Our project is named after the endangered Matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern) which needs wetland to survive. There are an estimated 700 matuku left, with some living in Te Henga, Auckland’s largest mainland wetland. Matuku Link aims to restore and protect wetland habitat in West Auckland, linking several other conservation projects to create a safe corridor for native flora and fauna.
In 2016, the Matuku Reserve Trust bought 37 hectares of bush and wetland with the help of many funders. Hundreds of volunteers have now revegetated our old paddocks with eco-sourced plants grown in our on-site nursery and are controlling pests to protect our native flora and fauna. This has created a safe corridor, linking several other local conservation projects.
Our educator delivers our hands-on wetland education programme Te kaupapapa rohe kōreporepo to over 1000 primary school children each year, and many groups of all ages join our working bees, open days, or guided tours.
Visiting Matuku Link: as we are a very small team, we are not always here – which means the gate might be shut! Please contact us if you would like to visit Matuku Link. Dogs are not allowed as we have active pest control methods in place to protect our birds.
What’s happening
Support our work
Hands-on volunteering
Our regular working bees are every third Sunday of the month and every Tuesday morning. Depending on the weather, tasks will be around weeding, planting, growing plants in the nursery, doing predator control or building and maintenance. More info here.
Please contact Annalily on hello@matukulink.org.nz with questions, or if you’d like to join us and it’s your first time out to Matuku Link. We’d love to welcome you here!
Helping out in other ways
Nothing is possible without our valued funders, donors and supporters. Matuku Reserve Trust is a charitable trust so any donation over $5 is tax deductible. Please consider becoming a supporter, more info here.
Thank you to our many generous sponsors and individuals who have helped us with in-kind or financial contributions!
From the blog
Whatipu Weed Warriors Weekend
Arrive at Whatipu and marvel how such a remote area is so close to Auckland. And it is under threat! Tabacco Weed (Woolly Nightshade) is invading the forest and wetland. Join our Woolly War for a weekend (or day) to help the Friends of Whatipu restore this beautiful...
Artist in residency
Since we have "inspiration" as one of our aims, and art is such a big part of that, we're happy to share the opportunity given by Auckland Council to do nature based art in one of their Regional Parks - Scandrett Regional Park this time. Derek March, our amazingly...
VIP Kayak Day 2026
Our annual fundraiser, always a sell out success: VIP Kayak Day on 18th April 2026 Once a year only - so as not to disturb the wildlife too much - and with access generously granted by our neighbouring properties, our VIP Kayak Day is back! Experience Te Henga wetland...
Contact us:
Secretary Annalily van den Broeke
022 692 2016 or email us at hello@matukulink.org.nz
Physical address:
111 Bethells Road, Te Henga, Auckland
Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter
We send out an email roughly once a month with news, upcoming events, and important information. Subscribe using the button below.


