Ōwhango Community Marks World Rivers Day
On Sunday 28 September, the Ōwhango community gathered to celebrate World Rivers Day, organised by Ōwhango Alive. Despite the grey skies, people travelled from as far away as Wellington and Pukekohe to join the event.
130 Native Trees Planted at Ōhinetonga Scenic Reserve
The weather held steady. No rain fell, and spirits stayed high. Volunteers planted 130 native trees in the Ōhinetonga Scenic Reserve beside the Whakapapa River. This work adds to the group’s ongoing efforts to restore and protect the local environment.
Funding for the trees came from Horizons Regional Council and the Taumarunui Op Shop. Simone Talbot of Maungaroa Nursery in Lower Retaruke supplied the plants and donated extra seedlings. This kept the project local and community focused.
Blessing, New Sign and Community Support
The day began with a blessing and words of wisdom on the awa (river) from Rev Merv Aitken. Soon after, volunteers unveiled a new sign at the reserve. Jenny Hayward of Whakapapa DOC secured funding for the sign through the Alan Rosoman Trust. The display highlights the importance of the reserve and encourages visitors to connect with and care for this special place.
Insights from Horizons Regional Council
Later, the group moved to the Ōwhango Domain Pavilion. Tyler Jarman, Biodiversity Advisor at Horizons Regional Council, gave an inspiring talk. He explained how Horizons supports biodiversity, improves waterways, and promotes sustainability across the district. His examples showed how regional rates directly support these projects.
A Celebration of Community Action
World Rivers Day in Ōwhango showed the value of collective action. Planting native trees strengthens riverbanks, creates homes for birds and insects, and leaves a living legacy for the future. With so many people involved, the day proved how much a community can achieve when working together.
Ōwhango Alive Calendars Launched
As always, the new Ōwhango Alive Calendars launched on World Rivers Day. These popular calendars sell quickly, faster than a whio on the Whakapapa River in flood. Get in touch soon if you would like to secure a copy.
