2023 Report

In 2023, the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust continued to expand its reach and reputation within the local community, supporting additional schools and rural landowners with resources for restoration plantings and environmental education.

2023 was our fourth year supporting Schools Behind Our River by funding restoration plantings, educational field trips, predator trapping activities, and outdoor learning kits. The number of participating schools supported under the project increased from 18 in 2022 to 25 in 2023 (including one Kindergarten).

In 2023 we appointed Karin Stillberg as our Environmental Education Lead to help us liaise with schools and community partners, further strengthening our community engagement and educational reach.

One notable achievement was the creation of a Conservation Week school photo competition run in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Enviroschools Wairarapa. The Trust funded five winning entries with free Overnight Experiences at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre for up to 45 attendees per group. Funding for the Pūkaha Overnight Experiences has since been extended to an additional five schools.

18 schools have now received our Conservation Award for Environmental Leadership. The trophies are awarded by schools at their annual prize-giving ceremonies. 

Donor funding support was received from One Foundation, Masterton Trust House, Tai Shan Foundation, Lion Foundation, Nikau Foundation, Simplicity, and the Lotteries Environment & Heritage Fund. Lotteries funding supported costs for a feasibility report and preliminary designs for the proposed ‘River Theatre’ project.

Besides the numerous school plantings, funding also supported restoration planting on three forest remnant blocks and one council reserve bordering the Ruamahanga River.