Vote TECT Park for New Zealand’s best Green Flag Award winning park

Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council are urging people to vote for TECT Park in the International People’s Choice Award for Green Flag Award winning parks.

In New Zealand, the Green Flag Awards are bestowed annually by the New Zealand Recreation Association, on behalf of the international Green Flag organisation. In 2022, all Green Flag Award winners are also entered into the International People’s Choice Award, decided by votes from the general public worldwide.

TECT Park took out a seventh internationally recognised Green Flag Award in 2022, and it has a chance to go one better with the People’s Choice Award. With enough votes, we can put our much loved TECT Park from remote New Zealand on the same footing as some of the most impressive parks from across the world.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says your vote could help TECT Park reach a new level of recognition for the unique and high-quality experience it offers. “There’s no question that TECT Park is an incredible park, we have seven Green Flag Awards to prove it in just eleven years of existence.

“TECT Park is truly special because it’s home to a lot of sporting codes and small community groups that would struggle to find space elsewhere. There are so many hobbies and sports that survive because of this place, so it’s time to show our appreciation and vote TECT Park!”

The Green Flag Awards recognise excellent park management and the provision of high-quality recreational experiences. TECT Park is the only park in the Bay of Plenty to receive this award.

Tauranga City Council Commission Chair Anne Tolley also supports the call for community recognition of TECT Park.

“The park is a local taonga and provides diverse outdoor recreation experiences enjoyed by an ever-increasing number of visitors,” she says. “It would be great to see that popularity translated into an International People’s Choice award, so If you are a user, get in behind TECT Park and make your vote count.”

TECT Park Manager Bill Wheeler says, “The Green Flag Awards mean a lot to us, they set the benchmark for the best parks in the world, and now we have the opportunity to make TECT Park the people’s favourite park.

“We hope everyone who’s ever visited TECT Park will show their love for the place by jumping online and voting for us.”

To cast your vote visit westernbay.govt.nz/vote-tect-park

Voting closes 31 January, and the top voted parks from each country will be announced at a virtual ceremony on 9 February.

The 1650-hectare TECT Park in Upper Pyes Pa, is a joint venture between Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City councils. It is the base for many outdoor sports user groups and its public facilities include tracks for walking, mountain biking, equestrian and family-focused motorcycle tracks and a dedicated dog exercise area.