NOTICES
Tomato Seedlings for Sale – Harvest Hub
Spring’s in full swing, and Kaitoke School’s Harvest Hub is overflowing with healthy tomato seedlings ready for local gardens. Varieties range from cherry to big slicers at $5 each. Payments can be made via koha at the Hub. Pop down and plant while the soil’s warm.
Stonewall Store Summer Hours
Stonewall Store has switched to summer hours: open 8.30 am–6 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am–5 pm on weekends.
Ngāti Rehua – Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust AGM and Trustee Elections
An Annual General Meeting for Ngāti Rehua – Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust Board will be held Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December 2025 at Kawa Marae, 9 am–6 pm.
Three trustee positions are open for election, with at least one role reserved for a permanent island resident. Nominations close 5 pm, Monday 24 November and can be sent to ngatirehua@electionservices.co.nz. Voting takes place in person at the AGM from 10 am–2 pm on Saturday 6 December, with proxy options available.
Forms and details: www.electionservices.co.nz/ngati-rehua or phone 0800 922 822.
Island Gin Experience Tours
Discover the story behind the island’s globally awarded distillery and sample three premium gins. $25 per person – bookings essential. Call Andi on 027 475 2637.
Tip Shop / Anamata Resource & Recovery Centre
A truckload of quality demolition timber has just landed in the yard – ideal for summer projects. Open Wed–Fri 9–4, Sat 10–3. Share suggestions for materials you’d like them to source on future recycling runs.
Island Massage – Ease Up Massage
Local therapist offering year-round massage for relaxation and recovery. Available across the island. More details.
Aotea Early Learning Centre – Enrolments Open
Spaces now available for children aged 2.5 and over. Open Tues–Thurs 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Kaitoke Lane. Drop in for a chat with staff.
EVENTS
Halloween Fun Across the Island
It was all treats and tricks on Aotea this Halloween, with kids and families turning out in force for a night of fun and frights. The Aotea/Great Barrier Library kicked off the festivities with costumes, crafts, and plenty of laughter — with special thanks to Mariela from Braids4u, who worked her magic styling tamariki for the occasion. Later, the Blackwell Drive and Mulberry Grove communities came alive with spooky decorations and smiling faces as locals opened their doors for trick-or-treaters. By all accounts, it was one of the most joyful Halloweens yet.
‘Woven’ Exhibition
Artists Jodie Austin and Jackie Peers showcase weaving and fibre work at Aotea Arts & History Village, Claris. Exhibition runs until 12 November.
Aotea Growers and Makers Market
Saturday 8 November from 9.30 am at Claris Conference Centre.
Support local growers and makers with fresh produce, plants, honey, baking and crafts. Enquiries to Caity Endt on 021 212 7153.
Island Screens – Environmental Doco Night
Monday 10 November, 7.15 pm at Barrier Social Club.
Three short films explore ocean connection through storytelling, with guest speakers Lydia from Manta Watch Aotearoa and filmmaker Rebecca Pratt of Salty Slate Ltd. Koha entry – meals available from the kitchen.
Ladies Long Lunch
Thursday 13 November, 11.30 am–3 pm at Claris Conference Centre, 19 Whangaparapara Road.
An afternoon of conversation and connection with Michelle Ruddell from Rural Support Te Tai Tokerau. Tickets $10 via bit.ly/aotea-ladies-long-lunch.
Rat Trapping 101 Workshop
Wednesday 12 November, 1–3 pm at Anamata Resource & Recovery Centre.
Free hands-on session with Tū Mai Taonga and Aotea Trap Library. Learn DIY trap box making, maximising catches, creative lures and more. Drop-ins welcome.
Over 60’s Lunch – Currach Irish Pub
Saturday 15 November at 12 pm.
Mains $20 (pan-fried snapper, chargrilled lamb rump, risotto, or chicken parm) and desserts $10. Bookings to donelle.wright@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz or 09 429 0465 by 10 Nov.
Afterglow Festival – 80% Sold Out
Two big nights of live music on Aotea. The main event is Saturday 24 January at the Claris Sports & Social Club Grounds featuring Tiki Taane, Black Comet, Lost Tribe Aotearoa and more (tickets from afterglowfestival.nz). Then on Sunday 25 January, the Afterglow Sunday Session hits The Currach Irish Pub with P Digsss, Laughton Kora and DJ Melicious (tickets from pizzazz.co.nz).
Synths & Sands Aotea – Early Bird Tickets Out Now!
Saturday 17 January 2026 at Great Barrier Island Sports & Social Club.
Performances from Automatic 80s, Shallow Dive and local artists. Gates open 6 pm with music from 6.15 pm to 11 pm. Tickets via pitchperfectpromotions.flicket.co.nz.
Brown Sugar – Rolling Stones Tribute
Saturday 20 December at 6 pm at The Currach Irish Pub. Tickets from pizzazz.co.nz.
New Year Picnic 2026
Friday 2 January. Stall bookings and volunteers wanted for gate, parking and kids’ games (koha and lunch provided). Contact Taryn Wilks via Facebook.
Warehouse Dumps Island Deliveries – Barrier Air Steps In
Barrier Air has introduced a Sunday freight service to help residents after The Warehouse stopped shipping to the island. Orders sent to Barrier Air Freight, 2 Andrew McKee Ave, Māngere, Auckland 2022, will be flown to Claris for $1 per kg (min $10). No perishables or dangerous goods. Payment made directly to Barrier Air. Discount under review in three months.
JOBS
Barrier Social Club – Bar Manager
Part-time position in Tryphena (Wed & Fri nights, Sat optional). Hospitality experience preferred. Email barriersocial@gmail.com.
Aotea Health – Part-Time Administrator
Front desk role (2–3 days per week) at Aotea Health, Claris. Apply by Mon 27 Oct to manager@aoteahealth.co.nz.
Aotea Family Support Group – Afterschool Youth Programme Coordinator
10 hours per week supporting youth activities and events. Driver’s licence and police check required. Email admin@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz or call 09 429 0465.
Aotea Family Support Group – Afterschool Programme Assistant
One evening per week during term time plus school holidays. Email admin@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz or phone 09 429 0465.
Aotea Family Support Group – Kaiārahi Rangatahi Programme Assistant
Expressions of interest for supporting the Youth Navigator Programme (ages 13–21). Contact admin@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz or 09 429 0465.
