BUILDERS BREAKFAST Tuesday, May 5 Local builders and deconstruction workers are invited to an earlybird breakfast to discuss construction waste over hot coffee and a feed.
- Time: 7am
- Location: Anamata
- RSVP: [email protected] or via Facebook message
AUTUMN UPHOLSTERY BASICS Tuesday, May 5 Learn basic upholstery skills at this autumn workshop. Attendees are asked to bring along a simple project, plus their own lunch and drinking water. Spaces are strictly limited.
- Time: 9.30am
- Location: Anamata
- Cost: $45
- Contact: [email protected] or via Facebook message
JUNIOR GOLF SESSIONS Tuesday, May 5 The Great Barrier Island Golf Club invites families for Tuesday afternoon golf and practice. Equipment is provided for all skill levels, lefties and righties included. Adult supervision is strictly required for all children attending.
- Time: 3.45pm gather for 4pm safety briefing, 5pm wrap-up
- Location: Great Barrier Island Golf Club
- Contact: Saskia 021 1224184 or Noel 021 08159036
GOOD YARNS CRAFT GATHERING Monday, Crafters are called to bring their projects for an evening of company and creation. The weekly gathering kicks off as the cooler weather approaches.
- Time: Mondays from 5.30pm
- Location: Schoolmasters House, Claris
- Entry: Gold coin donation
OUT OF THE STASHES EXHIBITION OPENING Friday, May 8 Janene Hunsdale unveils her new yarn exhibition following a year of working through her stash. Janene will be volunteering at the gallery on Mondays and Tuesdays to meet visitors.
- Time: Opening from 4pm, Friday, May 8
- Location: Arts & History Village
BARRIER BUSH PIGS CENTENNIAL MATCH Saturday, May 9 The Barrier Bush Pigs travel to Tomarata for a centennial rugby match. The team needs off-island supporters to fill 11 remaining van spots and complete the full 15-man squad.
- Transport: Boat to Leigh, van to Tomarata
- Cost: $50 deposit for transport and hall accommodation
- Contact: Barrier Bush Pigs Facebook Group
KAITOKE SCHOOL SAMOSA FUNDRAISER Sunday, May 10 Orders close this Sunday for the Friendly Friday samosa drive. All proceeds will support the upcoming Year 7 and 8 school trips.
- Order Deadline: Sunday, May 10
- Pick-up Dates: Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22
- Order Link: fundraising.surti.co.nz/kaitoke-school
WINTER DARTS COMPETITION RETURNS Friday, May 15 An 11-week round-robin doubles darts competition launches at Claris. The winning team secures a bar tab at the end of each night, with scores recorded for an end-of-competition prize.
- Time: 6pm starts
- Locations: Claris Sports Club (May 15), Tryphena Club (May 22), Port Fitzroy Boating Club (May 29)
- Entry: $5 per night
- Contact: Wenz 0274 573 606
OVER 60’S SUBSIDISED LUNCH Saturday, May 16 Senior residents are invited to a subsidised lunch featuring $20 mains including pan-fried snapper and chargrilled lamb rump, alongside $10 desserts. A $15 cancellation fee applies for no-shows.
- Time: 12.00pm
- Location: The Currach Irish Pub
- RSVP: Book by May 13 to 09 4290 465 or [email protected]
EXOTIC CAULERPA SEAWEED WORKSHOPS Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17 Marine Biologist Dr Roberta D’Archino and Biosecurity New Zealand lead workshops on identifying exotic caulerpa seaweed and updating the community on the local biosecurity strategy. Refreshments are available from 2.30pm.
- Saturday Session: 1pm – 3pm at Tu Mai Taonga Office
- Sunday Session: 1pm – 3pm at Claris Conference Centre
- RSVP: [email protected]
GIRLS BOOK CLUB AND HIGH TEA Tuesday, May 19 A new monthly book club for girls aged 9 to 12 launches on The Barrier. The sessions will feature book discussions, creative writing circles, fun activities, and treats.
- Time: 3.45pm – 5.15pm
- Location: Great Barrier Library at the Arts Village School House
YOUTH PROGRAM CAR WASH FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 30 The Kaiarahi Taiohi Program hosts a car wash to fund their upcoming off-island trip. Options range from a basic exterior wash to a super clean with vacuuming.
- Time: 10am – 3pm
- Location: Tryphena Hall
- Cost: $15 Basic Clean, $30 Super Clean
- Contact: Bookings essential for Super Clean via [email protected]
24 HOURS 6 SPECIES FISHING POSTPONED Friday, June 5 – Saturday, June 6 The local fishing competition has been pushed back to June. Organisers made the call to avoid clashes with a rugby game and to ensure the event’s MC is available to oversee the competition.
- New Dates: June 5 – June 6
- Contact: Message Aotea Fishing Comps direct on Facebook
SENIORS ON THE GO BUS SERVICE Every Monday The weekly seniors’ bus service offers trips to Claris for medical appointments, pharmacy visits, library runs, laundromat access, and catch-ups at the Schoolmasters house.
- Time: Departs 9.30am, Returns 1pm
- Pick-up: Mulberry Grove School (other points available on request)
- Contact: 429 0465 or [email protected]
FREEDIVING TUITION AVAILABLE Mana O’Connell is taking expressions of interest for freediving instruction on The Barrier. The coaching caters to complete beginners wanting the fundamentals as well as competent divers looking to advance their techniques.
- Contact: Mana O’Connell via text on 027 5538150
MULBERRY GROVE SCHOOL RAISES $4K The recent Mulberry Grove School fundraiser at the Barrier Social Club brought in nearly $4,000. Organisers issued a public thank you to Heidi Mills, the Rural Support Group, the volunteer crew, and successful auction bidders including Angeline Younge, Judy G, and Andy Saunders.
