Our Story

At Save Our River Trust (SORT), we're driven by a shared commitment to restoring and conserving Piriharakeke (the Manawatū River Loop at Foxton) and our waterways beyond. With over 20 years of voluntary mahi behind us, our community-led initiative aims to revive the mauri of our awa while nurturing the connection between our Te Awahou (Foxton) community and the waterways along the way.

Our journey began with a recognition of the environmental degradation caused by mismanaged earthworks in 1943, altering the natural course of the Manawatū River and impacting the cultural, social, economic, and environmental well-being of Te Awahou (Foxton).

At SORT, we believe in the power of collective action and community engagement. Every member of our community plays a vital role as a custodian, contributing to the well-being of our waterways. Our mahi is deeply rooted in the principles of mātauranga Māori, and more specifically mātauranga-a-iwi and mātauranga-a-hapū that support kaitiakitanga and regulate the relationship between people and our waterways.

Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to restoring the mauri of our awa, we strive to create a future where our community thrives in harmony with our waterways. Our work is guided by a vision of possibility, where the positive experiences and connections once integral to our identity are revived for generations to come.

Join us in our mission to preserve and protect our precious waterways, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Te Awahou (Foxton) and beyond. Together, we can make a difference and leave a lasting legacy for our tamariki, mokopuna to thrive within and enjoy.