Community News – Page 4 – Great Barrier Island News

Community News

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…

A breathtaking moment captured on YouTube Video: Orcas corner a shark at Tryphena Wharf. Video / Out of Line via YouTube

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…

New speed limit signs on Great Barrier Island spark debate—are they safety measures or just another sign of the city's trappings creeping in?

Community News

Speed Limits Spark Debate After New Signs Appear

A peculiar sight on Great Barrier Island has gone viral on social media, sparking a lively debate about the island’s recently reduced speed limits. The image, posted anonymously, shows not one, but two 40 km/h speed limit signs flanking either…

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…