With its rolling landscape, unique geology, and varied recreation opportunities it's no surprise that Te Mata Park has been named as one of the Green Flag Award® top 10 parks in the world. The park has won the Green Flag Community Award three times and is managed almost entirely by volunteers. We had a quick chat with Emma Buttle, Te Mata Park Manager, about their achievements.

Describe your park in three words? Majestic. Extraordinary. Taonga.

How does it feel to be a one of the Top 10 parks in the world? To be rated up there with the world's greatest parks is an honour deeply felt. The award is a huge accolade for the Park. It is testament to the dedication of volunteer hours that go into maintaining our wonderful asset, and also reiterates the significance of access to wild, green spaces for the health and wellbeing of communities.

Why should people visit your park? Te Mata Park is unique in that it offers something for everyone. Whether you are a paraglider, walker, mountain biker, dog walker - or simply enjoy quiet and tranquillity - it is a destination that energises the senses, and invigorates the soul. The views are outstanding, particularly at sunrise & sunset. The new and existing native plantings add to the experience, as well as the famous Giant Redwoods. There is a wide variety of walking and biking tracks for every ability and fitness level. The Park and wider maunga has strong cultural importance to Māori, and evidence of previous occupation can be seen throughout the Park. It is a privilege to have access to this important and meaningful area of land.

One thing people might not know about Te Mata Park? The Park Trust is currently undertaking an extensive re-vegetation programme, with the intention of planting 59,000 native trees over a three year period. It is a very exciting time for the Park, and will be an enduring legacy for future generations. The Park is protected in perpetuity by a QEII covenant, for the benefit and enjoyment of all people in New Zealand.