The Institute of Public Administration has given a joint award to the Taupo District Council and the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board for the way tangata whenua have been given a voice in council affairs.
Strategic relationships manager Dylan Tahou says about 60% of the land in the council's boundaries is multi-owned Maori land.
He told Waatea News that meant it was vital the parties find ways to work together two - three years ago, on resource consents.
