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.
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. But 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.
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.
Rodney District Council supports and encourages community involvement in projects within the Wildlink. There is opportunity for funding support of projects in the North-West Wildlink from Rodney District Council’s Natural Heritage Fund (NHF). The contact person for the NHF is Craig Pratt, Natural and Coastal Policy Advisor.
For further information:
Contact: Alison Pye
Phone: 0800 426 7280
Email: alison.pye@rodney.govt.nz