Community News – Page 3 – Great Barrier Island News

The well-camouflaged eggs of the NZ dotterel, nestled safely in the sands of Oruawharo Medlands.

Community News

Barrier Buzz: News and Developments from across Aotea

Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision – Protecting NZ Dotterels During Nesting Season Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision remind us that it’s nesting time for the NZ dotterels, a bird rarer than some kiwi species. These birds lay their eggs in well-camouflaged nests on the…

More than 100 tonnes of caulerpa washed up in this Great Barrier Island Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Sid Ware / Ministry for Primary Industries

Controversial Caulerpa Controls Extended Another Year

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has officially extended the Exotic Caulerpa Controlled Area Notices (CANs) for Aotea / Great Barrier Island until 30 September 2025. The restrictions, initially implemented in 2021, aim to limit the spread of the invasive…

Aotea Community Health Trustee Leonie Howie with donated dental equipment. Photo / RNZ / Luka Forman

Community News

Great Barrier Island Secures First Dentist in 8 Years

After an eight-year wait, the Great Barrier Island community is finally celebrating the arrival of a new dentist. “We are ecstatic to announce that we have a… DENTIST!” the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust enthusiastically shared, Monday. Incoming dentist…

Kaitoke School Takes Step Towards Charter School Status – News Roundup

Kaitoke School Exploring Charter School Model Kaitoke School, in collaboration with the Aotea Learning Hub, is exploring the possibility of becoming a composite charter school. This would provide seamless education for students aged 5 to 18 years on Great Barrier…

Sun-Drenched Serenity: Medlands Beach on the East Coast of Great Barrier Island. Photo / AoteaGBI.news

Volunteers Needed for Coastal Health Survey

Organizers are calling on residents to participate in the upcoming Hauora Moana/ecological survey. The survey, coordinated by environmentalist John Bakunin, is scheduled for October 19th and 20th, 2024. In case of inclement weather, alternative dates have been set for November…

Speed will take a backseat on the island's roads come October.

Community News

Great Barrier Island Braces for Speed Limit Shake-up

Great Barrier Island is gearing up for a major slowdown, with speed limits set to be slashed across the board, pending a final nod from the Director of Land Transport. According to council employee Kathy Cumming the changes could come…

Aotea Locals Help Rescue Critically Ill Sea Turtle on Ōkupe Beach

DOC’s Sarah Dwyer cradles the critically ill hawksbill turtle found on Ōkupe Beach. Photo / DoC A hawksbill sea turtle found alive on Ōkupe beach, Aotea/Great Barrier Island, has been urgently flown to Auckland Zoo for medical attention, where it…

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 Averts Strike, Reaches Tentative Agreement with Union

In what should come as a major relief for Great Barrier Island residents, the looming threat of a strike impacting the crucial SeaLink ferry service has been averted. The ferry operator and the First Union have reached a tentative agreement,…

SeaLink ferry nearing Tryphena, Great Barrier Island (Aotea). Photo / GreatBarrier.co.nz

Community News

SeaLink Makes Pay Offer as Strike Looms, Negotiations Ongoing

As ferry services brace for the Spring surge of visitors, SeaLink has made a pay offer to its workers while continuing last-minute negotiations to prevent strike action this week. The ferry operator, which services Great Barrier Island, Waiheke, and Auckland,…

Mulberry Grove's shoreline, where erosion threaten both natural beauty and critical infrastructure. Photo / MGS

Last Chance to Shape Barrier Shoreline’s Future

A final call is being issued to the Great Barrier Island community to provide their input on the Auckland Council’s Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP), with the public consultation period ending on October 7th. Erosion is a pressing issue across the…