AoteaGBI.news – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

Barrier Named Top 25 Off-Grid Destination for 2025

Great Barrier Island has earned a spot among the world’s top 25 off-the-beaten-track destinations for 2025, according to US-based travel media brand Afar. Highlighted in Afar’s annual ‘Where to Go’ list, Aotea/Great Barrier Island was described as “a nature lover’s…

A breathtaking moment captured on YouTube Video: Orcas corner a shark at Tryphena Wharf. Video / Out of Line via YouTube

Orca Attack Caught on Camera at Great Barrier Island Wharf

A thrilling encounter between orcas and a shark has been captured on video at Tryphena Wharf. A group of three orca whales delivered the unforgettable show as they seemingly cornered a shark right up against the island’s main wharf—only metres…

New speed limit signs on Great Barrier Island spark debate—are they safety measures or just another sign of the city's trappings creeping in?

Community News

Speed Limits Spark Debate After New Signs Appear

A peculiar sight on Great Barrier Island has gone viral on social media, sparking a lively debate about the island’s recently reduced speed limits. The image, posted anonymously, shows not one, but two 40 km/h speed limit signs flanking either…

Experimental UV light unit deployed on the seafloor at Rakino Island, designed to target invasive Caulerpa species with intense ultraviolet light. Photo / University of Auckland

Environment & Ecology

UV Light Offers Promise for Some Caulerpa, Uncertain Impact for Aotea

Ultraviolet light is used to make drinking water safe, zap bugs, and reveal blood spatter at crime scenes. Now, a team from the University of Auckland is exploring whether it could also help preserve New Zealand’s kaimoana and boatie way…

The well-camouflaged eggs of the NZ dotterel, nestled safely in the sands of Oruawharo Medlands.

Community News

Barrier Buzz: News and Developments from across Aotea

Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision – Protecting NZ Dotterels During Nesting Season Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision remind us that it’s nesting time for the NZ dotterels, a bird rarer than some kiwi species. These birds lay their eggs in well-camouflaged nests on the…

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

Controversial Caulerpa Controls Extended Another Year

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has officially extended the Exotic Caulerpa Controlled Area Notices (CANs) for Aotea / Great Barrier Island until 30 September 2025. The restrictions, initially implemented in 2021, aim to limit the spread of the invasive…

From Police to Paramedics: Meet Great Barrier’s Ultimate First Responders

Barrier Flashbacks

Four Hats, One Mission: The Superhero Duo of Great Barrier Island

A Tribute to Roger Bright and Kylie Robbins After serving the Great Barrier Island community for over 25 years, Roger Bright and Kylie Robbins are leaving the island. This article from the New Zealand Firefighter Magazine - August 2017 Issue…

Property

Interest rate change that could add $70k to borrowers’ loans

By Susan Edmunds, Money Correspondent, RNZ Interest rates might be dropping, but borrowers still need to prove they can pay back their loans at more than 8 percent, at the country’s main banks. On Monday, two-year fixed special rates were…

Aotea Community Health Trustee Leonie Howie with donated dental equipment. Photo / RNZ / Luka Forman

Community News

Great Barrier Island Secures First Dentist in 8 Years

After an eight-year wait, the Great Barrier Island community is finally celebrating the arrival of a new dentist. “We are ecstatic to announce that we have a… DENTIST!” the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust enthusiastically shared, Monday. Incoming dentist…

Environment & Ecology

Protecting the Gulf—or Not? Minister Defends Controversial Fishing Amendments

The Government’s promise to protect the Hauraki Gulf has sparked fury among conservationists, with critics warning that last-minute amendments to the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill will drive fish species to the brink of extinction. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka…