International award for regional park

Kaitoke Regional Park is continuing to receive the best of recognition.

The park, north of Upper Hutt, is the only green space location in the Wellington region to win this year’s coveted international Green Flag Award.

Another 15 parks and green spaces across the country picked up the annual award, including 11 in Auckland.

It was the second time Kaitoke has won the Green Flag.

The award comes straight after the Greater Wellington Regional Council park carried the mantle as the showcase location for Parks Week, Wellington’s own celebration of the great outdoors.

Regional Council Parks Portfolio leader Prue Lamason she was thrilled by the Green Flag award.

‘‘Kaitoke is a fabulous park that is becoming more and more popular with visitors, both from the region and overseas. It’s well managed and the rangers do a great job in keeping it in good order while acting as hosts for the many people who visit.

‘‘Kaitoke meets the needs of visitors by providing high standard open spaces as well as showcasing points of particular interests such as Rivendell and our great camping area near the river,’’ Lamason said.

The Green Flag Award scheme, organised by the New Zealand Recreation Association, was launched in 1996 and is managed in England by Keep Britain Tidy. Flags fly over 1700 sites across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Arab Emirates as well as Australia and New Zealand.

‘‘We know the significant contribution that public parks make to healthy lifestyles,’’ chief executive of the New Zealand Recreation Association Andrew Leslie said.

‘‘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.’’

‘‘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, ‘‘ scheme manager Paul Todd said.

‘‘When you visit a park and see the Green Flag flying, you know you are in one of the very best green spaces.’’