Community News – Page 15 – Great Barrier Island News

The Great Barrier Island local board will be hosting a free workshop titled 'Addiction 101' on Friday, March 1st, from 9am to 4:30pm at the Claris Conference Centre, 19 Whangaparapara Road.

Community News

Free Counselling Services For Youth And Their Whānau

The Aotea Family Support Group has taken a significant step towards supporting the mental well-being of young people and their whānau with the introduction of a new, free counselling service. The service, spearheaded by experienced counsellor Sam Grimshaw, offers a…

With their vigorous growth and ability to tolerate sandy soil, passionfruits grow great on Aotea. Photo / Paul Munhoven / CC

Community News

Island Eats: What Grows Best on The Barrier

As residents of our unique community, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to grow our own fruits, vegetables, and even explore the wilds for rongoā Māori herbal extracts.

In a touching tribute, Aotea's surfers gathered at Medland's for a paddle out at 2 pm, as Mike's journey from the island took flight for the last time. Photo / Facebook

Community News

Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Local Legend, Mike Brown

In a touching tribute, Aotea’s surfers gathered at Medland’s for a paddle out at 2 pm, as Mike’s journey from the island took flight for the last time. Photo / Facebook On December 23, the Aotea community lost one of…

'Terrifying!' paddle boarder's close encounter with playful orca, near Great Barrier Island, NZ. Photo / Abigail Florence

Community News

Paddle boarder’s ‘terrifying’ Orca encounter at Shoal Bay

In an extraordinary display of wildlife ft. human interaction at Shoal Bay, Great Barrier Island, a paddle boarder had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with an orca whale.

Community News

Tip Shop (Anamata) Goes Solar, Enhancing Island Recycling

The Tip Shop (Anamata), the island's recycling facility is boasting a brand new solar power system, funded in part by the local board and Auckland Council climate grants, marking a sustainable shift from their previous reliance on a diesel generator.

Surrounded by loved ones, Mitch Brown and his father Mike embrace whānau at the Berlin Special Olympics. Photo / Supplied

Community News

Golfing Sensation, Mitch Brown gets Hero’s homecoming

Golfing sensation Mitch Brown, hailed a hero, was welcomed back to Aotea with rapturous applause after his remarkable achievement at the Special Olympics in Berlin. Around 50 Aotea whānau eagerly gathered at Claris Airport to celebrate his return this afternoon. …

Community News

Mitch Brown Secures Gold Medal Triumph at Special Olympics

Surrounded by loved ones, Mitch Brown and his father Mike embrace whānau at the Berlin Special Olympics. Photo / Supplied BERLIN — In a stunning display of skill and determination, golfer Mitch Brown has emerged victorious at this year’s Special…

Waii in her element — against the wild, open backdrop of Great Barrier Island, where Bumble Bee feels right at home. Photo / Waii Music

Bush Tracks: Waii ft. Wendell Park – Bumble Bee

There’s something hypnotic about Bumble Bee. It doesn’t hustle for attention, and it never raises its voice — but by the end, you’re all in. It’s a track that feels like it was grown, not made. And maybe that’s because…

Above: The French frigate Vendemiaire, in Sydney, Australia in 2013. Photo / Saberwyn - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Community News

French Military vessel discovered off Aotea coast

Above: The French frigate Vendemiaire, in Sydney, Australia in 2013. Photo / Saberwyn – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 In a surprise discovery on Sunday evening, a French military vessel was spotted loitering off the coast of Aotea, Great Barrier…

Looking out towards the rock at Pah Beach on Aotea, Great Barrier Island.

Community News

Council probe gives Aotea chopper visits all-clear

By Phil Pennington, RNZ An Auckland Council report has found helicopters buzzing Waiheke Island are not unsafe, overly noisy or breaking the rules. But it suggests the noise limit could be lowered anyway, cutting down on the types of chopper…