Home buyers eyeing property on the picturesque Hauraki Gulf Islands are set to face tough new financial barriers. As of 1 July, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is setting new debt-to-income (DTI) ratios that will significantly impact what people…
More than 100 tonnes of caulerpa washed up in this Great Barrier Island Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Sid Ware / Ministry for Primary Industries / FILE The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has extended the exotic Caulerpa Controlled…
Fisheries New Zealand has pinpointed a combination of climate-related factors as the likely cause of Milky White Flesh Syndrome in snapper, according to a new report. Skinny snapper with mushy, white flesh instead of the usual firm and translucent texture…
The quest to capture a crafty rat from the pest-free shores of Motutapu has escalated, as conservation teams pull out all stops with the approaching nesting season. The unwelcome visitor was first spotted by a sharp-eyed DOC ranger in late…
The Aotea Army descended on Okiwi on Sunday, demonstrating the extraordinary spirit of the Great Barrier Island community. Led by Leon Foster, the “army” of volunteers accomplished a remarkable amount of work for Kiri and Annette Parker, a couple facing…
While there is still some diesel available, Chatham Islanders are in urgent need of more fuel (file image). Photo / RNZ / Matt “Big Tuna” Theunissen The Chatham Islands have run out of petrol and its diesel supplies are running low…
A warm fire: a potential reality for Aotea homes under the Warmer Kiwi Homes program. Photo / Rachel Claire / CC The Warmer Kiwi Homes program, a government initiative providing grants for insulation and efficient heaters, may be extended to…
The Pleiades constellation, known as Matariki in Te Reo, ushers in the Māori New Year. Photo / Martin Heigan / CC On Friday, Aotea will come alive with the spirit of Matariki, offering a full day of cultural events, kai,…