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Brodie Stone
Multimedia Journalist

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

Check out Brodie’s latest content
'There is a danger': Strong currents, surges expected along NZ coast
Northern Advocate

'There is a danger': Strong currents, surges expected along NZ coast

30 Jul 04:39 AM
'We can't close campuses': Push to protect NorthTec ramps up
Northern Advocate

'We can't close campuses': Push to protect NorthTec ramps up

29 Jul 11:17 PM

At least 100 people attended a 'save NorthTec' hui last Friday.

Man accused of aggravated robbery at Whangārei bar appears in court
Northern Advocate

Man accused of aggravated robbery at Whangārei bar appears in court

29 Jul 04:18 AM

The man was arrested on Monday afternoon.

Woman describes moment a slip came down in front of her car on Brynderwyns
Northern Advocate

Woman describes moment a slip came down in front of her car on Brynderwyns

29 Jul 04:14 AM

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
Northern Advocate

'Pretty wet and windy': Northland braces for severe weather overnight

28 Jul 04:21 AM

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
Northern Advocate

New ambulance fleet hits Northland roads thanks to Grassroots Trust

27 Jul 03:00 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Dance and travel shape a 70-year love story for Northland couple

27 Jul 12:00 AM

Janice and Robert Clarke celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 23.

Sky's the limit: Northland artists' creations illuminate NZ's tallest tower
Northern Advocate

Sky's the limit: Northland artists' creations illuminate NZ's tallest tower

25 Jul 04:55 PM

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
Northern Advocate

Police officer charged with dangerous driving causing death of teen

24 Jul 02:48 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Meth allegedly found in car fitted with false plates, two arrested

24 Jul 01:53 AM

The occupants allegedly threw drug utensils from the car.

'Fait accompli': NorthTec staff fear cuts as Te Pūkenga restructuring continues
Northern Advocate

'Fait accompli': NorthTec staff fear cuts as Te Pūkenga restructuring continues

23 Jul 11:47 PM

Consultation on cuts in primary industries, forestry and horticulture began on Monday.

Police probe spike in scrap metal thefts across Northland
Northern Advocate

Police probe spike in scrap metal thefts across Northland

23 Jul 11:46 PM

Top Energy reported several break-ins at its substations.

Machete-wielding youth allegedly threatens staff at convenience store
Northern Advocate

Machete-wielding youth allegedly threatens staff at convenience store

23 Jul 02:59 AM

The youths allegedly carried out the theft using two stolen vehicles.

'Absolute stupidity': Power boss slams dangerous substation break-ins
Northern Advocate

'Absolute stupidity': Power boss slams dangerous substation break-ins

23 Jul 02:20 AM

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
Northern Advocate

On The Up: Charity's ambition to launch Northland's first fully accessible fishing boat

22 Jul 11:00 PM

The boat will be refitted for people with disabilities and health challenges.

Bush search leads to drug and ammo charges in Kaitāia
Northern Advocate

Bush search leads to drug and ammo charges in Kaitāia

22 Jul 07:00 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Whangārei District Court closes front counter after ceiling tiles fall, foul smell

22 Jul 01:09 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Family's heartbreak as pet sheep killed by dogs; council called out for delayed action

21 Jul 05:00 PM

The family was upset Animal Control didn't visit on the day.

'No tolerance': Man charged after police dog reportedly injured during traffic stop
Northern Advocate

'No tolerance': Man charged after police dog reportedly injured during traffic stop

21 Jul 05:00 AM

A police dog sustained a scratch to the eye during an alleged assault on Sunday.

Volunteer bakers needed to meet growing demand in Northland
Northern Advocate

Volunteer bakers needed to meet growing demand in Northland

19 Jul 05:05 PM

Recipients of treats include Women's Refuge, Kind Hands Respite Care Cottage and more.

Police nab Whangārei man after alleged supermarket theft spree
Northern Advocate

Police nab Whangārei man after alleged supermarket theft spree

18 Jul 02:58 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Police seek three men after man reportedly assaulted, ute stolen in Dargaville

17 Jul 11:17 PM

Police are searching for three men after a ute theft in Kaipara.

Northland businesses unite for CCTV initiative to combat crime
Northern Advocate

Northland businesses unite for CCTV initiative to combat crime

17 Jul 04:00 AM

Business groups in the Far North are uniting to enhance community safety.

Two charged with neglect 10 years after 4yo's death in Kaikohe
Northern Advocate

Two charged with neglect 10 years after 4yo's death in Kaikohe

17 Jul 02:17 AM

Police have continued their investigation since Alestra Kepa-Hati's death in 2015.

Major water leak forces school closure for urgent repairs
Northern Advocate

Major water leak forces school closure for urgent repairs

17 Jul 01:26 AM

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
Northern Advocate

'Frankly dangerous': Gang member's alleged reckless driving near police lands him in court

16 Jul 04:04 AM

Cops say a patched Barbarian Stormtrooper member narrowly avoided hitting a police car.

Police name person who died in early morning Kaitāia crash
Northern Advocate

Police name person who died in early morning Kaitāia crash

14 Jul 02:07 AM

Emergency services were called to the crash at 2am on Friday.

Premium
'Ambulance at the bottom': Retailers criticise new shoplifting penalties
Northern Advocate

'Ambulance at the bottom': Retailers criticise new shoplifting penalties

13 Jul 05:00 PM

Business owners aren't convinced instant fines are enough to curb shoplifting.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway earns top tourism award
Northern Advocate

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway earns top tourism award

11 Jul 04:00 AM

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
Northern Advocate

'Lives are seriously at risk': Residents call for NZTA action at notorious crossing

10 Jul 05:29 AM

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
Northern Advocate

The $1.5m price tag: Covering the cost of vandalism in Northland schools

10 Jul 04:00 AM

Seven schools in Whangārei have requested additional funding to cover vandalism.

'Incredibly strong': Tribute to Northland youngster after long leukaemia fight
Northern Advocate

'Incredibly strong': Tribute to Northland youngster after long leukaemia fight

09 Jul 05:00 PM

Family, friends and school mourn 'bubbly' Frankie Whitehead, 10, after leukaemia battle.

Kiwi duo tackle world's longest paddling race in bear territory
Northern Advocate

Kiwi duo tackle world's longest paddling race in bear territory

08 Jul 05:00 PM

The Whangārei pair will traverse 1000 miles (1609km) of rugged wilderness in a kayak.

Signal concerns: Power, transmission quality issues disrupt Freeview service
Northern Advocate

Signal concerns: Power, transmission quality issues disrupt Freeview service

08 Jul 05:06 AM

Satellite and streaming services were unaffected by the outage.

Police arrest three, seize shotgun and rifles following dirt biker dispute
Northern Advocate

Police arrest three, seize shotgun and rifles following dirt biker dispute

08 Jul 12:09 AM

Police say an investigation had been underway since June 25.

Premium
Family claims dogs shot, possibly used as bait in alleged fight
Northern Advocate

Family claims dogs shot, possibly used as bait in alleged fight

07 Jul 05:00 PM

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
Northern Advocate

‘Flying’ through the air: Grandfather's call for safer crossings after crash

06 Jul 05:00 PM

Kara Shortland was seriously injured in Raumanga near the Ōtaika Shopping Centre in March.

Arrest made after woman suffers injuries in alleged Whangārei assault
Northern Advocate

Arrest made after woman suffers injuries in alleged Whangārei assault

06 Jul 02:05 AM

An 18-year-old man was arrested on Friday after a woman approached the police station.

'Absolutely superb': Northland shines in hosting international rugby
Northern Advocate

'Absolutely superb': Northland shines in hosting international rugby

06 Jul 01:53 AM

More than 10,000 fans filled Semenoff Stadium for the match on Saturday.

Veteran fire investigator retires after 30 years and 973 cases
Northern Advocate

Veteran fire investigator retires after 30 years and 973 cases

04 Jul 05:00 PM

He began as a decorated radio host before shifting to fire safety and investigation.

North warned thunderstorms possible as watch issued
Northern Advocate

North warned thunderstorms possible as watch issued

03 Jul 02:25 AM

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
Northern Advocate

How to get the most out of Māori All Blacks v Scotland game day

02 Jul 02:58 AM

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
Northern Advocate

CityLink service to Ōtangarei street returns after rock-throwing incidents

01 Jul 03:10 AM

The regional council said elderly people were struggling to walk to the nearest stop.

Northland firefighters face struggles with ageing fleet and delays
Northern Advocate

Northland firefighters face struggles with ageing fleet and delays

29 Jun 05:00 PM

Firefighters worry their ageing engine may impact response times.

Name suppression lifted for man accused of murdering Far North local
Northern Advocate

Name suppression lifted for man accused of murdering Far North local

27 Jun 02:40 AM

George Raharaha, 73, is accused of murdering Daniel Hepehi in Hōreke.

Active front brings strong winds, downpours to Northland
Northern Advocate

Active front brings strong winds, downpours to Northland

26 Jun 09:46 PM

MetService has placed a severe thunderstorm watch on Northland until 11am.

Police officer to be charged after pursuit crash that killed teen
Northern Advocate

Police officer to be charged after pursuit crash that killed teen

26 Jun 12:31 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Rising concerns: Northland's alleged homicide rate surpasses 2024 total

25 Jun 05:00 PM

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
Northern Advocate

Man pleads not guilty to charges in death of Bay of Islands nurse

25 Jun 04:00 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Student-led art project challenges stigma around mental illness

25 Jun 01:24 AM

Cerise Tana, who is studying social work, says the art is a form of activism.

Far North couple lose home, pets in devastating fire
Northern Advocate

Far North couple lose home, pets in devastating fire

24 Jun 05:00 PM

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
Northern Advocate

Person airlifted to hospital after alleged assault near Far North wharf

24 Jun 04:16 AM

One person has been taken into custody after the alleged assault.

Why kiwi deaths on roads highlight a conservation success story
Northern Advocate

Why kiwi deaths on roads highlight a conservation success story

20 Jun 02:00 AM

Both kiwi, a male and female, were wild-hatched.

'Reach new heights': Māori tradies share their journeys from challenges to triumph
Northern Advocate

'Reach new heights': Māori tradies share their journeys from challenges to triumph

19 Jun 05:00 PM

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
Northern Advocate

Hopes new Baylys Beach observation tower will aid surf safety, prevent rescues

18 Jun 03:00 AM

Surf club captain Kyran Gillespie says something fit for purpose is a welcome change.

Koru stolen from community leader's grave back with whānau
Northern Advocate

Koru stolen from community leader's grave back with whānau

17 Jun 03:10 AM

The koru was taken from a grave sometime last week, leaving the family devastated.

'Too late': Principals critique vaping ban amid school challenges
Northern Advocate

'Too late': Principals critique vaping ban amid school challenges

17 Jun 03:00 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Hot rod round-up to feature nine-year passion project for charity

17 Jun 12:00 AM

Wade Nisbet said the event was an opportunity to share his passion with the community.

Horse dies after collision with vehicle on SH12
Northern Advocate

Horse dies after collision with vehicle on SH12

16 Jun 09:25 PM

The horse did not survive Sunday night's collision near Kaikohe.

'Sacrilege': Family anger over theft from Dargaville grave
Northern Advocate

'Sacrilege': Family anger over theft from Dargaville grave

16 Jun 05:00 PM

The $2000 koru was sawn off Michael Mudford’s headstone.

'Really sad' - Fully ablaze kitchen damages Tikipunga home
Northern Advocate

'Really sad' - Fully ablaze kitchen damages Tikipunga home

16 Jun 01:38 AM

One person was taken to Whangārei Hospital to be checked over.

Middle-aged thieves stealing kilos of lollies from family-run store
Northern Advocate

Middle-aged thieves stealing kilos of lollies from family-run store

12 Jun 05:00 PM

Store manager Jayden Aben says regular customers are targeting the family-run business.

Man accused of murdering Daniel Hepehi appears in court
Northern Advocate

Man accused of murdering Daniel Hepehi appears in court

10 Jun 10:23 PM

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
Northern Advocate

'A long hard-fought dream': Fire destroys vessel but vision remains

10 Jun 05:00 PM

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
Northern Advocate

'Winterless North' revisited: Snow-like sightings stir memories of snowfall

10 Jun 04:20 AM

A couple saw white patches on the road near Dargaville over the weekend.

'It's a total loss': Fire reignites, destroying home and car
Northern Advocate

'It's a total loss': Fire reignites, destroying home and car

10 Jun 03:00 AM

The owner stayed in his home days after a fire, but it reignited early on Monday.

73-year-old man charged with Northland murder
Northern Advocate

73-year-old man charged with Northland murder

10 Jun 12:54 AM

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
Northern Advocate

'A lot of rain' - Severe thunderstorm watch in place for Northland

09 Jun 10:32 PM

MetService said peak rates of between 25-40mm per hour were possible.

Snow-like sighting creates a flurry as temperatures plummet
Northern Advocate

Snow-like sighting creates a flurry as temperatures plummet

09 Jun 04:00 AM

A bitterly cold front moving north delivered temperatures of less than 4C.

Investigator reveals most likely cause of historic ship fire
Northern Advocate

Investigator reveals most likely cause of historic ship fire

06 Jun 02:18 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Far North residents fear logging slash threatens roads amid bad weather

05 Jun 05:00 PM

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
Northern Advocate

Police name Gisborne woman who died in King's Birthday weekend crash

05 Jun 04:40 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Car allegedly stolen at knifepoint in daylight robbery, police seek public help

04 Jun 11:10 PM

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
Northern Advocate

'Our first home': Tarlton family mourn loss of beloved historic vessel

04 Jun 04:31 AM

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
Northern Advocate

'Significant loss of history': Paihia fire devastates Kelly Tarlton's old ship

04 Jun 12:51 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Residents left in the dark after car hits power pole, driver taken to hospital

03 Jun 03:35 AM

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
Northern Advocate

Worksafe investigating after person suffers critical injuries in workplace incident

03 Jun 12:58 AM

A person was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.

Northland in for wet and windy Wednesday as weather watches issued
Northern Advocate

Northland in for wet and windy Wednesday as weather watches issued

03 Jun 12:52 AM

MetService has issued a strong wind watch from 8am tomorrow until midnight.

Twelve champions for Northland celebrated in King's Birthday Honours
Royals

Twelve champions for Northland celebrated in King's Birthday Honours

01 Jun 05:03 PM

From family violence prevention to services to Māori, locals' dedication recognised.

Police name 21-year-old man killed in Whangārei crash
Northern Advocate

Police name 21-year-old man killed in Whangārei crash

29 May 09:17 PM

Seth Dundass, 21, has been remembered as a 'keen young worker'.

Rest home romance: Wedding bells chime for 99-year-old bride
Northern Advocate

Rest home romance: Wedding bells chime for 99-year-old bride

25 May 05:00 PM

Dennam and Felicia wed at rest home, proving love has no age limit.

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