Whanganui River Enhancement Trust
The Whanganui River has great intrinsic, cultural and recreational value. However, over the last century the water quality and appearance of the river has degraded, mainly due to increased sediment load from farmland, land which was previously bush. The catchment is steep and unstable and heavy rainfall often triggers slips.
Flow in the Whanganui River is also reduced by water extraction by the Tongariro Power Scheme which diverts flow from head-water rivers for electricity generation.
As part of the process to renew the resource consents for Tongariro Power Scheme (TPS), new minimum flows were implemented and the Wanganui District Council (WDC), Genesis Energy and the Ruapehu District Council (RDC) entered into a formal agreement on 31 May 2002 to establish a Trust to provide resources to mitigate effects of the ongoing operation of the TPS.
The Whanganui River Enhancement Charitable Trust was established in 2003 and the six current Trustees are Cr Warren Furner (Chairman) and Cynthia Dowsett from RDC; Cr Sue Westwood and Kevin Ross from WDC; while Cam Speedy and Les Pepper represent Genesis Energy.
Purpose
The Trust’s purpose is to promote and encourage the enhancement of the quality of the waters and catchments of the Whanganui River.
The key objectives to which funds are allocated are:
- Water quality enhancement
- River enhancement projects (social, economic and environmental)
- Public education
- Student scholarships
Current projects
The Trust is working with Horizons Regional Council on a water quality enhancement project focused on priority catchments of the Whanganui River. The proposal aims to help farmers manage erosion by preparing and implementing farm plans in the Waikaka and Ohura catchments and commenced in 2005.
The Trust provides annual funding for social, economic and environmental enhancement projects in the Whanganui Catchment. To date, the Trust has provided funds to river enhancement projects for activities such as riparian fencing and planting, the Pipiriki boat ramp repairs, the Upokongaro jetty construction and the Wanganui Waterfront Project.
The Trust also provides student scholarships at Waikato and Massey Universities.
For more information please contact the Trust Secretary, Lauren Fletcher:
C/o Tokaanu Power Station
Private Bag 36
Turangi
(07) 384 7235
lauren.fletcher@genesisenergy.co.nz
