Community News – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

Anamata Rises from the Ashes: Community Celebrates Full Reopening

The Tip Shop (Anamata Recycling) has officially reopened its doors following months of repairs after the fire that tore through its main shed last December. Locals gathered for a blessing, barbeque, and cake to mark the occasion — a moment…

Community News

Barrier Poised for Luxury Cruise Boost

Great Barrier will be promoted to international visitors as part of a luxury cruise land program this summer, as cruise operator Oceania Cruises brings its 1,250-guest ship Riviera to New Zealand for the first time. The ship will not call…

Great Barrier's Medlands white sand beach with New Zealand native toi toi fauna and mountain view. Photo / Mark Russell

Community News

It’s Time to Confront the Island’s Drug Culture—and the Nihilism Behind It

EDITORIAL

Barrier Homeowners Face Brutal Rates Hike as Values Soar

While mainland Auckland property values plummeted, homeowners on picturesque Great Barrier Island are about to be slammed from a staggering 38% average increase in their Capital Values (CVs) – the highest jump across the entire Auckland region. The eye-watering surge…

Community News

Dolphins Join Surfers at Sunset in Magical Medlands Moment

Video footage of five dolphins riding the waves with a group of surfers at Medlands Beach has captured hearts online—offering a moment of magic as the sun set behind the island’s hills, Monday. The scene unfolded with the brilliant yellow…

More Families on Outlying Islands Opt for Off-Island Schooling

More families from New Zealand’s outlying islands and remote rural communities are turning to mainland boarding schools, as increased government subsidies make off-island education more accessible—though costs still far outstrip support. New Ministry of Education data shows $3.24 million was…

Comvita founder credits Barrier’s Les Blackwell for putting him on path to honey empire

The founder of $250 million New Zealand honey giant Comvita has credited Great Barrier Island’s Les Blackwell as the starting point of his journey into beekeeping and natural health – a path that would eventually lead to one of the…

Community News

Search Widens for Missing Barrier Sailor

Barrier Yacht/ Skipper Disappearance Enters Third Month.

Locals guide stranded whale back to sea off Aotea’s south coast in a powerful moment of community and care.

Community News

Locals Usher Stranded Whale Back to Sea

Locals Rally to Guide Whale Back to Sea A dramatic rescue unfolded off the island’s southern coast earlier this month when a whale became stranded in shallow waters. Locals including Barney Scott formed a human chain to guide the whale…

Community News

Trial Brings Urgent Care Boost to Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island will be one of six rural communities to pilot a major new Government initiative aimed at transforming after-hours and urgent healthcare, with a $164 million investment unveiled in the lead-up to Budget 2025. Currently, after-hours urgent care…