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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

Photo / Jasus Edwards

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.…

Tech - Aotea Green

Starlink dominates Great Barrier internet – but Amazon’s rival service is circling

The grip of Starlink — the satellite network pioneered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and now the dominant internet provider on Great Barrier Island — may soon be challenged. Amazon’s competing service, Project Kuiper, has announced its first major commercial agreement:…

George Clarke: Wild About Barrier

British TV presenter and architect George Clarke says visiting Great Barrier Island was one of the most memorable experiences of his career — calling it “magical,” “wild,” and “a privilege.” Clarke, best known for Amazing Spaces, Restoration Man, and Old…

The Auckland Council service centre and local board office in Claris—hub of local decision-making on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Auckland Council

Community News

Full Slate for Local Board as Barrier Icons Return — Notable Name Missing

Nominations for the Great Barrier Local Board and the Waitematā and Gulf Ward officially closed at midday Friday, August 1, with a full field confirmed for both contests. A total of eight names are in the mix for the Aotea/Great…