The discovery of a key fossil, Tokarahia kauaeroa , by the late Prof Ewan Fordyce is being given a tribute through a new children’s book by Mary Duff.
Prof Fordyce’s work to create the local museum at Vanished World in Duntroon is also in the book.
Ms Duff grew up in Oamaru and met Prof Fordyce as a child.
She is now working to independently publish her yet to be titled book.
Ms Duff said it is a "special story" that honours the Vanished World and area as a global destination for geology and palaeontology.
"This key fossil, that’s kind of the star of the story, the Tokarahi whale that was found by Ewan in the ’80s.
"The technical details for how the fossils are now so far from the sea are hard to explain.
"The story breaks it down for all ages to imagine," she said.
Substantial research conducted over the past five years would support the story.
This included dialogue with Ngāi Tahu and the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust.
Ms Duff said Prof Fordyce, who had originally engaged the locals with his "knowledge, charisma, and drive", had given his blessing for the book in 2022.
Local artist and Vanished World founding member Burns Pollock had donated "The Valley of the Whales" image to be used in the book.
This had inspired Ms Duff to include more book illustrations in watercolour technique.
After receiving a grant from Waitaki District Council Creative Communities Scheme, watercolour workshops were funded for pupils at Duntroon School.
Oamaru-based artist Sarka Cibulcova recently guided the pupils on how to illustrate the story of their own geological history in the technique.
"Sarka really engaged with the project and was really helpful and understanding," Ms Duff said.
"I wanted to bring the art to the rural community and give the kids a chance to practise the art technique."
