West Auckland’s Matuku Link has just made history—winning global recognition as one of the world’s top three wetland centres.
The community-powered wetland restoration project in Te Henga has been awarded a Gold Star at the Wetland Link International (WLI) Star Wetland Centre Awards—announced at the UN Wetlands COP in Zimbabwe. Only three centres in the world received this honour, putting Matuku Link alongside projects from Australia and Hong Kong.
“This is a huge moment,” says Connor Walsh, Chair of the Awards Judging Panel. “Matuku Link proves that a passionate local team can compete with the best on the planet.”
The award celebrates excellence in wetland education and community engagement—areas where Matuku Link shines. With just 9% of New Zealand’s wetlands left, the group is on a mission to shift public perception from “smelly swamps” to “biodiversity treasures.”
Why Matuku Link Stands Out:
- Entirely volunteer-led and community-driven
- Strong focus on education and hands-on learning
- Home to rare wildlife including the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern), tuna kuwharuwharu (longfin eel), and pāteke (brown teal)
Founded in 2016 after raising $2.04 million, Matuku Link has transformed its site into a hub for conservation and connection. Highlights include:
- A purpose-built Wetland Education Centre (converted from an old barn)
- Two thriving native plant nurseries
- Accessible boardwalks and nature trails (built with Jobs for Nature support)
More than 1,000 school-aged children visit annually, learning real science, in a real wetland, with real impact. It’s education that sticks—and inspires the next generation of kaitiaki to protect what’s left.