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Andrew Johnsen
Sports editor
Whangarei

Andrew Johnsen is the Northern Advocate sports editor

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Andrew’s latest content
Sport coaching regimes need to recapture public, new and old
Northern Advocate

Sport coaching regimes need to recapture public, new and old

22 Jun 06:59 PM
Katie Rood aiming for Football Ferns recall
Northern Advocate

Katie Rood aiming for Football Ferns recall

21 Jun 05:57 PM

Katie Rood is moving on from Juventus after a learning season in Serie A.

The rise and rise of Jack Goodhue
Northern Advocate

The rise and rise of Jack Goodhue

21 Jun 05:57 PM

Jack Goodhue's rise to the All Blacks hasn't been easy but it's a hard-earned honour.

WBHS rout Birkenhead College 87-0
Northern Advocate

WBHS rout Birkenhead College 87-0

18 Jun 08:30 PM

WBHS ran in a total of 15 tries in the 87-0 drubbing of Birkenhead College.

Opinion: Rugby cards leaving everyone red-faced
Northern Advocate

Opinion: Rugby cards leaving everyone red-faced

18 Jun 07:00 PM

Cards mar opening two tests of French series, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Golf: Brown looking for huge effort in Scotland
Northern Advocate

Golf: Brown looking for huge effort in Scotland

18 Jun 06:00 PM

Brown excited about the test ahead at one of the world's most prestigious amateur events.

League: Takahiwai crush Moerewa in top three clash
Northern Advocate

League: Takahiwai crush Moerewa in top three clash

17 Jun 11:00 PM

Takahiwai and Portland picked up contrasting RLN Premiership wins.

Kamo send statement in 39-14 win over Old Boys Marist
Northern Advocate

Kamo send statement in 39-14 win over Old Boys Marist

17 Jun 06:57 PM

Kamo eased past Old Boys Marist 39-14 in their top-of-the-table clash.

Opinion: A few FIFA World Cup hot takes
Northern Advocate

Opinion: A few FIFA World Cup hot takes

15 Jun 10:44 PM

Belgium as winners, England's early departure and a Cahill goal scoring heartbreak.

Rugby: Kamo, OBM clash a possible finals preview
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Kamo, OBM clash a possible finals preview

15 Jun 06:54 PM

Kamo's clash with OBM and Kerikeri's playoff chances are the big rugby talking points.

Hoe Matariki celebrates a decade on the water
Northern Advocate

Hoe Matariki celebrates a decade on the water

14 Jun 05:59 PM

Hoe Matariki reaches its 10th anniversary this weekend.

Gross, Sandle doubles help Northland FC to comfortable win
Northern Advocate

Gross, Sandle doubles help Northland FC to comfortable win

11 Jun 07:59 PM

Northland FC scored four second half goals to beat Te Atatu 4-0.

Andrew Johnsen: Andreas Heraf needs to go
Northern Advocate

Andrew Johnsen: Andreas Heraf needs to go

11 Jun 06:58 PM

Andreas Heraf's tenure as Football Ferns coach should be done, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Black Ferns Sevens second, despite beating winners
Northern Advocate

Black Ferns Sevens second, despite beating winners

11 Jun 05:58 PM

Portia Woodman scored 43 tries across the five World Series events.

Rugby: OBM move into second with 95-point haul
Northern Advocate

Rugby: OBM move into second with 95-point haul

10 Jun 09:56 PM

Old Boys Marist ran in 15 tries in their 95-10 win over Otamatea.

League: Ōtangarei hold on against Moerewa
Northern Advocate

League: Ōtangarei hold on against Moerewa

10 Jun 05:59 PM

Otangarei beat Moerewa 36-22 in a tense encounter at Fishbone Park.

Pryor's departure a sad day
Northern Advocate

Pryor's departure a sad day

08 Jun 07:00 PM

Dan Pryor will leave a strong legacy in Northland, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Cricket: Hesson's loss will be sorely felt
Northern Advocate

Cricket: Hesson's loss will be sorely felt

07 Jun 07:52 PM

Mike Hesson won't be easy to replace, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Football: Hannah Wilkinson back for Japan clash
Northern Advocate

Football: Hannah Wilkinson back for Japan clash

07 Jun 07:29 PM

The Kamo striker will be looking to make an impact against Japan on Sunday.

Scott Gregory gets start for NZ against Australia
Northern Advocate

Scott Gregory gets start for NZ against Australia

07 Jun 04:53 PM

Scott Gregory will start at second-five in the final pool match.

WBHS hold reigning champs Rosmini
Northern Advocate

WBHS hold reigning champs Rosmini

04 Jun 07:51 PM

A late Richie Levita penalty squared the ledger between the sides.

Tuke and Burling battle on high seas
Northern Advocate

Tuke and Burling battle on high seas

04 Jun 06:00 PM

Blair Tuke and MAPFRE have suffered a setback in the Volvo Ocean Race.

Onerahi impress in the wet
Northern Advocate

Onerahi impress in the wet

03 Jun 08:55 PM

Onerahi power to a 5-2 victory over East Coast Bays in their Federation Cup tie.

Goodhue in fitness race for France test
Northern Advocate

Goodhue in fitness race for France test

03 Jun 07:55 PM

Jack Goodhue's hamstring could postpone his impending All Blacks test debut.

Rugby: Upsets jam Premier table in North
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Upsets jam Premier table in North

03 Jun 07:29 PM

Kamo lead both the Premier and Premier Reserve competitions.

QSM for Whangārei cricketing pillar Peter Crawford
Royals

QSM for Whangārei cricketing pillar Peter Crawford

03 Jun 05:03 PM

Paul Crawford has received the Queen's Service Medal after a life of community work.

Opinion: LeBron James' NBA run unfathomable
Northern Advocate

Opinion: LeBron James' NBA run unfathomable

01 Jun 07:56 PM

LeBron James is easily the best player since Michael Jordan, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Miyagi Kan dominates at Oceania Karate Champs
Northern Advocate

Miyagi Kan dominates at Oceania Karate Champs

01 Jun 06:57 PM

Miyagi Kan club was on form at the Oceania Karate Championships.

Football: Injured Bethanee Witt steps up to the coaching challenge
Northern Advocate

Football: Injured Bethanee Witt steps up to the coaching challenge

31 May 05:53 PM

Bethanee Witt's leg injury turned into a coaching opportunity with Northland FC.

Volleyball: Roughan spiking her way to Vietnam
Northern Advocate

Volleyball: Roughan spiking her way to Vietnam

28 May 06:46 PM

Kelena Roughan will be on the plane to Vietnam next month.

Football: Northland FC maintain strong form with tough 2-1 win
Northern Advocate

Football: Northland FC maintain strong form with tough 2-1 win

27 May 08:50 PM

Northland FC won a gritty encounter over Onehunga Mangere United.

Rugby: Parsons' quintet of tries leads OBM to victory
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Parsons' quintet of tries leads OBM to victory

27 May 05:48 PM

OBM grabbed another bonus point victory as Mase Parsons scored five tries.

Rene's return benefits Taniwha charge
Northern Advocate

Rene's return benefits Taniwha charge

25 May 10:12 PM

Does Rene's comeback help Northland improve this season, ponders Andrew Johnsen.

Scott Gregory's surprise rise to NZ Under 20s
Northern Advocate

Scott Gregory's surprise rise to NZ Under 20s

25 May 05:54 PM

The Northland midfielder has earned his spot in the New Zealand Under 20s.

Ranger to return for 2018 season
Northern Advocate

Ranger to return for 2018 season

24 May 06:00 PM

Rene Ranger has been capped 76 times by Northland.

Ranger Danger: Rene re-signs with Northland
Northern Advocate

Ranger Danger: Rene re-signs with Northland

23 May 09:36 PM

The cult figure will return for the 2018 ITM Cup after spending the season in France.

Hockey: Black Sticks struggle early in Cromwell
Northern Advocate

Hockey: Black Sticks struggle early in Cromwell

21 May 07:51 PM

New Zealand dropped their opening two matches against Australia and Japan.

WBHS make strong start to Harbour competition
Northern Advocate

WBHS make strong start to Harbour competition

21 May 06:56 PM

The high school side has two wins from three outings in the Harbour 1A competition.

Jack Goodhue's real battle starts now
Northern Advocate

Jack Goodhue's real battle starts now

21 May 06:52 PM

Five won't go into four come Rugby World Cup time, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Kamo come from behind to retain unbeaten run
Northern Advocate

Kamo come from behind to retain unbeaten run

20 May 11:23 PM

Kamo beat Hora Hora while Western Sharks had the wood over Mid Northern.

Onerahi win, Northland FC share points
Northern Advocate

Onerahi win, Northland FC share points

20 May 07:00 PM

Onerahi, Kamo and Northland FC women each enjoyed differing victories.

League: Takahiwai seal win in last minutes
Northern Advocate

League: Takahiwai seal win in last minutes

20 May 06:22 PM

Takahiwai scored in final two minutes of match to beat Otangarei 24-22.

Goodhue makes All Blacks squad for France
Northern Advocate

Goodhue makes All Blacks squad for France

20 May 05:00 PM

Jack Goodhue has been rewarded for his strong form for the Crusaders.

Wellington Phoenix a disrespectful mess
Northern Advocate

Wellington Phoenix a disrespectful mess

18 May 07:58 PM

Phoenix owners doing a committed fan base a real disservice, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Rugby: Matich earns Super debut for Chiefs
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Matich earns Super debut for Chiefs

18 May 05:56 PM

Matt Matich will come off the bench for the Chiefs against the Sharks.

Wheelchair Basketball: Northland looking for home success
Northern Advocate

Wheelchair Basketball: Northland looking for home success

17 May 07:50 PM

Northland's wheelchair basketballers are taking to the local courts this weekend.

Football: Kamo, Tikipunga grab important victories
Northern Advocate

Football: Kamo, Tikipunga grab important victories

13 May 08:06 PM

Kamo and Tikipunga gained valuable wins in the Northland Premier Division.

Rugby: Tense win gives Waipu top four spot
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Tense win gives Waipu top four spot

13 May 05:55 PM

Ben Mathers' 18 points helped Waipu to their 23-22 win over Hora Hora.

Andrew Johnsen: Football pay moves a great sight
Northern Advocate

Andrew Johnsen: Football pay moves a great sight

11 May 08:00 PM

Equal pay for women international footballers in NZ a great step, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Northland's five hockey gold medallists get civic parade through Whangarei
Northern Advocate

Northland's five hockey gold medallists get civic parade through Whangarei

11 May 06:59 PM

Around 800 supporters turned out to celebrate the gold-medal winning quintet.

Goodhue, Wright re-sign for Northland
Northern Advocate

Goodhue, Wright re-sign for Northland

10 May 07:51 PM

Northland has made key signings during the Mitre 10 Cup off-season.

Kamo, Hora Hora on top at halfway point
Northern Advocate

Kamo, Hora Hora on top at halfway point

09 May 08:00 PM

Kamo and Hora Hora lead an improved Bayleys Premier competition.

Rowing: Shannon Cox makes NZ U21 squad
Northern Advocate

Rowing: Shannon Cox makes NZ U21 squad

08 May 11:00 PM

Whangarei rower makes waves at U-21 level in lightweight double sculls.

Whangarei Boys' First XV make winning start
Northern Advocate

Whangarei Boys' First XV make winning start

07 May 08:45 PM

WBHS made a great start to their 2018 campaign with the 25-20 win.

Northland FC women dominate away from home
Northern Advocate

Northland FC women dominate away from home

07 May 07:40 PM

Four goals from Caitlin Alabaster helped Northland FC to a 7-1 win over Manukau City.

Football: Northland resolute in home win
Northern Advocate

Football: Northland resolute in home win

06 May 08:24 PM

A Caleb Russ goal in the first half was the difference against Papakura City.

Paddon powers to fourth title
Northern Advocate

Paddon powers to fourth title

06 May 06:30 PM

Hayden Paddon takes line honours by more than seven minutes.

Takahiwai power to impressive win
Northern Advocate

Takahiwai power to impressive win

06 May 06:00 PM

Takahiwai eased their way to a 64-24 win over Hora Hora in the RLN Premiership.

Rugby: Ross Wright earns first Blues start
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Ross Wright earns first Blues start

04 May 06:56 PM

Wright will start at loosehead prop for the Blues as they take on the Waratahs.

Northland roads a good test for top drivers in International Rally of Whangarei
Northern Advocate

Northland roads a good test for top drivers in International Rally of Whangarei

04 May 04:55 PM

The International Rally of Whangarei kicked off on Pohe Island.

Watch: Whangarei rally action
Northern Advocate

Watch: Whangarei rally action

04 May 03:00 AM

The International Rally of Whangarei begins tonight at Pohe Island.

Boys High eyes Harbour 1A title charge
Northern Advocate

Boys High eyes Harbour 1A title charge

03 May 08:52 PM

WBHS take on Birkenhead College in their first game of the season.

Cheerleading: Grace Hegh shines at World Champs
Northern Advocate

Cheerleading: Grace Hegh shines at World Champs

03 May 07:18 PM

Hegh had three top ten finishes with her three teams at the two World Championships.

Smith revved up for home-town success
Northern Advocate

Smith revved up for home-town success

03 May 05:00 PM

Andy Smith will be flying the Northland flag during the Rally of Whangarei.

Kaia Derbyshire given top coaching in Auckland
Northern Advocate

Kaia Derbyshire given top coaching in Auckland

30 Apr 10:58 PM

Derbyshire was given coaching by former Olympians and Commonwealth Games swimmers.

Teens take on Aussies at their own game
Northern Advocate

Teens take on Aussies at their own game

30 Apr 05:51 PM

Blake Williamson and Manny Snooks will be part of the New Zealand team.

Russ treble lifts Northland to victory
Northern Advocate

Russ treble lifts Northland to victory

29 Apr 07:49 PM

A Caleb Russ hat-trick helped Northland FC beat Franklin United 4-2.

Big wins in fourth round of RLN Premiership
Northern Advocate

Big wins in fourth round of RLN Premiership

29 Apr 06:50 PM

Takahiwai, Otangarei and Moerewa each picked up resounding victories.

Mid Northern subdue tough Hikurangi
Northern Advocate

Mid Northern subdue tough Hikurangi

29 Apr 06:28 PM

Mid Northern jumped back into the top four with their 32-17 win over Hikurangi.

Crushing loss true test for Warriors
Northern Advocate

Crushing loss true test for Warriors

27 Apr 06:50 PM

The Warriors are at an interesting point in their season following their Anzac Day loss.

Andrew Johnsen: Tight NRL contests trump Super Rugby's one-way traffic
Northern Advocate

Andrew Johnsen: Tight NRL contests trump Super Rugby's one-way traffic

23 Apr 09:00 PM

NRL more compulsory viewing than Super Rugby, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Hora Hora, Kerikeri triumph on home ground
Northern Advocate

Hora Hora, Kerikeri triumph on home ground

22 Apr 11:03 PM

Kerikeri are on the verge of the top four while Hora Hora consolidated second position.

League: Second half blitz leads Otangarei to victory
Northern Advocate

League: Second half blitz leads Otangarei to victory

22 Apr 05:51 PM

Otangarei beat Portland 36-20 in their RLN Premiership encounter.

Athletes shouldn't just stick to sports
Northern Advocate

Athletes shouldn't just stick to sports

20 Apr 09:52 PM

TJ Perenara and Brad Weber need to be commended, writes Andrew Johnsen.

Woodman grateful for Ngāpuhi support
Northern Advocate

Woodman grateful for Ngāpuhi support

20 Apr 06:50 PM

Forty family members supported Portia Woodman as she scored in the Games sevens final.

Gunson's golden finish off to grey start
Northern Advocate

Gunson's golden finish off to grey start

20 Apr 06:00 PM

A missed flight didn't derail Ella Gunson's quest for hockey gold on the Gold Coast.

Jugger-naut set to hit Whangarei
Northern Advocate

Jugger-naut set to hit Whangarei

19 Apr 07:54 PM

A national jugger tournament will be played at Kensington Park this weekend.

Looking back at  Games highs and lows
Northern Advocate

Looking back at Games highs and lows

16 Apr 09:00 PM

Andrew Johnsen runs the rule over the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Wild Kiwi a success - organiser Mike Davis
Northern Advocate

Wild Kiwi a success - organiser Mike Davis

16 Apr 07:53 PM

The Wild Kiwi featured strong performances from Bruce Cole-Baker and Jemma Petty.

Rugby: Kamo team to beat after toppling OBM
Northern Advocate

Rugby: Kamo team to beat after toppling OBM

15 Apr 08:00 PM

Kamo go well clear at the top of the table after their win over Old Boys Marist.

Football: Northland FC women open with win, men draw
Northern Advocate

Football: Northland FC women open with win, men draw

15 Apr 07:00 PM

Northland FC were disappointed with the draw.

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