Nature & Art at Matuku Link
Gather around “Journey to the Sea” by artist Derek March — the longest mural in Te Henga/Bethells — and discover the story of the tuna heke, the migrating eels travelling from the misty headwaters of the Waitākere Rainforest down through the land to the coast. These eels have long been a constant presence in the river, silently witnessing the changes brought by humans through the currents of time.
The tuna also appear in Derek’s pencil-on-paper work, Call to the Big Sea. Other featured subjects in his art include another enduring wetland inhabitant: the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern). One of his pieces is a larger-than-life wooden sculpture of a bittern in its characteristic upright “freeze” pose. Another is an atmospheric oil painting depicting two matuku in the wetland under moonlight, reflecting the quiet beauty of this unique habitat.
Derek’s work is deeply inspired by the relationship between humans and nature — particularly here in Te Henga, where he has lived and worked for over 40 years. The exhibition is complemented by information on local nature, conservation, and wetland restoration at Matuku Link, where Derek has been a key contributor since its founding in 2016. He has shared both his artistic talents and his knowledge of plant propagation at the on-site nursery, helping grow eco-sourced plants for the Waitākere River catchment.
Join us for a talk at the mural at 10:30am, 12:30pm, or 2:30pm, followed by a guided tour of the restored wetland habitat at 11:00am and 1:00pm daily.
Coffee, tea, and home baking will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing conservation work at Matuku Link.
Map Number
45
Address
111 Bethells Road
Te Henga/Bethells
Waitakere
Accessible
Days
Saturday and Sunday
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