Auckland Council parks have been recognised for another year as some of the best green spaces in the world.
The prestigious Green Flag Award – an international quality mark for parks and green spaces – was awarded this year to 10 parks across Auckland, including new entry Taumanu Reserve in Onehunga.
The awards scheme, which launched in England over two decades ago and introduced to Australasia in 2012, assesses how well green spaces meet the needs of the local community.
Managed locally by the New Zealand Recreation Association and overseen by Keep Britain Tidy, judging criteria for the awards includes quality of services, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability.
Auckland Council Environment and Community Committee Chairperson Penny Hulse says the Green Flag Awards recognise Auckland as a great place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
“Parks make a major contribution to our quality of life and have far-reaching social, environmental, economic and cultural benefits,” she says.
“Auckland Council has over 4000 parks, including 27 regional parks, 228 dedicated sports parks and over 800 winter sports fields. These spaces provide endless opportunities for people to seek tranquillity and respite in nature and participate in a wide range of recreational activities.
“We intend to acquire new land for parks and open space to ensure Aucklanders can continue to enjoy these benefits, now and into the future.”
Auckland Council’s Head of Parks Services Mark Bowater says, “I’m thrilled and very proud that our parks have once again been recognised as some of the world’s most industry-leading green spaces.
“These awards are a testament to our staff, community volunteers and contractors who work tirelessly all year round to fulfil and maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Auckland Council parks awarded with Green Flag Awards for 2018/19:
- Ambury Regional Park (Māngere Bridge)
- Auckland Domain (Grafton)
- Long Bay Regional Park (Long Bay)
- Olympic Park (New Lynn)
- Parrs Park (Glen Eden)
- Sanders Reserve (Paremoremo)
- Taumanu Reserve (Onehunga)
- Tāwharanui Regional Park (Tāwharanui Peninsula)
- Waikumete Cemetery (Glen Eden)
- Wenderholm Regional Park (Waiwera)
Green Flag Awards are judged by a team of independent park experts who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against strict criteria. The awards are given out each year and winners must re-apply to renew their Green Flag status.
Visit the Green Flag Award website to learn more about the scheme.
