The award is an international standard that recognises and rewards parks and green spaces that provide high-quality and innovative recreational experiences.
The award was the culmination of an extensive application process and inspection of the site by Green Flag judges.
Criteria included how well the park was managed, planned for, and presented.
The judges commented that it was evident the site was managed by a passionate and committed team who went the extra mile and took pride in the place they were responsible for.
Changing attitudes were resulting in cemeteries being used for recreational activities instead of being places that people avoided, the judges’ report said.
Most commonly, people visited cemeteries to walk and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Increasing interest in genealogy and the history in the cemeteries was another drawcard.
The Waimate Cemetery has become a destination for those looking for deceased family members, or for those interested in history. Stories told by headstones trace the early settlement of Waimate, and the scourge of tuberculosis, influenza and scarlet fever are reflected on inscriptions.
Waimate District Council parks and reserves manager Alison Banks said the Green Flag Award was testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of the council’s sexton and gardener, Myles Knightly, and the parks and reserves team.
"This is such a good benchmark for our team to work towards to ensure we retain our quality mark.
"The cemetery is a place of reflection, remembrance, and tranquillity, that is full in history and the Waimate District Council is committed to ensuring that it remains a place of beauty and serenity for generations to come."
Ms Banks said it was also important to acknowledge the local Scout group and its leaders who supported preparations for Anzac Day and working bees to pick up the litter blown into the hedge line.
Waimate is one of the smallest councils and very few cemeteries have been awarded a Green Flag.
Waimate Old Cemetery was established in 1871 and is the resting place of New Zealand’s first woman doctor, Margaret Cruikshank, and the lawn cemetery is where New Zealand’s 29th prime minister, Norman Kirk, is buried and where the Waimate Services Cemetery is located.
