Locals Rally to Guide Whale Back to Sea
A dramatic rescue unfolded off the island’s southern coast earlier this month when a whale became stranded in shallow waters. Locals including Barney Scott formed a human chain to guide the whale out to safety. Captured on video, the moment showcased the quick-thinking coordination and all-in effort that defines Aotea.
New Wing at Health Centre Celebrates Legacy of Service
The new Aotea Health Centre wing has officially opened, following a dawn blessing by Ngāti Wai ki Aotea. The ceremony honoured Adele Robertson and Leonie Howe, two women whose decades of work in mental health and community care laid the groundwork for services now used daily.
Farewell to Nell, a Pillar of Kaitoke School
Kaitoke School has held a special farewell for Nell, who has spent a decade as teacher aide, garden-to-table leader, and Enviro School ambassador. Students lined up for a goodbye tunnel as Nell cut a large farewell cake, surrounded by whānau and colleagues.
Emergency Care Packs Call for Supplies
Michelle Hartley-Scott is calling for fresh donations of toiletries, sanitary items, baby supplies, and zipped toilet bags to restock the island’s emergency care packs. These pre-packed kits—now held at the medical centre and on ambulances—help islanders flown off in a health emergency. Items can be dropped in Hartley-Scott’s letterbox at 398 Shoal Bay Road or posted.
St John’s Food Bank Nearly Complete
Construction of the new St John’s food bank—built with funds from the Cyclone Gabrielle response and hours of community labour—is nearly done. Volunteers led by David Snow, Mike Moran, Dennis Booth and Robert Lewis have battled poor weather to bring the structure near completion. The building will allow easier food and household supply distribution, and also relieve pressure on the adjacent op shop.
Mulberry Grove Art Auction Raises $14,000
On Easter Sunday, Mulberry Grove School’s biennial art auction returned with energy, colour and a final tally of $14,000 raised. Under Sarah Harrison’s creative direction, students produced ceramics and mixed media works that stunned the crowd. The event—hosted at the Barrier Social Club and auctioned by Michelle Hartley-Scott—was packed with laughter, food, and generosity.
The deadline for the next Aotea update is June 15.
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Fish Project Scrapped, Playground Next
The long-proposed Aotea Fish Project has been ruled out after a feasibility study found it financially unsustainable. “A beautiful idea, but not a goer,” said Local Board chair Izzy Fordham.
ABC Wins Surf Clash in Jarrah’s Final Weekend
The ABC vs MBR inter-club surf comp was held on April 20 at Medlands, after Cyclone Tam forced a venue switch from Awana. Conditions were wild—3–5 foot surf with strong rips and constant close-outs. ABC scraped a victory by half a point after Guy Mac scored late. The event was bittersweet: just nine days later, the island learned of the passing of beloved surfer Jarrah Ulstrup, 39, who had spent the day cheering from the beach. The 2026 match will be hosted by MBR in his memory.
Dog Access Rules Finalised
After months of debate, new dog rules for Gooseberry Flat and Pah Beach were approved. Dogs will be allowed under control and off leash on the southern beach but prohibited in the northern area.
