Green Party minister Julie Anne Genter visits Whanganui and heads to Upokongaro

Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter before a trip up the Whanganui River to Upokongaro. Photo / Bevan Conley

A sunset cruise to Upokongaro was just one feature of a Green Party fundraiser in Whanganui this weekend.

Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter boarded the MV Wairua for the cruise yesterday afternoon.

The group was to chug upstream to the riverside settlement, tour St Mary's Church, have dinner at the Avoca Hotel and return by water.

The trip was a fundraiser, and 35 were on the water with the minister.

Genter, who is expecting her first child, will speak this morning at a Whanganui Women's Network breakfast at the Grand Hotel.

During the breakfast, she hopes to hear how other women balance being a parent and working.

"The prime minister and I are fortunate that our workplace is becoming more parent and child friendly, but I know many people in their workplaces still face significant challenges," she said.