Central residents can be citizen scientists, learning about biodiversity, the Taiari river and its scroll plain during the inaugural Taiari Wai River Festival on Saturday, January 20.

The festival, taking place from 12pm to 5pm, has been organised by Tiaki Maniototo, a group funded by the Ministry for Environment Freshwater Fund in 2021. 

Tiaki Maniototo communications officer Bill Morris said it was the first year of the free “very unique” music festival.

“It’s a bit of tester for its success. We are greatly indebted to the Otago Community Trust for believing in this venture and giving us a shot at running it through some funding. 

“Our goal is that over time, the festival will be an annual event that links communities up and down the Taiari river, from Dunedin to Paerau. Only by strengthening community, can we hope to meet the environmental challenges of our time.

“The event celebrates freshwater and music; these two things go hand in hand.”

On Friday, January 19, people can go out with Tiaki Maniototo experts and gather samples of species of fish and plants from across the catchment, Bill said.

“This will form some baseline information and people can [explore] it the following day . . . in a family friendly way.”

Tiaki Maniototo will have a tent set up at the festival and experts will be on hand to give out information and answer questions about freshwater conservation. 

Otago musicians, including the Maplewood String Band, Jo Little and Jared Smith and Tahu and the Takahes will play.

There will also be local arts, crafts and food.

Organisers hope to attract music, food and art lovers from the Maniototo, Central and further afield, including Dunedin and Queenstown Lakes.

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks.

Sunblock, hats and umbrellas for shade are also recommended as there is limited shade on site. Drinking water will be available. 

For more information see the event listing.

Read more: Freshwater conservation flowing in Maniototo.