Thames-Coromandel District Council's World War One Memorial Forest is up for a national award in recognition of the project's strong engagement with local communities.

The project is one of nine finalists in the Fulton Hogan Excellence Award for Community Engagement – one of five categories in the Local Government New Zealand's Excellence Awards.

Thames-Coromandel District mayor Glenn Leach at the launch of the Le Quesnoy Memorial Forest in Whangamata on November 4, 2015. Photo: TCDC

Mayor Glenn Leach says being announced as finalist is a tribute to the hard work a lot of people have put into the Memorial Forests in the Coromandel.

'I'm especially proud of the contribution made by school children in getting involved in planting trees and doing research into the war for school projects. If just shows, if you want to get something done, get the youth involved,” says Glenn.

'I also want to thank the local RSAs, Lions Clubs and all the other community groups that are getting behind this project.”

There are now eight Memorial Forest sites across the Coromandel and by the end of this winter's planting season more than 8000 native New Zealand trees will have been planted.

Each site represents a battle New Zealand forces fought in or commemorates the men from different Coromandel communities who never returned from the Great War.

'This project is ongoing. Thousands more trees are being planted this winter and we're looking for more sites for the next years while we're commemorating the sacrifices our soldiers made in the Great War,” adds Glenn.

The judges praised the Thames-Coromandel council for its 'significant engagement with organisations, individuals and community boards – involving multiple sectors”, saying the forest should have an impact for the community and economy through increased visitor numbers.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says being named as a finalist is an impressive achievement especially considering the calibre of entrants this year.

'Local government is the lifeblood of New Zealand's communities and makes contributions to people's lives on a daily basis,” says Lawrence.

'Many New Zealand territorial authorities are facing significant challenges, particularly through changing demographics and environmental issues. Many exciting and innovative projects are being initiated and delivered to involve communities in decisions and meet their needs within the resources available," he says.

Judges for the awards are former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, EQC chair Sir Maarten Wevers and The New Zealand Initiative executive director Dr Oliver Hartwich.

Category winners will be announced at the LGNZ Conference taking place in Dunedin July 24-26 July.

For more information on the LGNZ Excellence Awards visit: www.lgnz.co.nz