Community News – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

Cellphones and Landlines Down Across Island

Cellphone and landline services are down across much of southern Aotea, with Spark customers particularly affected after what is believed to be a fault at the Rosalie Bay Road cell tower. The tower, which also handles the critical relay link…

Community News

Person Trapped Overnight After Car Plunges Down Bank on Puriri Bay Road

An individual was seriously injured and trapped overnight after his vehicle left the road and plunged 10 to 15 metres down a steep bank on Puriri Bay Road, near Tryphena. Emergency services were alerted around 7.50am this morning after the…

Community News

Broadcaster and environmentalist Tim Higham remembered

Tireless environmentalist and storyteller Tim Higham has passed away, leaving a legacy from the UN to the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.

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…

Red Helicopter against a blue sky. Isaac benhesed / Unsplashed

Community News

Bid launched to outlaw private helipads in residential areas

Auckland councillors will soon consider a move to ban private helipads in residential areas across Auckland, including Aotea / Great Barrier Island and Waiheke. Waitematā and Gulf councillor Mike Lee, whose ward covers the entire Hauraki Gulf, is bringing two…

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…