Brodie Stone is a Multimedia Journalist covering crime and emergency services for the Northern Advocate.
Brodie Stone is a Multimedia Journalist covering crime and emergency services for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei. Brodie first started working with the Advocate in 2022 as an education and general news reporter. She began covering crime and emergency services at the start of 2025. Brodie has covered an array of stories through her time with the Advocate, including social issues, policy, breaking news and health. She grew up in Northland and loves to find quirky stories in the region’s hidden corners, and gets the most reward from giving a voice to those without one. Brodie has a Bachelor of Communications with a major in journalism and minor in media studies from Massey University. You can contact Brodie at brodie.stone@nzme.co.nz

Woman describes moment a slip came down in front of her car on Brynderwyns
Some roads are closed, most power has been restored as heavy rain and winds lash North.

'Pretty wet and windy': Northland braces for severe weather overnight
MetService says it is expected to be a wet and windy evening as severe weather hits.

New ambulance fleet hits Northland roads thanks to Grassroots Trust
Three new vehicles have arrived in Northland for Kawakawa, Otamatea and Bream Bay.

Dance and travel shape a 70-year love story for Northland couple
Janice and Robert Clarke celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 23.

Sky's the limit: Northland artists' creations illuminate NZ's tallest tower
Rangatahi from Te Kowhai Print Trust will see their art projected onto the Sky Tower.

Police officer charged with dangerous driving causing death of teen
Angel Riley died after her car hit a tree in Whangārei following a police pursuit.

Meth allegedly found in car fitted with false plates, two arrested
The occupants allegedly threw drug utensils from the car.

'Fait accompli': NorthTec staff fear cuts as Te Pūkenga restructuring continues
Consultation on cuts in primary industries, forestry and horticulture began on Monday.

Police probe spike in scrap metal thefts across Northland
Top Energy reported several break-ins at its substations.

Machete-wielding youth allegedly threatens staff at convenience store
The youths allegedly carried out the theft using two stolen vehicles.

'Absolute stupidity': Power boss slams dangerous substation break-ins
One break-in resulted in a forced power outage to 4500 customers in the Far North.

On The Up: Charity's ambition to launch Northland's first fully accessible fishing boat
The boat will be refitted for people with disabilities and health challenges.

Bush search leads to drug and ammo charges in Kaitāia
The man was allegedly seen with a firearm which led to a callout to his address.

Whangārei District Court closes front counter after ceiling tiles fall, foul smell
Wet ceiling tiles fell on Tuesday, accompanied by a 'foul' odour.

Family's heartbreak as pet sheep killed by dogs; council called out for delayed action
The family was upset Animal Control didn't visit on the day.

'No tolerance': Man charged after police dog reportedly injured during traffic stop
A police dog sustained a scratch to the eye during an alleged assault on Sunday.

Volunteer bakers needed to meet growing demand in Northland
Recipients of treats include Women's Refuge, Kind Hands Respite Care Cottage and more.

Police nab Whangārei man after alleged supermarket theft spree
Police say he stole items from several supermarkets over the course of a week.

Police seek three men after man reportedly assaulted, ute stolen in Dargaville
Police are searching for three men after a ute theft in Kaipara.

Northland businesses unite for CCTV initiative to combat crime
Business groups in the Far North are uniting to enhance community safety.

Two charged with neglect 10 years after 4yo's death in Kaikohe
Police have continued their investigation since Alestra Kepa-Hati's death in 2015.

Major water leak forces school closure for urgent repairs
The water supply was turned off close to Te Kamo Intermediate School.

'Frankly dangerous': Gang member's alleged reckless driving near police lands him in court
Cops say a patched Barbarian Stormtrooper member narrowly avoided hitting a police car.

Police name person who died in early morning Kaitāia crash
Emergency services were called to the crash at 2am on Friday.

'Ambulance at the bottom': Retailers criticise new shoplifting penalties
Business owners aren't convinced instant fines are enough to curb shoplifting.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway earns top tourism award
General manager Lau'rell Douglas said the recognition had been years in the making.

'Lives are seriously at risk': Residents call for NZTA action at notorious crossing
The community came out in droves to call for better safety at the Ōtaika Shopping Centre.

The $1.5m price tag: Covering the cost of vandalism in Northland schools
Seven schools in Whangārei have requested additional funding to cover vandalism.

'Incredibly strong': Tribute to Northland youngster after long leukaemia fight
Family, friends and school mourn 'bubbly' Frankie Whitehead, 10, after leukaemia battle.

Kiwi duo tackle world's longest paddling race in bear territory
The Whangārei pair will traverse 1000 miles (1609km) of rugged wilderness in a kayak.

Signal concerns: Power, transmission quality issues disrupt Freeview service
Satellite and streaming services were unaffected by the outage.

Police arrest three, seize shotgun and rifles following dirt biker dispute
Police say an investigation had been underway since June 25.

Family claims dogs shot, possibly used as bait in alleged fight
The family claims their dog Diesel was covered in bites and appeared traumatised.

‘Flying’ through the air: Grandfather's call for safer crossings after crash
Kara Shortland was seriously injured in Raumanga near the Ōtaika Shopping Centre in March.

Arrest made after woman suffers injuries in alleged Whangārei assault
An 18-year-old man was arrested on Friday after a woman approached the police station.

'Absolutely superb': Northland shines in hosting international rugby
More than 10,000 fans filled Semenoff Stadium for the match on Saturday.

Veteran fire investigator retires after 30 years and 973 cases
He began as a decorated radio host before shifting to fire safety and investigation.

North warned thunderstorms possible as watch issued
MetService says there is a moderate chance of upgrading the watch to a warning.

How to get the most out of Māori All Blacks v Scotland game day
It's set to be an action-packed weekend for rugby fans across the motu.

CityLink service to Ōtangarei street returns after rock-throwing incidents
The regional council said elderly people were struggling to walk to the nearest stop.

Northland firefighters face struggles with ageing fleet and delays
Firefighters worry their ageing engine may impact response times.

Name suppression lifted for man accused of murdering Far North local
George Raharaha, 73, is accused of murdering Daniel Hepehi in Hōreke.

Active front brings strong winds, downpours to Northland
MetService has placed a severe thunderstorm watch on Northland until 11am.

Police officer to be charged after pursuit crash that killed teen
The family of Whangārei teen Angel Riley say their hunt for justice is just beginning.

Rising concerns: Northland's alleged homicide rate surpasses 2024 total
As of May 1, Northland had the highest number of alleged homicides out of each district.

Man pleads not guilty to charges in death of Bay of Islands nurse
A 59-year-old is charged with careless driving, causing the death of Mandy Rita Mackenzie.

Student-led art project challenges stigma around mental illness
Cerise Tana, who is studying social work, says the art is a form of activism.

Far North couple lose home, pets in devastating fire
Owners Susie and Kevin Wheller have been left with nothing but the clothes on their back.

Person airlifted to hospital after alleged assault near Far North wharf
One person has been taken into custody after the alleged assault.

Why kiwi deaths on roads highlight a conservation success story
Both kiwi, a male and female, were wild-hatched.

'Reach new heights': Māori tradies share their journeys from challenges to triumph
A new campaign has been launched to highlight the achievements of Māori in the trades.

Hopes new Baylys Beach observation tower will aid surf safety, prevent rescues
Surf club captain Kyran Gillespie says something fit for purpose is a welcome change.

Koru stolen from community leader's grave back with whānau
The koru was taken from a grave sometime last week, leaving the family devastated.

'Too late': Principals critique vaping ban amid school challenges
Vape suppliers breaching the ban face a fine of up to $400,000.

Hot rod round-up to feature nine-year passion project for charity
Wade Nisbet said the event was an opportunity to share his passion with the community.

Horse dies after collision with vehicle on SH12
The horse did not survive Sunday night's collision near Kaikohe.

'Sacrilege': Family anger over theft from Dargaville grave
The $2000 koru was sawn off Michael Mudford’s headstone.

'Really sad' - Fully ablaze kitchen damages Tikipunga home
One person was taken to Whangārei Hospital to be checked over.

Middle-aged thieves stealing kilos of lollies from family-run store
Store manager Jayden Aben says regular customers are targeting the family-run business.

Man accused of murdering Daniel Hepehi appears in court
Daniel Hepehi was found with critical injuries at a Waikerikeri Rd property in Hōreke.

'A long hard-fought dream': Fire destroys vessel but vision remains
Early on Saturday over 50 people gathered for a blessing ceremony at the site of the fire.

'Winterless North' revisited: Snow-like sightings stir memories of snowfall
A couple saw white patches on the road near Dargaville over the weekend.

'It's a total loss': Fire reignites, destroying home and car
The owner stayed in his home days after a fire, but it reignited early on Monday.

73-year-old man charged with Northland murder
Police said the 73-year-old would appear at Kaikohe District Court via video link today.

'A lot of rain' - Severe thunderstorm watch in place for Northland
MetService said peak rates of between 25-40mm per hour were possible.

Snow-like sighting creates a flurry as temperatures plummet
A bitterly cold front moving north delivered temperatures of less than 4C.

Investigator reveals most likely cause of historic ship fire
The vessel, once a museum linked to Kelly Tarlton, had to be demolished for safety.

Far North residents fear logging slash threatens roads amid bad weather
A Far North couple have fears logging slash will threaten roads as winter nears.

Police name Gisborne woman who died in King's Birthday weekend crash
The 38-year-old died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on May 31.

Car allegedly stolen at knifepoint in daylight robbery, police seek public help
The vehicle hit several parked cars as it sped from the scene, police say.

'Our first home': Tarlton family mourn loss of beloved historic vessel
Fiona Tarlton, daughter of adventurer Kelly Tarlton, is devastated at the loss of The Tui.

'Significant loss of history': Paihia fire devastates Kelly Tarlton's old ship
The fire began on the ship - converted into a building - near Waitangi Bridge.

Residents left in the dark after car hits power pole, driver taken to hospital
Power was restored to most homes within 30 minutes on Sunday, except for two households.

Worksafe investigating after person suffers critical injuries in workplace incident
A person was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.

Northland in for wet and windy Wednesday as weather watches issued
MetService has issued a strong wind watch from 8am tomorrow until midnight.

Twelve champions for Northland celebrated in King's Birthday Honours
From family violence prevention to services to Māori, locals' dedication recognised.

Police name 21-year-old man killed in Whangārei crash
Seth Dundass, 21, has been remembered as a 'keen young worker'.

Rest home romance: Wedding bells chime for 99-year-old bride
Dennam and Felicia wed at rest home, proving love has no age limit.