Community News – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

Podcast Launch, Tree Planting Success, and School Project Call for Donations: Aotea News Roundup

As winter comes to a close - although with the recent rough weather it might not feel like it - here's a glimpse of three things that have been happening across our island community.

Community News

A Night on the Ridge: John Ogden Details His Rescue Amid Harsh Elements

Island icon, John Ogden, well-known for his adventurous spirit, has shared a candid recount of his harrowing chopper rescue last month, an ordeal that gripped the community. Through a blog post on GreatBarrier.co.nz, Ogden expressed his gratitude and detailed the…

More than 100 tonnes of caulerpa washed up in this Great Barrier Island Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Sid Ware / Ministry for Primary Industries

Community Concerns Clash with MPI Commitments at Island Hui

Residents, businesses, and anglers are facing prolonged uncertainty regarding how or when officials will move beyond pilot trials to decisively tackle the Caulerpa outbreak in the island’s waters. Questions also linger about the fate of the Controlled Area Notices (CANs),…

Community News

Kaitoke School’s Pump Track: Community’s Tribute to Levi Takes Shape

Kaitoke School is buzzing with activity as construction of the highly anticipated Levi Golaboski Memorial Bike and Pump Track gains momentum. “The workmanship, quality, and generosity of our amazing local contractors have been next level! Concrete was poured today!” Principal…

SeaLink ferry to Great Barrier Island: A costly voyage for islanders due to lack of subsidies and exemption from public transport regulations. Photo / Supplied

Community News

SeaLink Announces Resident Discounts, Opens Christmas Bookings

SeaLink has unveiled a new resident discount program for Great Barrier Island, offering a 20% reduction on retail bookings for certain fare types. The initiative comes amid recent concerns over soaring ferry fares. To benefit from the discount, residents need…

View of Claris Airport Carpark: The Focus of Auckland Transport's New $40,000 Surveillance Project

Community News

Parking Cameras Coming to Claris Airport

Auckland Transport is gearing up to drop a staggering $40,000 on installing parking infringement cameras at Claris Airport. The high-tech surveillance system is designed to promote a fair rotation of the limited parking spaces available. “The main reason is to…

Mitch Brown, Great Barrier Island's golfing champion, smiles brightly. He's determined to represent the island at the Macau Golf Masters in September. Photo / Supplied

Community News

Mitch Brown’s Spirit Unbreakable as He Focuses on Macau Challenge

Just over a year ago, our island celebrated as Mitch Brown achieved his dream of winning gold at the Special Olympics in Germany. Now, Mitch has a new dream on the horizon: competing in the prestigious Macau Golf Masters in…

Axed and Angry: Landowners Slam Council Over Tree Felling

"Pine-ing" for answers: Landowners left in the dark after council fells trees on disputed boundary, despite prior arborist inspection. Photo / CC

Community News

Dramatic Overnight Rescue: Kayaker Found Safe After Hours-Long Search

A dramatic overnight search and rescue operation unfolded on the east coast of Great Barrier Island Monday, after an 82-year-old man went missing during a kayaking trip. Witnesses reported a helicopter hovering above Medlands, along the peninsula to Windy Hill/Rosalie…

Mulberry Grove's shoreline, where erosion threaten both natural beauty and critical infrastructure. Photo / MGS

Community News

Under Sea-ge: Erosion Battle at Mulberry Grove

Mulberry Grove’s shoreline, where erosion threatens both natural beauty and critical infrastructure. Photo / MGS Auckland Council is set to visit Great Barrier Island to engage with the community about the issue of erosion, which poses a threat across the…