Environment & Ecology – Great Barrier Island News

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…

Experimental UV light unit deployed on the seafloor at Rakino Island, designed to target invasive Caulerpa species with intense ultraviolet light. Photo / University of Auckland

Environment & Ecology

UV Light Offers Promise for Some Caulerpa, Uncertain Impact for Aotea

Ultraviolet light is used to make drinking water safe, zap bugs, and reveal blood spatter at crime scenes. Now, a team from the University of Auckland is exploring whether it could also help preserve New Zealand’s kaimoana and boatie way…

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…

Environment & Ecology

Protecting the Gulf—or Not? Minister Defends Controversial Fishing Amendments

The Government’s promise to protect the Hauraki Gulf has sparked fury among conservationists, with critics warning that last-minute amendments to the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill will drive fish species to the brink of extinction. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka…

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…

A lone Norway Rat on Motutapu Island has been tracked, and is believed to have been successfully eliminated by conservation teams (file photo). Photo / DOC / Rod Morris - Creative Commons

Environment & Ecology

Motutapu’s Rat Problem: Finally Solved (at a Cost)

A lone rat caught on camera on the otherwise pest-free paradise of Motutapu Island has been killed after months of running amok, in a sting costing taxpayers thousands of dollars. The island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf is directly behind Rangitoto…

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…

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…

Environment & Ecology

DoC Approves Large-Scale Poisoning in the South as Residents Sound the Alarm

A decision by Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision (OME) to deploy rat poison across over 1,000 hectares in the south of the island has sparked outcry from locals, following a notice quietly issued in the council-supported Aotea Advocate community flyer. The controversial…