Upper Ongarue Catchment Group

What began as a conversation at a Taumarunui farm discussion day in 2022 has rapidly transformed into a significant environmental movement.

The Upper Ongarue Catchment Group unites a diverse membership that includes landowners, iwi and hapū representatives, government officials, community members and local school children.

Their shared mission is to secure a sustainable future for the Ruapehu District’s environment through enhanced biodiversity and pristine water quality.

The group’s flagship achievement is a dedicated showcase site that serves as a living laboratory for stream bank restoration.

After identifying invasive willows as a primary threat to waterway health, they implemented a strategic removal plan. In a retired paddock provided by a local farmer, problem willows were cleared while those critical for soil integrity were left intact. This site has since become a community hub, recently hosting planting days where Ongarue School students helped establish native plants provided by Mouri Turoa.

Another focus is protecting the Whio (blue duck), with efforts including a 5km network of traplines established along their local river. Private landowners have further amplified this effort by funding and maintaining additional traps on their own properties, creating a massive safety net for the local Whio population.

The Upper Ongarue Catchment Group is now transitioning from action to analysis. With nearly three years of water quality data – including eDNA and insect sampling – collected from nine different sites, they’re preparing for a full analysis to guide their next decade of work.

Their future is already looking bright, with the group recently securing $14,000 in funding from the Whanganui River Enhancement Trust for wetland restoration. Whether creating new wetlands or enhancing existing ones, the Upper Ongarue Catchment Group is ensuring the life force of their river remains strong for generations to come.