Avina Vidyadharan, reporter at Northern Advocate working on all community-focused news, but with a special focus on the education sector.
I'm Avina Vidyadharan – I’ve been with the Northern Advocate since 2021. I grew up in India, in a multicultural town called Vadodara. I studied a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication from M S University in India, and worked as a digital journalist for a year before moving to Aotearoa in 2019. My journey in New Zealand began with a PG Diploma in Communications from AUT University. My first journalistic experience in the country soon followed in the rural town of Wairoa. I worked as a community news reporter at the Wairoa Star for nine months, where I was familiarised with the crucial role community plays in the media and vice versa. At the Northern Advocate I am the education eye on the ground. I have covered a huge array of news from the education sector – be it vaccine mandates or award-winning students, as well as sharing the voices of 5-year-olds with Government officials. I have a real hunger for new narratives, which pushes me beyond focusing entirely on education. Working in a regional newspaper has again restored the understanding of community-focused news and so I cover and write any story that advocates a human voice. Outside work, you may find me awkward, funny, or maybe like my boss described me - a “straight up gangster”. But honestly, I am still processing my big shift to this country and learning everything it has to offer.
![Northland mum teaches how to save money and still make good, healthy kai](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland mum teaches how to save money and still make good, healthy kai
Haurora Wānanga is part of the winter wellness campaign encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
![Rise of the anti-social customer: Wife locked man in bedroom to protect delivery driver](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Rise of the anti-social customer: Wife locked man in bedroom to protect delivery driver
Sociologist recommends ways to achieve more tolerance in society.
!['Twindemic' of Covid, flu hammering Northland schools](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Twindemic' of Covid, flu hammering Northland schools
At Kerikeri High, Northland's biggest school, up to 30 teachers are off sick each day.
!['Triumphant and symbolic moment for Northland's international education sector'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Triumphant and symbolic moment for Northland's international education sector'
Northland prepares to welcome international students for the first time since March 2020.
!['They will have one glance at us and will change direction or cross the road': Whangarei queer teens face homophobia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'They will have one glance at us and will change direction or cross the road': Whangarei queer teens face homophobia
The Library Gays in Whangarei was formed to create a safe space for queer teens.
![Northland rangatahi claims a double with speech and table tennis wins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland rangatahi claims a double with speech and table tennis wins
Whangārei teen wins big at Race Unity speech contest and secondary schools sports titles.
!['It is up to us, as members of Aotearoa, to work towards racial unity' : says Northland teen on winning Race Unity Speech Awards winner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It is up to us, as members of Aotearoa, to work towards racial unity' : says Northland teen on winning Race Unity Speech Awards winner
Northland student is named the joint national winner of the Race Unity Speech Awards.
!['We are basically in a crisis': Northland's ECE centre director on the Teaching Council fee and levy changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We are basically in a crisis': Northland's ECE centre director on the Teaching Council fee and levy changes
Northland's education leaders ponder upon the effects of the Teaching Council fee changes.
![Graduating teachers carry region's hopes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Graduating teachers carry region's hopes
Tai Tokerau's education graduates share their learning experiences
![Education leader lauds Government strategy targeting 'disappearing students'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Education leader lauds Government strategy targeting 'disappearing students'
The strategy aims to return vanishing students to classrooms around the country.
!['If the wages were liveable, I wouldn't leave' NorthTec nursing graduate moves to Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'If the wages were liveable, I wouldn't leave' NorthTec nursing graduate moves to Australia
NorthTec holds four graduation ceremonies over two days to celebrate two graduate cohorts.
!['The system is broken': Kids falling out of school puts demand on Alternative Education](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'The system is broken': Kids falling out of school puts demand on Alternative Education
Alternative education space in Northland is filled with over-capacity and minimal funding.
![Students stranded as school bus firms cancel run at short notice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Students stranded as school bus firms cancel run at short notice
A severe lack of local bus drivers has left some families scrambling to get kids home.
![More youth encouraged to connect with culture through marae-based workshop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More youth encouraged to connect with culture through marae-based workshop
Rangatahi Ora is conducting a three-day marae-based workshop from June 17 to 19.
![Histories of NZ can cause friction between cultures if not delivered right](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Histories of NZ can cause friction between cultures if not delivered right
Northland education experts reflect on the teaching of the new NZ history curriculum.
![For Whangārei school students, 'drama class is their safe haven'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
For Whangārei school students, 'drama class is their safe haven'
A Whangārei school drama team fundraises to get to National Shakespeare Drama Festival.
!['Northland young kids were getting addicted to vaping, while many parents have no clue'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Northland young kids were getting addicted to vaping, while many parents have no clue'
Northland smoke-free adviser blames the increase in vaping retailers for more kids vaping
!['If a week is enough to solve the problems of a 'disturbed child', pigs can fly too'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'If a week is enough to solve the problems of a 'disturbed child', pigs can fly too'
Northland Principals worry the Interim Response Fund in the region is "just not enough".
![Education expert disappointed Northland didn't contribute more in curriculum changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Education expert disappointed Northland didn't contribute more in curriculum changes
The new Aotearoa New Zealand's histories and Te Takanga o Te Wā curriculum begins in 2023.
![Whangārei students walk more than 20km to raise money](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whangārei students walk more than 20km to raise money
Kamo Intermediate School students and teachers do the Mighty Walk, for fun and a cause.
![Ruawai College students revel in overhauled curriculum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ruawai College students revel in overhauled curriculum
Ruawai College gives students the liberty to choose their own learning modules.
![Northland's biggest tertiary education provider hopeful Budget 2022 breaks down barriers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland's biggest tertiary education provider hopeful Budget 2022 breaks down barriers
NorthTec's chief executive welcomes Budget 2022 investment into vocational education.
![Tai Tokerau Principals' Association president pleased with Budget 2022](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tai Tokerau Principals' Association president pleased with Budget 2022
$3b is targeting some of the right areas, according to Pat Newman.
![School principal goes door-knocking to fight student absenteeism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School principal goes door-knocking to fight student absenteeism
A Whangārei principal is breaking down barriers between the school and whānau.
![Trades training receives $230m boost in Budget 2022](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Trades training receives $230m boost in Budget 2022
The investment will provide support for another 24,000 apprentices.
!['It is time for some tough love' to address Northland's truancy issue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It is time for some tough love' to address Northland's truancy issue
In term 1, Northland schools see the lowest attendance averaging 73 per cent.
![Covid in schools: How does Northland cases compare nationally?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Covid in schools: How does Northland cases compare nationally?
Data suggests Northland schools may have fared far better than elsewhere in the country.
![A new era for Whangārei Boys' High School](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A new era for Whangārei Boys' High School
Whangārei Boys' High School's new building is fit for modern education outcomes.
!['We just needed to get together, share some stories': Principals enjoy much-needed get-together](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We just needed to get together, share some stories': Principals enjoy much-needed get-together
Northland principals revitalise at a three-day conference in Waitangi.
![Kaikohe's local heroes look forward to the booming opportunities coming to town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kaikohe's local heroes look forward to the booming opportunities coming to town
Kaikohe community has bounced back from the recent gang violence, says community heroes.
![Kiwi kids urged to stay clear of TikTok's 'potentially life-threatening' new craze](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kiwi kids urged to stay clear of TikTok's 'potentially life-threatening' new craze
'Teenagers since the dawn of time have done stupid things but this is another level.'
![Principals reflect on mandates after vax requirements dropped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Principals reflect on mandates after vax requirements dropped
Northland school principals welcome the removal of vaccine mandates.
!['Closing schools as a last resort is not flattening the curve', says epidemiologist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Closing schools as a last resort is not flattening the curve', says epidemiologist
The best protection for immunocompromised children might be online learning.
![What was the point? The impact of vaccine mandates in Northland and their purpose](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What was the point? The impact of vaccine mandates in Northland and their purpose
Covid-19 modeller explains the need for introducing and removing vaccine mandates.
![TikTok's 'dangerous blackout' trend can be life-threatening, doctor warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
TikTok's 'dangerous blackout' trend can be life-threatening, doctor warns
Kiwi teen suffered a seizure when attempting 'blackout' due to social media trend.
![Northland students are ready to fight the Aquabots war](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland students are ready to fight the Aquabots war
Northland year 6 to 13 students will compete their underwater robots next month.
![Tribesmen and Killer Beez gang members arrested after 'violent' clashes in Kaikohe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tribesmen and Killer Beez gang members arrested after 'violent' clashes in Kaikohe
Eleven people, as young as 15, were arrested with police not ruling out more to follow.
![Basketballer Kendell Heremaia's grandparents 'over the moon' at her US success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Basketballer Kendell Heremaia's grandparents 'over the moon' at her US success
Northlander Kendell Heremaia is having major success on international basketball courts.
![Northland Pre Apprentice Trades students' gift to kohanga reo kids is a win-win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland Pre Apprentice Trades students' gift to kohanga reo kids is a win-win
The students built a sandpit for kohanga reo kids.
![Northland family desperate to fast-track Ukrainian visa process, as mum flees war-zone with single backpack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland family desperate to fast-track Ukrainian visa process, as mum flees war-zone with single backpack
Northland man pushes to bring his mother-in-law from Ukraine to New Zealand.
![School bus operators try to steer through driver shortages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School bus operators try to steer through driver shortages
School transport operators are upset with the lack of financial support against Omicron.
![Frustrated on the frontline: Northland education leaders want critical worker status and easier access to RATs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Frustrated on the frontline: Northland education leaders want critical worker status and easier access to RATs
Northland education leaders demand RATs kits for teachers and school staff.
![Collaboration, not competition: Northland school goes subjects-free](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Collaboration, not competition: Northland school goes subjects-free
Ruawai College's new "learning packages" involve themes and experiences.
![Northland educators sparring stances on whether schools should become vaccination sites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland educators sparring stances on whether schools should become vaccination sites
Many in Northland are not convinced that schools should be used as vaccination centers.
![Northland principals hit back over rumours schools to become vaccine clinics](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland principals hit back over rumours schools to become vaccine clinics
Northland schools have rejected the Government's calls for onsite vaccination centres.
![Back to School: Northland schools ease some financial pressure for parents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Back to School: Northland schools ease some financial pressure for parents
Tai Tokerau schools help out parents with free stationery, food, and electronic devices.
![Whangārei's Adventure Adrenaline Park will have NZ's first full-size cable wakeboarding system](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whangārei's Adventure Adrenaline Park will have NZ's first full-size cable wakeboarding system
Adrenaline Adventure Park will host the NZ IWWF cable wakeboarding nationals this year.
![Family distraught after dog attacks pet on owner's property](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Family distraught after dog attacks pet on owner's property
Now the hunt is on to identify the dog and the man who was walking it.
!['No warning': Eruption surges sink 12 boats, smash marina](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'No warning': Eruption surges sink 12 boats, smash marina
Northland - just recovering from lockdown - takes another hit.
![Aggravated robberies: 'It is a vicious cycle, dairy owners suffer all loss'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Aggravated robberies: 'It is a vicious cycle, dairy owners suffer all loss'
Here's why Northland dairy owners are hesitant to speak against aggravated robberies.
![Margery Pita has given more than 50 years to NZ music industry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Margery Pita has given more than 50 years to NZ music industry
Singer and dancer for over 50 years, Margery Pita accepts honour on behalf of the band.
![New Year Honours: Northland principal humbled by NZ Order of Merit honour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
New Year Honours: Northland principal humbled by NZ Order of Merit honour
Hora Hora School principal Pat Newman receives honour for his services to education.
![It is a privilege to be of service to education, says Louise Ānaru-Tangira](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It is a privilege to be of service to education, says Louise Ānaru-Tangira
Northland principal achieves high Māori student progress by working with the community.
![Car thefts, aggravated assault and ramraids keep police busy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Car thefts, aggravated assault and ramraids keep police busy
Platypus Whangārei and Bank Street Foodmart ram raided on Wednesday night.
!['I'll take you on a boot ride': Northland nurse's life threatened by anti-vaxxer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I'll take you on a boot ride': Northland nurse's life threatened by anti-vaxxer
'I do not take these threats too lightly,' nurse Hanibrez Sipu says of extreme abuse.
![The Great Kiwi Bake Off 2021 crown goes to Whangārei doctor Alby Hailes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The Great Kiwi Bake Off 2021 crown goes to Whangārei doctor Alby Hailes
Alby Hailes, 26, goes through a roller-coaster of emotions after winning a TV reality show
![Northland records lowest vaccination among full-time and day relief teachers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland records lowest vaccination among full-time and day relief teachers
Response from 90.8% of Northland schools shows 6.7% of teachers have refused vaccination.
![Principal receives awards for both leadership and mentoring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Principal receives awards for both leadership and mentoring
Manaia View School principal wins a crystal trophy and $10000 grant in an online ceremony.
![Hana Kōkō comes to Christmas Parade riding on his horse and cart](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hana Kōkō comes to Christmas Parade riding on his horse and cart
The Moerewa Christmas Parade was attended by at least 300 people.
!['Confusing': Mixed reactions as life in the red starts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Confusing': Mixed reactions as life in the red starts
Whangārei hospitality staff say My Vaccine Pass system is much-needed but also confusing.
![Whangārei man attacked after refusing to buy drugs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whangārei man attacked after refusing to buy drugs
A 27-year-old was attacked by a group of four last month after they barged into his car.
![Dairy owner robbed at gunpoint: 'My daughter was so scared she couldn't sleep'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Dairy owner robbed at gunpoint: 'My daughter was so scared she couldn't sleep'
Tuesday's aggravated robbery is the latest attack on Whangārei dairy businesses.
!['Less stress' for students sitting NCEA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Less stress' for students sitting NCEA
It is uncertain how many Northland students are sitting for their NCEA exams this year.
![Northland home-based childcare providers fear closing business as vaccine mandate bites in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland home-based childcare providers fear closing business as vaccine mandate bites in
Private home-based care won't have government funding or safety checks.
![Ethnic communities willing to help police tackle hate crime](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ethnic communities willing to help police tackle hate crime
Whangārei ethnic community members discuss the fear of rising hate crime with the police
![Whangārei young entrepreneur wins prestigious award, aspires to be the first Māori vet nurse in Ngāti Hine rohe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whangārei young entrepreneur wins prestigious award, aspires to be the first Māori vet nurse in Ngāti Hine rohe
Arwyn Henare, 15, and team win Rangatahi Māori Company of the Year.
!['Where is simple humanity?': Teen attacked and racially abused](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Where is simple humanity?': Teen attacked and racially abused
A 15-year-old was critically injured in a racially motivated crime in Whangārei.
![Health and education leaders waiting to see full impact of mandate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Health and education leaders waiting to see full impact of mandate
Wait for numbers of Northland health and education workers who refuse vaccine.
![Principals brace themselves as vaccine mandate kicks in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Principals brace themselves as vaccine mandate kicks in
Northland principals are working on a solution to fill up staff positions.
![Nadia's Whole Garden will supply locally grown produce to a new Whangārei water-top restaurant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Nadia's Whole Garden will supply locally grown produce to a new Whangārei water-top restaurant
NCAA champion to a market gardener, Nadia Pavlovich's life took a turn when she fell sick.
![MoE works closely with Northland school and kura leaders on how to manage unvaccinated employees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
MoE works closely with Northland school and kura leaders on how to manage unvaccinated employees
Some Northland school principals and kura leaders anticipate staff shortages.
![Northland school principals say schools are missing out on a multicultural experience as international borders remain closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland school principals say schools are missing out on a multicultural experience as international borders remain closed
Northland schools see a reduction of $1.1M in international students' income last year.
![Student misses a month of school due to Covid lockdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Student misses a month of school due to Covid lockdown
A Whangārei Boys' High School student stuck on Great Barrier Island since August.
![Hikoi of Truth protest unwelcome in Waitangi as Northland grapples with Covid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hikoi of Truth protest unwelcome in Waitangi as Northland grapples with Covid
Northland iwi has rebuked Hīkoi of Truth protesters for the timing of their stand.
![School kids write to mayor over lack of footpath](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School kids write to mayor over lack of footpath
Hurupaki School kids want to ride their bikes to school but there is no footpath
![Tutor loses 20% of students after mandating vaccination in class](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tutor loses 20% of students after mandating vaccination in class
A Northland maths tutor is shocked by low vaccination numbers in Northland.
![Try economy instead of courier, snowed-under NZ Post tells Northlanders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Try economy instead of courier, snowed-under NZ Post tells Northlanders
NZ Post faces increasing demand for courier service amidst Covid-19 changing alert levels.
![Schools will and should be involved in Oranga Tamariki's new system, says Pat Newman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Schools will and should be involved in Oranga Tamariki's new system, says Pat Newman
Pat Newman is positive about the new changes and recommendations for Oranga Tamariki.