Archives – Page 5 – Great Barrier Island News

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

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…

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…

Decisions from a Distance: Auckland Council Headquarters, 90 Kilometers Away from Aotea. Photo / NZME

Community News

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…

Community News

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…

Politics

Haka, Hate Crimes and Shoplifting: Welcome to the Opposition

What Do You Get When You Cross a Shoplifter, a TikTok Liar, and a Haka Mob? Labour’s Only Hope.