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This bright-green invasive caulerpa seaweed is smothering the delicate marine ecosystem on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Glenn Edney

Community News

Local Board chair urges change to blanket caulerpa rules

Aotea Local Board chair and election candidate Izzy Fordham says the community has “had enough” of blanket restrictions under the Caulerpa Controlled Area Notice and is urging islanders to put in feedback before a review closes. The CAN, in place…

A crayfish lurks between rocks. Debate is intensifying over proposed quota increases and their impact on local marine life in the Hauraki Gulf. Photo / Jasus Edwards / CC

Residents Back New Bylaw to Cut Crayfish Daily Limits

Photo / Jasus Edwards

SeaLink ferry to Great Barrier Island: A costly voyage for islanders due to lack of subsidies and exemption from public transport regulations. Photo / Supplied

Community News

SeaLink fare hike hits Great Barrier residents ahead of summer

SeaLink has confirmed it will raise Great Barrier Island residents’ fares from 1 October, just as the island heads into its busiest travel season. Current advertised pricing shows a return sailing for two adults and a car at just under…

Island Roundup: Cross Country, Craft Beer, Summer Sailings and Local Jobs

School Cross Country This ThursdayTe Kura o Okiwi is hosting the island’s interschool cross-country this Thursday, 11 September. Proceedings begin at 10.45am with karakia, mihi, and kōrero, before races get underway. Events should wrap up by 12pm, followed by lunch…

Fullers360 ferry departs Waiheke Wharf, carrying commuters and tourists across the Waitematā Harbour. Photo / Fullers

Community News

Time to Rethink Auckland’s Ferries?

EDITORIAL: The news that Fullers360 is up for sale ought to be a wake-up call for Auckland. Not because Auckland Transport should rush to buy the operator at an inflated price, but because it’s a rare chance to claw back…

Aotea Health’s rongoā Māori skincare range on display at the new Auckland International Airport concept store.

Aotea Expands its Rongoā Māori Reach with New Airport Concept Store

Aotea Health, the company that took Great Barrier Island and rongoā Māori to the world through its partnership with Air New Zealand, is expanding again with a new concept store at Auckland International Airport. Founded by Tama Toki, a former…

Nathan Boulter appearing at the Auckland District Court. Photo / NZME

Community News

Kidnapping survivor returns to Barrier to film documentary

A woman who survived one of Great Barrier Island’s most harrowing incidents is returning this month to film a documentary about her kidnapping in 2011. Nortessa Hammond (formerly known as Nortessa Montgomerie) will be on the island on 17–18 September…

Blood moon as dark skies reveal the total lunar eclipse.

Blood Moon Set to Rise Over Aotea on Monday Morning

Stargazers on Aotea will be treated to a total lunar eclipse early on Monday 8 September, with the “blood moon” set to create a spectacular dawn display. The eclipse begins in the early hours, with the first stages starting at…

A Barrier Air Cessna Grand Caravan — the airline says government loans will help, but rising costs and a weak Kiwi dollar remain major challenges.

Barrier Air welcomes Government support but warns costs still biting

Barrier Air chief executive Grant Bacon says the Government’s $30m package for regional airlines is welcome news for a sector under pressure. The loan scheme, announced this week by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager,…

Southern Lights could put on a show over Great Barrier skies this week — locals are urged to look south with cameras ready. Photo / Tristan Pokornyi

Community News

Aurora Alert: Southern Lights Could Dance Over Barrier Skies

Great Barrier Island stargazers might be in for a rare treat this week, with the Aurora Australis expected to make an appearance — though experts caution it’s difficult to predict exactly when and where. Dr James Brundell, from the University…