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Community News

Wreckage from Puriri Bay Crash Seen for First Time

Leon Foster – barrier icon, founder of the Aotea Army, and a man known for mobilising locals to help neighbours in need – has come face to face with the wreckage of the Freelander that nearly killed him. “This is…

Community News

Great Barrier Garden Tours return this November

One of the island’s most popular annual events is back—and if you blinked, you might’ve already missed out. Great Barrier Island’s Spectacular By Nature Garden Tours return on Saturday 29 November, and one of the four tours sold out in…

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

Community News

Fullers ferry operator up for sale

Scottish-owned ferry company Fullers360, one of Auckland Transport’s contracted operators, is being put on the market. Parent company Souter Holdings has engaged investment firm Cameron Partners to explore a sale, according to a report in The Australian. The company, which…

Community News

Sunair Grounded Over Safety Breach – Barrier Flights Still Operating via Charter

Flights to and from Great Barrier Island are continuing—just not with Sunair. The regional airline, which serves the island from Ardmore, Whitianga, Whangārei and Tauranga, has been grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after a maintenance audit uncovered failings…

Community News

Cellphones and Landlines Down Across Island

Cellphone and landline services are down across much of southern Aotea, with Spark customers particularly affected after what is believed to be a fault at the Rosalie Bay Road cell tower. The tower, which also handles the critical relay link…

Community News

Person Trapped Overnight After Car Plunges Down Bank on Puriri Bay Road

An individual was seriously injured and trapped overnight after his vehicle left the road and plunged 10 to 15 metres down a steep bank on Puriri Bay Road, near Tryphena. Emergency services were alerted around 7.50am this morning after the…

Community News

Broadcaster and environmentalist Tim Higham remembered

Tireless environmentalist and storyteller Tim Higham has passed away, leaving a legacy from the UN to the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.

Community News

Anamata Rises from the Ashes: Community Celebrates Full Reopening

The Tip Shop (Anamata Recycling) has officially reopened its doors following months of repairs after the fire that tore through its main shed last December. Locals gathered for a blessing, barbeque, and cake to mark the occasion — a moment…

Red Helicopter against a blue sky. Isaac benhesed / Unsplashed

Community News

Bid launched to outlaw private helipads in residential areas

Auckland councillors will soon consider a move to ban private helipads in residential areas across Auckland, including Aotea / Great Barrier Island and Waiheke. Waitematā and Gulf councillor Mike Lee, whose ward covers the entire Hauraki Gulf, is bringing two…

Community News

Barrier Poised for Luxury Cruise Boost

Great Barrier will be promoted to international visitors as part of a luxury cruise land program this summer, as cruise operator Oceania Cruises brings its 1,250-guest ship Riviera to New Zealand for the first time. The ship will not call…