Caulerpa Spread Risks Billions – Report
By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter, NZME
Barrier Air Launches Winter Sale with Fares from $64
Barrier Air has launched a major winter sale, slashing fares to as low as $64 across all its routes — a sharp drop from regular ticket prices, which can go as high as $288. The airline announced the sale this…
Rāhui in Place at Ōkupu Following Tragic Incident
A rāhui has been placed at Ōkupu Point following an extremely tragic event in the area. The rāhui — a customary Māori restriction placed over an area — is a mark of respect and protection, asking people not to harvest…
Venomous Sea Snake Found on Flat Island Near Port Fitzroy
A venomous yellow-bellied sea snake has been discovered washed up on Flat Island, just off the coast of Great Barrier Island, near Port Fitzroy. This marks the third such find in New Zealand within the last two weeks. According to…
New Push to Mark Walking Paths on Great Barrier Island
A local project is working to mark and improve Aotea’s walking routes, helping locals and tourists move safely between settlements, avoid trespassing, and ease pressure on the island’s narrow roads.
Yachties rescued by navy vessel after abandoning ship off Rangitoto
Two yachties have been rescued by the navy vessel HMNZS Taupo after a dramatic early-morning emergency near Rangitoto Island. The inshore patrol vessel was on a training exercise and crew evaluation in the Hauraki Gulf when it picked up a…
Local Board to Meet as Māori Criticism, Rate Hike and Survey Blunder Mar Public Consultation
The Great Barrier Local Board will convene an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday at 11:30am to consider public feedback on Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Plan for 2025/26. However, the process has been overshadowed by criticism from mana whenua, a significant rates…
Search underway for missing local Julie Butler
Police are appealing to the Aotea community for help locating Julie Butler, a 55-year-old local who usually lives aboard the yacht, Blazing Shadz, moored in Kaiaraara Bay. A partner agency raised concerns for Butler’s welfare on April 4, prompting police…
‘Couldn’t Be Prouder’: Island Gin Takes Top Honours at World Drinks Awards
Island Gin is riding an extraordinary wave of success, with its flagship Island Gin Original adding another prestigious title to its growing list of accolades: NZ’s Best London Dry Gin at the renowned World Drinks Awards. The latest triumph comes…
Hoops, Skates, and More: Medlands Park Revamp a Slam Dunk with Locals
It’s time to tip-off at Medlands Beach Playground Reserve, with a revamped basketball halfcourt now open – and it’s not just for shooting hoops! The court has a new colour coating and pickleball markings have been added, providing even more…