World Heritage Status Mooted for Mercury Bay

By John Freer

Consideration of establishing Mercury Bay as a World Heritage Park has the backing of an international expert who is already working on similar projects in Asia.

Professor Gordon Maxwell, who resides in Hong Kong while also farming near Hikutaia, has told CFM that Mercury Bay warrants such status to not just preserve its future environment, but also the vast history associated to the region.

He said consideration of a world heritage classification would capture the historic significance of the bay, the beauty of the area and the environment while preserving all aspects for future generations.

Recreational elements would also be protected and retained and be enhanced from a visitor and tourism perspective.

UNESCO backing along with the support of all New Zealanders would be required to achieve the status. An interview with Gordon can be heard by clicking on the link below.