Suction Dredging Trial to Target Caulerpa
Suction dredging is about to begin in a battle against the highly invasive caulerpa seaweed taking hold at Aotea, Great Barrier Island.
Can you charge an EV with solar panels?
In the wake of petrol prices on the Barrier soaring to a record $4.15 per litre, the highest in the country, the community faces the age-old question about alternative transport solutions. The high cost of petrol, exacerbated by the logistical…
DOC Ramps Up Patrols to Enforce Dog Bans on Pest-Free Hauraki Gulf Islands
Department of Conservation (DOC) officials are stepping up patrols in response to an increase in reports of dogs on the pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf. The action aims to enforce regulations designed to protect the unique environments of the…
Tropical Fruit Growing Workshops Look Set For Island
Islanders eager to diversify their gardening skills have a unique opportunity coming up this March. Hugh Rose, the Chair of New Zealand Tropical Fruit Growers, is planning to host workshops focused on growing tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapples…
Freshwater Drinking Stations in Move to Ditch Plastic Bottles
Auckland Council and the Local Board has introduced three new freshwater drinking stations across Great Barrier Island in a bid to reduce plastic bottle usage and waste. The stations, located at Claris Airport, near The Currach Irish Pub, and beside…
Claris Sports and Social Club Goes Green with New Solar Battery Bank
A sustainable energy initiative for the Claris Sports and Social Club has been powered-up with a local board grant. Photo / Linda Rowe The Claris Sports and Social Club has taken a significant leap towards sustainability with the installation of a state-of-the-art…
How much could I save with Solar Water Heating?
Photo / PeterVauhn / CC With our robust annual sunshine of over 2,100 hours, Aotea presents (some argue) a golden opportunity for residents to harness solar energy, for water heating needs. Despite the clear advantages and the island’s tropical climate…
Hillary Outdoors Bids Farewell to Aotea: End of an Era
In a heartfelt announcement, the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre has declared the closure of its Aotea Great Barrier Island operation
2024 a Make-or-Break Year for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
By Alex Rogers On one of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park this summer, lots of small snapper washed up dead. A friend who has witnessed the decline of the health of the Gulf over many decades filleted one…
Turquoise Transformation: Mulberry Grove School’s Court Gets a Facelift
The Newly-Resurfaced Courts at Mulberry Grove Primary School Shine Bright for the New School Year. Photo / Ally Gibbs Mulberry Grove Primary School has started the new school year on a high note with the unveiling of its newly resurfaced…