Archives – Page 2 – Great Barrier Island News

A takahē and a tuatara have been filmed engaging in a bush-floor stoush in a new video captured by a quick-thinking DOC Ranger. Photo / DoC

Ecology

Bush Battle on Tiritiri: Tuatara and Takahē Caught in Wild Scrap

They’re both rare, prehistoric-looking icons of the New Zealand bush. But it turns out even the nation’s most protected species aren’t above a good old-fashioned scrap. In bizarre footage snapped by Department of Conservation (DoC) ranger Nick Fisentzidis on Tiritiri…

Environment

Editorial: Kawau Island’s Poison Plan — Conservation or Chemical Catastrophe?

A proposal quietly moving through the system could make Kawau Island the most chemically saturated inhabited island in New Zealand history. From June 2025 to April 2027, Auckland Council, with backing from DOC, Predator Free 2050 Ltd, and the Manuhiri…

This bright-green invasive caulerpa seaweed is smothering the delicate marine ecosystem on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Glenn Edney

Environment

Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed Detected Off Little Barrier Island

Patches of the invasive seaweed Exotic Caulerpa have been discovered at three locations off the northeast coast of Little Barrier Island, prompting a rapid response from local biosecurity and iwi groups. The seaweed, which includes the species Caulerpa brachypus and…

Environment

DOC denies 1080 plans for Aotea despite growing concern in community

The Department of Conservation has denied that any 1080 drop is currently planned or scheduled for Aotea / Great Barrier Island, following weeks of widespread speculation among residents and conservation stakeholders. In a written response to AoteaGBI.news, DOC Aotea Operations…

More than 100 tonnes of caulerpa washed up in this Great Barrier Island Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Sid Ware / Ministry for Primary Industries

Environment

Caulerpa Spread Risks Billions – Report

By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter, NZME

Barrier Air has introduced a $228 return flight voucher between Auckland and Great Barrier Island, available until Sunday, February 18, and valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Community News

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…

Community News

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…

Community News

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…

Community News

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.

Community News

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…