Another day, another award for Dunedin's Chinese garden.
The garden, which opened on July 8 this year, won the "Joined Up Local Government Award" at the 2008 New Zealand Post Local Government Excellence Awards on Sunday night.
The category recognised projects resulting from co-operation between local authorities, government bodies and other agencies or organisations.
The judging panel noted the "spectacularly successful" garden project could not have been achieved without co-operation between the Dunedin Chinese Gardens Trust - formed by Chinese Dunedin residents - and the Dunedin City Council, Community Trust of Otago and authorities from Dunedin's Chinese sister city, Shanghai.
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin said the latest award - including a $2000 cash prize - was "tremendous" news for all involved.
"If it were not for the fact we have been able to work together so well this thing wouldn't have happened."
The announcement followed previous awards earlier this year.
In August, the garden won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Dunedin Community Awards, earning a trophy, $1500 prizemoney and a place in the 2008 TrustPower National Community Awards, to be presented in March next year.
In April, the garden - which was then yet to open - won the "culture sport or recreation" category at the Air New Zealand Sister City Awards held in Rotorua.
"Here we are six weeks after it's opened and it's already won [three] awards and received universal acclaim. I'm chuffed," Mr Chin said.
