Protecting our wetlands and critically endangered wildlife
Wetlands are a precious part of our ecosystem, acting like the kidneys of the earth, cleaning the water that flows into them. They trap sediment and soils, filter out contaminants; can reduce flooding and protect coastal land from storm surge; and return nitrogen to the atmosphere. In New Zealand they support the greatest concentration of wildlife out of any other habitat and yet 90% of our wetlands have been cleared.
Many of the community conservation groups in the Hauraki Coromandel are working to protect remaining wetlands and the endangered species that inhabit them, such as the Matuku-Hūrepo or Australasian Bittern, pictured below.
This is a strikingly beautiful and secretive wetland bird that has perfected invisibility. Its colour and striations exactly mimic the close, vertical world of reeds and raupō, especially when it lifts its dagger beak right up, narrows itself to angular reed-thinness and sways gently with the wind-rustling stems. The male’s distinctive mating call is a sonorous, haunting boom that reverberates through its wetland habitat - the call of the wild.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.7% Nah - not for me
Adults Arts Therapy
Discover the benefits of art making at Arts for Health. Our Wednesday art therapy class offers a creative, relaxing escape. Guided by Scarlett, you'll engage in artful activities designed to help you unwind and reconnect with yourself as you paint, draw, design and experiment with a wide range of art materials. This art therapy class is ideal for adults, no experience is needed - just bring yourself, and we’ll provide all materials and equipment. With a limit of only 8 participants, you'll enjoy a personalised experience and meet some amazing people along the way.
Book now at www.artsforhealth.co.nz...
Treasured Book Workshop Series
Create your own treasure book in this eight-week Hamilton workshop. Choose your cover, pick your papers, and learn simple book-binding techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind keepsake filled with pockets, textures, and space for your stories.
This workshop is all about slowing down, exploring new skills, and enjoying time just for you.
A relaxed, creative space to make something meaningful and uniquely yours.
Book now at www.artsforhealth.co.nz...
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