Date:  17 December 2024

Located at Ngaporo Campsite, Mangapurua Campsite, and John Coull Hut, the buildings echo the iconic shape of a wharenui and provide opportunity for hapū to connect visitors to their stories.

Rātana church minister Robbie Williams blessed the new structures on a dedicated trip upriver on Wednesday 11 December.

Department of Conservation Senior Ranger Heritage & Visitor Jim Campbell says the shelters have been a long time coming.

“We’ve been working with Whanganui river iwi, Te Awa Tupua, and user groups to improve the experience for visitors,” he says, “This work was first proposed in 2015, and things have finally lined up.”

The previous rain collection structures were installed in the early 1990s and provided minimal shelter. The new buildings provide shelter and cultural context while continuing to function as water catchers.

Kaumatua Tommy Treanor, tohunga mahinga kai (expert in traditional fishing) expressed his gratitude for all those who committed to the project.

“It’s about laying down the mauri for tauiwi (non-Māori), iwi, whānau – everyone who comes down the river.”

Jim says the next step is planning similar shelters at additional sites along the awa.

“We continue to work with iwi up and down the river to improve on design and ensure facilities reflect the manaakitanga (hospitality) we all want to share with visitors.”

Visitors to the Whanganui Journey are encouraged to visit the DOC website for route information, safety advice, and current conditions.

Church minister Robbie Williams blesses the new shelter at Mangapurua
Image: DOC

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