Members of a Unesco delegation are hosted at the Moeraki Boulders. Photo: Unesco
The country's first potential Unesco accredited global geopark is one step closer to becoming reality.
The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark's application to the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organisation Global Geopark Council has been accepted and recommended for endorsement.
It follows four years of work and a three-day evaluation mission from assessors in July.
Global geoparks are geographical areas with sites and landscapes of international geological significance that are managed sustainably with a focus on protection, education and sustainable development.
The area of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark would include the Moeraki Boulders north of Dunedin, and heritage areas of Oamaru built from limestone known as Oamaru stone.
Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust chair Helen Jansen said the story of this land was of global significance.
"The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark's vision is for Waitaki to become a place where kaitiaki of the land and its stories come together."
Receiving a recommendation was a huge accolade and recognised the efforts of many, she said.
The next step is for the executive board of UNESCO to endorse the recommendation which is expected in April.
Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Upoko David Higgins welcomed the recommendation.
"To recognise the significance of the Waitaki landscape and its people in the endorsement for our takiwā to be proposed as the first global geopark in New Zealand, is something we see as a great step in supporting our aspirations to share our cultural histories and ensure our ancestors' footprints are visible throughout the landscape."
David Higgins welcomes delegation members to Moeraki Marae in July. Photo: Unesco
The chair of the NZ National Commission for UNESCO, Robyn Baker, said it was a significant achievement and the result of years of hard work.
"Designated UNESCO global geoparks are known to bring in increased visitor numbers, both domestically and internationally.
"These visitors want to experience the natural environment through an educational and sustainable lens, which is a great way to value and share the unique attributes of the Waitaki region and Aotearoa New Zealand."