Auckland Council takes out top honours at 2025 National Management Challenge

Pōneke, Aotearoa – 13 June 2025

It’s a double celebration for Auckland Council at this year’s Australasian Management Challenge!

Team Raranga has taken out first place in the 2025 New Zealand leg of the prestigious competition — a simulation-based challenge designed to test real-world leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and innovation in local government. The team now advances to represent Aotearoa at the Australasian Final in Perth this August.

We’re especially proud to acknowledge the leadership of Tanya Moredo, Manager of Community and Social Innovation, whose strength, clarity and calm were pivotal to the team's success. Tanya’s steady hand and systems-thinking mindset helped guide Team Raranga through high-pressure tasks with grace and excellence.

And that’s not all.

The Buzzly team also took home the Datascape Award for Excellence in Digital Local Government, recognising Buzzly’s role in transforming how rangatahi engage with local opportunities, jobs and training.

Buzzly, led by Joel Umali with Dhaya Haran - was born out of The Southern Initiative (TSI) — Auckland Council’s centre for social innovation and equity in action. This award reinforces the powerful role TSI continues to play in designing future-facing, community-led solutions for South and West Auckland.

For Joel and his team, it’s an honour to be recognised for their work in digital innovation. “This award is a testament to what’s possible when we centre rangatahi voices and equip them with the platform to lead change. Their influence drives everything we do at Buzzly” says Joel.

To both Team Raranga and the Buzzly crew — ngā mihi nui. You’ve made Tāmaki Makaurau proud. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the Australasian stage and beyond. Full story here.