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Our UNESCO journey
Becoming New Zealand's first UNESCO Global Geopark didn't happen overnight. Our UNESCO story is one of discovery, partnership and perseverance. It celebrates the people, places and shared vision that transformed a local geological treasure into a place of international significance.
From fossils to global recognition
The journey to becoming New Zealand's first UNESCO Global Geopark began in the Duntroon area during the 1980s and 1990s.
Marine fossil discoveries by Professor Ewan Fordyce and the University of Otago inspired local landowners and the community to share the incredible stories hidden beneath their feet.
In 2000, Vanished World Inc was formed, leading to the creation of the Vanished World Trail and the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon. Together, they showcased the district's remarkable fossils, geology and ancient history, and planted the seed for a future UNESCO Global Geopark.
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Professor Ewan Fordyce and landowner and founding member of Vanished World Inc John Hore installing the original interpretative signage at Waipata/ Earthquakes in 2005
A bigger vision
In 2018, the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO invited applications for its first UNESCO Global Geoparks.
As planning for Waitaki's Expression of Interest began, it quickly became clear that the district's geological treasures extended far beyond Duntroon. The vision expanded to include the entire Waitaki District, recognising more than 40 geosites stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. This district-wide approach meant every community could share in the benefits of the Geopark.
As the Geopark expanded the name 'Waitaki Whitestone Geopark' was chosen to reflect the area's defining limestone – a rock that holds ancient marine fossils, sheltered early Māori and their rock art, and provided the building material for the iconic Victorian architecture of the "Whitestone City" of Ōamaru.
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO visited the aspiring Geopark in 2018 to consider the Expression of Interest.
Professor Patrick McKeever gave a presentation to the Waitaki community during his visit in 2019
Learning along the way
The first application showed there was strong local support, but international experts recommended taking more time to strengthen the project before seeking UNESCO recognition.
Those recommendations proved invaluable. The Geopark team focused on building strong partnerships, developing education programmes, improving interpretation and signage, strengthening governance, and working closely with Te Rūnanga o Moeraki to better reflect Te Ao Māori throughout the Geopark. This collaboration led to a refreshed identity and a new strategic direction centred on education, conservation, community and local storytelling.
A step closer
Like many projects around the world, the Geopark's journey was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. International travel restrictions postponed UNESCO's evaluation until 2022, when two independent evaluators spent three days exploring the district, meeting local communities and visiting geosites.
Following the in-person mission, the evaluators presented their written report to the Global Geoparks Council for consideration in September 2022 at the annual UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting.
UNESCO evaluators Nickolas Zouros and Anchel Belmonte Ribas with the Geopark team during their visit.
An international milestone
In May 2023, UNESCO officially endorsed the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, making it the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in New Zealand.
The establishment and management of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark has been a collaborative effort from the start. The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust would like to extend a special thank you to Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Waitaki District Council, New Zealand Commission for UNESCO, Vanished World Inc, the Geology Department of the University of Otago, GNS Science, Tourism Waitaki, OceanaGold, Adair Craik Chartered Accountants, and communities of the Waitaki District as well as Geopark ambassadors for their support and involvement.
Looking ahead
UNESCO Global Geopark status is not permanent. Every four years, each Geopark undergoes a rigorous international review to ensure it continues to meet UNESCO's high standards.
Today, the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark continues to grow through conservation, education, research, sustainable tourism and community partnerships—sharing the stories of our remarkable landscape while protecting it for future generations.