Barrier Flashbacks

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…

This captivating account of a pastoral visit to Great Barrier Island in 1881 offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of early island life. Rev. A. Baker's journey, marked by rough seas, rugged terrain, and warm community spirit, paints…

This fishing tale, recounted by Fred Medland, vividly captures the essence of fishing adventures and life on Great Barrier Island between the late 1930s and 1950. Fred’s memories bring to life the challenges and joys of the island’s fishing culture,…

This story was originally published December 26, 2022 and is republished here with permission from the Kay Stowell Archive. In this piece, midwife Adele Robertson shares her experiences of bringing new life into the world on Great Barrier Island for…

Coral Holroyd (née Eyre) provides a captivating look into early life on Great Barrier Island, recounting the Eyre family's experiences from the 1920s. Her story highlights the challenges of pioneering life, community development, and the impact of wartime on the…

In 1991, New Zealand Geographic's "An Island Apart" reminisced about a time when Great Barrier Island land sold for just $100 an acre, setting the stage for early farms and the vast communes that still exist today. It details the…

Before the influx of activists from distant shores, Barrier stood as a bastion of rugged independence. In those days, local farmers scraped by with perhaps the most grueling livelihoods in the nation, heavily burdened by exorbitant freight costs. On the…

Each week, we feature a blast from the past, giving you a glimpse into the history and charm of Great Barrier Island. Thanks to our partnership with Kay Stowell, we are able to bring you articles from her archives, some…

Photo from the blog of Lou Sanson, DOC Director-General. In the storm of Tuesday 10th June 2014, New Zealand’s biggest kauri dam, 110 years old, was destroyed. The storm was believed to be the biggest to hit the island in…