Island Buzzing with Easter and ANZAC Spirit – April Update

Easter Market & Mulberry Grove Art Auction
Easter Saturday, 19 April, brings the Easter Market to Claris Club from 10am—expect local stalls, kids’ games, and the famous egg draw. On Easter Sunday, celebrate creativity at the Mulberry Grove School Art Auction, supporting student arts and island tamariki with one-of-a-kind pieces up for grabs.

Surf’s Up for Easter Weekend
The annual Easter surf comp between the Aotea Boardriders Club and Mangawhai crew is back! Wave and weather dependent, the showdown promises thrilling action and island pride. Check the ABC Facebook page for updates. Later that Saturday (19 April), the community’s invited to a fundraiser party at Claris Club for the ABC Clubhouse. Doors open 4pm, food from 5pm, and music kicks off at 6pm with Nikau Te Huki of Casual Healing and local legends “Incahoots”. Tickets: $25 from Stonewall or The Rocks, $30 at the door.

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ANZAC Day Service and Nursery Opening
ANZAC Day, Friday 25 April, will be marked by a midday service at Tryphena Hall. For info, contact Kathy Cumming on 021 409 991 or kathy.cumming@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Afterwards, the island’s invited to the Motu Community Nursery Opening Celebration at The Village from 1–6pm. Enjoy food, drinks, and take home a plant or two.

Markets and Autumn Groove
Saturday 26 April is all about creativity and connection. The Art Gallery hosts Everybody’s Market from 10am–1pm, with artisan goods and crafts. That evening, Autumn Groove lights up Aotea Brewing—expect kai from Good Neighbours Food, cocktails by Aotea Roast, and live reggae/ska vibes from Strangely Arousing. Tickets: www.aoteabrewing.co.nz.

Stargazing on Aotea
International Dark Sky Week (21–28 April) is the perfect excuse to rug up and enjoy Aotea’s pristine skies. With Jupiter glowing low in the NW and Mars near the Gemini Twins, every clear night is a celestial show. Look for Sirius, Alpha Centauri and the upside-down Leo constellation in the NE. Join free guided stargazing at Medlands Beach on 23 April at 6:30pm and 7pm. Text Deb on 027 407 8037 to book a 30-min slot or email deborahkilgallon@gmail.com for more info.

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Okiwi Fire Crew Win Ford Ranger
Congratulations to Okiwi Fire Crew for winning a brand-new Ford Ranger in the Seven Sharp competition! Nicknamed “Foxtrot 2.2,” the ute is a gamechanger for the northern volunteers, helping them respond more safely and efficiently. Full story.

Admin Role at NBRRA
The North Barrier Residents and Ratepayers Association is seeking a short-term administrator to assist with updating their constitution. If interested, text Josh on 021 147 8088 to arrange a call. The Association thanks Auckland Council for funding this initiative.

Parenting Workshop Tackles Online Safety
Aotea Family Support Group hosted a vital parenting workshop with Bre Harvey from Tāima Kōrero, helping families talk with their kids about pornography, digital safety, and the internet. Bre’s honest, research-based approach left parents feeling empowered. Find more at www.taimakorero.co.nz.

AFSG Thanks Dr. Syd Davies
Aotea Family Support Group extends deep gratitude to Dr. Syd Davies, who has stepped down as Chairperson due to health. His leadership brought financial stability and long-term resilience to the organisation. Thank you, Syd, and all the best.

Arts & History Village – What’s On
Francie Kemp’s “The Beauty of the Barrier” exhibition is on in the Blue Room until 28 April. The front room features the Mulberry Grove School’s Easter Sunday Art Auction and “Curious Rocks” exhibit. Bring your own special rock before Easter for display. Everybody’s Market runs 26 April, 10am–1pm. Stall bookings via Kylie: manager@aoteaahv.nz. “Collaboration” themed exhibition entries due 12 May.

From the March Local Board Meeting

Support for Private Cemetery Proposal
At the latest business meeting, the Blackwell family received board support for a private cemetery application on their generational land. “We’ve had three family members diagnosed with cancer,” said Christina Blackwell. “It would be meaningful to bury our loved ones on land that has held us for seven generations.”

Fix for Whangaparapara Road Proposed
Also at the March meeting, Jason Gunn presented a practical plan to address the long-standing issues with Whangaparapara Road. Rather than pushing for a full (and costly) tar-seal, Gunn proposed tackling the worst sections year by year. “The road is always seen as too big to solve,” he said, “but if you break it down, it might be something affordable.” Backed by local contractors, the proposal was well-received, with the board noting its pragmatic approach and potential to finally get long-needed improvements underway.

Ngā Ara Hīkoi – Walking Connections Project
A community-driven initiative to improve southern Aotea walking links is now underway. Visit herengaanuku.govt.nz/aotea to learn more and sign up for updates.

Connectivity Survey – Mixed Results
A 2025 Local Board survey shows Starlink is now Aotea’s top internet choice. But mobile coverage remains poor, especially in Whangaparapara, Awana, and Motairehe. Locals say better mobile coverage is a top priority.

Bird Aversion Training – 26 April
Free Bird Avoidance Training sessions for dogs will be held island-wide on 26 April. No bookings needed:
• 9–10am Okiwi Airstrip
• 11am–12pm Okupu Beach
• 12:30–1:30pm Medlands Campsite
• 2–3pm Sunken Rock Sailing Club, Puriri Bay
Email Chris: blackdogconservation@gmail.com.

Environmental Trust AGM – 23 April
The Aotea Great Barrier Island Environmental Trust will hold its AGM at Claris Conference Centre, 23 April, 4:30–6pm. Questions? Email Hannah: contact.gbiet@gmail.com.

Local and Capital Grant Round Now Open
Funding of up to $50,000 is available for eligible community projects and infrastructure initiatives. Applications close 2 May. Apply at: https://tinyurl.com/3rhzbc68

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