Ruud Kleinpaste with students from Opaki School

Wairarapa’s largest river comes alive in new film

18 December 2025

A respected television personality and environmentalist stars in a film exploring the life of Wairarapa’s largest river. Ruud Kleinpaste is the show host of A River's Journey (working title), taking viewers along the Ruamāhanga River from source to sea and uncovering fascinating discoveries along the way.

Chris Morrison, Michael Birch and Alan Wilde standing on top of a river terrace above the Ruamahanga River on Alan’s property. Alan points out areas on his farm that he has planted in trees.

Wilde on the Ruamahanga

14 November 2023

Alan Wilde has a bold vision to see the entire length of the Ruamahanga River planted in native trees.  His passion is evident as he points out the areas on his 14 hectare farm that he single-handedly planted in native trees.

Martinborough Morning. Photo Gareth Winter

Ko Ruamāhanga te awa. Giving voice to the river

13 September 2023

Local archivist and historian Gareth Winter undertook a hikoi down the Ruamāhanga from the heights of the Tararua Range all the way to its outlet at Lake Onoke. Gareth continues to research the history of the Ruamāhanga and has kindly agreed to share a short precis of his much-anticipated planned book about his incredible and very personal journey along the length of the river.

Jane Riddiford (left) takes the trustees on a tour of the Ruamāhanga Farm

In the Footsteps of Shared Commitment

14 April 2023

Jane Riddiford, along with her two sisters Liz and Lucy, and her husband Rod, collectively bring a passion for native plant restoration and a commitment to values-based work that brings different parts of the community together. This, and a recognition of the importance of working with children and young people in ways suited to the uncertainties of our times.

Students from Opaki School planting at Dunvegan Station, Wairarapa

Dunvegan Calling

7 May 2022

Opaki School student volunteers plant over 200 native trees in a lowland native forest block on Dunvegan Station, owned by Mike Wyeth.

Students from Kura Kaupapa o Wairarapa and Mākoura College on the upper Ruamahanga River

Mokomoko Field Trip

27 November 2021

The Ruamahanga Restoration Trust recently teamed up with Mokomoko to sponsor a very special student field trip to the river, organised by Mokomoko CCEM Program Coordinator, Sam Ludden.