Friends Of The Whanganui River
FOTWR is a non-profit community group whose aims are to promote the Whanganui River

• To encourage interest in the many facets of the Whanganui River and its watershed.
• To promote public usage and appreciation.
• To work towards guarding and preserving its natural and cultural values.
• To provide information to the public at large on the Whanganui River.
• These objectives are to be carried out for the benefit of the people of New Zealand.
• No income or funds can be used for the personal benefit of members.

With members from around New Zealand and the world, the group seeks to inspire more people to join and learn about the Whanganui River. 

Any person or corporate body sympathetic towards the objectives of the FOTWR is eligible for membership. Persons desiring to become members can make an application along with the appropriate membership fee to the Society by emailing your name, address & phone to
friendsofthewhanganuiriver.com.

Payment of membership fee can be made by direct debit to Friends Of The Whanganui River account: 03-0791-0407455-000. An invoice can be forwarded on request. Annual Membership subscription is *NZ$40 per year, plus postage if outside the Whanganui area. 

The society publishes stories of the river in its Whanganui River Annual every year, and this is sent to all financial members as part of their membership subscription.

The group is an incorporated association and has a stall at the Whanganui River Traders’ Saturday market, which runs fortnightly from November to the end of April. 

We hold seminars, arrange public trips and also help with conservation efforts along the length of the river and will advertise these beforehand on this web site when we are ready to accept bookings.

*Updated 30 April 2026