About Awa Safe

Our Story

In recent years, the lower reaches of the Whanganui River have faced growing safety concerns due to increased public access and usage. Despite the river’s importance for recreation, sport, and cultural connection, no active Maritime Safety Management System (SMS) has been in place for over two decades.

Following the significant 2015 flood, local users recognised the need for a comprehensive safety plan. Over the past two years, Awa Safe has been developed through consultation and co-design with committed user groups, iwi, and community members. This initiative aligns with Te Kopuka, the Awa Strategy, ensuring all actions honour the kawa of Te Awa Tupua.

Challenges we are addressing

Through engagement with the community, we identified key safety challenges, including:

1. Lack of awareness of river rules – Addressing safe speeds, directional paths, and collision risks.
2. Limited real-time safety information – Providing on-site updates and reporting mechanisms.
3. Support for sports clubs – Promoting compliance with health and safety regulations.
4. Improved communication – Establishing a coordinated platform for events, rahui, and updates.
5. Signage – Enhancing safety messaging at key access points.
6. Risk information – Highlighting hazards such as logs, silt build-up, and unpredictable currents.
7. Maintenance – Keeping riverbanks clear for safety and visibility.
8. Safe swimming education – Informing the community about appropriate swimming spots.

Our Goals

Awa Safe aims to:

1. Connect river users and stakeholders – Foster collaboration between groups and the wider community.
2. Minimize risk, maximize safety – Ensure safer use of the lower reaches of the Whanganui River.
3. Develop a self-regulating safety management system– Address health and safety priorities sustainably.
4. Honor Te Awa Tupua – Build collective responsibility rooted in Tupua Te Kawa.
5. Cultivate a safety culture – Create lasting safety practices for future generations.

Collaboration and Leadership

Awa Safe is driven by a Steering Group of key decision-makers, including iwi, councils, Sport Whanganui, and an Awa User Group. These groups bring together diverse expertise to address safety comprehensively, ensuring the initiative reflects the unique kawa of Te Kopuka.

Together, we’re fostering a shared responsibility to make the Whanganui River safer for everyone.

Join Us

Your voice matters! Awa Safe invites all river users and community members to participate in this ongoing journey. Stay informed, get involved, and help us create a safer Whanganui River for generations to come. Contact us for more info.

Key Actions

Awa Safe is actively pursuing the following steps to achieve its goals:

1. Tupua Te Kawa

Establishing a self-regulating framework that integrates the values of Te Awa Tupua.

2. Safety Management System (SMS)

Developing an SMS in consultation with river users, informed by Maritime Safety protocols.

3. Improved Access and Egress

Enhancing safe access points, maintaining embankments, and protecting the natural environment.

4. Education and Training

Creating educational programs focused on:

• Water safety and safe swimming.
• Boating and skipper courses.
• Cultural and historical awareness of Te Awa Tupua.

5. Interactive Safety Platform

Launching an online platform to provide:

• Real-time updates on hazards, events, and rules.
• Reporting tools and educational resources.
• Location-specific safety information via QR codes.

6. Resources and Equipment

Improving access to life jackets, rescue tubes, and defibrillators at key locations.

7. Signage

Installing informative signage at access points and on bridges, linked to the Awa Safe website

8. Monitoring and Oversight

Investigating options for a Harbour Master or enhanced monitoring capabilities.