2022 Report

2022 was the year Ruamahanga Restoration Trust came of age by strengthening its reputation within the local community, especially in relation to its support of schools across the Wairarapa.

2022 not only saw the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust support over 18 local schools but we also provided a significant number of native plants for six very unique rural sites, of which two are listed as QEII covenants.

2022 was the third year of our signature Schools Behind Our River project, which is designed to engage local school students in the restoration and protection of bio- diverse ecosystems within the wider catchment.

Participation in our project increased from eight schools in 2021 to 18 in the 2022 calendar year, not including those schools who participated in the Predator Tracking & Trapping workshops, which are held in collaboration with EnviroSchools Wairarapa and the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. This program in particular will continue to grow in popularity and requires further support in 2023.

One notable achievement was the creation the Conservation Award for Environmental Leadership. Fourteen schools each received one of the hand-made ceramic trophies, valued at $500 each.

In 2022, the Trust received funding support from One Foundation, Masterton Trust House, Masterton Lands Trust, The Gift Trust, Lion Foundation, and the Lloyd Morrison Trust.

The Trustees and several others combined contributed over 400 volunteer hours supporting schools and local landowners with restoration plantings, and several experts helped advise schools on local flora and fauna, predator trapping tools, and suitable restoration planting sites.