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Culture - Aotea Green

Tiki Taane to headline new January music festival on Aotea

January music festivals are set to return to Aotea in 2026 with the launch of the Afterglow Festival — a new event bringing top New Zealand acts to the island after a quiet summer this year. Afterglow will run from…

Community News

Government ‘actively considering’ regional airline support as Sounds Air and Barrier Air sound alarm

The Government is “actively considering options” to address growing concern over the viability of regional airlines — a signal that financial or regulatory support may be under consideration as carriers warn rising costs are forcing route cuts and fare hikes.…

Tech - Aotea Green

Starlink dominates Great Barrier internet – but Amazon’s rival service is circling

The grip of Starlink — the satellite network pioneered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and now the dominant internet provider on Great Barrier Island — may soon be challenged. Amazon’s competing service, Project Kuiper, has announced its first major commercial agreement:…

George Clarke: Wild About Barrier

British TV presenter and architect George Clarke says visiting Great Barrier Island was one of the most memorable experiences of his career — calling it “magical,” “wild,” and “a privilege.” Clarke, best known for Amazing Spaces, Restoration Man, and Old…

The Auckland Council service centre and local board office in Claris—hub of local decision-making on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Auckland Council

Community News

Full Slate for Local Board as Barrier Icons Return — Notable Name Missing

Nominations for the Great Barrier Local Board and the Waitematā and Gulf Ward officially closed at midday Friday, August 1, with a full field confirmed for both contests. A total of eight names are in the mix for the Aotea/Great…

Community News

Regional Aviation in Crisis: Barrier Air Joins Chorus for Reform

Barrier Air CEO Grant Bacon says the cost of keeping regional airlines airborne is spiralling out of control, with even well-run operators now cutting services, selling aircraft, and urging government to intervene before more carriers collapse. Speaking to Kathryn Ryan,…

Community News

Holiday Magic: Now You See Your Money, Now You Don’t

While living in Christchurch under another name, Nicola Tomlinson ran a travel company trading on Aotea’s identity — and left creditors across the country owed more than $100,000.

Community News

Island Roundup: Hunting Notice, Events, and Sea Snake Warning

Another Sea Snake Spotted at Medlands Beach Another venomous sea snake was spotted on Medlands Beach, midway between Twin Pines and The Lane. The Department of Conservation has advised the public to keep a safe distance and allow the tide…

Environment - Aotea Green

Council Imposes New Planning Controls on Five Barrier Sites

Five sites on Great Barrier Island have been brought under new cultural planning controls by Auckland Council, following a vote of its Policy and Planning Committee this month. The sites—Hirakimatā (Mount Hobson), Komahunga, Korotiti, Poutekorua, and Ruahine—are the first on…

Greenpeace petition reignites call for bottom trawling ban in Hauraki Gulf

Greenpeace has launched a fresh petition calling on Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones to ban bottom trawling, scallop dredging, and Danish seining across the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The campaign argues that a century of seabed damage from mobile…