Two green spaces in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area have come out on top internationally.
Waikumete Cemetery has again been awarded the coveted Green Flag award, an internationally recognised quality mark for parks and green spaces, which it has received multiple times since 2014.
New Zealand’s largest cemetery, it was the first cemetery in the southern hemisphere to win the award.
The area of Wāitakere Ranges Regional Park surrounding Arataki Visitor Centre has also been recognised with a Green Flag award.
The Green Flag Award scheme evaluates parks based on criteria such as service quality, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland is delighted with the acknowledgement of treasured areas.
“Waikumete is a cornerstone facility, not just for our area but for our whole nation, as a space that holds people and memorials of national and cultural significance,” he says.
“And of course we know that the entire Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is world-class. With Arataki standing as the gateway to the ranges, it is fitting that it has received this award.
“To receive international recognition is a testament to the many people and teams, both council and community, that are charged with the maintenance and care for these spaces.
“On behalf of the board and our community, I’d like to congratulate and thank those who work tirelessly to preserve and safeguard these taonga.”
Wildflowers at Waikumete Cemetery.
Waikumete Cemetery
Located in Glen Eden, Waikumete Cemetery is a place of beauty, tranquillity, quiet reverence and rich history, which has served greater Auckland and Waitākere since 1886.
It is the final resting place for over 70,000 people, occupying a site of 108 hectares. It’s also one of the largest public parks in the Auckland region.
Arataki Visitor Centre.
Waitākere Ranges Regional Park – Arataki area
The iconic Waitākere Ranges Regional Park includes more than 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline, world-class scenery, sweeping black sand beaches, waterfalls, and walking tracks that have been enjoyed for many generations of Aucklanders.
Arataki Visitor Centre sits in the heart of the park and acts as a gateway to the Ranges. It is both a destination for those looking to learn about the area and a starting point for those looking for an adventure. The Green Flag award covers Arataki and the surrounding tracks and infrastructure.
The prestigious Green Flag award was awarded to 10 parks across Auckland this year:
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Ātiu Creek Regional Park
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Hunua Ranges Regional Park – Hunua West area
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Maungawhau
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Northshore Memorial Park
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Omana Regional Park
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Waikumete Cemetery
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Wainoni Park
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Waitākere Ranges Regional Park – Arataki area
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