/rss/hauraki-gulf-islands-news/ Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 EST Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:17:04 EST en Umbraco http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/03/five-ways-the-waiheke-local-board-protects-our-environment/ Across Waiheke, locals are taking action - trapping pests, restoring wetlands, reducing waste and protecting marine life.   Backed by the Waiheke Local Board, these community-led efforts are helping safeguard the island’s... Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:10:30 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/04/growing-food-and-connections-on-aotea/ In February, Caity organised a community potluck harvest feast at Medlands Community Garden, which 70 people took part in. “The idea was that they all needed to bring a dish that had at least one local ingredient. They didn’t need to have grown it... Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:26:10 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/waiheke-board-supports-community-and-environmental-projects-in-latest-grant-round/ The Waiheke Local Board has allocated funding to a range of local and environmental projects through its Local and Environmental Grant Round, supporting initiatives that benefit the island’s community and environment. Board Chair Kylee Matthews... Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:50:26 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/powering-up-with-sunshine-in-claris/ Claris Club and Conference Centre are at the heart of the community in the south of Aotea / Great Barrier Island, hosting everything from yoga classes to Halloween parties.   Over the past few years, the buildings have been able to rely on solar power... Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:55:30 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/councillor-mike-lee-awarded-the-john-dunmore-medal/ Waitematā and Gulf Ward councillor Mike Lee was recently awarded the John Dunmore Medal by the Fédération des Alliances Françaises de Nouvelle-Zélande, in association with the French Embassy to New Zealand, for his scholarly contributions to the natural... Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:21:43 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/skating-and-community-at-tawaipareira-reserve/ From beginners to seasoned skaters, Tawaipareira Reserve on Waiheke has become more than just a skate park. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:34:37 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/auckland-council-15th-anniversary-hauraki-gulf-islands/ Auckland Council is 15 years old this month and to celebrate we’ve put together a selection of key local achievements, projects and upgrades that have grown and benefited communities across the region. Local boards have a been a big part of the story... Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:25:57 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/community-takes-to-pickleball/ When Medlands halfcourt was refreshed in early 2025 to include pickleball markings, the Aotea / Great Barrier community jumped at the opportunity to play a new sport. The court underwent resurfacing works, and a new basketball hoop was installed. During... Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:20:58 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/tryphena-wharf-renewal-works-complete/ Tryphena Wharf is back to business as usual after a full refurbishment. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:00:24 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/cath-handley-and-robin-tucker-leave-waiheke-board/ After years of dedicated service to the Waiheke Local Board, members Cath Handley and Robin Tucker are stepping down, leaving behind a legacy of passionate community action and advocacy for the motu.  Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:51:33 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/building-better-on-the-island/ Growth in Auckland isn’t just about big council projects like new roads, major transport initiatives, or improved water services. Local boards also fund projects, upgrades and facilities that build better neighbourhoods and help create great places to... Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:30:23 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/power-boost-to-council-facilities-on-aotea/ Council facilities in Claris will benefit from solar power system upgrades and repairs, thanks to $800,000 Fix and Finish funding allocated to Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. This work will future-proof reliable energy for the council service centre,... Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:14:21 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/fix-and-finish-delivers-a-win-for-waiheke-football/ Waiheke football fans can look forward to increased year-round use of the popular Onetangi Sports Park thanks to an allocation of $750,000 from Auckland Council’s Fix and Finish fund to the Waiheke Local Board. The allocation will fund upgrades to the... Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:28:42 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/08/aotea-gets-new-tool-to-help-prepare-for-emergencies/ A new plan is set to empower the Aotea / Great Barrier community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board Emergency Readiness Plan, created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and the Aotea Emergency... Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/garden-tours-back-for-fourteenth-year/ Aotea / Great Barrier’s annual ticketed Garden Tours are taking place on Saturday 29 November 2025; a fundraiser for equipment for Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board is helping to fund the tour transport and... Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/seeing-green/ Okiwi Community Ecology Project is protecting threatened native birds like the kākāriki through community planting and pest control in Okiwi Park. With support from Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board funding, the project has been running for over eight... Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/enviro-a-go-go-for-waiheke-local-board-funding/ The Waiheke Local Board has more than doubled the funds it gives to environmental programmes for the 25/26 financial year.  The boards environmental programme increases funds to existing and new programmes   Waiheke’s environmental initiatives will... Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:48:07 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/waiheke-rangatahi-ropu-hits-ground-running/ Waiheke Rangatahi Ropu /Waiheke Youth Group is creating popular events and activities to improve the wellbeing of Waiheke youth aged 14 to 24.  The Waiheke local board funded the group to carry out their work as part of its 24/25 budget. The ropu is... Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/local-board-makes-plan-for-play-on-waiheke/ Waiheke Island is set to become a more playful place with the adoption of the 2025 Waiheke Play Plan. The Plan will guide future investment on the motu. It encourages low-cost, low-maintenance initiatives that make the most of local resources and... Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:20:46 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/casting-the-net-on-coastal-challenges/ Local fishing management and public education about exotic caulerpa are key advocacy initiatives for Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. Sometimes local boards are not the decision maker when it comes to projects or important decisions that will affect... Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:53 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/give-feedback-on-the-waiheke-housing-strategy/ Waiheke residents are being called to give feedback on a strategy to invest and advocate to improve housing supply and availability on the motu with consultation open now until Wednesday 28 May 2025.  Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley is encouraging... Mon, 05 May 2025 11:16:08 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/04/game-on-at-medlands/ It’s time to tip-off at Medlands Beach Playground Reserve, with a revamped basketball halfcourt now open – and it’s not just for shooting hoops! The court has a new colour coating and pickleball markings have been added, providing even more ways to... Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:29:30 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/03/grant-funding-nurtures-native-nursery/ Motu Community Nursery is nearly ready to open to the public in Medlands for all locals’ native plant needs, with the help of grant funding from Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. In 2024, Alan Phelps and Bree Biederman took over the management of an... Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:01:55 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/02/designated-dog-area-decisions/ Aotea residents are being encouraged to give feedback on council’s review of dog policies and bylaws including local dog access rules. There are a few proposed changes for the motu, some which would allow our poochie pals to walk along extended areas of... Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:36:01 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/01/aotea-made-podcast-sheds-light-on-unique-islands/ If you’re looking for your next podcast to listen to, buckle up because Outside In takes you to island communities all around the globe. The podcast is created by Small Island Big Ideas, which co-curator Tim Higham describes as “an ongoing festival of... Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:55:44 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/there-s-way-more-to-waiheke/ Waiheke is known for its world-class beaches, vineyards and adventure tourism but, long a haven of some of New Zealand's most talented artists and artisans. This little piece of paradise has plenty of budget-friendly options for visitors looking to... Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:33:52 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/10/board-approves-rangihoua-reserve-and-onetangi-sports-park-plan/ Waiheke is about to have a plan in place for the future management of the popular Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park. The Waiheke Local Board approved the adoption of the long-awaited draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management... Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:46:48 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/10/safer-speed-limits-for-the-island/ Summer is coming and so are safer speeds! Speed limit signs installed on Aotea / Great Barrier in October 2024 mark the introduction of new speed limits on the motu in time for Labour Weekend. “We have been working with the community and Auckland... Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:24:24 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/10/should-waiheke-s-esplanade-path-be-closed-to-private-vehicles/ Waiheke residents are being called to give feedback on a proposal to close a section of the Esplanade Path to vehicles this month.  The consultation asks Waiheke residents if they support a proposal to close the unpaved section between Blackpool Beach and... Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:51:26 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/09/aotea-youth-voice-represented/ Auckland Council has a Youth Advisory Panel, and Aotea-born Taimarino Cleave is part of it. The Youth Advisory Panel offers advice based on their experiences living as young people aged 14 to 24 years, to help council improve outcomes for this... Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:29:20 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/08/help-decide-our-shoreline-s-future/ Aotea residents are being asked to give feedback to Auckland Council on its plans to manage and protect local coastal areas from the effects of climate change by having their say on the draft Aotea / Great Barrier and Hauraki Gulf Islands Shoreline... Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:44:24 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/08/understanding-exotic-caulerpa-around-aotea/ An underwater surveillance project to better understand where exotic caulerpa is (and isn’t) has wrapped up. The project was jointly funded by Auckland Council, Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board, the Aotea Environmental Trust and Biosecurity New... Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:44:22 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/08/have-your-say-on-how-we-protect-waiheke-s-coasts/ Waiheke residents are being asked to give feedback to Auckland Council on its plans to manage and protect local coastal areas from the effects of climate change by having their say on the draft Waiheke Island Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP).  “Waiheke’s... Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:49:32 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/07/upskilling-community-groups-and-another-step-towards-zero-waste/ Additional support for our local community groups to become more resilient and extra initiatives to help Aotea on its journey to zero waste are a couple of the new projects being funded in the next year by the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. Each... Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:06:52 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/06/more-matariki-highlights-for-aotea/ Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea hosted their annual Mānawatia a Matariki event at Kawa Marae on Friday 28 June. What was different to previous years? The first hautapu ceremony Kawa Marae held for Matariki in 2022 was led by the wahine, last year’s was led... Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/07/waiheke-board-backs-marine-protection-bill/ Protection of the Hauraki Gulf has taken a positive step forward in line with the Waiheke Local Board’s commitment to support the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill as part of its Local Board Agreement. Local board Chair Cath Handley says... Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:40:38 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/07/waiheke-emergency-volunteers-get-a-hand-from-the-board/ Waiheke volunteer groups have received a financial boost from the local board to help prepare the island for future emergencies as part of an ongoing partnership with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM). The board allocated $7,000 to Community Networks... Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:25:06 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/06/share-your-voice-on-the-future-of-waiheke-transport/ Waiheke residents are being called to give feedback on the future of Auckland’s transport. Consultation on Auckland Transport’s draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RTLP) is open now until 17 June and Waiheke Local Boards Chair Cath Handley is calling on... Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:45:40 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/05/seal-of-approval-for-motairehe-road/ What was once a bumpy ride has been smoothed by a seal extension on Motairehe Road. In the latest project, around 1.2km of previously unsealed road on Aotea, regularly used by more than 25 families, has now been sealed. It is also the gateway to Motairehe... Fri, 31 May 2024 14:34:11 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/05/funding-goes-to-a-range-of-projects-on-the-motu/ Thirteen successful grant applicants are progressing initiatives to benefit the wider community after Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board allocated funding at its April business meeting. “As an island community we would struggle without the fantastic work... Wed, 15 May 2024 11:01:28 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/05/board-grants-help-at-local-level/ Over $30,000 was allocated to community groups in the Waiheke Local Board’s April grants round.  Examples of groups that received funding within the Sport and Recreation category include the Waiheke Sea Scouts, who received $2000 towards sailing and... Mon, 06 May 2024 15:58:53 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/04/no-more-grassing-on-okupu-bay/ More than 150 natives planted in November 2023 are thriving in Okupu thanks to a new approach to weed control. Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board allocated $25,000 towards the Okupu Beach Reserve stream restoration project. Kikuyu, an invasive grass... Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:24:55 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/03/aotea-signs-international-dark-sky-proclamation/ Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board has made a “Dark Sky Proclamation” on behalf of the island to mark International Dark Sky Week. Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:38:52 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/03/how-targeted-rates-have-helped-aotea/ Two regional targeted rates – the natural environment targeted rate and the water quality targeted rate have been put to good use on the motu. Thu, 07 Mar 2024 09:33:43 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/01/eco-hub-not-taken-for-granted/ An environmental group based in Medlands, Aotea / Great Barrier, have created a community eco-hub thanks to nearly $14,000 of local board grants. Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision (OME) is a community organisation which started in 2018 to deliver plantings and... Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:40:32 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/01/aotea-residents-help-tackle-pest-weed-problem/ A new initiative has been launched to educate and support weed control measures for Aotea / Great Barrier Island’s most problematic pest species. Aotea is home to over 575 native plant varieties – a quarter of New Zealand's diverse flora species. However,... Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:56:55 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/12/solar-power-for-anamata-supports-elimination-of-single-use-cups/ The installation of a solar power system at Anamata Resource Recovery Centre, part-funded by local board and Auckland Council climate grants, has been a game changer for the organisation. Aotea / Great Barrier has no electricity or water providers,... Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/12/waiheke-grants-make-a-difference-where-it-counts/ Waiheke arts and culture, environmental, and community initiatives will be receiving over $62,000 from the Waiheke Local Board following its latest grants rounds.  The board decided on the allocation at its 29 November business meeting, choosing projects... Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:53:53 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/12/prohibited-fire-season-for-hauraki-gulf-islands/ Fire and Emergency New Zealand has today announced that the Hauraki Gulf Islands enter a prohibited fire season from 1 December, until further notice. A prohibited fire season means a total ban on outdoor fires, and all previously granted fire permits are... Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:43:41 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/11/ecology-festival-from-pests-to-marine-projects/ The inaugural Aotea Ecology Festival was a success in bringing together locals passionate about ecology, with support from the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. Annual funding from the board of $30,000 for the Aotea Ecology Vision Facilitator role... Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:48:58 EST