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Tech - Aotea Green

Volkswagen to charge to unlock your own EV’s power

Volkswagen has sunk to a new low. The once-mighty carmaker, now battered by collapsing profits, soaring energy costs and a string of flopped electric models, has hatched a new plan, to start making drivers pay for the power already sitting…

The Great Barrier Island Ambulance Station in Tryphena. Photo / Supplied

Community News

Urgent Funding Appeal to Keep Aotea’s Ambulance Running

Aotea’s ambulance service is facing a funding cliff, with support set to run out in September 2025. Without new backing, St John’s paramedics may no longer be able to cover the island’s emergency response. “Our local St John’s ambulance provides…

Community News

Currach makes international headlines as world’s only solar-powered Irish pub

From Dublin to The Barrier: Orla and The Currach shine in Woman’s Day

Community News

Surf’s Up, Hoops Installed, and Election Race Heats Up – Community Roundup

Boardriders Club Scores Major FundingThe Aotea Boardriders Club has secured $64,100 from Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund. The grant will go toward completing the long-anticipated clubhouse at Medlands, giving the island’s surf community a much-needed hub. Meet…

Mike Lee is advocating for pragmatic progress with a commitment to preserve the region's environment and community rights. Photo / NZME

Community News

Mike Lee defends low attendance record: says ‘seat warming’ isn’t the job

Waitematā and Gulf councillor Mike Lee has pushed back at criticism of his meeting attendance, saying representing remote communities like Waiheke and Great Barrier requires time on the ground — not just “seat warming” at Auckland Council. Lee has the…

A crayfish lurks between rocks. Debate is intensifying over proposed quota increases and their impact on local marine life in the Hauraki Gulf. Photo / Jasus Edwards / CC

Community News

Public Views Sought on New Crayfish Rules Covering Great Barrier

Public opinions are being sought on new government proposals to leave more crayfish in the ocean around Great Barrier and across the wider Hauraki Gulf. Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) says the changes are aimed at rebuilding stocks and making the…

Tech - Aotea Green

Micro-Hydro: Aotea’s Ultimate Off-Grid Edge — If You’re Lucky Enough

On an island where every lightbulb is powered by what you can harvest, store, or generate yourself, the idea of a machine quietly making electricity day and night feels almost magical. Unlike solar, which knocks off at sunset, or wind,…

Tech - Aotea Green

Wind Power on Aotea: Jackpot or Money Pit?

Photo / Mike Gifford / CC

Culture - Aotea Green

Tiki Taane to headline new January music festival on Aotea

January music festivals are set to return to Aotea in 2026 with the launch of the Afterglow Festival — a new event bringing top New Zealand acts to the island after a quiet summer this year. Afterglow will run from…

Community News

Government ‘actively considering’ regional airline support as Sounds Air and Barrier Air sound alarm

The Government is “actively considering options” to address growing concern over the viability of regional airlines — a signal that financial or regulatory support may be under consideration as carriers warn rising costs are forcing route cuts and fare hikes.…