The Upper Ongarue Catchment Group, established in September 2022, represents the northernmost segment of the Whanganui Region Catchment Collective, spanning from Bennydale/Maniaiti in the north to Ongarue township in the south. This collaborative initiative brings together landowners, farmers, hapū, and community members dedicated to restoring the health and mana of the Awa, enhancing water quality, protecting wildlife such as Whio, and addressing environmental degradation.

Through partnerships with iwi, knowledge-sharing, and fostering community resilience, the group strives to create a sustainable future supported by education, eco-tourism, and collective action. Since February 2023, the group has demonstrated its commitment to this vision through monthly water sampling efforts, underscoring its focus on environmental stewardship and community well-being.