Green Flags flying over Australian and New Zealand public parks

22 parks and green spaces have been awarded the coveted international Green Flag Award across Australia and New Zealand.

The Green Flag Award is the international mark of a quality park or green space, judged by green space-expert volunteers, across eight criteria. These criteria include horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, community involvement and providing a warm welcome.

In total this year, 16 parks in New Zealand and six in Australia have made the grade to be awarded a Green Flag. Among this year’s winners were 11 flags achieved by Auckland City Council, including first time winner Auckland Domain.

The Green Flag Award scheme is being piloted in Australia and New Zealand by the New Zealand Recreation Association. The scheme was launched in 1996 and is managed in England by Keep Britain Tidy, now flags fly over 1,700 sites across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Welcoming the international recognition, New Zealand Recreation Association Chief Executive Andrew Leslie stated "we know the significant contribution that public parks make to healthy lifestyles.

"If we want liveable cities and thriving communities, then we need to invest in these public spaces and ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to quality parks and green spaces.”

International Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd added "we are delighted to be celebrating winners in Australia and New Zealand, doubling the numbers of flags now flying here.

"All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of both staff and volunteers, whose energy, dedication and enthusiasm helps to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. When you visit a park and see the Green Flag flying, you know you are in one of the very best green space.”

The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the UK Government - Department of Communities and Local Government.

The scheme is currently being piloted in a number of countries with the plan for full International expansion in the coming years.

For more information go to www.greenflagaward.org 

Image: Auckland Domain (top) and Centennial Park, Sydney (below). 

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