Paleocene isocrinids (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) from the Kauru Formation, South Island, New Zealand

Crinoids are reported from the New Zealand Paleocene for the first time and include rare articulated columnals and brachia with pinnules. The presence of isocrinids in the Kauru Formation and younger Palaeogene strata reveals that the supposed shift of some isocrinids from a shallower to a deeper environment actually occurred much later in the Paleogene, and not the Late Cretaceous as previously supposed. Associated molluscs indicate a mid to upper "Wangaloan' Stage (local), equivalent to mid Paleocene. A summary of the New Zealand crinoid fossil record is presented. -Authors