Dunedin Botanic Garden is Internationally Significant

The Dunedin Botanic Garden has been awarded the status of Garden of International Significance following an assessment carried out in June by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
There are now five Gardens of International Significance in New Zealand and the Dunedin Botanic Garden is the first public garden to be awarded this status.
DCC Community and Recreation Services Manager, Mick Reece, says, “The Dunedin Botanic Garden has crossed a significant line by becoming the first public garden to be considered for this status – and it’s a very nice responsibility to have!”
The criteria for International Significance include best practice in horticultural expertise, health and safety, and the design and flow of the garden. The assessment system allows the tourism industry to confidently recommend gardens that will be of year round interest to visitors to New Zealand.
Botanic Garden Collections Supervisor, Barbara Wheeler, says, “We know the Garden should be immaculate at all times and this is something all the people working here have a hand in – from staff through to our apprentices, trainees and volunteers.”
General Manager, Community Life, Graeme Hall, summed up the Botanic Garden’s achievement with reference to the Botanic Garden’s first superintendent – “Tannock would’ve been proud.”
This wider recognition for the Botanic Garden comes just as the Residents’ Opinion Survey indicates, once again, that the Garden is one of Dunedin’s most treasured facilities.