Hauraki Gulf – Page 3 – Great Barrier Island News

David Gapes (right) near the pirate radio ship Tiri aground on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Herald Historic Archive

Radio Hauraki Pioneer David Gapes Dies

David Gapes (right) near the pirate radio ship Tiri aground on Great Barrier Island. Photo / NZME David Gapes, a key figure in the foundation of Radio Hauraki and a trailblazer for independent media in New Zealand, has passed away.…

The bach on Aotea Road, on Great Barrier Island, attracted strong buyer interest when it hit the market last year. Photo / Supplied

From Orcas to Ownership: Iconic Awana Bay Beach House Sells After Whale Encounter

The iconic cedar beach house perched overlooking Awana Bay has been sold. Known for its expansive views across one of New Zealand’s most pristine surf beaches, the house, last purchased in 2018 for $1.67 million, was marketed this time in…

The week kicked off with an impressive working bee at the Barrier Social Club

Community News

From Whales to Work Bees: Aotea’s Collective Heart Beats Strong

This past week the island has been a testament to the power of community and the magic that happens when people come together to support one another, celebrate their environment, and foster (pun, yes) a sense of unity. The week…

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

Environment & Ecology

Great Barrier to Benefit from $5 Million Funding Against Caulerpa

In a move to protect the marine ecosystems of Great Barrier Island and the wider Hauraki Gulf, the government has announced a $5 million funding initiative aimed at combating the invasive seaweed, caulerpa. Exotic caulerpa poses a threat to biodiversity…

A new map from Auckland Council reveals the flood risk to Aotea, and the region's properties.

Community News

Council Map Reveals Flood Risk Properties Across Aotea

Auckland Council has released a mapping app, offering insights into flood risks. The tool, known as FloodViewer, provides residents with comprehensive data on flood-prone zones, coastal inundation areas, and overland flow paths. The initiative is part of the council’s efforts…

NZDF's uncrewed vessel, Bellona - a Bluebottle craft made by Sydney-based Ocius.

IsleStyle

Futuristic Navy Vessel Spotted Off Barrier Coast

In an event that has no doubt sparked curiosity and intrigue among locals, a distinctive naval vessel has been observed hovering approximately 5 nautical miles off Whangaparapara Harbour. The sighting, part of a broader two-week sea trial that began in…

Above: The French frigate Vendemiaire, in Sydney, Australia in 2013. Photo / Saberwyn - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Community News

French Military vessel discovered off Aotea coast

Above: The French frigate Vendemiaire, in Sydney, Australia in 2013. Photo / Saberwyn – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 In a surprise discovery on Sunday evening, a French military vessel was spotted loitering off the coast of Aotea, Great Barrier…

A fish affected by milky white flesh syndrome showing a skinny tail. Photo / NIWA / Rikki Taylor

Environment & Ecology

Snapper in Hauraki Gulf found with milky white flesh syndrome

A fish affected by milky white flesh syndrome showing a skinny tail. Photo / NIWA / Rikki Taylor NIWA has been called in to investigate evidence of snapper in the Hauraki Gulf suffering from milky white flesh syndrome. The Ministry for Primary…

Looking out towards the rock at Pah Beach on Aotea, Great Barrier Island.

Community News

Council probe gives Aotea chopper visits all-clear

By Phil Pennington, RNZ An Auckland Council report has found helicopters buzzing Waiheke Island are not unsafe, overly noisy or breaking the rules. But it suggests the noise limit could be lowered anyway, cutting down on the types of chopper…