The Whanganui River (New Zealand) was the guest of the second key moment of the International of Rivers on November 16, 2024, at Le Lieu Unique in Nantes. Its voice was carried by Rory Smith, a member of Te Kōpuka, the strategic group mandated by the Te Awa Tupua legislation to develop and oversee the entire Te Heke Ngahuru river strategy for the river's respect.
Rory has over 30 years of experience in running two tourism businesses closely linked to the Whanganui River, including an accommodation provider and a tour operator, both deeply dependent on close relationships with the Iwi (Māori) of the Whanganui River.
