Boardriders Club Scores Major Funding
The Aotea Boardriders Club has secured $64,100 from Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund. The grant will go toward completing the long-anticipated clubhouse at Medlands, giving the island’s surf community a much-needed hub.
Meet the Candidates – Local Elections Forum Set
A “Meet the Candidates” evening will be held at Claris Club on Friday 12 September at 5PM. With eight contenders vying for five seats on the Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board, the event promises to be a high-stakes preview of the upcoming 2025 local elections.
New Hoops for Mulberry Grove School
Mulberry Grove School has unveiled brand new basketball and netball combination hoops thanks to Aotea Local Board funding and additional fundraising by the 2024 Year 8 students. The community celebrated the installation, with Shane Bowler and his team praised for making it happen.
Scholarships Open for Māori Students
Applications are now open for the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships. Awards include up to $30,000 for undergraduate study, $40,000 for doctoral study, and vocational training scholarships. Applications close Sunday 17 August 2025. More at https://bit.ly/4n98GTs.
Aotea’s Got Talent Returns – Prizes Wanted
Kaitoke School’s “Aotea’s Got Talent” is set for Saturday 6 September, celebrating creativity across all age groups — and they’re looking for prize sponsors. Locals keen to contribute can message the school to help make it a night to remember.
Job Vacancy: Field Work Role with OME
Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision is hiring a field-work contractor for rat control and GPS monitoring around Medlands. The part-time role (Mondays and Tuesdays) pays $34/hr, starting 1 September. Applicants should email: medlandsecovision@gmail.com.
Paddington Returns – Kids Movie Club, 16 August
Aotea’s Kids Movie Club is back with Paddington in Peru, screening Saturday 16 August at the Barrier Social Club. Join the island’s favourite marmalade-loving bear for another globe-trotting adventure. Entry is $10.
Island Screens: Bridget Jones – 18 August
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy screens Monday 18 August at the Barrier Social Club, hosted by Island Screens. The rom-com follows Bridget as a widowed single mum navigating love, parenting, and grief — with a younger man in the mix. Rated M. Entry $10.
Library’s Sweet Reading Challenge
The Aotea Library is running a “Sweeten Your Month with Reading” challenge through to 7 September. Readers can guess the number of treats in a jar — closest guess wins. Drop by, grab a book, and try your luck.
Bittern Talks Coming Up – Two Locations
Bird lovers can hear Wendy Ambury speak about the elusive Australasian bittern, its habitat, and booming calls. Talks will be held Tuesday 19 August at Glenfern Sanctuary (5:30PM) and Wednesday 20 August at St John’s Tea Room, Medlands (4:30PM).
Exhibition: Mana Wāhine o Aotea – 9–27 August
Te Motu o Aotea Māori Women’s Welfare League presents Mana Wāhine o Aotea, running Saturday 9 to Wednesday 27 August. The exhibition celebrates the art of Māori women past and present, honouring trailblazing artists while showcasing new works that carry their legacy forward. Pics from the opening pōwhiri on Saturday 9 August.
Job Opening at Windy Hill Sanctuary
Windy Hill Sanctuary is looking for an enthusiastic, outdoorsy team member to join its field crew, working 4 or 5 days a week on pest control and species monitoring. Full training and gear are provided, with the living wage offered. Contact Louise Mack at whsanctuary2024@gmail.com.
Earth Shack Reopens 21 August
After a cosy winter break, Earth Shack reopens on 21 August with eco gift baskets and organic products (but no surf gear hire). The popular garden shed setup is back for spring, and locals are encouraged to follow them on Facebook or Instagram and place custom orders via aoteaearthshack@gmail.com.
Got something to share?
If you’ve got an upcoming event, job vacancy, or community notice, send it to editor@aoteagbi.news and we’ll include it in the next round-up.
Coastguard Great Barrier Seeking Volunteers
The Coastguard Great Barrier unit is recruiting for roles including Wet Crew, Treasurer, Maintenance, and Unit Committee members. Volunteers will receive full training and the chance to serve the island community. Find out more at volunteers.coastguard.nz or call Graeme Harrison on 021 786 472.
Toitū Aotea Hui – August 30 at Port Fitzroy
The next Community-Led Development Hui hosted by Toitū Aotea takes place Saturday 30 August from 2PM at Port Fitzroy Boat Club. Locals are invited to share ideas, hear updates, and help shape future community projects. Free kai provided.
Yoga for Presence – Every Tuesday at Claris Gallery
Join Lucia Victoria every Tuesday at 5.30PM for “Yoga for Presence” at Claris Art Gallery. A regular practice for grounding, community connection, and clarity — all levels welcome.
