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Latest FromJulia Czerwonatis

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.

Heron Ship Repair's new slipway cradle can carry a load up to 1800 tonnes. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

New slipway cradle hauls out 1800t ships

13 Feb, 2020 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Heron Ship Repair installed a new slipway cradle able to carry ships up to 1800 tonnes.

Sally Spicer's Before I forget is one of 51 finalist for Adam Portraiture Award. Image / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei artist explores self through portrait

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

Sally Spicer's self-portrait named finalist for Adam Portraiture Award.

The Warehouse marketing staff Alicia Newton, left, Life Education's Michelle Dow, Duffy, Pio Terei and The Warehouse and sales support manager Rachel Mason. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Pio Terei supports literacy campaign in Northland with reading on decline

10 Feb, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Pio Terei visited The Warehouse in Whangārei on Saturday to read to kids.

Joe and Floyd are being towed from Coppermine island on a stunningly beautiful day. Photos / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Where nature takes precedence – tackling pests on Hen and Chicks

8 Feb, 2020 5:00pm
7 minutes to read

A group of four heads out to the archipelago for 10 days at a time to eradicate weeds.

Head bitch Cheree Morrison, centre, Jeanine Davey, left, and Alisha Harper are spreading some kindness in the Whangārei community. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Cooking up kindness: Good Bitches deliver baking to charities

8 Feb, 2020 10:00am
4 minutes to read

30 Good Bitches bake for Kind Hands, Women's Refuge and Age Concern.

Aimee Harrison hopes more volunteers would come on board to help patrolling. Photo / John Stone

PREMIUM

Lollipop woman to make Parua Bay safer for kids

6 Feb, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Aimee Harrison patrols outside Parua Bay School to guide parents and kids across the road.

Joblab organisers, from left, Dr Maggie Buxton of AwhiWorld, Sarah Blithe of Snap Events, MSD regional commissioner Eru Lyndon and NorthChamber CEO Steve Smith. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Innovation project connects regional industry with community

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

Joblab will launch on February 3, bringing industry representatives into Whangārei CBD.

The cast of Not Another High School Musical! is excited to bring the production on stage tonight. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Musical production promises rollercoaster of emotion

31 Jan, 2020 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

Not Another High School Musical! is a fun and emotional play by Whangārei locals.

HeartKids Northland volunteers together with family receiving $6000 from the Wai Worri committee. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Country musicians show big heart for charity

28 Jan, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

The annual Wai Worri festival in Aranga raised $6115 for HeartKids Northland this year.

From left, Jennifer Rizzi, Mark Anderson, Bridget King, Darren Gray and Dr Heather Remnant from Animal Evac NZ volunteering to help Australian wildlife affected by the bushfires. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Northland woman helps Australian wildlife hurt by bushfires

28 Jan, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Bridget King from Kerikeri was part of a rescue team saving animals in Australia.

Roger Hall and his dog Taz's shared passion surfing has helped them form a special bond. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NEW ZEALAND

Bream Bay surfer's best friend

25 Jan, 2020 12:00pm
8 minutes to read

Ruakākā local Roger Hall has been surfing together with his dog Taz for nearly two years.

Commute into town was still slow on Tuesday morning, but noticeably improved compared to Monday's gridlock traffic. Photo / Julia Czerwonatis

PREMIUM

Roadworks completed after traffic chaos upsets Whangārei

22 Jan, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The Riverside Dr roadworks cost Whangārei approximately $27k.

Some driftwood sticks were pushed into the sand by members of the public to warn people that dotterel nest on Matapōuri Beach. Photos / John Stone

THE COUNTRY

Rare dotterel chicks roaming Matapōuri beach

21 Jan, 2020 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Several dotterel chicks have hatched at Matapōuri, adding to a successful breeding season.

The Hub with its bus station and visitor centre will get a major upgrade starting this year. Photos / John Stone

PREMIUM

$1.6m financial boost for major Town Basin upgrade

20 Jan, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

The $1.6m grant from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will help finance the project.

Simon Ellison aims to save pōhutukawa trees along the edge of the Ruakaka estuary. Photo / John Stone

THE COUNTRY

Ruakākā resident upset about council's seawall plan

16 Jan, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Several pōhutukawa trees might be removed to build the seawall along Princes Rd.

Project director Andrew Garratt said the past few years had been good experience and that they would look for more work for the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

40,000 bricks for Whangārei's Hundertwasser

13 Jan, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Volunteers recycle nearly 40,000 bricks for new Hundertwasser building in Town Basin.

The 65-year old male pilot landed on a private airstrip near Bellevue Way, Otaika. Photo / Google Maps

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Pilot makes emergency landing after engine fails

12 Jan, 2020 12:44pm
3 minutes to read

The 65-year old male was taken to Whangārei Hospital with moderate injuries.

Murphy's farm on Ngunguru Road showing the effects the dry conditions are having. Photo / John Stone

PREMIUM

Dry weather in Northland has increasing impact on industries and wildlife

11 Jan, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

No significant rainfall expected in next 7-10 days, Niwa says.

Five men were working several hours on Wednesday and Thursday night to take down the tree. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Condemned Cameron St tree felled safely

10 Jan, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Contractors from Treescape continued their work on Thursday night.

Whangārei New Year's baby Roddy Nemisis Shortland together with father Bron Shortland. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei New Year's baby a healthy 4kg boy

9 Jan, 2020 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Babyboy Roddy Shortland was born at 12.42am on New Year's Day at Whangārei Hospital.

Whangārei District Council Parks technical officer Stuart Jackson in front of the tree being chopped down in the Cameron St Mall. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Arborists condemn 50 year old tree at Cameron Mall

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

Workers started dismantling the East African mahogany after business hours last night.

Whangārei singer-songwriter Erin Cole-Baker will be performing fresh songs written during her recent road trip through the States. Photo / Bruce Cole-Baker

PREMIUM

Erin Cole-Baker returns to Northland with new tunes

8 Jan, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Erin Cole-Baker will be playing at the Old Library on Friday, January 10.

A former Northland District Health Board renal driver has raised concerns about the DHB's renal service's patient transfer service. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Former renal driver calls out DHB over 'poor' patient transfer service

7 Jan, 2020 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Former DHB renal driver speaks out about poor management and rogue drivers.

Grant Suckling says having a surf club at the wild west coast is increasingly important with the growing population and tourist numbers. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Surf club for wild west coast community nearly finished

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

Baylys Beach Community Trust hopes constructions will be complete by April.

Environmental educator for CBEC Eco Solutions Anton Bowker picking up rubbish at Mair Park. Photo / John Stone

THE COUNTRY

Best of 2019: Plastic pollution in Hātea Awa third highest in country

6 Jan, 2020 11:50am
6 minutes to read

Most of the litter found is plastic items and food wrappers.

Pottery tutor Helen Hughes gathers natural material for her workshop during the Summer Do. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Quarry Arts Centre are firing up the kiln for annual Summer Do

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

Kiln master Mike Regan will heat up the big woodfire kiln to 1300 degrees to dry pottery.

Warwick Bell with his new creation, the GiraGlob, a piece of funky outdoor furniture soon to come to Whangārei. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Art meets architecture in Whangārei

4 Jan, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

The 2.6m in diameter sphere can be used as a seating space, shelter, kiosk or book nook.

A portable X-ray machine made the work for the dental team in Kote Tet easier. Photos / Supplied

PREMIUM

Whangārei man changes lives of Myanmar children

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

Mark Nicholls's team offered dental treatment for 220 children in remote Myanmar village.

A female manta ray washed up at Rarawa Beach, on the Far North east coast on Wednesday afternoon. Photos / David Pattemore

NEW ZEALAND

Best of 2019: Beached monster manta ray stuns scientists

2 Jan, 2020 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

Scientists have travelled to the Far North after the sea surrendered a 4.3m manta ray..

From left, Gino Calla Moret, Ruth Moret, Maite Calla Moret, Jaime Calla and campground owner Nick Blake at the Whangārei Top 10 Holiday Park. Photo / John Stone

PREMIUM

Campers hand-pick Whangārei as their holiday destination

2 Jan, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

New Zealanders and foreigners alike love Northland and enjoy its stunning beaches.

The mass pipe band welcomes the crowds at the Caledonian Park in Waipū. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Caledonia is calling again

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

Waipū celebrated the 149th Highland Games with 14 clans and thousand of visitors.

Vegan pie creator Tania Sumich with her chicken and leek pie. Photos / John Stone

PREMIUM

Best of 2019: When a Kiwi classic turns vegan

1 Jan, 2020 9:30am
6 minutes to read

Logan McLean won two prizes at won two prizes at the New Zealand Vegan Pie Awards.

Brigid Sinclair already has some food donations in the new Morningside pātaka kai. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Pātaka kai culture growing in Whangārei

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

Brigid Sinclair sets up a pātaka kai outside the Korna Dairy on Morningside Rd.

Des McLean and his grandson Jacob McLean,12, check the cabers for the competitions at the Highland Games. Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Women's division of caber tossers at Waipū Highland Games

31 Dec, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

The event is one of the longest-running Scottish gatherings in the southern hemisphere.

Patrol captain Mikayla Gulick on duty at Ocean Beach at Whangārei Heads. Photos / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Ocean Beach among top 10 most dangerous

31 Dec, 2019 9:00am
4 minutes to read

With 19 rescues between 2018-19, Ocean Beach at Whangārei Heads is known to be dangerous.

Whangarei CBD has many empty shops and people are asking how to invigorate the city. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Best of 2019: Dark future of Whangārei city centre

27 Dec, 2019 5:00pm
8 minutes to read

There are 48 empty shops in the Whangarei CBD.

Rachèl Ozinga and Nikander Damianos hear from Sue Halliwell from the Whangārei District Council about responsible freedom camping. Photo / John Stone

PREMIUM

Council encourages freedom campers to be responsible

27 Dec, 2019 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Council has expanded its freedom camping ambassador programme this year.

German tourist Achim Bockbreder and good Samaritan Kevin Rosemergy. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northlander returns lost wallet to German tourists

22 Dec, 2019 6:00pm
3 minutes to read

The tourists lost their wallet at Matapōuri while travelling around with their campervan.

The pack one Advocate reader will win to attend the Interislander Summer Festival at Ruakākā Races on January 4.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Visitors in for a summer treat at Ruakākā races

20 Dec, 2019 3:00pm
2 minutes to read

There will be free parking and free buses from Whangārei, Marsden Cove and Ruakākā Beach.

Whangārei MP Dr Shane Reti discussing the proposed transitional housing development in Ruakaka with community leaders. Photo / Supplied

PREMIUM

Ministry confirms Kāinga Ora failed to secure lease for Ruakākā site

20 Dec, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Whangārei MP Dr Shane Reti said there was no healthy discussion with the community.

Krunal Shah and Jaimit Shinde from the Tui Cres Food Mart enjoy an ice cream with Waikura-Jean Nolan, 7. Photo / Tania Whyte

NEW ZEALAND

Appeal board rules that ice cream makes you happy

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

Whangārei resident complained over sign outside a Maunu dairy.

The bait pellets are made up of cereal and a small compound of 1080 which is toxic to mammals. Photo / File

THE COUNTRY

Three pet dogs and two cows die of 1080 poisoning around Hukerenui

17 Dec, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Regional Council has launched investigations after three dogs and two heifers died.

From left, Brent Mawson, Kaylee Kolkman and Agnes Hermans viewing historic photos at the book launch of More True Tales of Onerahi. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Onerahi revisits its past

16 Dec, 2019 11:00am
2 minutes to read

More True Tales of Onerahi includes 106 stories and 450 photographs of the suburb.

Mairtown Kindergarten with little grower Theodora (Teddy) Claris took out the Overall Best Photo. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

Tiny gardeners grow prize-winning sunflowers

16 Dec, 2019 10:30am
3 minutes to read

Ruawai Kindergarten grew the tallest sunflower in the region, measuring 294cm.

Northland local heroes - Back: Karen Lee, Julie Thompson, Carol Peters, Janine McVeagh, Lesley Paton, Catherine Tulloch, Eric Hansen, Arna-Lise Harris, Peter Crawford. Front: Nicholas Connop, Shaquille Shortland, Anahera Pickering, Elizabeth Swift, Gwladys Hardless, Pat Severinsen, Rob Tulloch. Absent: Murray Scott Johnstone, Zelka Linda Grammer, Mark Walker, Margaret Burnard. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland's local heroes make a change

15 Dec, 2019 12:55pm
3 minutes to read

20 Northland locals received the Kiwibank local hero medals on Friday evening.