More Cultural World Heritage Sites for New Zealand

Tongariro National Park
Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands 

In contrast to the rest of the world  New Zealand has only one site of the three (Tongariro) where there is a joint cultural / natural citation.  Our last site added was in 1998. The only cultural site was accepted in 1990.

While cultural sites dominate in the rest of the world they are clearly under-represented in the New Zealand sites.

It is also noticeable that the New Zealand sites are all parkland in public ownership. There is no restriction in the UNESCO system for heritage sites to be such. Indeed many of the cultural heritage sites are towns or landscapes which must be in multiple ownership.

The government agency responsible for nominations for World Heritage listing is the Department of Conservation.

There is a DOC tentative list. Only some of the sites on it are cultural.  It is open for submission until 31 March 2005. Alternatives may be proposed. 

Information:

DOC: Suggest New Zealand World Heritage sites - Our World Heritage discussion document and submissions
World Heritage Nomination - Tentative list!

Support us:

The NZAA Council will be making a submission. If you would like us to nominate a particular place (and it will require a bit of work on your part) or want to help us support the proposed cultural sites please write to Karen Greig: arczoo@paradise.net.nz