Precise definitions of units of rock and periods of geological time are required, especially for mapping and study of geological history. The International Stratigraphic Guide (Hedberg 1976; revised Salvador 1994) was adopted for New Zealand use by the Geological Society of New Zealand soon after its initial formulation (Hornibrook et al. 1965), and its principles are used in the maps and publications of GNS.

Catalogues of stratigraphic names used in New Zealand have been compiled by several authors, e.g. Adkin (1954). The lexicon of Fleming (1959) contains geological descriptions of units and much original information. The New Zealand Stratigraphic Lexicon database is based on the most recent bibliographic compilation by McGregor (1987), with new entries added by Ian Keyes. This is a list of New Zealand rock unit names, giving information on age and distribution, the hierarchy of stratigraphic units, synonyms, and references to relevant literature, including fuller descriptions in Fleming's lexicon.

Uruti Point

This web-based database is a continuation of the previous VAX system (Raine & Keyes 1996). It includes biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, tectonostratigraphic, and miscellaneous quasi-stratigraphic names as well as conventional lithostratigraphic units. Its geographic coverage is the New Zealand main and nearby islands, including Kermadecs, Chatham, and Subantarctic islands. Most key literature has been scanned up to the end of 2001, and addition of later entries is continuing, but editing to display preferred names and the hierarchic relationship of units is a large task still to be completed. Most variations of names have been included as individual entries, but some are so far mentioned only in notes to main entries.

Prospective authors are encouraged to check the availability of proposed new names by using the database search facility. They may reserve names for publication, by entering data through the link on this page. In general, authors should avoid use of geographic names already employed.

Adkin, G.L. 1954: Bibliographic index of New Zealand stratigraphic names to 31 December, 1950. New Zealand Geological Survey Memoir 9.
Fleming, C.A. (ed.) 1959: Lexique stratigraphique international. Vol. VI, Oceanie, Fascicule 4, New Zealand. Paris, CNRS, 527 p.
Hedberg, H.D. (ed.) 1976: International stratigraphic guide. A guide to stratigraphic classification, terminology and procedure. (International Subcommittee on Stratigraphic Classification, IUGS Commission on Stratigraphy). New York, John Wiley & Sons, 200 p.
Hornibrook, N.de B., et al. 1965: Report of the subcommittee to investigate the desirability of a New Zealand stratigraphic code. Geological Society of New Zealand newsletter 18: 1-27.
McGregor, E. 1987: Bibliographic index of New Zealand stratigraphic names to 31 December 1986. New Zealand Geological Survey bulletin 102, 258 + 15 + 11 p.
Murphy, M.; Salvador, A. 1999: International Stratigraphic Guide, an abridged edition. Episodes 22: 255-271.
Nathan, S. 2002: [Meetings and conferences ] Joint GSNZ/GNS databases. 1. Stratigraphic Lexicon. Geological Society of New Zealand newsletter 129: 60-61.
Raine, J.I.; Keyes, I.W. 1996: New Zealand Stratigraphic Lexicon Online. Geological Society of New Zealand newsletter 10: 30-32.
Salvador, A. (ed.) 1994: International Stratigraphic Guide second edition. A guide to stratigraphic classification, terminology and procedure. Trondheim (Norway), International Union of Geological Sciences and The Geological Society of America, 214 p.
Also see: Letters to the editor. Geological Society of New Zealand newsletter 123: 31-35 (2000).