AoteaGBI.news – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

Hoops, Skates, and More: Medlands Park Revamp a Slam Dunk with Locals

It’s time to tip-off at Medlands Beach Playground Reserve, with a revamped basketball halfcourt now open – and it’s not just for shooting hoops! The court has a new colour coating and pickleball markings have been added, providing even more…

Waves crash against the rocks on Aotea's east coast, foreshadowing the high winds and thunderstorms to come. Photo / Will Trafford

Community News

Flights and Ferries Cancelled as Cyclone Tam Cuts Off Barrier

Flights and ferries to Great Barrier Island have been cancelled or disrupted due to the severe weather brought on by ex-tropical Cyclone Tam, cutting off vital freight deliveries. All Barrier Air flights were cancelled on Thursday morning, with only some…

Red Helicopter against a blue sky. Isaac benhesed / Unsplashed

Community News

Local Board Welcomes Stricter Rules for New Helipads — Community Opinion Split

Auckland Council has proposed new rules to make it harder for helipads to be approved on Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands. The Great Barrier Local Board has welcomed the move, which will see new environmental and cultural criteria added to…

Community News

Island Buzzing with Easter and ANZAC Spirit – April Update

Easter Market & Mulberry Grove Art AuctionEaster Saturday, 19 April, brings the Easter Market to Claris Club from 10am—expect local stalls, kids’ games, and the famous egg draw. On Easter Sunday, celebrate creativity at the Mulberry Grove School Art Auction,…

Environment & Ecology

Fisheries NZ Responds to Crayfish Poaching Frenzy

Fisheries New Zealand has issued infringement notices to two individuals amid ongoing investigations into illegal crayfish poaching on Great Barrier Island. The response follows a flurry of community reports about boats blatantly exceeding the legal crayfish limits. “Fisheries New Zealand…

Great Barrier named ‘The Next Frontier’ by BOSS Magazine

Great Barrier Island has been highlighted as one of the world’s emerging travel destinations by BOSS Magazine, a publication focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovative lifestyle experiences for global business leaders, digital nomads, and tech entrepreneurs. In its recent article…

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

Environment & Ecology

Inner Hauraki Gulf Crayfish Ban Sparks Fears for Great Barrier

A three-year ban on commercial and recreational crayfish (spiny rock lobster) fishing in the inner Hauraki Gulf will come into effect on April 1st, 2025, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has confirmed. The move is aimed at rebuilding the…

Environment & Ecology

Waiheke Island to Become Auckland’s First Urban Kiwi Habitat

In mid-May, Waiheke Island will become the first urban area in Auckland where kiwi have been released. 10 kiwi will be transferred from neighbouring Pōnui Island to Te Matuku Peninsula at the eastern end of Te Motu-ārai-roa/Waiheke Island. Save the…

Environment & Ecology

New Native Nursery in Medlands to Support Local Planting Projects

A new community-focused native plant nursery is preparing to open its gates in Medlands this April, offering eco-sourced, locally grown plants for a wide range of planting projects. The Motu Community Nursery is the continuation of a native nursery initiative…

Environment & Ecology

Viral Video: Octopus Riding Shark in Hauraki Gulf Becomes International Sensation

International media and scientific organisations are lapping up footage of a real life ‘Sharktopus’ filmed in the Hauraki Gulf. Marine biologist Professor Rochelle Constantine said the encounter in December 2023 was a tale to top them all. In a post…