After a six-year pause, the island is gearing up for the powerful revival of a beloved local tradition, the Wharf to Wharf marathon. Scheduled for Saturday the 3rd of October 2026, the event’s return marks its 20th anniversary, making this…

Ferry access to Aotea has been reduced, with SeaLink dropping sailings as fuel prices spike off the back of the Iran crisis. “Due to a significant rise in fuel costs, we’re making some short-term adjustments to our timetable,” the company…

Glenfern Sanctuary is moving ahead with a major upgrade to its volunteer accommodation, with five new cabins and a fully equipped communal hub set to support conservation work across the northern end of Aotea. Sanctuary manager Steve Clemow said the…

Residents off the southwest coast of the Barrier were given a major surprise on Friday when two powerful explosions occurred just a minute apart off Whangara Island. The blasts sent plumes of white smoke hundreds of feet into the air,…

Man of the Match performance from the former island local.

National says it will campaign on tightening commercial fishing rules in the Hauraki Gulf, including reviewing controversial carve-outs that allow some activity inside newly created High Protection Areas (HPAs). National’s conservation spokesperson, Tama Potaka, confirmed the party would try to…

The Great Barrier Local Board is hosting a series of community barbecues across the island this month and next, aiming to gather resident feedback for the upcoming Local Board Plan. The events are being run as informal “catch-ups,” allowing residents…