What is the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network?

U-who?, we hear you ask.

UWEN, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, is a name that you might have heard talked about so we thought it was worth a quick introduction. UWEN is an umbrella organisation that was created when a number of local groups doing environmental protection and restoration work came together and decided that collaboration and sharing knowledge would be beneficial to everyone.

Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park is one of more than a dozen groups that sit under the UWEN umbrella.

Today the organisation is growing with the appointment of Louis Foot as Pest Coordinator and Rachael Pates as Network Manager.

The community groups and key individuals meet monthly to share their news, their learnings and just connect and support each other. By working together, the groups can start seeing impacts on a much larger scale. One of these projects is the Rail Trail, a group of trappers focusing their effort on the coastal habitats where Banded Rail (Mohu Pererū) can be found.

UWEN also works to raise the profile of all of the groups, have a stronger voice in advocacy work and works collaboratively with Auckland Council staff and the Local Board to secure funding and support for the benefit of all of the groups.

If you want to find out more then get in touch with Rachael at uwen.manager@gmail.com