December Delights: Aotea’s Events, Art, and Festive Highlights
Drax Project set to light up the stage this summer on Great Barrier Island with their signature blend of pop, R&B, and jazz-infused beats. Photo / Alex Goykhman
New Moorings to Revitalize Tourism Amid Caulerpa Crisis
Great Barrier Island is set to receive new screw pile moorings in a bid to revitalize tourism affected by severe restrictions to fishing and anchoring due to the invasive seaweed, Caulerpa. The project, jointly funded by the local board and…
Island Celebrates Spectacular Santa Parade 2024
This year’s Santa Parade on Great Barrier Island was a resounding success, filled with vibrant floats, spirited performances, and a community coming together to ring in the festive season. The parade, a staple of island holiday celebrations, featured an array…
Play Your Part: Great Barrier’s Call for Creative Playground Ideas
Are your kids swing enthusiasts or slide aficionados? Or maybe you’re a fan of picnics under the pōhutukawa. The Great Barrier Local Board is calling on everyone, from energetic toddlers to seasoned grandparents, to have their say in shaping the…
Fire Danger Prompts Complete Ban Across Great Barrier Island and Gulf
As of 8:00 am Monday, 2 December 2024, a prohibited fire season is now in effect across all islands of the Hauraki Gulf, including Great Barrier Island and Kawau Island. The ban, which will remain until further notice, prohibits all…
December Delights: Santa Parade, True Tales, and Community Updates
Santa Parade and Market Set to Bring Holiday CheerMark your calendars for Saturday, December 7th, as the Claris Sports Club hosts its festive Market and Santa Parade! Starting at 10 AM, the market promises an array of stalls offering food,…
Former MP Nikki Kaye Remembered for Her Contributions to Aotea
Nikki Kaye, the former National Party MP for Auckland Central and a familiar face across Great Barrier Island, has passed away at the age of 44 after a long battle with cancer. Known for her boundless energy and dedication to…
Local Board Distributes almost $200k in Ratepayer Grants at October Meeting
At the October business meeting, the Great Barrier Local Board allocated $198,419.89 in ratepayer-funded grants to several projects and initiatives. Applications for funding totalled more than $300,000. Here’s how the grants were distributed: Capital grants included: Glenfern Sanctuary Trust: Granted…
Barrier Named Top 25 Off-Grid Destination for 2025
Great Barrier Island has earned a spot among the world’s top 25 off-the-beaten-track destinations for 2025, according to US-based travel media brand Afar. Highlighted in Afar’s annual ‘Where to Go’ list, Aotea/Great Barrier Island was described as “a nature lover’s…
Orca Attack Caught on Camera at Great Barrier Island Wharf
A thrilling encounter between orcas and a shark has been captured on video at Tryphena Wharf. A group of three orca whales delivered the unforgettable show as they seemingly cornered a shark right up against the island’s main wharf—only metres…