OUR JOURNEY
FIRST STEPS
The Geopark concept to Banks Peninsula was first conceived in 2011, following the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. Since this time, researchers from the University of Canterbury, supported by Frontiers Abroad Aotearoa (an organisation that supports graduate students from the US to experience our unique geological environment), have been undertaking background studies to develop the fundamentals of a Geopark and have begun to consult interested stakeholders in the Banks Peninsula community.
Peter Ramsden was key in these initiating stages and phases, bringing together people, ideas and concepts.
The School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, has facilitated research through research method courses, in which semester students undertake an individual research project. Research components have been delivered at national and international conferences, local presentations, and in online formats.
Listen to a RadioNZ interview from 2014 early on in our Geopark journey
LISTENING
Over our decade of development various hui have been hosted, engaging and informing key stakeholders, community organisations, and local, regional, and central government of the opportunities that a Geopark on Banks Peninsula can offer. These also provided a forum for active discussions, in which all parties gained a better understanding of the Geopark concept and the journey it will take to achieve this.
OUR JOURNEY
Small steps and bringing everyone along together, has been our development process.
To find out more about our journey click here
To learn about our Geoparks naming click here
OUR BRAND
In listening to the community we heard that a Geopark on Banks Peninsula should be driven by learning and engagement and to connect people to place. This has become our mandate in Geopark development.
We have also developed our logo that links to the landscape, trails, and connections and is adapted from the underbelly markings of the Hectors Dolphin.
To read the story behind our logo click here
GEOPARK VISITS
In developing the Geopark concept we have been visited by representatives of two developing Geoparks (in Indonesia and Hungary) and an Australian Geopark (Kaniwinika Geopark) and by Professor Cynthia Burek, of the Angelsey / GeoMon Geopark.
Listen to Professor Cynthia Burek discussing Banks Peninsula on RadioNZ
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Geopark has presented student research at FrenchFest in Akaroa in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Our experts have been guides in the Banks Peninsula Walking Festival since 2013. Host displays at Banks Peninsula events (Waitangi Day celebrations at Okains Bay, and A&P shows), and are getting out to local schools.
AKAROA MAIL
Shireen Helps, farmer and founder of Pohātu Penguins presented her views on the Geopark on Banks Peninsula in April 2018.
