- Matuku Link, a community-led environmental project in West Auckland, has earned global acclaim for its outstanding work in wetland restoration, education, and community engagement.
- Long-time supporters Waitākere Ranges and Henderson-Massey Local Boards congratulate the group on their well-deserved achievement and thank the group for protecting the precious wetlands.
- Matuku Link will be celebrating this achievement with guided tours and an exhibition on wetlands during open days between 22–28 November.
A community-led environmental project in West Auckland has earned global acclaim, winning a Gold Star Award at the prestigious Wetland Link International Star Wetland Centre Awards.
Matuku Link, based in Te Henga, has been recognised for its outstanding work in wetland restoration, education, and community engagement—joining just two other Gold Star recipients, in Australia and Hong Kong, selected from 39 centres worldwide.
Judges praised the West Auckland initiative for its volunteer-led model, strong focus on education, and deep roots in the community.
“Matuku Link has achieved something extraordinary. They’ve shown that a small, local centre powered by passion and purpose can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best,” says Connor Walsh, chair of the Awards Judging Panel.
The project receives ongoing support from both Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Henderson-Massey Local board, with the former providing funding for pest control and the latter contributing towards the ecological education school holiday programme.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board member Greg Presland says the recognition reflects years of commitment and collaboration.
“We’re proud to support the incredible work Matuku Link has been doing to restore and protect our natural heritage. Their efforts have made a lasting impact, and our community is better for it.”
Henderson-Massey Local Board chair Chris Carter also offered his congratulations, noting the importance of wetlands in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
“This is a well-earned honour for a truly deserving team. Matuku Link’s work is not only preserving a precious wetland—it’s helping secure a better future for us all.”
The WLI Star Awards are the world’s only accreditation recognising excellence in wetland education and visitor engagement.
Wetlands are vital ecosystems—filtering water, storing carbon, and providing habitat for threatened species like the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern), tuna kuwharuwharu (longfin eel), and pāteke (brown teal).
With just nine per cent of New Zealand’s wetlands remaining, Matuku Link is on a mission to shift public perception from "smelly swamps" to "biodiversity treasures."
Founded in 2016 after a $2.04 million community fundraising campaign, the Matuku Link Charitable Trust is led by five trustees and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Since purchasing the wetland property, the group has transformed an old barn into a purpose-built Wetland Education Centre, constructed native plant nurseries, and built accessible boardwalks through Auckland’s largest mainland wetland.
Each year, more than 1,000 school-aged children visit Matuku Link for hands-on science education, school holiday activities, and family events. The immersive programme helps foster a deep connection to nature and inspire the next generation of kaitiaki (guardians).
Matuku Link will be celebrating this achievement with guided tours and an exhibition on wetlands during open days between 22–28 November.
For more details about Matuku Link’s work or to join the open days, visit the Matuku Link website.
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