Manukau Water Limited has welcomed news that it has been short-listed as a finalist in a national award for the country's best annual report.

The company is a finalist in the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants 2009 Leadership Awards for the best annual report by a public sector organisation.

The annual report awards recognise organisations that have excelled at disclosing the achievements of their organisations to stakeholders, investors and the public.

Manukau Water Limited's communications manager Mark Reynolds said being recognised as a finalist is particularly pleasing, as one of Manukau Water Limited's aims as a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) has been to keep all of its stakeholders informed about what it is doing.

"We have aimed to be a world-class water and wastewater company and part of that vision involves being open about our achievements and future directions," Mr Reynolds said. "Having a good annual report is an essential part of that communications strategy and these awards are a great benchmark our performance alongside other organisations."

Winners of the awards will be announced at the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants 2009 Leadership Awards Gala Dinner in Wellington on 11 November.

The finalists for best practice annual reporting by public sector organisations are: Manukau Water Limited; New Zealand Fire Service; Reserve Bank of New Zealand; Rotorua District Council; Watercare Services Limited.