Whanganui Māori have long fought to protect their rights to Whanganui River and its surrounds, including occupations at Pākaitore (aka Moutoa Gardens) and Tieke in the 1990s. Subtitled 'On the River Road', this Heartland episode sees Gary McCormick travelling along the awa to visit protestors at Tieke, as well as nuns, farmers and school kids at various settlements. McCormick also heads to Jerusalem to learn more about James K. Baxter's former community. The show is packed with history and articulate argument, as well as the small-town spirit and humour that Heartland is famous for.