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…
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…
Search Widens for Missing Barrier Sailor
Barrier Yacht/ Skipper Disappearance Enters Third Month.
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…
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…
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.