Membership Subscription

We are a non-political ‘fan club’ for the Whanganui River.

This designation was given by our historian founder, the late Arthur Bates, and it still applies.

When the Friends of the Whanganui River was formed back in 1989, it was considered that that it should become a nationwide organisation, based on Whanganui, rather than just a Whanganui based organisation. Consequently, we have members all from all over the country and even some overseas. Only about half reside in Whanganui.

One of the society’s aims, which has been fulfilled ever since the group’s inception was to produce an annual publication. Each year, we are amazed at the material which becomes available for inclusion.

As a result, the Friends of the Whanganui River Annual has become an invaluable historical source of information about the river, about those who have lived on or near it and about those who have plied its waters. Members are encouraged to write and contribute articles of their memories or experiences. Other material is gleaned from old newspapers and museum archives. Its production is due to the mammoth task of a voluntary editor who collects and edits the many diverse articles that are included within the covers of each Annual.

As well as the Annual, newsletters are sent out about every month informing members of upcoming activities and other interesting tidbits. As well as the Annual, a number of trips are organised each year to some part of the river catchment, evening lectures or films are presented.