Dr Sam Hampton of the University of Canterbury has been developing the concept of a GeoPark for the Banks Peninsula, called the Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū / Banks Peninsula Geopark. A GeoPark highlights regions of geographical significance, including geology, natural and human history, and landuse. Some GeoParks are UNESCO recognised with the aim being to give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area.

The Chair of the Trust Simon Mortlock and Trust Manager Suky Thompson are working with Dr Hampton to establish the most effective way the Trust could help this project progress.

December 2020 – The Rod Donald Trust announced a new partnership with the Geopark to enable the development of the first Geosite on the foreshore in Governors Bay. Click HERE for more details.

January 2021 – Click HERE to read Akaroa Mail Geopark article.