What is religion? It may be belief in supernatural or spiritual traditions. It may be a set of practices appropriate to that belief.

Whanganui has been putting its beliefs into practice since the time of its first Māori inhabitants. Whanganui people are distinguished by the variety of their religions and rituals, with almost as many beliefs as there are believers. Religion has influenced every aspect of history and life in the region – for those who believe and those who do not.