Auckland's natural environment

North-West Wildlink

The North-West Wildlink is a vision; large scale and long term, that seeks to link two of the region's biodiversity hotspots - the Hauraki Gulf Islands and the Waitakere Ranges.  See the pdf below for a map of the area covered.

The focus of the Wildlink is on linking and enhancing existing natural areas, open space, stream banks, esplanade reserves, and backyards to provide safe routes and refuges for native fauna and flora.

The purpose of the North-West Wildlink is to link community, individual and agency effort in order to provide healthy and safe habitat across the Auckland region. Great results are already being achieved by a number of community groups, landowners, schools, iwi and agencies. To achieve such a large vision we need to work together beyond the boundaries of reserves and city limits.

The NWW is considered to be the first of its kind in New Zealand. The original concept of the North-West Wildlink stemmed from "Auckland Naturally", a vision of the Auckland branch of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society (Forest & Bird). After many conversations between key community and government organisations, it was acknowledged as an important opportunity to foster community connection and stewardship in Auckland and was embraced as a regional vision.

Commitment to the North-West Wildlink vision was formalised within a partnership agreement, the North-West Wildlink Accord. The Accord partners include: Auckland Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, Forest & Bird, Rodney District Council, North Shore City Council and Waitakere City Council. See below for a copy of the Accord.

The broad goals of the North-West Wildlink are to:

• Increase the ecological health and connectivity of native habitats throughout the area.
• Increase meaningful community participation in environmental care.
• Increase collaboration and communication between agencies, groups and individuals.

These benefits will be achieved through prioritising and co-ordinating efforts, and linking individual actions and community projects into a broader regional picture.

To find out more about the North West Wildlink and how you, or your group, can be part of the Wildlink vision, please contact us or any of the participating agencies.

Department of Conservation
Forest & Bird
North Shore City Council
Rodney District Council
Waitakere City Council

To find out what environmental activities are happening within the North-West Wildlink and the rest of the Auckland Region, connect with other volunteers, and find out about funding and networking opportunities between small and large organizations, go to the ecoevents website (formerly Manawa) www.ecoevents.org.nz