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Latest FromJulia Czerwonatis

The team is transferring the rescued kiwi off Motuora Island. Photo / Kiwi Coast

NEW ZEALAND

Rescue team save 18 kiwi from drought-stricken island

4 Jul, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Fourteen kiwi died on the Motuora kiwi creche island during the drought.

Pataua South residents installed speed bumps to keep their community safe from speeding drivers. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Pataua South community hits speed bump in efforts to stop hoons

2 Jul, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

One-time "sleepy hollow" takes road safety into own hands, but council says talks needed.

Todd Hamilton releases kiwi Wiggle into a burrow on a farm at Whangārei Heads. Photo / John Stone

THE COUNTRY

Whangārei Heads to become possum free by 2025

1 Jul, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Whangārei Heads could become first bit of mainland in region to be possum free.

Jamie Ewen, chairman of Maungatūroto Residential Care Limited, says construction of the new dementia unit is soon to resume. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Dementia unit in Maungatūroto tackles region-wide issue

27 Jun, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Aged care advocates say there's a shortage of dementia units in Northland.

Moerewa School will remain closed until Friday as police searches for David Mane. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Manhunt for 19yo: School in lockdown

25 Jun, 2020 12:14pm
2 minutes to read

Moerewa School will remain closed until the end of week, principal announced.

Helen Shaft with one of the many signs she and her husband Malcolm installed for Project Island Song. Photos / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Boatie couple helped to bring islands back to life

23 Jun, 2020 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Malcolm and Helen Shaft help keeping Urupukapuka and other islands pest free.

David Wilson, former Northland Inc CEO, is standing for NZ First in the Whangārei electorate. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

NZ First candidate for Whangārei to take on 'tanked economy'

20 Jun, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Dr David Wilson, former Northland Inc CEO, to focus on Northland's economic development.

International yachties are all set for the Winter Sailstice this Saturday on the Canopy Bridge, to say thanks to Whangārei for hosting them during the Covid lockdown. Photo / Michael Cunningham

THE COUNTRY

Overseas boaties thank Whangārei for hospitality during lockdown

19 Jun, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Boaties launch meet-and-greet event in Town Basin this Saturday.

GMO protesters claim a victory after NRC votes to reverse its no-provision position. Photo / Michael Cunningham

THE COUNTRY

Victory for GMO opposition: NRC votes to reverse position

17 Jun, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

The council has voted to reverse its predecessor's decision and include a GMO policy.

Project leaders Diane Stoppard and Trish Clarke say they are impressed by Culham Engineering's skilled labour. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

15 tonnes steel structure for Camera Obscura in the making

15 Jun, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Culham are now figuring out how to transport the steel structure from Port Rd to the Loop.

Terry Gallard and Kelly Jacobson, owners of Dembones Fitness and Boxing, are looking for a new location for their gym in Waipū. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Gym that helps troubled youth seeks base

15 Jun, 2020 9:00am
4 minutes to read

Disappointment from users as noise complaints lead to a kickboxing gym being shut down

Yukon Dive owners Noel Erickson and Jo Thomson moved part of their operation from Tutukaka to Marsden Cove. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Tutukaka diving business moves catamaran after conflict with marina trust

13 Jun, 2020 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Yukon Dive continues to operate after marina trust threatens permission withdrawal.

NDHB chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain says the hospital is in worse condition than indicated by the ministry's report. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

DHB: State of Whangārei Hospital worse than national report lets on

12 Jun, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Ministry of Health report reveals that Whangārei Hospital facilities require major revamp.

Room 2 pupils at Te Kopuru School, 13km south-east of Dargaville, sent letters to thank essential workers. Photos / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kaipara kids say thanks in heartfelt letters to essential workers

10 Jun, 2020 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Room 2 students wrote letters to essential workers saying their thanks.

From left, Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai, front counter and face of NorthTec's new facility Ebony Peeni, new NorthTec chairwoman Ripeka Evans and chief executive Wayne Jackson. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

New NorthTec hub open to job seekers and e-learners

9 Jun, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Move part of long-term plan to decentralise and a response to Covid-19 employment crisis.

Dr Lance O'Sullivan publicly apologised after he threw a brick through a car window because it was parked in a mobility spot.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Policing of mobility car parks a 'nightmare', property manager says

6 Jun, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Advocate for people with disabilities recommends contacting authorities.

NorthTec provides more than 100 different courses making it Northland's largest tertiary education provider. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

NorthTec considers cuts; union condemns move as 'callous'

5 Jun, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

NorthTec might cut Safe Trade courses, making about seven staff redundant.

Luke Revell, co-owner of The Butter Factory expects some great New Zealand artists coming to Northland soon. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Artists ready to return to stage under level 1

4 Jun, 2020 6:00am
6 minutes to read

Event organisers and artists glad to get back in business under level 1.

Robert Webb, MNZM, QSM, of Whangārei received the honour for his services to wildlife conservation. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Queen's Birthday Honours: Seven of our finest recognised

1 Jun, 2020 5:00am
14 minutes to read

Seven Northlanders have been recognised for their service to the community.

The Department of Conservation has reopened all their Northland campgrounds, including Uretiti Beach. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Being a tourist in your own country: Northland's first long weekend since lockdown

30 May, 2020 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Tourism operators, hotels, campgrounds and museums open their doors over the long weekend.

Richard Smart, Hundertwasser Foundation NZ chair, Susan Henare, Te Hononga founding trustee, Kathleen Drumm, Laurell Pratt, Andrew Garrett and Sue Shepherd with the new ceramic tiles. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Final pieces for big project: Hundertwasser ceramic tiles to be laid soon

23 May, 2020 11:00am
5 minutes to read

The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori is set to open for Christmas 2021.

Yukon Dive owners Noel Erickson and Jo Thomson stopped operating on March 23 and will only have a few weeks before they have to anchor their boats again. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Several Tutukaka charter boats to stay anchored after operation permission revoked

16 May, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Tutukaka tourism operator upset after marina management puts levy up by over 500 per cent.

Andy Hancox from Whangārei has been pulling his hair out for eight weeks waiting for a trim at the Barbers in Bank St. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Oh, the places we go: Northlanders welcome level 2

14 May, 2020 8:14am
4 minutes to read

Northlanders out and about as country goes into level 2.

Dr Amanda Johnston, president of the Northland branch of the New Zealand Dental Association, says methods for treating patients under level 3 and 4 weren't ideal. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Patients taking photos of their teeth: Dental care under level 3 and how it's set to change

11 May, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Dentists across the region are awaiting a backlog of patients.

Kaumātua Te Ihi in a room with Northland DHB staff for the blessing of the new endoscopy suite. Photos / Facebook

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

NDHB video of blessing ceremony raises questions over Covid-19 regulations

9 May, 2020 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

At least 10 attended a blessing ceremony of Whangārei Hospital's new endoscopy suit.

Design image for the proposed Olympic standard skate park. Photo / MAZ

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Petition asks Kaipara council for $800K to complete Olympic standard skate park

5 May, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

The Mangawhai Activity Zone Trust needs $800,000 to complete its skate park.

NDHB's medical officer of health says increased awareness around infectious diseases caused the uptake of vaccines. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Flu vaccines are up by 162 per cent

4 May, 2020 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Covid-19 credited with increasing awareness of infectious diseases.

Business stakeholders say the plan provides some framework but more action was required to induce change. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Council plans for Whangārei CBD win award

4 May, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

WDC takes out award for plans re-structure the Whangārei city centre.

Director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said Kiwis should do their required GP check-ups under level 3 again. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Ministry encourages GP visits as normal

1 May, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Northland reported no new cases yesterday for 13 days in a row.

Director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield reported three confirmed cases of Covid-19 nationally with no further cases in Northland. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Covid-19: Nearly 80 per cent of Northland cases now recovered

30 Apr, 2020 10:42am
3 minutes to read

No new Northland cases for 13 days; 22 have now recovered.

Whangārei Masjid Imam Suhil Musa talks about celebrating Ramadan during the lockdown. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHLAND AGE

Muslim community adapt Ramadan celebrations during lockdown

29 Apr, 2020 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Once NZ moves to alert level 2, Muslims will be allowed back to the mosque.

Director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay said extended testing in isolated communities hadn't detected any positive cases yet. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Remote testing units show no undetected transmission yet

25 Apr, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

The Ministry of Health also extended support for vulnerable rural general practices.

Director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay reported one death and five new cases of Covid-19 at today's briefing. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Covid-19: Northland tally remains 27, 1 more death nationally

24 Apr, 2020 11:02am
4 minutes to read

The Ministry of Health extended support for rural general practices.

Construction works at Whangārei Hospital could potentially increase its ICU capacity. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei Hospital preparing for long-term Covid-19 battle

24 Apr, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Theatre extension project to resume as it could potentially increase ICU capacity.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield reported two deaths and three new cases of Covid-19 at today's briefing. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland reports no new Covid-19 cases for six consecutive days

23 Apr, 2020 9:58am
3 minutes to read

Northland's total cases remain at 27 while two people die in Dunedin and Christchurch.

Judyanne Kerrigan and Chris Nahi celebrated a

PREMIUM

Pandemic bursts wedding dream for some – others wing it

22 Apr, 2020 12:00pm
6 minutes to read

Several couples had to postpone their weddings while others went ahead anyway.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield announced on Monday that New Zealand will move into alert level 3 on Tuesday next week. Photo / NZ Herald

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Strong support for Govt's lockdown decision

22 Apr, 2020 6:00am
5 minutes to read

Extended community testing will give Northlanders more confidence as we head into level 3

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield reports five new Covid-19 cases in New Zealand; none in Northland. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Covid-19: 5 new cases nationally as NDHB ramps up testing

21 Apr, 2020 10:04am
3 minutes to read

There are no new cases in Northland, keeping the total number at 27.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces the lockdown level 4 will continue for another week until Monday night. Photo / NZME

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland leaders say Govt's decision is 'wise course of action'

21 Apr, 2020 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Community leaders react positively to the Government's decision.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce today, if New Zealand will move out of alter level 4 lockdown. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Covid 19: no new Northland case, 9 nationally as nation awaits lockdown decision

20 Apr, 2020 11:44am
3 minutes to read

The Ministry of Health confirms no new Northland case, keeping the tally at 27.

Edith and Neil McCaw hope to postpone the celebrations for their 60th wedding anniversary. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Kamo couple celebrates diamond anniversary with cake during lockdown

15 Apr, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Edith and Neil McCaw are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday.

Whangārei Age Concern president Beryl Wilkinson says the organisation should be escalated to an essential service. Photo / File

NORTHLAND AGE

Age Concern lobbies to become essential service

13 Apr, 2020 10:00am
5 minutes to read

Whangārei Age Concern president says there is no targeted support for older people.

Only one more month of construction work is required before onlookers will be able to see some colour on the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Hundertwasser centre to receive shape and colour after lockdown

11 Apr, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Hundertwasser project team still hopes to open the art centre mid next year.

Jane Sweeney, Liz Davies, Paula Lang, John Lengyel and Mike Waymouth reach Bluff after 23 days. Photos / Supplied

NORTHLAND AGE

Cyclist raising funds for rescue helicopter had to be airlifted after crash

9 Apr, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

A crash and the lockdown disrupted a Reinga-to-Bluff cycling fundraiser.

Long lines in front of the post shop in Rostock, Germany, as the country closes down over Covid-19. Photos / Julia Czerwonatis

PREMIUM

Coronavirus: 'My country is going into lockdown'

21 Mar, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Northern Advocate reporter Julia Czerwonatis is on her way back to NZ.

Rae Patterson has been a piano teacher for 65 years. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Music teacher for a lifetime

18 Mar, 2020 1:00pm
5 minutes to read

Rae Patterson has become a life member for the Institute of Registered Music Teachers NZ.

Where two oceans meet at Cape Reinga. Photo / Tania White

NEW ZEALAND

Revealed: Northland's best holiday spots

16 Mar, 2020 5:00am
9 minutes to read

Home to some of our most beautiful beaches and marine wildlife, Northland is a must-see.

Lloyd Rooney, co-owner of Number 8 and The Quay restaurants, installed seven hand sanitisers at The Quay alone. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Possible Covid-19 patient from Northland tests negative, more results expected back by today

12 Mar, 2020 7:00am
6 minutes to read

New Zealand had 331 test results coming back negative, five cases still confirmed.

Polly Thomas is cycling from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island in memory of her friend Patricia Weiss who died of breast cancer. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'I won't ever be alone'; woman remembers friend on bike ride across NZ

11 Mar, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Polly Thomas cycles the length of NZ in memory of her friend how died of breast cancer.

Catherine Jackson, medical officer of health for Northland, says coronavirus would be only a mild illness for most Northlanders. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Covid-19: GPs are the key to mitigating 'nasty consequences'

11 Mar, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

GPs and aged care providers are concerned that Covid-19 could bring on a staff shortage.

Whangārei District Council will start using treated effluent from the city's main wastewater treatment plant to irrigate gardens this week. Photo / Michael Cunningham

THE COUNTRY

Dry gardens to be irrigated with treated wastewater

10 Mar, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The resource consent is only applicable during water restrictions.

Vivienne Lepper, NRC biosecurity manager incursions and response, left, and student chef Liam Dinsdale honing their skills for the upcoming Northland Field Days. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Dargaville celebrates 35th Field Days with unique culinary treats

4 Mar, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

NRC will hand out venison jerky with a watermelon salsa at this year's Field Days.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Maui's engineers and roller coaster designers compete in challenge

3 Mar, 2020 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Years 5-8 students from 25 Northland schools their engineering skills into practice.

Whangārei Hospital will be one of the places coronavirus patients will be cared for if confirmed cases are diagnosed in Northland. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Covid-19: Frontline health care staff know what to do

3 Mar, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Northland public health officials preparing response teams to deal with coronavirus.

Wilson Training Centre manager John Henare shows Timoti Flavell how the digger simulator works. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Employment activation hub helps 17 into jobs

2 Mar, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Joblab helps 17 people into employment and 70 are on their way.

Northland Hockey is still allowed to use sprinklers as restrictions come into effect. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Sport clubs able to maintain facilities as water restrictions come into effect

27 Feb, 2020 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Level 2 water restrictions have come into force yet some places can still use irrigation.

Whangārei Heads resident Lew Hart informed Whangārei District Council on Friday after the toilets ran out of water. Photo / Michael Cunningham

THE COUNTRY

Ocean Beach toilets run dry amid drought

27 Feb, 2020 8:00am
5 minutes to read

Water supply has been fixed after the creek feeding the toilets has run dry.

EPro8 challenge 2019 year 7-8 winners The Revengineers from Whangārei Heads School. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Tech-savvy students to take part in region-wide engineering competition

25 Feb, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Northpower EPro8 Challenge kicks off this week with 70 Northland teams participating.

Northland poet Piet Nieuwland has been publishing his work for 40 years and enjoys being part of the upcoming exhibition. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Poet of 40 years featuring in NorthTec art exhibition

21 Feb, 2020 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

34 artists display various installations in NorthTec exhibition featuring whakatauki.

Music and art events were on top of the wish list for people in Whangārei. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei brainstorms after new events fund announced

20 Feb, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Whangārei District Council will start allocating money to new events within the district.

The Northland team joining Tour Aotearoa, (from left) Jane Sweeney, Mike Waymouth, Paula Lang, Rob Meadows and Liz Davies. Absent: John Lengyel. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Cape Reinga to Bluff: 3000km on two wheels

18 Feb, 2020 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Six Northlanders raise funds for Northland Rescue Helicopters as part of Tour Aotearoa.

Ngunguru couple Ruby and Barry McKay celebrate 65 years of marriage next week. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Enjoy your love' - couple celebrating 65th wedding anniversary

15 Feb, 2020 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Ngunguru couple Ruby and Barry McKay are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.