Te Mata Park awarded international Green Flag Community Award

Te Mata Park is one of three spaces in New Zealand to receive the Community Award, which specifically recognises the efforts of trusts or community groups who manage recreation spaces.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Park which is governed by experienced and dedicated volunteers who sit on the Te Mata Park Trust Board and the Te Mata Park Trust Mana Whenua Roopu. On the ground mahi is supported by the Friends of Te Mata Park group who meet monthly to work in the Park and army of volunteers who attend planting days and working bees.

Mike Devonshire, Chair of Te Mata Park Trust, said, “We are delighted to receive the Green Flag Community Award that rightly recognises the dedication and commitment of our volunteers to protecting and enhancing the taonga that is Te Mata Park.”

In reference to the Community Award, 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.”

Te Mata Park Trust would like to thank all the volunteers who give their time, energy, and expertise to the Park as well as our key partners Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga – Hastings District Council and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.