Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council is celebrating yet another year of achieving world-class park management standards, as eight parks spanning close to 9000 hectares across Tāmaki Makaurau receive the prestigious Green Flag Award.
These international awards are given annually to parks and green spaces that meet rigorous quality benchmarks. Each park is carefully evaluated and visited by professional judges, who assess their safety, upkeep, sustainability, and appeal to the community.
Parks Committee chair, Councillor Ken Turner, says 23 Auckland sites have been recognised since the awards scheme was introduced in 2012, which reflects an exceptionally high standard across the region.
“It takes a lot of people to achieve these awards, and countless hours of work to create and maintain high quality green spaces that benefit both the environment and the community.
“The rewards are there to be enjoyed by all Aucklanders. Parks and outdoor green spaces provide endless opportunities to be active or relax, so make sure you explore some of these special sites with friends and family this summer,” says Cr Turner.
Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager for Parks and Community Facilities, credits the hard work and dedication from the council’s parks teams, volunteers and community groups for this year’s recognition.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to all those who have played a part in achieving eight Green Flags this year. The parks, cemeteries and maunga that have been recognised are standout examples of park management done particularly well.
“We are lucky to have 4000 parks in Auckland. There’s one in every neighbourhood and 28 outstanding regional parks. Each one of these helps make our region a great place to live and provides an important role in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our communities,” Ms Crewe says.
Auckland’s award-winning Green Flag parks this year include:
Ātiu Creek Regional Park
Ātiu Creek Regional Park sits on the Okahukura (Taporapora) Peninsula to the eastern side of Kaipara Harbour. At 843 hectares, it is one of Auckland’s largest regional parks and the largest working farm. Green Flag judges noted that facilities are well maintained, with rangers who are willing to help. More than a third of the park is covered by mature and regenerating native forest, featuring tracks from 1-8kms long to explore on foot, mountain bike or horses. There is also a community-run plant nursery, and bookable accommodation for those that want to stay a bit longer.
The network of trails at Ātiu Creek Regional Park offer panoramic views of the Oruawharo River and Kaipara Harbour.
Hunua Ranges Regional Park – Western section of the park
Judges considered this site “a magnificent location with very dedicated and devoted staff working hard to present a superb destination park while ensuring the ongoing protection of some of its truly unique features”. Good information and procedures relating to Kauri dieback prevention were noted, along with strong community involvement in planting days and pest control programmes.
A forest walk in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.
Arataki: Wāitakere Ranges Regional Park
The visitor centre at Arataki on Scenic Drive was assessed in August during an anonymous site visit by Green Flag judges. The centre and staff both received high praise as a well-presented and welcoming site, worthy of both a Green Flag for the second consecutive year and for its reputation as a highly-valued community asset. This recognition comes not long after centre was forced to close in 2023 due to surrounding storm damage.
A scenic bush walk near the Arataki Visitor Centre.
Omana Regional Park
Located in Maraetai, Omana Regional Park is considered an ideal family park with a shell beach offering safe swimming at high tide, shady pōhutukawa, walks to farmland and an intriguing pā site. Judges noted the well-managed accessways and provision of a playground, well-placed and informative signage and a range of tracks for all abilities. It was clean, well-maintained and a popular destination.
Omana Regional Park’s playground is one of its many family-friendly attractions.
Wainoni Park
Greenhithe’s much loved local park has been recognised for its impressive arched metalwork entrance, cleanliness, a sense of safety and volunteer input. “The park seems well managed through the teamwork of the council staff, contractors, and the fantastic Friends of Wainoni Park volunteer group. It’s so great to see such a passionate and well-organised group taking the lead here,” judges commented. Wainoni Park features a playground, water play area, cricket nets and pitches, sports fields, picnic tables and walking paths, as well as a resident pony club.
Wainoni Park provides a range of sport, relaxation and recreation options.
Waikumete Cemetery
Green Flag judges consider Waikumete Cemetery a beautiful, well-presented and well-managed open space that Aucklanders, cemetery associations, and the council can be proud of. The site provides a connection to the past and features walks with views of the city as well as remnant ecological spaces. Its spaces are well used and cared for by the community. “The pride and intrinsic care that goes into this space is apparent in the way it is presented. The site deserves to be acknowledged for its history, respected for its present state, and celebrated into the future.”
An ANZAC day ceremony takes place at dawn at Waikumete Cemetery.
North Shore Memorial Park (cemetery)
Located in Schnapper Rock, North Shore Memorial Park has received its third consecutive Green Flag this year. It is set in beautifully-landscaped grounds with rolling grassy slopes leading to picturesque Lucas Creek. Special areas of the cemetery have been established for different burial, cremation and memorial needs, and the staff on site aim to ensure a high-quality experience for all visitors.
North Shore Memorial Park provides a sanctuary for many visitors.
Maungawhau / Mt Eden
Maungawhau/ Mt Eden has received its second consecutive Green Flag award this year in recognition of its local and national significance. Managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, judges considered the landmark maunga to be a fascinating site, with informative signage and a well-used summit boardwalk extension to protect it. They acknowledged the challenges tour buses presented for traffic management and parking, as well as incredibly high visitor numbers. A high overall level of maintenance has been achieved despite these pressures.
Maungawhau / Mt Eden’s award-winning boardwalk.
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Green Flag Awards are given out each year and winners must re-apply to renew their Green Flag status.
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Find out more about the scheme at the Green Flag Award website.
