February 2024 – Page 2 – Great Barrier Island News

NZDF's uncrewed vessel, Bellona - a Bluebottle craft made by Sydney-based Ocius.

IsleStyle

Futuristic Navy Vessel Spotted Off Barrier Coast

In an event that has no doubt sparked curiosity and intrigue among locals, a distinctive naval vessel has been observed hovering approximately 5 nautical miles off Whangaparapara Harbour. The sighting, part of a broader two-week sea trial that began in…

Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board members.

Community News

Community Hui to Shape the Future of Aotea Great Barrier Island Tourism

In an effort to address the ongoing challenges faced by the Aotea tourism sector, including the significant impact of travel costs on island accessibility, the local board in collaboration with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is inviting the community to a Hui…

Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision (OME) has unveiled a new eco-hub in Medlands.

Community News

OME Launches Eco-Hub in Medlands

In a display of community initiative and environmental stewardship, Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision (OME) has unveiled a new eco-hub in Medlands. The new build was made possible through $14,000 in grants from the local board, marking a new chapter in the…

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown speaks about his proposals for the city's budget. Photo / RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Politics

‘Dissolve Themselves in Acid’ – Brown Slams Govt Over Axed Fuel Tax

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has delivered a scathing critique of the government’s decision to abolish the regional fuel tax, suggesting those responsible should perhaps ‘Dissolve Themselves in Acid’, if they wanted to help the roading situation for Aucklanders. Brown, was…

Politics

Leadership Vacuum Amidst Transport Cost Crisis

Since 1960 SeaLink New Zealand (previously known as Subritzky Shipping Services) has served the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Some are wondering if that’s what they do these days. Photo/ Ted McGrath EDITORIAL: Across the globe, from the Scottish Isles…

This bright-green invasive caulerpa seaweed is smothering the delicate marine ecosystem on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Glenn Edney

Environment

300+ Boaties Ignore Aotea Caulerpa Ban

In the ongoing battle against the invasive seaweed Caulerpa on Aotea, more than 300 instances of vessels violating Controlled Area Notices (CANs) have been reported over the past three summers, John Walsh, Biosecurity New Zealand’s response director told AoteaGBI.news. The statistics…

The main Antipodes Island. Photo / Claire Concannon / RNZ

Subantarctic Islands’ Wildlife Thrives After Million Dollar Mouse Project

These subantarctic islands are wild and remote – some 860km southeast of Rakiura Stewart Island. Their isolation, in a far-flung corner of the South Pacific, means they’re some of the most untouched islands in the world.

Barrier Air has introduced a $228 return flight voucher between Auckland and Great Barrier Island, available until Sunday, February 18, and valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Community News

$228 Return Flight Deal to Great Barrier Island Amid Rising Travel Costs

Barrier Air has introduced a $228 return flight voucher between Auckland and Great Barrier Island, available until Sunday, February 18, and valid for 12 months from date of purchase. The offer stands out against the backdrop of surging travel expenses,…

Wildfire researchers at Scion say fire conditions are worsening and there are more extreme fire days each year. Photo / Scion via RNZ

Environment

Summer Returns, So Too the Fire Risk

Wildfire researchers at Scion say fire conditions are worsening and there are more extreme fire days each year. Photo / Scion By Katie Kenny, RNZ Last summer seemed to be dominated by flooding but this year, fires are making headlines. A state…

Politics

NZ Slides in Global Corruption Index

By Matevz (Matt) Raskovic, Auckland University of Technology In 2010, then US secretary of state Hillary Clinton famously described New Zealand as a country that “punches way above its weight”. She was referring to our role in international relations, global…