Local Beaches get International Tick of Approval

Two of New Plymouth District’s beaches are to become the first in New Zealand to be Blue Flag accredited.

Following a pilot phase, Blue Flag International approved of Fitzroy/East End beaches and Oakura Beach receiving accreditation for the 2007/08 bathing season – giving international recognition of their good environmental and access qualities.

Today (Tuesday) the Kaitake Community Board received a report on the accreditation.

Manager Corporate Policy and Strategy Rory Palmer says the double accreditation is a coup for the district. At least two other local authorities have been actively seeking accreditation.

“Westhaven Marina in Auckland has accreditation, but these are the first beaches in Australasia to achieve it,” he says.

“This is a credit to the quality of the beaches and environmental management of NPDC and Taranaki Regional Council.

“Nothing on the beaches will change, but visitors from around the world will recognise Blue Flag and realise we’re leading New Zealand with our high-quality coastal areas.”

The Blue Flag programme is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education. The organisation works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas, dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services.

The water quality at Oakura and East End/Fitzroy will be monitored by Taranaki Regional Council, with up to 20 samples taken from November to April.

Under the Blue Flag programme, accreditation needs to be gained anew every year.

This year there are 2,672 beaches and 640 marinas worldwide that are with Blue Flag status. These are in 38 countries including Spain, Italy and France.

More information is available at http://www.blueflag.org/ .