It’s the end of an era for the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, with a complete change at the helm.

Helen Jansen has stepped down as Geopark Trust chairperson, and Lisa Heinz also announced her resignation from the Geopark manager role recently.

Both women have been instrumental in helping the park gain its designation as a Unesco Global Geopark, which was granted earlier this year.

Helen was in the chairperson role for four years, and the trust expressed gratitude for her passion, dedication, and "exceptional contributions" to the Geopark's growth and development. She will remain as a trustee, Lisa said.

Lisa will remain in her manager’s role for a little while longer, before she and her partner move to Wellington.

“I really enjoyed being part of this incredible journey and working alongside the team, trustees and the passionate community to bring the Geopark to life,” she said.

“I am looking forward to seeing what opportunities the next chapter brings.”

Rachel Plieger has been appointed trust chairperson and Tk Buchanan as deputy, signalling the next stage of leadership and stewardship for New Zealand’s first Unesco Global Geopark, Lisa said.

Rachel is a dedicated advocate for the Geopark and a respected member of the community. 

She has more than 25 years' experience in legal and risk roles in the financial services industry, and has recently returned home to Ōamaru. 

"Following on from its recent Unesco designation, this is a super exciting time for the Geopark and I'm excited to be part of the team working to unlock its potential,” she said.

“I am confident that we can make mana whenua and people of all of the communities in the Waitaki Region proud to call the Geopark home."

Tk is one of the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki representatives on the trust, and brings with him ten years’ experience in business development and account management, and five years’ governance experience with Te Rūnanga.

“I am enjoying my contribution to the Geopark, and I look forward to developing the new deputy chair role and its function for the trust,” he said.

The trust is further strengthened by its diverse and accomplished board of nine members, representing a wide range of skills and backgrounds that reflect the multifaceted nature of the Geopark. 

The board includes one representative from the Waitaki District Council, two representatives from Te Rūnanga, and individuals with expertise in geotourism, international marketing, Unesco Global Geoparks, land ownership, legal matters, central government affairs, and community and local perspectives.

Additionally, an advisory trustee with a strong history to Vanished World, the organisation that played a pivotal role in the inception of the Geopark, provides valuable insights and guidance as the Geopark progresses.

Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trustees during the celebration of the Unesco designation in May, are (from left) Mauriri McGlinchey, Rachel Plieger (new chair), Brett Hudson, Melanie Jones, Tim Blackler, Helen Jansen, Tk Buchanan (deputy chair). Trustees missing are Ross Dowling and Grant Neal. PHOTO: Supplied