Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem? Manawa Wetland is just that. Right here in Auckland lies a fascinating story. It’s a story of transformation. From a Crown Lynn pottery dump to a thriving wetland.
Manawa Wetland. This wasn’t always a haven for ducks and pukekos. Once it was a wasteland a dumping ground for broken pottery. Before that it was a brickworks. Imagine the scale of Gardner Bros and Parkers Brickworks. Five hectares of land. They dug the quarry 12-15 meters deep. The clay was used to make bricks and Crown Lynn pottery. Then Crown Lynn itself used the land to dump its waste. Broken pieces of pottery still litter the surface today. A tangible link to Auckland’s industrial past.
The transformation began in 2000. A community effort turned this industrial scar into a beautiful wetland. Richard Parker Janet Holtriger and 400 volunteers worked tirelessly. They created a constructed wetland mimicking a natural one. They even made mosaic pavers from Crown Lynn scraps. A testament to the community’s dedication. The wetland is well signposted. These signs tell the story of the regeneration.
Today Manawa Wetland is a haven for wildlife. Ducks and pukekos call it home. Locals come to walk feed the birds and even adopt pukekos. They search for fragments of Crown Lynn pottery. These fragments are now cherished as part of the local heritage.
Manawa Wetland won environmental awards. It’s a symbol of Auckland’s resilience and creativity. A place where nature reclaims its space and community spirit flourishes. A place where the past and present intertwine in a vibrant display of life. It’s a wetland truly worthy of exploration.