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Our most important sites of natural and cultural heritage could gain global recognition, with the opening of applications for New Zealand’s World Heritage ‘Tentative List’.
DOC international manager Danica Stent says New Zealand’s existing UNESCO World Heritage sites are some of the most remarkable places in the world.
“Our natural and cultural heritage is central to who we are as a nation. World Heritage sites are a source of national identity and our share of earth’s most unique, significant places.
“They are also a great source of national pride, containing internationally iconic heritage such as Piopiotahi Milford Sound, world-class hikes including the Routeburn and native species found only in New Zealand like kiwi, takahē and kākāpō.”
New Zealand currently has three World Heritage sites: Te Wāhipounamu–South-West New Zealand, Tongariro National Park and the New Zealand subantarctic islands.
“We want to hear about the places that might make the cut for a new World Heritage site,” Danica says.
“Pursuing World Heritage status is all about being good tīpuna and protecting our heritage today, for all mokopuna tomorrow.”
Anyone making an application for the Tentative List should be prepared to submit a full nomination for World Heritage status within the next 10 years.
Danica says although New Zealand currently has a Tentative List of potential World Heritage sites, it was developed in 2007 and needs updating.
“Ideas about heritage have evolved over the past few decades. There’s now a greater recognition of the importance of the views and rights of indigenous peoples. For this reason, support from mana whenua will be essential for sites to be considered for the Tentative List.”
Making the Tentative List is the first step in the process towards becoming a World Heritage site.
“Robust examination of current sites and potential new sites for the Tentative List is needed to ensure they have local support and a high chance of making it onto the World Heritage List,” Danica says.
New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO secretary general Vicki Soanes says the programme seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
“The process of refreshing the Tentative List is an important signal to UNESCO about the value New Zealand places on the World Heritage programme,” Vicki says.
Anyone interested in applying should submit an expression of interest by July 31, 2025, allowing DOC to provide any advice needed to support development of applications. The final closing date for applications is January 30, 2026.
An independent panel of natural and cultural heritage experts will assess the applications and deliver a report to the Conservation Minister on sites for the Tentative List.
Cabinet is expected to decide on the final Tentative List by the end of 2026. The list is submitted to the World Heritage Centre, then nominations can be developed for World Heritage status.
Visit DOC’s website for information on making an application for New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List: www.doc.govt.nz/world-heritage-tentative-list-review.
