Ruapekapeka Pa, a masterpiece of Maori military engineering, has been awarded an international Green Flag, a symbol of tourism excellence marking the pa as a premium destination for New Zealand and overseas visitors.
Green Flag awards were established in the United Kingdom in 1996 to recognise green spaces meeting criteria, including heritage and community involvement.
The Ruapekapeka award was made by the Parks Forum, which consists of public agencies such as the Department of Conservation (DoC) and local authorities in New Zealand and Australia.
The Te Ruapekapeka Trust welcomed the award. The trust, set up in 1992 representing Ngati Manu, Ngati Kahukuri, Ngati Hau, Ngati Hine, Te Kapotai and Ngapuhi Nui Tonu, administers the pa in partnership with the DoC.
Since 2002 more than $200,000 has been spent on restoring the site with new signs, tracks, a carpark and the erection of a waharoa (carved gateway). Northland DoC official Shaughan Anderson said the former battlefield was today an example of people working together to explain the site's importance in establishing our nationhood.