Our Story

Aotea / Great Barrier Island is a remote, off-grid island that lies 90km northeast of Auckland City.

 

We have a permanent population of roughly 1,250 and live totally ‘off-grid’, meaning each household must provide and manage their own power, water and sewerage systems.

 

Transport and freight to and from the island is either by plane (a 35-minute flight one way), or by ferry (a four-and-a-half-hour trip one way). 

 

There are three primary schools but no secondary schools, and we have one of the lowest median household incomes across the Auckland region. 

 

Living on Aotea is a blessing, but comes with unique challenges, so in 1988, a group of committed islanders founded AFSG, to ensure that every islander is supported to face those challenges, live independently and participate fully in our community.

 

Our organisation is run by a voluntary trust, and today employs 27 people in roles ranging from home help to youth coordinators, to a 30-hour-a-week community worker.

 

We are hugely grateful for the ongoing support of Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora, Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, the Aotea/ Great Barrier Local Board, Lotteries, Foundation North, other philanthropic grants and our and our Anonymous Angels who support us every month with part of their pension payment. We couldn’t do what we do without these people and organisations.