The Wainuioru Community River Care Group was set up after a community meeting, attended by more than 60 people, at the Wainuoru Hall in September 2017.

Residents of the area expressed interest in having water quality assessed  and improved, and also expressed concerns about future regulations and other matters such as flooding, siltation and old riverbank willows.

The purposes of the society are to:

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a) Monitor the water quality and condition of the upper Wainuioru River.

b) Develop and implement plans to improve and restore the water quality and condition of the upper Wainuioru River for future generations.

c) Foster education and community spirit in the upper Wainuioru River catchment area, including the local school and iwi.

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The managing committee has members representative of the wide range of residents of the upper Wainuioru catchment area. With advice and assistance from Ministry for the environment, Greater Wellington Regional Council scientists and Beef and Lamb NZ, it is carrying out quarterly water tests at six sites on the upper Wainuioru and tributaries, south to the Te Wharau Road.

The Wainuioru River is in the eastern hills of the Wairarapa, in the southeast of New Zealand's North Island. From headwaters in the Stronvar area, it wends south between the Maungaraki and Brocken (or Taipo) ranges before joining the Pahaoa River's path to the sea on the east coast.  

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