Little Barrier Island Anchoring Ban as Caulerpa Crackdown Widens
Photo / Kathrin & Stefan Marks / CC
Plastic Pellets Wash Into Hauraki Gulf
Hundreds of thousands of plastic pellets — known as nurdles — have washed up on beaches across the Hauraki Gulf, including Oneroa Beach on Waiheke Island and the northern shore of Motuihe. The pellets are used in the manufacture of…
Editorial: Kawau Island’s Poison Plan — Conservation or Chemical Catastrophe?
A new proposal could make Kawau Island the most chemically saturated inhabited island in New Zealand history. From June 2025 to April 2027, Auckland Council, with backing from DOC, Predator Free 2050 Ltd, and the Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, is…
Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed Detected Off Little Barrier Island
Patches of the invasive seaweed Exotic Caulerpa have been discovered at three locations off the northeast coast of Little Barrier Island, prompting a rapid response from local biosecurity and iwi groups. The seaweed, which includes the species Caulerpa brachypus and…
DOC denies 1080 plans for Aotea despite growing concern in community
The Department of Conservation has denied that any 1080 drop is currently planned or scheduled for Aotea / Great Barrier Island, following weeks of widespread speculation among residents and conservation stakeholders. In a written response to AoteaGBI.news, DOC Aotea Operations…
Caulerpa Spread Risks Billions – Report
By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter, NZME
Fisheries NZ Responds to Crayfish Poaching Frenzy
Fisheries New Zealand has issued infringement notices to two individuals amid ongoing investigations into illegal crayfish poaching on Great Barrier Island. The response follows a flurry of community reports about boats blatantly exceeding the legal crayfish limits. “Fisheries New Zealand…
Inner Hauraki Gulf Crayfish Ban Sparks Fears for Great Barrier
A three-year ban on commercial and recreational crayfish (spiny rock lobster) fishing in the inner Hauraki Gulf will come into effect on April 1st, 2025, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has confirmed. The move is aimed at rebuilding the…
Waiheke Island to Become Auckland’s First Urban Kiwi Habitat
In mid-May, Waiheke Island will become the first urban area in Auckland where kiwi have been released. 10 kiwi will be transferred from neighbouring Pōnui Island to Te Matuku Peninsula at the eastern end of Te Motu-ārai-roa/Waiheke Island. Save the…
New Native Nursery in Medlands to Support Local Planting Projects
A new community-focused native plant nursery is preparing to open its gates in Medlands this April, offering eco-sourced, locally grown plants for a wide range of planting projects. The Motu Community Nursery is the continuation of a native nursery initiative…