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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

‘Couldn’t Be Prouder’: Island Gin Takes Top Honours at World Drinks Awards

Island Gin is riding an extraordinary wave of success, with its flagship Island Gin Original adding another prestigious title to its growing list of accolades: NZ’s Best London Dry Gin at the renowned World Drinks Awards. The latest triumph comes…

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

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…

Environment - Aotea Green

Earth’s seasonal rhythms are changing, putting species and ecosystems at risk

Photo / Shutterstock / Colin Stephenson By Daniel Hernández Carrasco, University of Canterbury and Jonathan Tonkin, University of Canterbury

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

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…