I still pinch myself every time I am lucky enough to visit Leon Kinvig Hut - what a fantastic outcome to have this hut relocated and restored. With the new tracks completed by the amazing BCT team lead by Dave Eaton, there is again good access from both the east (so long as you can cross the river just upstream from the hut) and the west (off Shorts Track). The hut book shows that there has been plenty of visitors in recent times. DOC have completed construction of the new helicopter landing pad. This got the nod of approval when the team landed there recently for the pre winter service of the river trap line. There is ample firewood in the wood shed - enough to last many years! Camp sites are ok around the hut too if it gets crowded. I am at the risk of repeating myself, but I will say it again - I don't think I can thank everyone enough for persevering with this project - BCT, DOC and all the volunteers who made it possible - cheers to you all, Janet.

This item on RNZ checkpoint about ducks found in an area they haven't been seen before

"The big news is that we have a Whio pair with six ducklings on the Rangitikei River. I have never seen ducklings on the Rangitikei River in my almost 40 years of rafting. We have been viewing them for a couple of weeks now. No ducklings have been lost in that time. Very exciting stuff! A line of A24 traps protects this particular section of the river. The mahi is paying off!"

A good number of early season sightings reported from all over the Ruahines but so far these are the only ducklings. Still early days.....

Due to popular demand, the RWP Trust has produced another calendar.  The photos were taken and donated by volunteers with the calendar printed locally.  The cost is the same as last year at $20 plus any postage.  They are available at Turners Sports in Feilding or by contacting Janet Wilson [email protected]

                        Ruahine Whio Protectors Collective Annual Hui -                                                                        River Valley Lodge 20-21 August 2022

There was an excellent turnout for the annual RWP Collective's hui held in August at the lovely River Valley Lodge, right beside the Rangitikei River. For the first time we extended the invitation to those involved with Kiwi Conservation in the Ruahines. Groups represented included Aorangi O Awarua Trust, volunteer led trapping projects, Save the Kiwi, Cape Sanctuary, DOC, Good Nature and two Jobs for Nature projects. Thanks to everyone who attended and made the meeting successful - it was great to see some new faces and feel the passion for the Whio and Kiwi. Special thanks to the team at River Valley for making us so welcome and for the fabulous food, accommodation and the new meeting room.. Thanks also to the volunteers who came at their own expense and to DOC for providing a subsidy that offset some of the volunteers meal expenses.