New Whanganui Journey shelters merge culture and functionality

Minister Robbie Williams blesses the new shelter at Mangapurua on the Whanganui Journey Great Walk. Photo / Department of Conservation

Three new shelters have been constructed along the Whanganui Journey Great Walk and more are expected to follow.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) hopes the new facilities will provide shelter and cultural context for those on the multi-day kayak trip.

The previous structures were installed in the early 1990s.

The shelters’ design was inspired by the shape of the wharenui and, according to DoC, provides an opportunity for hapū to connect visitors to their stories.

“It’s about laying down the mauri for tauiwi [non-Māori], iwi, whānau – everyone who comes down the river,” traditional fishing expert and kaumātua Tommy Treanor said.

DoC senior ranger for heritage and visitors, Jim Campbell, said the process of delivering the new shelters was proposed in 2015.

“We’ve been working with Whanganui River iwi, Te Awa Tupua and user groups to improve the experience for visitors,” he said.

The shelters were blessed by Rātana church minister Robbie Williams during a dedicated trip on December 11.

The construction of additional shelters is planned for more locations along the Whanganui River.

“We continue to work with iwi up and down the river to improve on design and ensure facilities reflect the manaakitanga [hospitality] we all want to share with visitors,” Campbell said.

Visitors to the Whanganui Journey are encouraged to visit the DoC website for route information, safety advice, and to see the current conditions.