Te Mata Park honoured with seventh Green Flag Community Award

Te Mata Park is one of only three parks in Aotearoa New Zealand to achieve the community accolade, reinforcing its status as a cherished and actively supported park.

Administered by Recreation Aotearoa, the Green Flag Award is an international mark of quality celebrating parks and green spaces that meet the highest standards of environmental management, safety, facilities, and community engagement. The Community Award specifically recognises parks where volunteers and local groups play a significant role in the care, protection, and enhancement of the land.

Te Mata Park Trust Chair Jon Lewin says the achievement reflects the passion and commitment of the people who support the maunga every day.

Lewin said, “This award is a powerful acknowledgement of the incredible community behind Te Mata Park. Our volunteers, partners, neighbours, kaitiaki and supporters give their time and energy to protecting this special place, and we’re proud to see their efforts recognised by the Green Flag Community Award.”

From biodiversity projects and revegetation efforts to track building, predator control, and educational activities, community involvement is at the heart of Te Mata Park’s stewardship model.

The Te Mata Park Trust extends its thanks to everyone who contributes to the Park—through volunteering, donations, partnerships, or simply by enjoying the trails with care and respect.

We also thank and acknowledge the ongoing support of our strategic funding partners Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.