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Wally Mitchell co-ordinated St John response after the deadly shootings in Christchurch that saved many more lives. Photo/John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Paramedic: 'Fortunate to have a hospital so close to shootings'

20 Mar, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Former Northland St John paramedic in the thick of things amidst shootings.

Police meeting with the migrant community to assure them of their safety, Forum North Whangarei, Superintendent Tony Hill, Whangarei Police. 19 March 2019 Northern Advocate photograph by Michael C

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

No direct terror threat in Northland, police tell public

20 Mar, 2019 6:30am
3 minutes to read

Police assure Northland public of their safety during a meeting about terror threat.

Smoke billowing from a large scrub fire in Taipa that took just over four hours to put out. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Rain and lower temperatures help fire risk

19 Mar, 2019 8:01am
3 minutes to read

Fire risk lowered in Northland but people advised to still be cautious

Mahraf Momen, aged 24, died after getting into difficulties in the swimming hole at the bottom of Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Bangladeshi chef drowns at Kerikeri Falls

19 Mar, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Northlander watch as his friend failed to surface during swim

The police estimated a crowd of 1000 people attended the vigil in Whangārei.

NEW ZEALAND

1000 turn up for march and vigil

18 Mar, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Strong condemnation to mosque shootings by Northlanders

Surrounding bush caught alight after the fatal crash between a car and motorcyclist near Omanaia.

NEW ZEALAND

Northland's road death toll is now nine

18 Mar, 2019 5:30am
3 minutes to read

Nearly half of all road crashes in Northland this year involved motorcyclists.

Tim Howard, of the Northland Housing Forum, says investors are blocking opportunities for locals to either own or rent a property in the region. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

First-home buyers urged to start small

23 Feb, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Mum of 11 close to getting their own home.

Get your brollies out Northlanders as MetService is predicting a heavy downpour as a result of a low. Photo / John Stone

THE COUNTRY

Rain in Northland will be welcome relief for many

22 Feb, 2019 5:27pm
2 minutes to read

Rainfall in Northland could reach warning levels

Whangārei Primary School principal Martin Rijswijk, at the school's swimming pool which needs repairs costing more than $277,000, said former pupils were donating to the cause.

NEW ZEALAND

Ex-pupil gives school pool fund a boost

22 Feb, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Good start to Whangārei Primary School's pool fundraiser.

NEW ZEALAND

Don't gimme no lip. This is the best moustache in New Zealand

22 Feb, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Man with the best moustache lives in Northland

Ani Wright managed to find a rental property after being on the social housing register for just eight weeks. Photo/John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

More than 400 Northlanders queue for a state house

21 Feb, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

117 per cent hike in people wanting state houses in Northland in just one year.

Dr Shane Reti complained to the Ombudsman about the Whangārei District Council redacting and withholding information. Photo / Tania Whyte

THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Property

Ombudsman probes Reti's complaint about WDC

19 Feb, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

Whangārei MP frustrated by unsatisfactory response to OIA questions about development.

Maungakaramea Primary School students proudly showing off their free sunglasses that come with a microfibre pouch. Photo/Michael Cunningham

LIFESTYLE

School adds sunglasses to uniform list

19 Feb, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

The eyes have it at Maungakaramea Primary School as sunglasses are issued.

A petition sponsored by two Northland-based MPs is calling for publicly funded meningococcal W vaccines for 5 to 12-year-olds. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Meningitis petition attracts 502 signatures, now before Parliament

16 Feb, 2019 8:30am
2 minutes to read

Online petition requesting expanded vaccination now before Parliamentary select committee.

Te Whanau ā Rangiwhakaahu Hapū Trust chairman Aperahama Edwards says the rāhui was to ensure the pristine environment was preserved for the future generation. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Overuse of popular Northland swimming hole major concern

16 Feb, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Hapu confirms the closure of Mermaid Pools in Matapouri

The Mermaid Pools at the northern headland of Matapouri are a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

NEW ZEALAND

Mermaid Pools ban: Tourist hotspot to be closed

15 Feb, 2019 1:24pm
2 minutes to read

No ifs but when and how long a rāhui could be at Mermaid Pools to be decided at a meeting.

An impression of what the entrance and bigger state houses situated closer to Puriri Park Rd will look like once completed. Photo / Supplied

THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Property

Noon on a Friday to discuss state house build on Puriri Park Rd

15 Feb, 2019 6:30am
3 minutes to read

Calls for Housing NZ to reschedule drop-in session on Puriri Park Rd

Ken Rintoul, managing director of Rintoul Group that has taken the Far North District Council to court over contracts award. Photo/Supplied

BUSINESS

Contractor lodges High Court claim over failed tenders

14 Feb, 2019 10:30am
3 minutes to read

Rintoul Group takes issue with exclusion of contracts by local government body.

Long time Puriri Park Rd resident Richard Morgan says Housing NZ should not put buildings in the middle of a park and expect people to approve of it. Photo/Michael Cunningham

THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Property

Puriri Park Rd residents learn more of state housing development

14 Feb, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Housing NZ drop flyers in letter boxes along Puriri Park Rd.

A growth in tourism numbers in Kaitaia has seen Barrier Air increasing flights into the town from one to twice daily. Photo/Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Business

Barrier Air to start additional flight into Kaitaia next month

13 Feb, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Tourism growth sees an additional flight into Kaitaia.

Junior doctors picketing outside the Whangārei Hospital during their fourth strike. Photo/Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Hope in sight at mediation talks this week

13 Feb, 2019 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Junior doctors in Northland have voted for a fifth strike.

Five people who allegedly kidnapped and tortured occupants of a house in Paihia, including the use of a gas torch, are on trial in the High Court at Whangārei. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

House occupants allegedly tortured for four hours

12 Feb, 2019 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Northland prisoner allegedly sought revenge from behind bars.

Mohi Kingi from Whangārei (right) and Canadian Karleah Bonk light up driptorches for a burning operation in southwest Tasmania. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Firefighting crew from Whangārei on standby for Nelson

12 Feb, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Three Northlanders working in non-firefighting roles in Nelson.

Martin Van Rijswijk is reaching out to donors to help raise more than $275,000 needed for repairs to Whangārei primary School pool. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Struggling to stay afloat: Primary school's $276k pool repair bill

11 Feb, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Children are being deprived of water safety skills as schools struggle to fund pools.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her ministers cook barbecue for members of the public that queued up after the dawn ceremony. Photo/Michael Cunningham

NEW ZEALAND

Hundreds in line for PM's Waitangi breakfast

7 Feb, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

PM's brekkie caps off Waitangi Day celebrations.

Free vaccines for meningitis won't be extended in Northland for now, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

No new meningitis cases to justify increasing vaccines

6 Feb, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Whangārei MP Dr Shane Reti writes open letter to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her government has more to do to uplift living standards and called on everyone to pitch in. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

More fun in store during PM's barbie breakfast at Waitangi

6 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Fun and humour dominate MP's powhiri at Waitangi

Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith says the millions of dollars for mostly transport infrastructure development in the district is a good start. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Zero to hero': Kaipara's $27m infrastructure funding boost

4 Feb, 2019 5:07pm
4 minutes to read

Kaipara Mayor ecstatic at the level of government funding for the district.

Whau Valley School principal Steve Jenkins at the entrance to the pool illegally accessed by people by either climbing over or cutting the fence. Photo/John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Fences cut to access school pools in Whangārei

4 Feb, 2019 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

Unruly Northlanders accessing school pools after hours to beat the heat.

Rain could not come soon for Yvonne King of Longreach Nursery who relies on a nearby lake to water her many plants. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Council urges Northlanders to preserve water as the big dry continues

2 Feb, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Big dry prompts further water restrictions in Northland

Alan and Denise Wilson are calling for State Highway 1 in Oakleigh to be made a four-lane highway if road fatalities are to be lowered. Photo / Tania Whyte

NEW ZEALAND

Notorious Northland road claims another life

1 Feb, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Another death on notorious stretch of Northland road prompts calls for four-lane highway.

A large scrub fire near Horeke that took at least three days to bring under control is likely to cost more than $100,000 to put out. Photo/Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Bills mount fighting scrub fires in North

1 Feb, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Rural firefighters' resources stretched to the limit in tinder dry Northland.

Kawakawa Business Association chairman Malcolm Francis is supporting calls for speed on the Three Bridges to be lowered from the present 100km/h. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Online petition seeks to lower speed on Three Bridges

31 Jan, 2019 5:30am
4 minutes to read

Kawakawa locals pressure NZTA to lower speed on deadly stretch of road.

Te Wano Roma was among scores of people that took to the pools at Whangārei Aquatic Centre as temperatures soared. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

It's hot, but Northland has some of the lowest temps in New Zealand

30 Jan, 2019 5:30am
3 minutes to read

Weather boffins say Northland is the best place to beat the heat.

A second strike by junior doctors in Northland will force the rescheduling of appointments for elective surgery and outpatient clinics. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

People with minor injuries advised to seek alternative care

29 Jan, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Junior doctors striking in Northland hospitals today and tomorrow

A helicopter with a monsoon bucket fights one of several scrub fires that prompted a total fire ban in Northland. Photo/Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Heatwave: Total fire ban declared in Northland

29 Jan, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Heat and little rain prompt total fire ban in Northland.

Extreme dry conditions like these are not far away if decent rain doesn't fall in Northland in the next two to three weeks. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Mercury to hit early 30s in Northland

26 Jan, 2019 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Aussie heat heading to Northland this weekend

Abby Andrewes with husband Daniel and their children, son Ethan, 11, and Larissa, 8, who do not qualify for free immunisation. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei mum calls on the government to come to the party

26 Jan, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

More than 20,000 Northland kids are missing on free meningitis vaccination.

An artist's impression of the new Salvation Army building in Whangārei. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Regional hub for Sallies gets under way

24 Jan, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

Salvation Army Whangārei's new building to make services easier for people.

Jennifer Dysart watches as pharmacist Iain Buchanan vaccinates her daughter Miriam at Unichem Buchanans Pharmacy in Tikipunga. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei mum urges others to vaccinate their children

24 Jan, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Community clinics to open for free MenW vaccines in Northland.

Hemi Enright is among about 86 junior doctors in Northland who are fighting to keep their present employment clauses intact. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Mediation today hopes to end dispute

24 Jan, 2019 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Junior doctors in Northland fight to keep current terms and conditions of employment.

Joseph Lister had his prized Nissan Terrano stolen from outside his Whau Valley home, but couldn't catch the thieves, despite giving chase in another vehicle. All he has left are the keys.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Nearly 190 vehicles stolen in six months alone

23 Jan, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The Toyota Hilux is the most frequently stolen vehicle in Northland.

Salvation Army's Sharon Lundberg with the sort of food the pensioners' $1000 donation will help buy for distribution to needy families. Photo/Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei couple in their 70s donate $1000 to Sallies

21 Jan, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Pensioner couple's $1000 donation will help feed between 10 and 15 families.

Royal Australian Air Force nurse Scott Gladding was among the medical personell involved in the evacuation from Whangārei Airport of an ill Australian tourist. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Australian citizen suffers medical scare while on holiday in Northland

21 Jan, 2019 5:46am
2 minutes to read

Tourist evacuated from Whangārei Airport by an Australian Air Force Hercules

Rosaria Manjala saw first hand a chronic shortage of food and fuel during a recent visit to her homeland, Zimbabwe. Photo/Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Hope fast fading for Zimbabwean economy

19 Jan, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Northland-based Zimbabweans heartbroken by violence back home

Paul Peehi stole a cellphone inadvertently left at the Whangārei police station's front counter to sell and buy food. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Man steals phone from police station and answers when officer calls

17 Jan, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

IQ disconnect as man pockets cellphone from police station counter and hears it ringing.

Whangārei Airport manager Mike Chubb hopes the car park generates enough money to pay for its upkeep. Photo/Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Business

Modest fee to park at Whangārei Airport

17 Jan, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Free parking to soon end at Whangārei Airport.

Owner of Whangārei Menswear and Sui Hire, Tim Green, and staff member Jacquie Henderson have heard loud bangs over the years from trucks crashing into the overbridge. Photo/Tania Whyte

THE COUNTRY

Retailers call for better protection from crashes involving overbridge

17 Jan, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Fixing a controversial overbridge in Whangārei to cost $20m.

NorthTec's Whangarei campus is an option for Taratahi students to continue their studies. Photo/Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland polytech offers helping hand

15 Jan, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

NorthTec eager to help Taratahi students facing bleak future

Colleen Donker was nearly crushed by the falling hoist of a rubbish truck that hit an overhead rail bridge in central Whangārei. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Waste truck tips as hoist clips bridge, hits car

15 Jan, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Out-of-town driver hits overbridge and tips waste truck on its side in central Whangārei.

Frederick Megchelse has admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol that caused the death of his partner. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Man admits drink-driving after partner's fatal fall off ute

15 Jan, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Man pleads guilty to causing partner's death.

No one in Northland has been prosecuted for lighting open fires without a permit during a restricted fire season. Photo/Debbie Beadle

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

No one prosecuted for a spate of rubbish and scrub fires

12 Jan, 2019 8:00am
2 minutes to read

No prosecution for those who lit fires outdoor without a permit in Northland.

Business has picked up for Fly My Sky since the airline introduced flights to and from Whangārei. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Near-full flights delight airline boss

12 Jan, 2019 7:30am
2 minutes to read

New airline into Whangārei running at near full capacity.

Patients should come to their appointments at public hospitals in Northland during the doctors strike unless advised otherwise. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Doctors' strike reschedules appointments

12 Jan, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Resident doctors to strike in Northland's public hospitals over four days.

Swimmers and surfers back on the beach watching a bronze whaler feed on fish at Waipū Cove. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NEW ZEALAND

Swimmers and surfers watch shark feeding

11 Jan, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Beachgoers at Waipū Cove scared by a bronze whaler.

The Northland DHB will establish more community clinics for stage two of the meningococcal vaccinations. Photo/John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Stage two of meningococcal vaccinations under way

10 Jan, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Northland DHB to open more community clinics for meningococcal vaccination.

Smoke billowing from a large scrub fire in Taipa that took just over four hours to put out at a cost of about $20,000. Photo/Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Firefighters relieved after a drop in rubbish fire callouts

10 Jan, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Total fire ban in Northland may not be necessary.

Lorna May Keen, right, with mum Hannah showing the drawing she made of the erratic driver and the car that nearly collided with their vehicle. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NEW ZEALAND

7-year-old has message for bad drivers after near-miss

9 Jan, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

7-year-old Northland girl does drawing of erratic driver and his car.

Most of the 15 cases of campylobacter in Northland so far this year were in Whangārei. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Public health advice on hand hygiene

8 Jan, 2019 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Rise in campylobacter cases prompt health warning in Northland.

Brothers Zachary, 6, left, and Malachy Smedley, took to the pool at Maunu School on the temperature hit 28C in Whangārei. Photo/Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Temperatures to continue in the high 20s

8 Jan, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

MetService is predicting another hot week for Northland.

90 Mile Beach is strewn with rubbish in this picture, including small pieces of plastic.

NEW ZEALAND

Broken glass bottles and plastics discarded on beaches

7 Jan, 2019 2:22pm
3 minutes to read

Lifeguards are reminding people to be more responsible and pick up their rubbish.

Top Energy has been given a 10-year exemption to run its power generation and distribution businesses as one entity but wants longer-term certainty. Photo/Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Business

Northland MP sponsoring a Bill that could benefit power users in the Far North

7 Jan, 2019 11:44am
3 minutes to read

Northland MP sponsoring an energy Bill that may benefit power users in the Far North.