A couple of horses were spotted walking down Shoal Bay Road toward Mulberry Grove, prompting amused comments from locals.
Mulberry Grove School marked Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with a community hāngī fundraiser on Saturday 20 September. Families and supporters picked up kai featuring pork, beef, chicken, potatoes, kūmara, pumpkin, cabbage and stuffing, all served in environmentally friendly recyclable containers. Steam puddings were also on offer. The fundraiser brought the community together around te ao Māori and shared kai, while raising money to support the school.
Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board
The Local Board will meet for its next business session on Tuesday 23 September at 1pm at the Claris Conference Centre. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The agenda will be published ahead of the meeting on the council website: https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Barrier Air Freight Changes
Barrier Air has announced changes to freight handling at Auckland Airport, effective 1 October 2025, due to the demolition of their freight hangar amid airport upgrades. From that date, all freight must be delivered to the Barrier Air check-in counter at Auckland Domestic Airport, 2 Andrew McKee Avenue, Mangere. No dangerous goods accepted, all freight requires a completed declaration form and photo ID (excluding couriers and pre-approved food suppliers), refrigeration is limited and not guaranteed, and oversized or heavy items over 32kg require prior approval. For queries, call 0800 900 600 or email reservations@barrierair.kiwi
Aotea Library Holiday Fun
The Aotea/Great Barrier Library is running holiday activities for children, including crafts, quizzes, origami, and rock drawing.
Windy Hill Sanctuary Job Opening
Windy Hill Sanctuary is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic new team member. The role involves outdoor work in conservation, with full training and gear provided. To request an info pack, email Louise Mack at whsanctuary2024@gmail.com
DOC Summer Ranger Roles
The Department of Conservation is recruiting for two summer ranger positions on Aotea: one from October 2025 to March 2026, and another from December 2025 to May 2026. Job details are available on the DOC website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/careers/seasonal-recruitment/.
DOC Operations Advisor Role
DOC has also introduced a new permanent role on Aotea — Operations Advisor. Based on the island with accommodation options available, the role focuses on planning, reporting, issue management, and driving performance improvements for conservation outcomes.
Motorcycle Warrants
VTNZ is planning to send an inspector to Great Barrier Island on Monday 17 November to carry out motorcycle warrants. For the visit to be viable, enough registrations are needed by 1 October. If you would like your motorcycle warranted, contact Helen Mason at VTNZ Highbrook with your details (name, number) and bike information (rego, year, make) by phone/txt 027 294 8083 or email helen.mason@vtnz.co.nz
Horses on the Road
A couple of horses were spotted walking down Shoal Bay Road toward Mulberry Grove earlier this week, prompting amused comments from locals. “At least they are sticking left, following the road rules,” quipped one. Another added, “Glad they obeyed the road rules on their way to greener pastures.”
Aotea Arts & History Village Exhibition
A new exhibition, Out the Gate by the O’Shea Family, opens on Friday 26 September from 4–6pm at the Aotea Arts & History Village. Locals are encouraged to carpool and come along.
Anamata Tool Library
Anamata is setting up a community tool library and is asking locals to help decide what to stock. Fill in their online survey or drop by the shop to suggest what tools you’d most like to borrow.
Current Affairs on Aotea FM
This week’s Aotea FM podcast, hosted by Kathy Cumming, features a discussion on local board candidacy, crayfish, and the Controlled Area Notice with Izzy Fordham. Caity Endt joins for a spring gardening segment, and Lydia from Stonewall Store gives the latest updates. Listen on Spotify.
Parents Evening with Sensei Shane
The Aotea Family Support Group is hosting an evening session with Shane Wallace Hoskin, known as Sensei Shane, on Wednesday 1 October at 5pm at the Claris Conference Centre. Shane, the author of Sensei Shane says Bullies Beware and Use Your Manners, brings his experience and work with tamariki to help families understand bullying and build resilience. The session will cover signs your child may be affected by bullying, how to start conversations, supporting a bullied child, responding if your child is the bully, and the supports available. The event runs from 5–6.30pm with a presentation, Q&A, and light refreshments. Space is limited, bookings via Mike on 027 356 5567 or email community.worker@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz.
Barrier Social Club
The Barrier Social Club is hiring a bar manager to work Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The club is looking for someone enthusiastic, responsible, and with a great attitude. Hospitality experience is a plus, and while a manager’s certificate is preferred, training can be discussed for the right candidate. Pay is competitive based on experience and qualifications. For more information or a job description, email barriersocial@gmail.com
Island Screens Short Film Night
Island Screens will host a short film festival night on Aotea on Monday 13 October. A trailer is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=956kxusUWZg
