Media release
31 January 2013

Council wins prestigious parks awards

Two of Auckland Council’s regional parks have picked up prestigious Green Flag Awards in Australasia’s first year of being part of the global programme.

Tapapakanga and Ambury regional parks are two of only 12 parks across Australia and New Zealand to receive a Green Flag says acting Manager of Parks, Sports and Recreation Mace Ward.

“We are delighted to accept this accolade and be acknowledged as providing high quality open space for Aucklanders.

“These two regional parks are fine examples of recreation opportunities and conservation programmes complementing each other.

“We are proud that Aucklanders have access to some of the best parks in Australasia.

“Congratulations also to the Department of Conservation and our counterparts at Whangarei District and Hamilton City Councils. For New Zealand to have received seven of the 12 inaugural awards is a tremendous effort,” he says.

David Clarke, CEO of Parks Forum, the Green Flag accreditation agency, congratulated Auckland Council on attaining the award and said that it should consider itself alongside some of the world’s highest quality parks

"Australia’s and New Zealand’s natural environment has a lot to do with what makes our countries special. Our parks provide a window to the natural environment, and in a highly urbanised society this is more important than ever.

“We know that healthy, well managed parks mean healthier communities and the Green Flag Award shows us which parks are setting the standard,” says Mr Clarke.

The Green Flag Award is an international award which assesses the quality of parks across a number of categories, including their safety, quality of the facilities, management of the environment historical features, and as great places for people to play and recreate.

Tapapakanga Regional Park is a coastal farm park that offers camping, white sand beaches, mountain biking and walking trails, safe swimming and boating opportunities.

Ambury Regional Park is an educational farm park set in a volcanic landscape with opportunities to camp, walk and bird watch – within 20 minutes of the city centre.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Denniston Announcement: Coal Mine Gains Access Approval

Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced his approval under the Crown Minerals Act for an access agreement for Bathurst Resources for its Escarpment Mining Project on the Denniston Plateau, near Westport.

“This approval is for an open-cast mine on 106 hectares of the 2026 hectares that comprise the Denniston Plateau. This area is not National Park, nor Conservation Park nor does it have any particular reserve status...

“The loss of conservation values is compensated by a $22 million package by Bathurst Resources. This will fund pest and predator control over 25,000 hectares of the Heaphy River catchment in the Kahurangi National Park, 4,500 hectares on and around the Denniston Plateau, as well as for historic projects on the Plateau itself. This is More>>