The Dawoodi Bohra community of Auckland has announced its support for Matuku Link, one of West Auckland’s leading wetland restoration projects, for the next three years. This partnership, launched through the community’s global Project Rise initiative, will bring together volunteers and local experts to protect nature and native wildlife.
On Friday, 21st November, members of the Dawoodi Bohra community signed an agreement with Matuku Link Trust, marking the start of this important collaboration. This joint effort highlights the Dawoodi Bohra community’s long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility through Project Rise, which also focuses on nutrition, education, environment, health, and women’s empowerment worldwide.
Dr John Sumich, founding Trustee of Matuku Reserve Trust, expressed his gratitude about the partnership: “The support from the Dawoodi Bohra community is invaluable. Having previously joined us for a planting day, it is truly inspiring to see such efforts from a faith group. We are now exceptionally delighted to formalise a long-term partnership with them for this sustained restoration project.”
Matuku Link’s work was recently recognised with a Gold Star Award at the Wetland Link International Awards, one of only three wetlands worldwide to receive this honour this year.
The partnership will enable Matuku Link to carry out vital restoration tasks, including replanting one acre of land with 4,000 locally sourced wetland plants. Expanded pest control measures will also help improve habitat for endangered native species. The aim is to create a lasting positive impact by linking with other conservation efforts, protecting the area from the Waitākere Ranges to the Tasman Sea.
A key part of the project will be the active involvement of the Dawoodi Bohra community, including children and young people, who will participate in planting, weeding and guided walks to learn about caring for the environment.
“We first connected with Matuku Link during a community clean-up and planting day a couple of years ago, and that experience made a lasting impression on us. It showed how much can be achieved when people work together for the environment and inspired our community to commit to a long-term partnership,” said Shabbir Rajkotwala, member of the Auckland Bohra community.
“We chose this project because it aligns perfectly with our community’s values on protecting nature. It is a meaningful way to give back to New Zealand and support a project making a real difference,” he added.
Matuku Link is a community-led organisation in West Auckland focused on restoring and creating awareness about the Matuku wetland, a vital area for native wildlife conservation. To celebrate its ninth anniversary, Matuku Link will hold a public event from 22nd to 30th November featuring daily tours, displays, and activities to highlight wetland conservation.
The Dawoodi Bohra community of Auckland is a vibrant, close-knit group of around 115 families from different parts of the world. Having made New Zealand their home for nearly five decades, they contribute actively to the region’s social and cultural life.
