Author: Lucy

“There is so much to be inspired by here.” I warn ceramicist Jaime Jenkins I’m a philistine, so she won’t be dismayed by my lowbrow openingsalvo: what is it that you do? “That is a very broad question! I make … Read More

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 … Read More

On a beautiful still evening in October a team of 18 volunteers set out to listen for booming bittern in the swamps and wetlands of Aotea. 16 sites across the island, 7 in the north and 9 in the south, … Read More

Seasons Greetings We’re celebrating 25 years since the Little Windy Hill Company approved a modest pest management programme in October 1998. Pest management got underway in April 1999 with 100 rat traps and a part time worker. Today, the Windy … Read More

So, what are rules for anchoring and fishing around Aotea Great Barrier Island now? In very simple terms, for Aotea Great Barrier Island, this means certain types of low risk fishing are allowed in Tryphena, Blind Bay and Whangaparapara Harbours, … Read More

We caught up with Tim & Jane Herbst, owners of the Stay High Island Camping Co   to learn more about what they offer. Tell us about Stay High Island Camping Co? What’s your ethos and what do you offer visitors? … Read More

Tim Higham speaks to Mulberry Grove old boy Louis Sammons who will headline opening night at next week’s Finding Our Voice storytelling festival. How would you describe your artistic vision? I use music as a tool of self-expression to share … Read More

Boat shed at Whangaparapara In my book Island Notes: finding my place on Aotea Great Barrier Island I quote the poet Gary Snyder – “we no longer sit around campfires with our grandparents. In the West, books and libraries have … Read More

The Tū Mai Taonga project has begun operations in the north of the island with around 30 staff now employed to find new ways to rid the island of feral cats and rats. There was a buzz of anticipation at … Read More