Since 1989 the Friends of the Whanganui River have published the Whanganui River Annual. The memories, stories, and accounts of personal experiences on the river, of the history of the Maori and European settlements and farms, and of the riverboats, have made this a unique and valuable publication. With over 150 members, throughout New Zealand and overseas, their subscriptions along with donations and fundraising, have generated the financial support for its publication and various other projects on the river.

As well as the Annual, a number of trips are organised each year to various part’s of the river catchment, lectures or films are presented regularly as is a newsletter informing members of these upcoming activities and current happenings on the river. In the summer months, we have a stall at the popular Whanganui River Markets where we mix and mingle with locals and visitors alike sharing our experiences and selling merchandise that showcases the river.