The ‘Friends of the Whanganui River’ that was set up by Whanganui newspaper manager Arthur Bates in 1989, with the aim to encourage interest in the many facets of the Whanganui River and its watershed and to promote public usage and to guard its natural values, at its recent Annual General Meeting and in line with these core objectives, the incoming committee decided to embark on a drive to increase the membership by being more proactive in its activities.

In his annual report to the meeting, Treasurer and ‘Whanganui River Annual’ Editor Graeme Moffatt stated, “The society has for many years been publishing this journal that showcases stories and news about aspects of the river, with the 2025 edition now being posted out to members as inclusive of the $35 yearly membership subscription, and with the society deciding to become more effective in setting up and assisting with projects that seek to conserve the cultural and environmental aspects of the river, plans are now being drawn up for a number of single day and overnight trips throughout the year.”

The first event is to take place between the 23rd and 25th May to the Blue Duck Station at Whakahoro, and involves a two night stay in twin share bush cabin accommodation at the popular venue, which is at the confluence of the Retaruke and Whanganui Rivers where the Blue Duck (Whio) inhabit and with only 3,000 left in New Zealand, the Blue Duck Station is working to make sure these two rivers will have whio forever.

The Weekend trip which will depart from Raetihi by bus, includes dinner, bed and breakfast as well as a jet boat trip down the river, all of which are incorporated into the cost with additional items available at your own cost, and with the trip being limited to 20 people bookings with a 50% deposit can now be made at the society’s web site https://friendsofthewhanganuiriver.com/product/blue-duck-station-weekend-trip-deposit/.

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