Another Sea Snake Spotted at Medlands Beach
Another venomous sea snake was spotted on Medlands Beach, midway between Twin Pines and The Lane. The Department of Conservation has advised the public to keep a safe distance and allow the tide to carry it away. Dogs should be kept well clear. This is one of several sightings reported in the last month or so.
Aotea Growers & Makers Market Returns 2 August
The next Growers and Makers Market will be held on Saturday 2 August at Claris Conference Centre from 10 am. Offerings include honey, handmade crafts, preserves, fresh herbs, herb plants, heritage fruit trees, and vegetable seedlings. Orama will return with their baked treats. A special guest stall from Forgotten Fruits Nursery (Maungawhai) will offer bare-rooted heritage trees at discounted prices. Tree donations will also go to local schools. Stall enquiries: Caity on 021 212 7153.
Final Days for Local Board Nominations
Time is running out to nominate for this year’s Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board elections. In-person assistance is available at the GBI Service Centre. Nomination forms and guidance can be found on the Auckland Council website. Nominations close Friday, August 1.
Aotea Fighter Heads to Auckland Ring on 8 August
Jason Skipps of Barrier Muay Thai will represent Aotea in Auckland on Friday 8 August in a competitive bout. Skipps has been training hard and is facing a tough opponent. Supporters can purchase tickets via theartofwar.flicket.co.nz.
NZTA Scam Alert Circulates Again
Local police have received further reports of scam texts impersonating NZTA. Messages falsely claim unpaid tolls and link to phishing sites. Residents are urged not to click on these links. For information and examples, visit nzta.govt.nz and search ‘scams’.
Afterglow Festival Coming to Aotea – January 2026
A new summer music festival is set to launch on Great Barrier Island. Afterglow will take place on Saturday 24 January 2026, bringing top Aotearoa artists to the motu for a celebration of sound and summer. Organisers say more details and lineup announcements will follow in the coming weeks. The event promises to be a major addition to the island’s calendar.
Final Winter Workshop: Wet Felting on 2 August
Aotea Arts & History Village will host the final workshop of the winter season on 2 August. Saskia Missaar will lead a hands-on wet felting session. Cost is $45, with all materials provided. To book, email coordinator@aoteaahv.nz.
Got news or an event coming up?
Send details, photos, or flyers to editor@aoteagbi.news
Caulerpa Surveillance Underway in Okupu (Blind) Bay
From 30 July to 1 August, the Acheron III will conduct a non-invasive drop camera survey of Okupu Bay to check for exotic caulerpa. The operation involves no anchoring or seabed disturbance. Concerns or questions can be directed to info@acrt.co.nz.
Abandoned Vessels in Tryphena Among 12 Set for Removal
Auckland Transport has listed 12 vessels deemed abandoned across Auckland waters. Three of these are located in Tryphena: two unnamed 7.6m white-hull yachts and one unnamed 7.3m blue-hull catamaran. If owners do not contact the Harbourmaster by 1 September 2025, the vessels will be removed under Section 33L of the Maritime Transport Act. Owners may be required to cover removal and storage costs. Contact harbourmaster@at.govt.nz or call 09 362 0397.
Game Bird Hunting Notice: 1–3 August at Ōkiwi
Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust has advised that a team will be conducting game bird hunting at Ōkiwi Recreation Reserve between 1 and 3 August 2025. This activity is approved by the Department of Conservation and Fish & Game New Zealand and is limited strictly to game birds. The public is advised not to enter the area during this period. DOC maps mark the affected zones, and health and safety standards will be in place.
