Ruamāhanga River revival though young people's conservation and creativity
Ruamāhanga Farm Foundation (RFF) is cultivating a living model of regenerative education and bio-regional restoration in the South Wairarapa. Our flagship programme is Te Reo o te Wai. This brings together tamariki, teachers, artists, kaitiaki, farmers and others who are passionate about where we live, to care for the awa, wetlands, and bush remnants within the Waihinga Catchment (located in and around the awa close to Martinborough). Through creative writing, art, citizen science, and hands-on conservation, young people are learning to see themselves as part of the living system that sustains them. Our kaupapa is of a local community more connected to each other and the land, and it is growing through collaboration with others, particularly local people and organisations. Along with native plant restoration, we are hosting walking, local food growing and composting groups on the farm.
Project story
Te Reo o te Wai 2026
Discover how art and conservation unite to help restore the southern reaches of the Ruamāhanga River. Learn about Lake Wairarapa reclaimed by its iwi after 125 years.
Building on three years of established success, Te Reo o Te Wai (Language of the Water) brings together 300 children and young people from six local schools for hands-on conservation work alongside professional artists. Students will plant native trees, monitor water quality, and restore wetlands while learning to see their river anew. They will encounter endangered species like the Matuku (bittern) and Kororā (blue penguin).
The magic happens when conservation meets creativity. Children's field experiences inspire original poetry and nature writing, transformed into three musical compositions featuring the Martinborough Music Festival's professional musicians and the internationally acclaimed Kreftwork puppeteers and poets.
This vision celebrates the interconnected life of birds, fish, river, and trees through four unforgettable performances—intimate indoor concerts blending music and storytelling, plus outdoor processional events along the river. Recordings shared via QR codes along new walkways and a short film extend the experience beyond the moment to inspire the wider community.
The Ruamāhanga River and its lakes are seriously degraded. Together, we're healing the land, growing community inspiring the next generation to cherish and protect it.
Project updates
Team
Ruamāhanga River revival though young people's conservation and creativity
Ruamāhanga Farm Foundation (RFF) is cultivating a living model of regenerative education and bio-regional restoration in the South Wairarapa. Our flagship programme is Te Reo o te Wai. This brings together tamariki, teachers, artists, kaitiaki, farmers and others who are passionate about where we live, to care for the awa, wetlands, and bush remnants within the Waihinga Catchment (located in and around the awa close to Martinborough). Through creative writing, art, citizen science, and hands-on conservation, young people are learning to see themselves as part of the living system that sustains them. Our kaupapa is of a local community more connected to each other and the land, and it is growing through collaboration with others, particularly local people and organisations. Along with native plant restoration, we are hosting walking, local food growing and composting groups on the farm.
Project story
Te Reo o te Wai 2026
Discover how art and conservation unite to help restore the southern reaches of the Ruamāhanga River. Learn about Lake Wairarapa reclaimed by its iwi after 125 years.
Building on three years of established success, Te Reo o Te Wai (Language of the Water) brings together 300 children and young people from six local schools for hands-on conservation work alongside professional artists. Students will plant native trees, monitor water quality, and restore wetlands while learning to see their river anew. They will encounter endangered species like the Matuku (bittern) and Kororā (blue penguin).
The magic happens when conservation meets creativity. Children's field experiences inspire original poetry and nature writing, transformed into three musical compositions featuring the Martinborough Music Festival's professional musicians and the internationally acclaimed Kreftwork puppeteers and poets.
This vision celebrates the interconnected life of birds, fish, river, and trees through four unforgettable performances—intimate indoor concerts blending music and storytelling, plus outdoor processional events along the river. Recordings shared via QR codes along new walkways and a short film extend the experience beyond the moment to inspire the wider community.
The Ruamāhanga River and its lakes are seriously degraded. Together, we're healing the land, growing community inspiring the next generation to cherish and protect it.
Project updates
Team
Location
New Zealand
Round 3
Jul 1-21, 2026
Supporting community-led nature projects around the world.
Matching funds provided by
