Community News – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

Search underway for missing local woman Julie Butler

Police are appealing to the Aotea community for help locating Julie Butler, a 55-year-old local woman who usually lives aboard her yacht, the Blazing Shadz, moored in Kaiaraara Bay. A partner agency raised concerns for Butler’s welfare on April 4,…

Community News

‘Couldn’t Be Prouder’: Island Gin Takes Top Honours at World Drinks Awards

Island Gin is riding an extraordinary wave of success, with its flagship Island Gin Original adding another prestigious title to its growing list of accolades: NZ’s Best London Dry Gin at the renowned World Drinks Awards. The latest triumph comes…

Community News

Hoops, Skates, and More: Medlands Park Revamp a Slam Dunk with Locals

It’s time to tip-off at Medlands Beach Playground Reserve, with a revamped basketball halfcourt now open – and it’s not just for shooting hoops! The court has a new colour coating and pickleball markings have been added, providing even more…

Waves crash against the rocks on Aotea's east coast, foreshadowing the high winds and thunderstorms to come. Photo / Will Trafford

Community News

Flights and Ferries Cancelled as Cyclone Tam Cuts Off Barrier

Flights and ferries to Great Barrier Island have been cancelled or disrupted due to the severe weather brought on by ex-tropical Cyclone Tam, cutting off vital freight deliveries. All Barrier Air flights were cancelled on Thursday morning, with only some…

Red Helicopter against a blue sky. Isaac benhesed / Unsplashed

Community News

Local Board Welcomes Stricter Rules for New Helipads — Community Opinion Split

Auckland Council has proposed new rules to make it harder for helipads to be approved on Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands. The Great Barrier Local Board has welcomed the move, which will see new environmental and cultural criteria added to…

Community News

Island Buzzing with Easter and ANZAC Spirit – April Update

Easter Market & Mulberry Grove Art AuctionEaster Saturday, 19 April, brings the Easter Market to Claris Club from 10am—expect local stalls, kids’ games, and the famous egg draw. On Easter Sunday, celebrate creativity at the Mulberry Grove School Art Auction,…

Great Barrier named ‘The Next Frontier’ by BOSS Magazine

Great Barrier Island has been highlighted as one of the world’s emerging travel destinations by BOSS Magazine, a publication focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovative lifestyle experiences for global business leaders, digital nomads, and tech entrepreneurs. In its recent article…

Community News

Pigs, Stars, Seedlings & Stags: The Aotea Autumn Roundup

BUSH PIGS VS STAGS: A ROARING WEEKEND OF RUGBY The mighty Bush Pigs clashed with the Katikati Stags in a memorable home game on Aotea, organised thanks to local player Tyler Mitai Sykes and the wider Sykes whānau. Despite a…

Health Trustees on a recent site inspection of the new Community Health Centre wing. Photo / GBICHT

Community News

Health Centre Expansion, Nurse Tribute: Aotea’s Big Day

Great Barrier Island will celebrate two significant milestones on Saturday, April 12, with the opening of the Community Health Centre’s new wing and the retirement of beloved nurses Leonie Howie and Adele Robertson. The event begins at 1:00 pm at…

The Great Barrier Island Ambulance Station in Tryphena. Photo / Supplied

Community News

Community Rallies as Volunteer Paramedic Temporarily Steps Back

The familiar fluorescent Great Barrier Island ambulance will continue to be seen rolling through the island’s roads, even with a key member of the team sidelined. Volunteer paramedic Adam Johnston recently suffered a back injury, forcing him to take a…