Matuku Link

Image credit: Imogen Warren Photography.

Off to a flying start

In November 2016 the Matuku Reserve Trust was able to buy 37 hectares of bush and wetland, naming it “Matuku Link”, after an intensive fundraising campaign. Buying it ensured the safety of the wildlife and forms a vital connection by linking neighbouring eco-restoration projects Ark in the Park; Habitat te Henga and the Forest & Bird reserve Matuku. Over 90% of New Zealand’s wetlands have been drained or filled, yet on Auckland’s doorstep is Te Henga wetland, the largest wetland in the region.

Matuku Link, bordering the Te Henga wetland, is a large native forest block in Auckland’s Bethell’s valley. It is a home to rare wetland species such as our namesake matuku (australasian bittern), puweto (spotless crake), pateke (brown teal) as well as to native bats along the river. The kauri and the kahikatea are a home to many bush birds like kereru, fantail, tui, ruru, tomtits and recently even a rare robin was seen.

In the first three years hundreds of volunteers donated over 12,000 hours: planting and weeding over 10,000 trees, shrubs and grasses. We also built a nursery where we grow our next generation of eco-sourced plants. Together we created ponds and re-established streams, doing predator control and are working on the transformation of our barn into a Sustainable Wetland Education Center.  More info about us 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!