Te Henga Wetland

Size: 168 hectares

Area description

The Te Henga Wetland biodiversity focus area is the largest freshwater swamp on the mainland in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. Situated on the west coast in the Te Henga valley, the swamp covers the lower sections of the Waitākere River and Mokoroa Stream. 

A mosaic (mix) of raupō, rushes and sedges with scattered cabbage trees and flax is found here with a rich diversity of plant species. The swamp habitat supports important populations of several threatened wetland bird species.

Although there are threats to be managed, Te Henga Wetland is of national biodiversity significance given the:

  • size of the wetlands
  • ecosystem quality and diversity
  • species diversity
  • importance of Te Henga as a stepping-stone in the wider landscape.
Te Henga wetland.
The size and complexity of the wetland mosaic at Te Henga makes it one of the most significant natural wetlands in Tāmaki Makaurau. A working farm runs along its western boundary.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Key ecosystems

Cabbage trees, flax and mānuka are found scattered along the edges of the swamp and on small islands. There are patches of kuta and swamp millet. Other patches are dominated by Machaerina species (WL11) and large areas of raupō reedland (WL19). Several threatened plant populations have been recorded here.

The surrounding landscape is a complex mix of native forest and regenerating scrub, grazed farmland, extensive sand dunes downstream at Te Henga beach and nearby freshwater lakes.

Sections of Te Henga Wetland.
The upstream section of Te Henga Wetland. The Forest and Bird reserve and Matuku Link project area is adjacent to the north.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Native fauna

The wetland habitat supports a diverse range of native birds including:

  • mātātā (fernbird)
  • koitareke (marsh crake)
  • pūweto (spotless crake)
  • mioweka (banded rail)
  • one of Auckland’s largest matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern) populations.

Matuku-hūrepo are under threat of extinction due to the extensive loss of their wetland habitat and ongoing pressures such as predation. Their national population has sharply declined. This species is now ranked as Nationally Critical (the same threat level as kākāpō).

Sections of Te Henga Wetland.
View of Te Henga Wetland, looking east and upstream.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018
Te Henga Wetland and Forest and Bird reserve.
The Te Henga Wetland including a Forest and Bird reserve at the northern end.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2019

Community action

The community is involved in ecological restoration projects in the local area including:

  • Matuku Link
  • Habitat Te Henga
  • Matuku Reserve
  • Ark in the Park.

Restoration activities include animal pest control, weed control, restoration planting, and advocacy and education. Reducing predator numbers benefits native species including wetland birds. 

The recent reintroduction of pateke (brown teal) to Te Henga wetland was possible thanks to the ongoing management of animal pests here.

Related ecosystems

Wetland ecosystem

Machaerina sedgeland ecosystem (WL11)

This critically endangered ecosystem occurs on the edges of lakes and shallow basins. It often occurs in a mosaic of wetland habitats including raupō reedland. Many native fauna species live here.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Mānuka, tangle fern scrub and fernland (WL12)

Mānuka fen wetlands are found in areas with seasonally wet and dry soils, such as the margins of lakes and estuaries. In Auckland, the largest examples of this ecosystem are found on Aotea / Great Barrier Island.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Flaxland ecosystem (WL18)

Flaxlands are flax dominated freshwater wetlands that occur on terraces and in depressions on recent organic soils.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Raupō reedland ecosystem (WL19)

Raupō swamps are found in a wide range of areas on mineral soils and fluctuating water tables. They are dominated by raupō and other rushes and grasses, which provide a home for wetland birds.

Threat status
Endangered