New Development and Plans for the Te Henga Wetland
by Wetland Committee chairman J. Sumich
Photo: Janie Vaughan
The wetland along the southern portion of the Matuku reserve is part of the Te Henga wetland, the largest freshwater wetland in Auckland. While this portion can be given some protection from predators and some of the wetland weeds can be controlled, being able to control predators and weeds over the whole of the wetland would have immense value. With predator control over this greater area, waterfowl numbers would increase and species such as bittern and marsh crake, now rare or infrequent could increase. Translocations, for example of brown teal, could also occur.
A small committee of F&B members, local residents and a Council member have been investigating expanding the longstanding willow control attempts by Council and DOC to include these other measures. As the wetland is in the private ownership of many landowners, considerable consultation is required. Fencing to exclude stock from the wetland; planting of marginal strips and drain exits to absorb farm nutrients and minimise siltation; as well as trapping and /or baiting of predators are all measures that will be promoted. Being in private ownership means the general public will have few opportunities to view this wetland but with F&B owning a considerable part of the wetland there is potential to showcase wetland values and issues.
In 2010 an eastward extension of the existing track system at Matuku was started so that not only was access improved to the newer parts of Matuku for pest control in the forest, but also this edge track displayed the many facets of this great wetland. Raupo beds; cabbage tree and flax -edged river; expanses of sedges; wet-footed kahikatea and many other plants adapted to this wet environment are readily seen. An exciting find was the old tramline constructed in 1920 to haul the kauri logs to the railway at Waitakere and on to Auckland city. Cleared of decades of overgrowth, a length of rail, the quarried stone along the tramway side, and some rusted rail spikes are reminders of this aspect of European history. With the planned works, a quad bike- capable track will go the length of the Reserve and being flat for much of the way will give great views of the wetland and [almost] certain views of the endemic fernbird [Bowdleria].
Showing how successful this trail might be, an open day held as part of the Ramsar Convention 40th anniversary in February 2011 attracted almost 300 visitors. Other open days are planned with the co-operation of our neighbour. The wetland has always been accessible from the entry to the Reserve but this is a considerable distance and requires returning up one or other steep track. Access from the neighbouring property allows an easier stroll.
