Events
Twilight Golf Returns to the Great Barrier Island Golf Club
- When: Starting Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 5:00 PM Meet (5:30 PM Tee-off)
- Where: Great Barrier Island Golf Club
Social Twilight Golf is back for a five-week Ambrose season. Teams of up to four can enter for $20 per team, with under-18s playing for free. It’s open to all skill levels. For more information, contact Trish at 021 134 7196 or pj.awana@windowslive.com.
Sports & Social Club Working Bee
- When: Saturday, 28 February 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Where: GBI Sports & Social Club
Volunteers are needed to help refresh and display the club’s collection of trophies and photos. If you can lend a hand, contact Lydia at 09 429 0260 or email clarisclub@xtra.co.nz.
Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board BBQs
- Sat 28 Feb, 12–2 PM: Okupu Beach Reserve
- Sat 7 March, 11 AM – 12:30 PM: Growers and Makers Market (Claris Conference Centre)
- Sat 14 March, 12–2 PM: Medlands Playground Reserve
- Sat 14 March, 12–2 PM: Mulberry Grove Reserve
- Sat 21 March, 12–2 PM: Fitzroy Boat Barrier Social Club
The Local Board is planning for the next three years and wants to hear from residents about local priorities. Grab a bite to eat and join the conversation at one of these upcoming community BBQs.
“Our Family” Jenner Exhibition at the Arts Village
- When: 13 February – 3 March 2026
- Where: Aotea Arts & History Village
The Jenner Family exhibition celebrates a collective connection to the island through individual creative expression. The works are heavily inspired by Aotea’s bush and sea, reflecting a deep tie to the local environment across different styles and generations.
Kawa Marae Special General Meeting
- When: Friday, 13 March & Saturday, 14 March 2026
- Where: Ngatiwai o Aotea Kawa Marae
A Special General Meeting for the Ngatiwai o Aotea Kawa Marae has been called. The agenda includes the presentation and formal adoption of chairperson and financial reports, as well as the draft charter and elections. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link and proxy forms are available at https://shorturl.at/Fw0jC.
Rarohara Port Fitzroy Revitalisation Hui
- When: Saturday, 7 March 2026 | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Kai at 4:00 PM)
- Where: Port Fitzroy Boat Club
The Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust Community Led Development Programme and the North Barrier Residents and Ratepayers Association invite the community to join a hui to discuss the revitalisation of Port Fitzroy. The session will present aspirations gathered from previous conversations and emails to identify environmental, cultural, and infrastructure priorities. This is a collaborative effort to shape a shared vision and practical actions for the area.
Updates
Wharf to Wharf 2026 Eyes Ticket Launch
The Wharf to Wharf 2026 team is in the final stages of securing a new DOC concession. Maintenance is currently underway to ensure tracks are safe following recent flooding and slips. If timelines hold, ticket sales and full event information will be released within the next few weeks.
Mikaere King-Cleave Debuts in Rabbitohs Victory
Local talent Mikaere ‘Maka’ King-Cleave made his debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 2 of the Harold Matthews Cup. Returning to New Zealand soil to face the Warriors at Bruce Pulman Park, Maka’s hard-running style and strong defense helped propel the Rabbitohs to a 28–16 win. It’s a significant milestone for the former Te Atatu Roosters junior.
Pa Beach Cafe Moves to Five-Day Week
Following a busy first summer, Pa Beach Cafe is adjusting its hours for the season. Starting now, the cafe will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, operating five days a week for the remainder of the season.
Rabbit Control Night Shoots Underway
Contractors are conducting rabbit control night shoots across the north of the island, including Kawa, Orama, Mabey’s Road, and the Okiwi airfield. Operations will continue through to Friday, 28 February. For inquiries, contact jeremy.warden@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or jacob@envirokiwi.co.nz.
Driving Miss Daisy Senior Transport Trial Launches
Aotea Family Support Group is launching a trial transport service for seniors in the Tryphena and Okupu areas. Starting Monday, 2 March, “Driving Miss Daisy” will provide transport to Claris for appointments and social activities. To book or view the timetable, call 429 0465 or email admin@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz.
Port Fitzroy Store Hours Update
The Port Fitzroy Store has shifted to its updated hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Trap Library Calls for Autumn Vigilance
Lotte Kæstel Mcintyre is encouraging the community to ramp up rat trapping this autumn. With juvenile rats reaching maturity in just 5–6 weeks, staying ahead of the breeding cycle is critical. Free traps are available from the Aotea Trap Libraries at Mulberry Grove School, Medlands and in the north at Motairehe Marae, and Glenfern.
Potluck Feast Celebrates Local Food Resilience
The Community Harvest Potluck Feast saw over seventy people gather at the Community Garden, sharing dishes that featured at least one locally sourced ingredient. Bananas were a major highlight, appearing in a range of cakes, treats, and pikelets. The event featured live music from Shaun Cranston and Shane Langford and was supported by the Aotea Food Resilience project through Anamata.
Sharni Jade Hair Stylist Reopens Bookings
Sharni Skipps is back on the island and taking appointments again following her wedding break. To book, message her via Instagram (@sharnijade_stylist) or text 027 847 0008.
Orama Saturday Cafe Open Weekly
The Saturday cafe at Orama (300 Karaka Bay Road) is open from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, serving cooked breakfasts and fresh on-site baking.
Jobs
Field Team Lead | Tū Mai Taonga
Ngāti Rehua – Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust Board is seeking a Field Team Lead for the feral cat and rat eradication programme. This is a hands-on, remote role (35–40 hours per week) in the island’s back-country. While the initial closing date was 16 February, those interested in conservation work can find further details at www.ngatirehua.iwi.nz/ngā-mahi or contact jobs@tumaitaonga.nz.
Shop Assistant | Stonewall Store
The Stonewall Store is looking for a friendly and reliable Shop Assistant. Previous retail experience is a plus, and training will be provided for the right candidate. For details, contact Lydia Boulden at 027 705 2726 or email stonewallsisters@gmail.com.
