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STANMORE BAY WETLAND

Located at Whangaparāoa College, the Stanmore Bay Wetland is a 3.5-hectare restoration site transforming into a thriving ecosystem for people, wildlife, and water.

Want to Volunteer? Get in touch.
A Living Classroom & Community Restoration Project

About the project

Restoration of the wetland began in 2021, supported by Auckland Council Healthy Waters, with early work focused on removing invasive pest plants and preparing the site for large-scale native planting. 

This unique site includes:

Two stormwater ponds
Natural wetland seep areas
Surrounding riparian and planting zones

Together, these form an important urban wetland system — filtering stormwater, improving water quality, and creating habitat for native species.

Why this wetland matters

Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosystems we have — especially in urban areas like the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.
This project helps to

The restoration work

This is a long-term restoration project — and a big one. The wetland has been heavily impacted by ecological weeds including: moth plant, woolly nightshade, pampas, giant reed, gorse and Japanese honeysuckle. Work underway includes:

  • Removing invasive pest plants
  • Releasing native seedlings already growing beneath the canopy
  • Planting native wetland species
  • Maintaining and improving the habitat across the site

Since July 2025, Restore Hibiscus & Bays has taken on ongoing coordination and management — strengthening the connection between the school, community and wider catchment.

Get involved

Monthly community working bees.   Everyone welcome.

  • First Sunday of every month
  • 9AM to 11AM
  • Whangaparāoa College, Stanmore Bay
  • Use the Berdinner Road entrance