26 New Zealand parks and green spaces secure internationally recognised Green Flag Award status

26 parks and green spaces across New Zealand have achieved a prestigious international recognition of quality - Green Flag Award status - highlighting their recreational and environmental value.

The Green Flag Award is a global mark of excellence, setting a high standard for parks and open spaces.

To receive this award, parks must meet rigorous quality benchmarks. The Green Flag Award ensures communities have access to safe, well-managed green spaces, which meets their needs and enhances their local environment.

The award promotes best practices in park management and acknowledges the work of those dedicated to maintaining these spaces.

Each park was carefully evaluated by professional volunteer judges, who assessed their safety, upkeep, sustainability, and appeal to the community.

Kieran Smith, Parks, Play, and Open Spaces Manager at Recreation Aotearoa advised “this award underscores the exceptional standards in New Zealand’s parks, recognising those who care for and maintain these vital community spaces.

“Parks are at the heart of our communities, providing spaces for connection, relaxation, play, and learning. To see so many awarded parks grow year after year reflects our collective commitment to preserving these invaluable assets. Feedback from applicants has been overwhelmingly positive, with organisations viewing this award as a critical indicator of their performance and success.”

The 26 winning parks will each fly the Green Flag Award flag as a symbol of their achievement and commitment to high standards.

Internationally, Aotearoa New Zealand is ranked third on the list of Green Flag Award parks and green spaces, following the United Kingdom and UAE.

The 2024/25 Green Flag Award winners are:

• Wainoni Park, Auckland Council

• North Shore Memorial Park, Auckland Council

• Arataki, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Auckland Council

• Maungawhau / Mt Eden, Auckland Council

• Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland Council

• Ōmana Regional Park, Auckland Council

• Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Auckland Council

• Atiu Creek Regional Park, Auckland Council

• Cornwall Park, Hastings District Council

• Flaxmere Park, Hastings District Council

• Frimley Park, Hastings District Council

• Havelock North Village Green, Hastings District Council

• Driscoll Reserve, Horowhenua District Council

• Jubilee Park, Horowhenua District Council

• Thompson House Park, Horowhenua District Council

• Holben Reserve, Horowhenua District Council

• Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park, Horowhenua District Council

• Te Maire Park, Horowhenua District Council

• Whenua Tapu, Porirua City Council

• Pukekura Park, New Plymouth District Council

• King Edward Park, South Taranaki District Council

• Huharua Park, Western Bay of Plenty District Council / Tauranga City Council

• TECT All Terrain Park, Western Bay of Plenty District Council / Tauranga City Council

Additionally, three parks and green spaces achieved the Green Flag Community Award, which recognises the efforts of trusts or community groups who manage recreation spaces.  

• Randwick Park, RPSC Trust and For A Cause Ltd

• Te Mata Park, Te Mata Peak Trust

• Henley Lake, Henley Lake Trust

For more information on the Green Flag Award programme, the winning parks, and how to get involved, visit the Green Flag Award website

Image. Pukekura Park. Credit: New Plymouth District Council