Why we love wetlands

programme run by Community Waita¯ kere.

The project aims to connect local people with place, fostering the value of kaitiakitanga by enhancing the mauri (life-supporting capacity) of the area.

As a part of the programme, environmental educator co-ordinator Bronwyn Smith brings hundreds of kids of all ages through the park each year to teach them about water quality, wild creatures and wetlands.

‘‘We work a lot with local schools who have this taonga on their backdoor step. Our aim is for kids to care about this space to understand how lucky they are that this is in their backyard and to feel passionate that they will take action to protect and conserve it, and educate others about it.’’

WATA’s work also encompasses rigorous monitoring of pests and birds, and wiping out weeds that smother native plant species.

The project has even spread out to backyard trapping along the peninsula to get locals involved in the conservation kaupapa.

Introduced pests aren’t the only threat to the health of this wetland – a lack of respect, and very curious dogs, can also create problems says Michael.

‘‘It’s easy to make things go extinct, but my passion is having consideration for wildlife; to be in a place where you can live side by side and have a chance to see them in their natural habitat.’’

Orangihina is open all year round, 465 Te Atatu¯ Rd. For more information on the restoration projects see Wild About Te Atatu¯ on Facebook.

More than 90 per cent of New Zealand’s bogs, fens, swamps, saltmarsh and swamp forests have been destroyed and 50 per cent of what remains is not protected legally. Around 30 per cent of wetland plants are threatened, and 30 per cent of native birds use wetland ecosystems in some way. Wetlands absorb water during floods and release it slowly – a handy feature which reduces droughts. They also filter out silt and nutrients before they can pollute rivers, lakes and seas.

Wetland plants host bacteria that can break down about 90 per cent of the nitrogen in runoff from farms. Peat wetlands suck carbon from the air, storing around 40 per cent of global carbon on land.

World Wetland Day Open Day: Head to the Matuku Link today for an open day for food, fun, wetland walks, education and eel feeding. 10am-3pm at 111 Bethells Rd, Waita¯ kere. See www.matukulink.org.nz for more info.