the award.
“The award reflects our commitment to driving growth and opportunity across the region, we’d like to especially acknowledge former Chair Angela Fulljames and Councillor Andy Baker for their vision and support.”
The economic plan addresses one of the 2020 Franklin Local Board Plan’s key objectives of supporting economic development in the region. Since then, the board has expanded its investment in local economic development from $160,000 to $600,000.
The plan has guided that investment, creating a clear path for economic growth that suits Franklin’s mix of coastal, rural and urban areas and leverages local benefit from significant development and change in the area.
The strategy provides a long-term framework for sustainable growth and prosperity for Franklin. It focuses on fostering innovation through targeted hubs, attracting aspirational businesses that add value to the region, supporting growers to adopt sustainable practices that protect export opportunities, and strengthening education pathways tied to local industries.
It also highlights the role of tourism and storytelling through initiatives like the Hunua Traverse and Kai Franklin.
The innovative approach taken by Franklin Local Board is encouraging neighbouring boards in South Auckland to consider their own economic strategies. Sparking wider conversations about planning for growth and local prosperity.
About the Economic Development New Zealand Awards
The EDNZ Awards celebrate people, councils, iwi and organisations across New Zealand that are making a real difference in their communities through economic development. They recognise projects and leaders that drive growth, create jobs, support local business, and use innovation to build stronger, more sustainable regions.
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