Dunedin Botanic Garden retains 6 Star status

Dunedin (Friday, 29 January 2016) – The Dunedin Botanic Garden's retention of its 6 Star status is confirmation it continues to provide one of the country's top garden experiences.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust (NZGT) has reapproved the Botanic Garden's 6 Star status following a biennial assessment in November.

Dunedin Botanic Garden Team Leader/Curator Alan Matchett says the 6 Star rating equates to the older terminology of Garden of International Significance – a status the Botanic Garden has held since 2010.

"The 6 Star rating means the Botanic Garden provides one of New Zealand's top garden experiences," he says. ""Six Star gardens achieve and maintain the highest level of presentation, design and plant interest throughout the year."

Mr Matchett says the Dunedin Botanic Garden is one of only seven 6 Star rated gardens in New Zealand and is the only public garden with this status.

In order to gain a 6 Star rating the NZGT appoints a team of experts to undertake a rigorous assessment of the garden against a set of predetermined criteria. A review, undertaken once every two years, ensures that standards are maintained at a high level.

"The 6 Star status informs those visiting a garden of the standards that they should expect to see and be provided with," Mr Matchett says. "It also adds value to the city as a visitor destination because the tourism industry can confidently recommend the Botanic Garden as a garden that will be of year round interest to visitors."

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, "The Dunedin Botanic Garden has long been one of the jewels in the crown of the city's attractions for both residents and visitors. The retention of the 6 Star rating, along with recent additions such as the new propagation house to the Garden's celebrated features, even further enhances its reputation."

The Dunedin Botanic Garden was first established in 1863 and was New Zealand's first botanic garden. It consistently rates highly in the DCC's annual Residents' Opinion Survey, reaching 98% resident satisfaction in the most recent survey.

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