Take a bow New Plymouth - you've just been named one of the world's best places to live!! - Photo By Rob Tucker

Article taken from Taranaki Daily News 12th November 2008

The city has beaten off challenges from a total of 50 entries from 17 countries to take out three major awards in the International Awards for Liveable Communities, held at the weekend in China.

LivCom is a UK-based body, endorsed by the United Nations, that recognises best practise regarding management of the local environment.  In a world first it has handed three such awards to one community - New Plymouth.  We've been named the world's most liveable city in its 20,000 - 75,000 population category.

Our iconic coastal walkway has been named as the world's best environmentally sustainable project for 2008.

And New Plymouth has won a special award for its community sustainability - in other words, how residents are involved in planning for the future..................

New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent, who led a delegation to China for the event, is delighted with the success.

"We're told this is the first time any city has ever won three top awards", he said from the city of Dongguan........"and it's the committment of the people who live here that is making the difference".