Ten Auckland parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag, endorsing them for another year as some of the best green spaces in the world.
The Green Flag Award scheme – managed locally by the New Zealand Recreation Association and overseen by Keep Britain Tidy – is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
The awards, which launched in England over two decades ago and was introduced to Australasia in 2012, assess how well parks meet the needs of the local community. Judging criteria includes quality of services, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability.
Auckland Council Environment and Community Committee Chairperson Penny Hulse says parks make a major contribution to our quality of life.
“Access to parks and green open space is essential for supporting happy and healthy communities. Auckland Council currently manages more than 4000 parks across the region – this includes regional parks, the local park down the road, sports fields and cemeteries.
“We know how much our parks matter to Aucklanders, so it’s fantastic that these spaces are regularly being recognised internationally.”
The ten awarded sites have previously achieved a Green Flag, which Auckland Council’s Head of Parks Services Mark Bowater says is a testament to the ongoing efforts of park staff and volunteers.
“Our staff, community volunteers and contractors work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. These awards champion both the quality and diversity of our parks and the people behind them.
“We look forward to more of Auckland’s parks achieving the Green Flag Award in future years.”
Green Flag Awards are judged by an independent group of 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.
Auckland Council parks awarded with Green Flag Awards for 2017/18:
- Long Bay Regional Park (Long Bay)
- Auckland Domain (Grafton)
- Sanders Reserve (Paremoremo)
- Ambury Regional Park (Mangere Bridge)
- Tāwharanui Regional Park (Tāwharanui Peninsula)
- Olympic Park (New Lynn)
- Parrs Park (Glen Eden)
- Tapapakanga Regional Park (Orere)
- Wenderholm Regional Park (Waiwera)
- Waikumete Cemetery (Glen Eden)
