Community News – Great Barrier Island News

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…

Barrier Bach Wins Top Honours at 2025 Architecture Awards

The Hauraki Gulf took centre stage at the 2025 Auckland Architecture Awards, with homes on Great Barrier, Waiheke, and Kawau all honoured for designs that embrace fragility, remoteness, and raw coastal beauty. From off-grid elegance to urban ferry terminals, the…

Indy Yelich — poet, songwriter, and younger sister of Lorde — is carving out her own sound with quietly powerful tracks like Sail Away. Photo / Supplied

Bush Tracks: Indy Yelich – Sail Away

We’re addicted. Lorde’s sister Indy Yelich has released a track we can’t get out of our heads — Sail Away is subdued, haunting, and unforgettable.

The Auckland Council service centre and local board office in Claris—hub of local decision-making on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Auckland Council

Community News

Thinking of Running? Local Board Candidate Info Sessions Announced for Great Barrier Island

The Auckland Council service centre and local board office in Claris—hub of local decision-making on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Auckland Council

Barrier Air has introduced a $228 return flight voucher between Auckland and Great Barrier Island, available until Sunday, February 18, and valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Community News

Barrier Air Launches Winter Sale with Fares from $64

Barrier Air has launched a major winter sale, slashing fares to as low as $64 across all its routes — a sharp drop from regular ticket prices, which can go as high as $288. The airline announced the sale this…

Community News

Rāhui in Place at Ōkupu Following Tragic Incident

A rāhui has been placed at Ōkupu Point following an extremely tragic event in the area. The rāhui — a customary Māori restriction placed over an area — is a mark of respect and protection, asking people not to harvest…

Community News

Venomous Sea Snake Found on Flat Island Near Port Fitzroy

A venomous yellow-bellied sea snake has been discovered washed up on Flat Island, just off the coast of Great Barrier Island, near Port Fitzroy. This marks the third such find in New Zealand within the last two weeks. According to…

Community News

New Push to Mark Walking Paths on Great Barrier Island

A local project is working to mark and improve Aotea’s walking routes, helping locals and tourists move safely between settlements, avoid trespassing, and ease pressure on the island’s narrow roads.

Community News

Yachties rescued by navy vessel after abandoning ship off Rangitoto

Two yachties have been rescued by the navy vessel HMNZS Taupo after a dramatic early-morning emergency near Rangitoto Island. The inshore patrol vessel was on a training exercise and crew evaluation in the Hauraki Gulf when it picked up a…

Decisions from a Distance: Auckland Council Headquarters, 90 Kilometers Away from Aotea. Photo / NZME

Community News

Local Board to Meet as Māori Criticism, Rate Hike and Survey Blunder Mar Public Consultation

The Great Barrier Local Board will convene an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday at 11:30am to consider public feedback on Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Plan for 2025/26. However, the process has been overshadowed by criticism from mana whenua, a significant rates…