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Avneesh Vincent
Multimedia Journalist, Northern Advocate
Whangarei

Avneesh Vincent is a Multimedia Journalist based in Whangārei for the Northern Advocate, reporting on crime and emergency issues regionally.

Avneesh strongly believes in giving a voice to people who feel unheard and writes stories that make a difference. He began his career as an environment and arts reporter at the Gisborne Herald in 2021 after graduating from Massey University in Wellington, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. During his two years there, he developed strong relationships with the local community, working to uncover the underlying issues and holding powerful institutions and people accountable. He hails from the bustling metropolitan city of Kolkata in India, where he completed his BSc in Mass Communication and Videography - and is an award-winning freelance filmmaker covering social issues. You can contact Avneesh at avneesh.vincent@nzme.co.nz

Check out Avneesh’s latest content
Local surf clubs win multiple accolades at Surf Life Saving awards
Northern Advocate

Local surf clubs win multiple accolades at Surf Life Saving awards

30 Aug 05:00 PM
Family of missing Northland fisherman remember son ‘who was our everything’
Northern Advocate

Family of missing Northland fisherman remember son ‘who was our everything’

26 Aug 05:00 PM

"It’s something that no mother should go through."

Please return Pixie: Owner's plea after precious vintage caravan stolen
Northern Advocate

Please return Pixie: Owner's plea after precious vintage caravan stolen

24 Aug 11:51 PM

'I just beg for those who stole it to do the right thing.'

Police arrested four men who robbed Waipapa store and assaulted staff member
Northern Advocate

Police arrested four men who robbed Waipapa store and assaulted staff member

20 Aug 09:03 PM

A number of display cabinets in the store were damaged and one staff member was assaulted

Northland officer investigated for allegedly accessing data and other matters
Northern Advocate

Northland officer investigated for allegedly accessing data and other matters

15 Aug 12:00 AM

An 'employment process' found the officer had breached the Police Code of Conduct.

Camellia enthusiasts put up an impressive floral show in Whangārei
Northern Advocate

Camellia enthusiasts put up an impressive floral show in Whangārei

11 Aug 07:48 PM

Whangārei Camellia Show saw hundreds turn up to enjoy the floral experience.

Dargaville residents "terrified and frustrated" by noisy burnouts
Northern Advocate

Dargaville residents "terrified and frustrated" by noisy burnouts

09 Aug 05:00 AM

'Everyone including my wife and me is terrified.'

Police working hard to uncover details behind death of Jo Sione-Lauaki
Northern Advocate

Police working hard to uncover details behind death of Jo Sione-Lauaki

08 Aug 04:40 AM

An investigation into the unexplained death of the Dargaville woman is continuing.

Mangawhai Surf Club signs agreement with council to fix major slip
Northern Advocate

Mangawhai Surf Club signs agreement with council to fix major slip

07 Aug 08:14 PM

Funds have been found and repair work could begin in October.

Relocation company apologises after house slides off trailer and blocks Northland Rd
Northern Advocate

Relocation company apologises after house slides off trailer and blocks Northland Rd

06 Aug 11:22 PM

Kaiwaka road closed for eight hours after house slips from trailer.

'Transpower owes the people of Northland': Leaders disappointed with company's 'weak' response
Northern Advocate

'Transpower owes the people of Northland': Leaders disappointed with company's 'weak' response

01 Aug 11:30 PM

Transpower's response lacks explanation on fair compensation for Northland businesses.

Whangārei school ex-chair remembered as 'the kindest man on earth'
Northern Advocate

Whangārei school ex-chair remembered as 'the kindest man on earth'

01 Aug 12:04 AM

"...We as a community wish to send our deepest love and support to his whanau..."

'Greatly disappointing': War memorial vandalism angers community
Northern Advocate

'Greatly disappointing': War memorial vandalism angers community

30 Jul 11:00 PM

"Those who did this should be ashamed of themselves."

Premium
Growing mistrust in law enforcement amidst long police wait times in Northland
Northern Advocate

Growing mistrust in law enforcement amidst long police wait times in Northland

29 Jul 05:00 PM

Public losing confidence in police after long wait times spanning more than an hour.

Northland sci-fi and fantasy festival a grand success second year in a row
Cartoons

Northland sci-fi and fantasy festival a grand success second year in a row

29 Jul 05:21 AM

The Festival is a huge community spirit booster.

'We feel so helpless': Attempted robbery leaves owners shaken
Northern Advocate

'We feel so helpless': Attempted robbery leaves owners shaken

25 Jul 08:26 PM

The dairy owner was assaulted before the offenders fled.

Maungaturoto Primary School burglary: Red Truck captured stealing sports container
Northern Advocate

Maungaturoto Primary School burglary: Red Truck captured stealing sports container

19 Jul 04:11 AM

“I think it’s a real shame since it’s stealing off kids really.”

Probe into Northland shellfish deaths proves inconclusive
Northern Advocate

Probe into Northland shellfish deaths proves inconclusive

18 Jul 11:00 PM

The mass death event in Pataua was the second since 2022.

Northland Police recover vehicle used in gunshot incident, seek more information
Northern Advocate

Northland Police recover vehicle used in gunshot incident, seek more information

16 Jul 02:08 AM

Police appeal for sightings of vehicle in Whangārei firearms incident

Delays expected after serious crash in Whangārei causes road closure
Northern Advocate

Delays expected after serious crash in Whangārei causes road closure

11 Jul 03:24 AM

Serious crash blocks Ngunguru Road in Glenbervie, Northland

New patrol vehicle to help with quick crime reporting in Whangārei
Northern Advocate

New patrol vehicle to help with quick crime reporting in Whangārei

09 Jul 05:00 PM

The role of any patrol volunteer is to observe and report any suspicious activities.

Public behaviour hailed as disappointing following cop assaults in Northland
Northern Advocate

Public behaviour hailed as disappointing following cop assaults in Northland

09 Jul 01:52 AM

Communities urged to keep their cool after assault on cops.

'Someone knows something': Police reveal extent of youngster's injuries before death
Northern Advocate

'Someone knows something': Police reveal extent of youngster's injuries before death

08 Jul 11:12 PM

Further details released in the historical child death case.

Police crash investigator retires after 43 years
Northern Advocate

Police crash investigator retires after 43 years

07 Jul 04:00 AM

Sport is what helped him pass the police fitness tests regularly.

Charities face rising demand from pensioners as living costs hit home
Northern Advocate

Charities face rising demand from pensioners as living costs hit home

05 Jul 05:00 PM

'Like most elderly, I don’t want to feel like I’m a burden to anyone.'

Police speaking with two 'people of interest' after unexplained 2015 death of Alestra Kepa-Hati
Northern Advocate

Police speaking with two 'people of interest' after unexplained 2015 death of Alestra Kepa-Hati

05 Jul 01:40 AM

The four-year-old died in 2015 - police revealed this week they are investigating.

Police investigating unexplained death of young child from nine years ago
Northern Advocate

Police investigating unexplained death of young child from nine years ago

03 Jul 10:11 PM

Kaikohe police are investigating a 9 year old historical child death.

IPCA reviewing firearm incident after shot fired, wanted man injured in fall
Northern Advocate

IPCA reviewing firearm incident after shot fired, wanted man injured in fall

25 Jun 10:58 PM

Investigations are under way into a Far North incident in which police fired a shot.

Bridge vs Truck: Another truck hits Rust Ave structure, the second in two weeks
Northern Advocate

Bridge vs Truck: Another truck hits Rust Ave structure, the second in two weeks

25 Jun 04:06 AM

Whangārei rail overbridge in Rust Ave hit by truck for 16th time.

'Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders
Northern Advocate

'Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders

21 Jun 02:02 AM

Simeon Brown orders Electricity Authority review into pylon collapse.

Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland
Northern Advocate

Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland

20 Jun 05:00 PM

Parts of Northland were without power after a pylon toppled near Wellsford.

Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water
Northern Advocate

Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water

20 Jun 05:38 AM

'There will obviously be an investigation into the incident and what caused it.'

Far North areas worst hit by heavy rain, orange warning lifted for Northland
Northern Advocate

Far North areas worst hit by heavy rain, orange warning lifted for Northland

19 Jun 10:17 PM

Some risk still exists: 'We’ll definitely be keeping a really close eye on it.'

Bridge vs truck: Whangārei structure hit by vehicle yet again
Northern Advocate

Bridge vs truck: Whangārei structure hit by vehicle yet again

18 Jun 02:30 AM

The Rust Avenue bridge has been struck 15 times since 2004.

Premium
Working Justice systems behind Northland's drop in ram raids
Northern Advocate

Working Justice systems behind Northland's drop in ram raids

16 Jun 05:00 PM

80 per cent of the ram raids were committed by young people aged 10 to 17.

Unborn baby killed, others critically injured in crash with stolen vehicle
Northern Advocate

Unborn baby killed, others critically injured in crash with stolen vehicle

11 Jun 02:25 AM

Police are investigating a serious crash on State Highway 1 in Okaihau on Monday evening.

Premium
Increasing prison beds will not reduce crime, say experts
Northern Advocate

Increasing prison beds will not reduce crime, say experts

09 Jun 05:00 PM

'Using prisons to deter crime or reoffending doesn’t work.'

Pepper sprayed: IPCA finds Northland officer's actions to capture offender justified
Northern Advocate

Pepper sprayed: IPCA finds Northland officer's actions to capture offender justified

06 Jun 12:03 AM

Police acknowledge IPCA report into justified use of force during public disorder.

Kaikohe policeman awarded for 35 years of service to his Far North community
Northern Advocate

Kaikohe policeman awarded for 35 years of service to his Far North community

05 Jun 05:00 PM

His secret for his long-standing service is his “love for the job” and “incredible family.

King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work
Northern Advocate

King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work

02 Jun 05:00 PM

Our reporters caught up with the recipients.

Man dies after his vehicle crashed into trees in Far North
Northern Advocate

Man dies after his vehicle crashed into trees in Far North

02 Jun 12:29 AM

The car rolled on a gentle bend and hit trees.

Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget
Northern Advocate

Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget

30 May 05:00 PM

Mixed feelings on Budget even though some say Willis delivered what she promised.

Teens allegedly driving stolen vehicle crash after failing to stop for Far North police
Northern Advocate

Teens allegedly driving stolen vehicle crash after failing to stop for Far North police

28 May 10:34 PM

'All four occupants were still inside the vehicle and medical assessment was sought.'

'Keep yourself safe': Northland paramedic reflects on the lives lost in crashes
Northern Advocate

'Keep yourself safe': Northland paramedic reflects on the lives lost in crashes

24 May 05:00 PM

'No one leaves the same person they were before.'

Northlanders turn up in large numbers to support Road Safety Week 2024
Northern Advocate

Northlanders turn up in large numbers to support Road Safety Week 2024

24 May 05:01 AM

"The road toll is not just some number but somebody’s loved one who died on the road."

Civil Aviation Authority to inquire into Northland helicopter crash
Northern Advocate

Civil Aviation Authority to inquire into Northland helicopter crash

20 May 03:31 AM

Civil Aviation Authority plans to understand what 'exactly' happened and why.

Youths who threatened shop staff following aggravated robbery in Northland, arrested
Northern Advocate

Youths who threatened shop staff following aggravated robbery in Northland, arrested

20 May 12:26 AM

Speedy Police response locks in four arrests.

Ruawai firefighter opens up on attending ‘horrifying’ fatal crashes in Northland
Northern Advocate

Ruawai firefighter opens up on attending ‘horrifying’ fatal crashes in Northland

19 May 05:00 PM

"Speed is the biggest contributor to most fatal crashes."

'Save my dad': Daughter's mission to raise $130k for incurable blood cancer
Northern Advocate

'Save my dad': Daughter's mission to raise $130k for incurable blood cancer

17 May 05:00 PM

“Please help save my dad,” appeals the youngest daughter Tayla Bennett.

Teen taken into custody after numerous car break-ins reported in Northland
Northern Advocate

Teen taken into custody after numerous car break-ins reported in Northland

17 May 03:58 AM

"Our message ... is simple. You will be held to account.”

Whangārei house fire considered suspicious, says fire investigator
Northern Advocate

Whangārei house fire considered suspicious, says fire investigator

15 May 04:53 AM

Locals are used to the derelict home being set alight.

Premium
Pathway feels unsafe: Commuter concerns with shared route
Northern Advocate

Pathway feels unsafe: Commuter concerns with shared route

13 May 05:00 PM

Commuters describe their unsafe experiences using the Whangārei shared pathway.

Man wanted by police after Tikipunga fatal fire cleared of any suspicion
Northern Advocate

Man wanted by police after Tikipunga fatal fire cleared of any suspicion

10 May 04:22 AM

Police thank the public, Tikipunga homicide investigation continues.

Public donations rake in $140k to keep Whangārei Bird Recovery Centre alive
Northern Advocate

Public donations rake in $140k to keep Whangārei Bird Recovery Centre alive

09 May 05:00 PM

'This time it was the generosity of the public which saved us.'

Family of missing Northland fisherman keep faith as search continues
Northern Advocate

Family of missing Northland fisherman keep faith as search continues

07 May 05:00 PM

Ferzil Babu’s family remember him as a loving husband and a great dad.

Whangārei search: Missing fishermen new to NZ, family spokesperson says
Northern Advocate

Whangārei search: Missing fishermen new to NZ, family spokesperson says

02 May 05:51 AM

The men, in their mid-30s, had just arrived from India with their wives and children.

Teens shock as they reportedly push man, 80, off bike, laugh then run away
Northern Advocate

Teens shock as they reportedly push man, 80, off bike, laugh then run away

02 May 02:00 AM

"It’s just shocking. There is nothing funny about elder abuse."

Tikipunga housefire: Police name Hoani Reupena-Tuoro as fire victim
Northern Advocate

Tikipunga housefire: Police name Hoani Reupena-Tuoro as fire victim

01 May 11:06 PM

Emergency services were called to an address on Thomas St around 2.40am.

Search continues for fishermen missing in Whangārei Heads
Northern Advocate

Search continues for fishermen missing in Whangārei Heads

01 May 08:40 PM

Two fishermen have gone missing in Taiharuru, search efforts underway.

Premium
'Not without a fight': Rural police fear more assaults if gang patch ban goes ahead
Northern Advocate

'Not without a fight': Rural police fear more assaults if gang patch ban goes ahead

30 Apr 06:00 PM

Rural officers are said to be more vulnerable as they police large areas on their own.

Police continue investigation into the unexplained death of Tikipunga man
Northern Advocate

Police continue investigation into the unexplained death of Tikipunga man

29 Apr 11:17 PM

A fire started in a car and spread to the house where a critically injured man was found.

Whangārei mum wins contest with 94kg pumpkin
Northern Advocate

Whangārei mum wins contest with 94kg pumpkin

29 Apr 05:22 AM

'My jaw dropped on the floor. I couldn’t believe how big my pumpkin had grown.'

Newly released music album from The Surge is Northland's first vinyl in many years
Northern Advocate

Newly released music album from The Surge is Northland's first vinyl in many years

25 Apr 11:00 PM

Producing music on vinyl gave it a certain warmth and spatial depth.

Minister of Health Shane Reti officially opens Whangārei's new maternity suite and lab
Northern Advocate

Minister of Health Shane Reti officially opens Whangārei's new maternity suite and lab

24 Apr 05:00 AM

The new extension is the beginni of creating a parent, tamariki and pēpi health hub.

Half a billion-dollar dry dock project gets Minister’s nod
Northern Advocate

Half a billion-dollar dry dock project gets Minister’s nod

23 Apr 06:00 PM

The dry dock development will have a major impact on Northland.

'She was cheeky, loved to have a laugh': Police honour the memory of officer Gail Shepherd
Northern Advocate

'She was cheeky, loved to have a laugh': Police honour the memory of officer Gail Shepherd

22 Apr 02:25 AM

Gail Shepherd, 49, was farewelled by coworkers with a guard of honour.

Woman at home when trio break in: One arrested, police still looking for others
Northern Advocate

Woman at home when trio break in: One arrested, police still looking for others

16 Apr 02:36 AM

An 18yo woman was taken into custody and appeared in the Whangārei District Court today.

Fire chief recalls chaotic scene at Kaipara school bus crash
Northern Advocate

Fire chief recalls chaotic scene at Kaipara school bus crash

11 Apr 11:39 PM

Four people were taken Whangārei and Dargaville hospitals.

Plans to cut rural police allowances will demoralise recruits, cops say
Northern Advocate

Plans to cut rural police allowances will demoralise recruits, cops say

11 Apr 06:00 PM

Police cuts would only hurt the overall recruitment of future rural cops in Northland.

Weather warning: Severe thunderstorms, rain and wind to hit Northland
Northern Advocate

Weather warning: Severe thunderstorms, rain and wind to hit Northland

11 Apr 12:29 AM

The bad weather is forecast to hit around 6pm and last until 9am on Friday.

Northlander dies after crashing into tree in Ōkaihau
Northern Advocate

Northlander dies after crashing into tree in Ōkaihau

08 Apr 03:34 AM

Emergency services were called to a crash on Wehirua Rd around 8.30am.

Spectators unhurt after race car crashes into safety barriers during Northland event
Northern Advocate

Spectators unhurt after race car crashes into safety barriers during Northland event

08 Apr 03:24 AM

The only injury is to a woman who grazed an elbow after falling backwards from the impact.

Fire chief says Waipu crash was 'difficult' scene as drivers trapped and children hurt
Northern Advocate

Fire chief says Waipu crash was 'difficult' scene as drivers trapped and children hurt

04 Apr 02:12 AM

'It’s been a while since we attended a serious incident of this nature.'

Surfer shares heartfelt thanks after reunion with rescuers
Northern Advocate

Surfer shares heartfelt thanks after reunion with rescuers

03 Apr 09:00 PM

A reunion for surfer who suffered a cardiac arrest in the waves at Mangawhai Heads.

Iwi wants Crown to pay for return of hapū land, site of former Towai school
Northern Advocate

Iwi wants Crown to pay for return of hapū land, site of former Towai school

03 Apr 05:25 AM

'Our people also want to know whether we can trust the crown in these matters.'

Lack of support: Northland principals hit back over bad behaviour in classrooms
Northern Advocate

Lack of support: Northland principals hit back over bad behaviour in classrooms

02 Apr 03:30 AM

It's not about naughtiness, it's about kids who are seriously disturbed, says principal.

'Our most successful one so far': Thousands attend Waipu Easter Carnival
Northern Advocate

'Our most successful one so far': Thousands attend Waipu Easter Carnival

31 Mar 12:08 AM

'It really takes the whole of Waipu to make this possible.'

Firefighters battling two large scrub fires in Far North
Northern Advocate

Firefighters battling two large scrub fires in Far North

28 Mar 04:05 AM

Seven fire appliances from Kawakawa, Hikurangi and Whangārei brigades rushed to the scene.

Teen breaks his own national record in 100m backstroke
Northern Advocate

Teen breaks his own national record in 100m backstroke

27 Mar 11:00 PM

"I didn’t expect to break my own record, but it feels pretty good."

Robert Webb thanks public for $43K in donations to keep the centre alive
Northern Advocate

Robert Webb thanks public for $43K in donations to keep the centre alive

25 Mar 04:00 PM

We didn’t really expect this overwhelming sort of support from the public.

Whangape Harbour scrub fire treated as suspicious, firefighter says
Northern Advocate

Whangape Harbour scrub fire treated as suspicious, firefighter says

25 Mar 12:04 AM

The scrub fire decimated 50ha of vegetation.

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