Latest news with #Qualmark
NZ Herald
23-04-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Hamilton Gardens receive Qualmark Gold Award for top tourism destination
'Being recognised at the highest level again, along with the fantastic feedback from our visitors, shows we're doing things right,' Ryan said. 'Our team is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits Hamilton Gardens has a special experience. 'As Hamilton Gardens keeps growing, we're all about keeping things top quality, staying sustainable, and being a truly world-class destination.' The Qualmark gold accreditation acknowledges businesses that lead the way in making New Zealand a sustainable visitor destination. 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 Mayor Paula Southgate said she was delighted to hear of the award. 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. '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. Hamilton and Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell congratulated the Hamilton Gardens team on the achievement. 'The renewed gold status with Qualmark is testament to their dedication to providing top-quality visitor experiences.' She said the regional tourism organisation was very proud to have Hamilton Gardens as part of the mighty Waikato. 'Hamilton Gardens is a fantastic visitor experience. '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." In July, Hamilton Gardens was named in Tripadvisor's top 1% of things to do in the world for a second time, after first making the ranking in 2023. In the 2023/24 financial year, a record number of 537,584 people came through the Enclosed Gardens.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Hamilton Gardens Shines With Top Tourism Honour
Press Release – Hamilton City Council Hamilton Gardens has retained the prestigious Qualmark Gold Award, first received in 2011, following an independent assessment of the attraction from social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives. Celebrating another year of excellence, Hamilton Gardens has once again been awarded the Qualmark Gold Award, solidifying its status as a premier New Zealand tourism destination. Hamilton Gardens has retained the prestigious Qualmark Gold Award, first received in 2011, following an independent assessment of the attraction from social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives. Lucy Ryan, Hamilton Gardens Director, attributed the achievement to the dedication and hard work of the staff. 'Our team is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits Hamilton Gardens has a special experience. We take pride in offering something truly unique for everyone to enjoy.' The Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies businesses that lead the way in making New Zealand's tourism industry a world-class, sustainable visitor destination. This accolade not only highlights the Gardens' excellence but also enhances its profile through Tourism New Zealand's channels. The Qualmark assessment praised Hamilton Gardens for its approach to inclusivity, and long-term guardianship. Highlights include the authentic incorporation of the site's Maaori history in the design of the new fern court and working with local suppliers to make bespoke products for the Hamilton Gardens shop. 'This is the first time we've been evaluated since introducing paid entry to the Enclosed Gardens. Being recognised at the highest level again, along with the fantastic feedback from our visitors, shows we're doing things right,' said Ryan. 'As Hamilton Gardens keeps growing, we're all about keeping things top quality, staying sustainable, and being a truly world-class destination'.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Hamilton Gardens Shines With Top Tourism Honour
Celebrating another year of excellence, Hamilton Gardens has once again been awarded the Qualmark Gold Award, solidifying its status as a premier New Zealand tourism destination. Hamilton Gardens has retained the prestigious Qualmark Gold Award, first received in 2011, following an independent assessment of the attraction from social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives. Lucy Ryan, Hamilton Gardens Director, attributed the achievement to the dedication and hard work of the staff. "Our team is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits Hamilton Gardens has a special experience. We take pride in offering something truly unique for everyone to enjoy." The Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies businesses that lead the way in making New Zealand's tourism industry a world-class, sustainable visitor destination. This accolade not only highlights the Gardens' excellence but also enhances its profile through Tourism New Zealand's channels. The Qualmark assessment praised Hamilton Gardens for its approach to inclusivity, and long-term guardianship. Highlights include the authentic incorporation of the site's Maaori history in the design of the new fern court and working with local suppliers to make bespoke products for the Hamilton Gardens shop. "This is the first time we've been evaluated since introducing paid entry to the Enclosed Gardens. Being recognised at the highest level again, along with the fantastic feedback from our visitors, shows we're doing things right," said Ryan. "As Hamilton Gardens keeps growing, we're all about keeping things top quality, staying sustainable, and being a truly world-class destination".
