16 December 2024
Winners from across 18 organisations raised the flag of international recognition
The news was announced in November by respective National Operators for each country - Xyst, who manage the award in Australia, and Recreation Aotearoa who manage the award in New Zealand.
(Cover image: First time winners Pukekura Park - New Plymouth District Council, New Zealand)
Mayor Geoff McDonald from Toowoomba Regional Council said:
“This is due recognition of years of work, of dedication and the great effort that our parks team do.”
The Green Flag Award recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Applicants are assessed against 27 strict criteria to ensure they are managing and maintaining parks to the internationally recognised standard.
Image 2: Lilydale Lake, Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Australia wins for the first time in 2024
Both countries have seen an increase in applications and winners since 2023, and more organisations than ever are seeing the benefit of Green Flag Award accreditation.
Kieran Smith, Parks, Play, and Open Spaces Manager at Recreation Aotearoa said:
“This award underscores the exceptional standards in New Zealand’s parks, recognising those who care for and maintain these vital community spaces,”
"Feedback from applicants has been overwhelmingly positive, with organisations viewing this award as a critical indicator of their performance and success.”
Founded in 1996 in the United Kingdom, the aim of the Green Flag Award is to ensure that everyone has access to a quality green space to enable healthy lifestyles and stronger communities. Since then it has expanded into 19 countries around the globe and celebrates over 2,500 winners every year.
Chris Rutherford – Xyst Green Flag Award Australia Project Director said:
"The Green Flag Award is an opportunity to celebrate that awarded parks and their assets are a credit to the community and all those involved in providing funding, planning and operational maintenance to enable a high standard quality park to be provided to the community.”
News articles from Xyst and Recreation Aotearoa are linked below:
https://xyst.com.au/green-flag/green-flag-winners-2024-2025/
To see a full list of Green Flag Award winning parks, visit: http://www.greenflagaward.org/award-winners/
To find out more in general, or apply for an Award, whichever country you are based in; explore the Green Flag Award website: https://www.greenflagaward.org, or alternatively click here for a contact form.
