An aerial shot of the enclosed gardens at the Hamilton Gardens. Photo / Hamilton City Council
An aerial shot of the enclosed gardens at the Hamilton Gardens. Photo / Hamilton City Council
Hamilton Gardens has received another feather in its cap with the awarding of a Qualmark Gold Award for its tourism offering.
The award is a recognition from Tourism New Zealand, highlighting sustainable tourism businesses with a gold, silver or bronze accreditation.
href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/hamilton/" target="_self" rel="" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/hamilton/">Hamilton Gardens first received the Qualmark Gold Award in 2011 and has now regained the status after an independent assessment focused on social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives.
With Hamilton Gardens, the Qualmark assessment praised its approach to inclusivity and long-term guardianship.
It also highlighted the “authentic incorporation” of the site’s Māori history in the design of the new fern court and working with local suppliers to make products for the Hamilton Gardens shop.
Hamilton Gardens director Lucy Ryan. Photo / Danielle Zollickhofer
Hamilton Gardens was the best public garden in New Zealand, she said.
“Probably even the best in Australasia... It’s a bold statement, but I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled quite a bit and seen a lot of gardens.
A concept drawing of Hamilton Gardens' Medieval Garden. Image / Hamilton Gardens
“Hamilton Gardens is punching above its weight.”
She said the gardens were the city’s “number 1 drawcard” and were constantly evolving.
“I ... remember seeing the English Garden and the Chinese Garden as a teenager... There were about six or seven themed gardens at the time.
“Now we have 18 and we are working to open two more gardens soon, the Medieval Garden and the Pasifika Garden.”
Southgate said over the years she also had “amazing conversations” with representatives from several countries who voiced their interest in “having” a themed garden at the Hamilton Gardens.
“Korea, for example, is interested in having a garden one day.”
Hamilton Gardens are the brainchild of landscape architect Dr Peter Sergel, whose concept comprises a total of 33 specifically themed gardens, including those already completed.
“As New Zealand’s fastest growing city, two years in a row, the impending opening of the Waikato Regional Theatre, new hotels on the way, Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct and Hamilton Gardens — our visitor proposition within Kirikiriroa is coming of age and gaining strength."
