Piriharakeke - The Manawatū River Loop at Foxton
4 November 2026
Years of vision, determination and partnership have secured a major investment in the future of Piriharakeke, with the Government announcing it would provide up to $3 million in grant funding from the through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), administered by Kānoa – Regional Development & Commercial Services within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to support the restoration and development of Foxton's historic river loop.
The investment will help restore the health of Piriharakeke, strengthen connections between people and place, and create further environmental, cultural and economic opportunities for Foxton and the wider Horowhenua community.
The funding marks a significant milestone for Save Our River Trust (SORT), whose long-term vision has helped drive efforts to restore the river loop and reconnect people with this important waterway.
Piriharakeke is a place of deep significance for the local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa and the Foxton community. Once an important mahinga kai and transport route, it has played a key role in the area’s history and identity.
Over the past century, changes to the wider Manawatū River system have contributed to the decline of the river loop, affecting its environmental health and limiting how people can use and enjoy it.
The project will include new walkways, jetties and boardwalks, improved river access, native planting, dredging, and other environmental improvements designed to restore and enhance the area.
Save Our River Trust Chair Irene Wakefield said the funding marks a significant milestone in the restoration of Piriharakeke.
“This milestone reflects the longstanding commitment and collective efforts of SORT volunteers, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa, the wider community and project partners who have worked over many years towards a shared vision for Piriharakeke.”
“It will help improve the health of the river, reconnect people with the awa, and create opportunities for recreation, tourism, cultural connection and Māori enterprise for generations to come.”
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden said the announcement shows what can be achieved when communities, mana whenua and government work together towards a shared goal.
“This investment is the culmination of years of vision, perseverance and partnership. It will help restore the health of Piriharakeke, strengthen connections between people and place, and unlock new environmental, cultural and economic opportunities for Foxton and the wider Horowhenua community.”
“This project honours the efforts of those who have championed the restoration of the river loop over many years. It’s an investment in the future of Foxton and in an asset that will benefit the whole district.”
Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Chair Ross Brannigan said the investment aligns strongly with the Foxton Futures vision and builds on significant progress already made in the town.
“This is fantastic news for Foxton. It builds on the progress we’ve made through projects like Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom and the Cultural Riverside Park and supports the long-term aspirations of the Foxton Futures vision.”
The project forms Phase 3 of the Piriharakeke regeneration and builds on earlier Crown-supported investment in Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom and the Foxton riverfront.
It will be delivered through a partnership involving Save Our River Trust, mana whenua, Horowhenua District Council and other local stakeholders. Save Our River Trust will continue to provide governance oversight, while Horowhenua District Council will lead project delivery.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
ENDS
