World Wetlands Day 2021

Around the world, February 2 is the day to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of wetlands.

Wetlands are like the kidneys of the earth, cleaning the water that flows into them. They play a crucial role for both the environment and humanity, including:

• Provision of clean water
• Trapping sediments
• Conserving biodiversity
• Providing storm and flood protection
• Increasing carbon storage
• Increasing ecosystem resilience
• Providing tourism and recreation, creating jobs and local revenue
• Increasing health and well-being of local people and visitors

Sadly, over 90% of New Zealand’s pre-settlement wetland ecosystems have been lost. Key threats are:

• Drainage / reclamation for development
• Pollution by excess run-off of sediment and nutrients
• Pest plant and animal invasion
• Stock grazing
• Careless recreation practices

The Te Henga wetland is one of the largest wetlands in the Auckland Region. Bordering this wetland is Matuku Link, a 37-ha block of land where the hard-working Matuku Link team (mostly volunteers) are undertaking multiple restoration and predator control projects. Their aim is to create a safe corridor for native fauna with conservation projects in the wider landscape, including Ark in the Park, Matuku Reserve, Habitat te Henga and Forest Ridge.

The area is home to many rare and vulnerable wetland species such as matuku (Australasian bittern), pūweto (spotless crake) and pāteke (brown teal).

Boffa Miskell ecologists and biosecurity consultants have a long involvement with the area. Matuku Link was considered for a field trial of a new lure being developed by Boffa Miskell as part of a PF2050-funded project. Sadly for the trial — but great for the wildlife at Matuku Link — no pests were recorded during pre-trial surveying. However, there are plenty of other sites teeming with pests that will be used for the lure trial.

To celebrate World Wetland Day, Matuku Link (111 Bethells Rd, Waitakere) is having an open day on Saturday 13 February 2021, 10am-3pm. It’s completely free, and for all ages. Enjoy walks, talks, stalls food and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive matuku (bittern). For more information, click here.

So see what over 10,000 hours of volunteer work can achieve at Matuku Link, and check out the New Zealand Wetland Trust Website to learn more about the importance of wetlands.

Find out more

Using drone imagery to monitor wetlands from above

For further information please contact Dr. Helen Blackie