Jenny Ling is a feature writer and news reporter for the Northern Advocate.
Jenny Ling has been a journalist for 20 years and joined the Northern Advocate as a senior reporter in 2019. Jenny’s career began at Suburban Newspapers in Auckland followed by a stint at the Dominion Post and several years working at Leader Community Newspapers in Melbourne. Her other roles have included deputy editor of three Fairfax suburban newspapers in Auckland, editor of the Bay Chronicle, Northern News and Whangarei Leader in Northland, and Northland News Director for Stuff. Email Jenny.Ling@nzme.co.nz.
'My heart goes out': Cafe feeds homeless with pay it forward meals
Each week on Koha Monday the cafe offers free meals, funded by a 'pay it forward' system.
Northland chaplain leads way to help homeless move from tent to cabin
John has been living in a tent for nearly three months with his two dogs.
'Another blow': Shrinkflation creeps into shoppers' baskets
Northland shoppers say the practice is spreading, but they have sympathy for businesses.
'Unacceptable risk': Landmark redwood trees to be felled in Kerikeri
Around 300 redwood trees in Kerikeri will be removed for safety reasons.
'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.
'It's rocked us all': Community mourns loss of beloved toddler
At least 400 people gathered in Kaikohe to mourn 3-year-old Catalya.
Twelve champions for Northland celebrated in King's Birthday Honours
From family violence prevention to services to Māori, locals' dedication recognised.
'My health is suffering': Man's housing plea as he lives in tent with dogs
John has lived in a tent since March 30, with no water or power.
NZTA warns of proactive road closures, Northland seeks clarity
Closures mainly target the South Island due to icy conditions.
Gourmet food business slashes prices amid rising costs
Wild West Gourmet cut Worcester sauce prices by 55%, relishes by 39%.
'Well over halfway': Runner hits 503 ultramarathons in record quest
Shannon-Leigh Litt has completed more than 500 consecutive ultramarathons.
'It's not just about surviving': Northland businesses on living wage impact
Business owners urge others to pay the living wage to help staff thrive.
'We’re desperate': SPCA's urgent plea for foster homes for puppies
The Far North SPCA in Kerikeri has taken in 24 abandoned puppies recently.
'It’s been a long time coming': Artist couple open studio in Far North
Tattoo artist Mario Gregor and partner Ceara Lile have opened a studio in Kerikeri.
‘Wonderful’ initiative: Sailors gather ocean data in climate effort
Twenty-five sailors met in Ōpua on May 2 for the Pacific Rally.
'Slap in the face': Northland leaders condemn pay equity changes
Leaders say the Govt move is 'a step backwards' and will have a 'huge impact' on workers.
Northland welcomes new rescue helicopters
The air rescue service is adding three new helicopters to its fleet, replacing old models.
'Alarming rate': Rising food prices drive increased need for aid
Salvation Army Whangārei now helps 80 households weekly with food parcels.
Police make two arrests over aggravated robbery in Northland
The pair appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on Saturday morning.
'A great idea' Experts back new school finance curriculum
Financial literacy will be taught in NZ schools from next year.
On The Up - Rising leaders: Northland's Youth MPs aim to bring change
Northland's Youth MPs are preparing to make a difference in Parliament.
Mangamuka Gorge reopened, temporary speed limits in place
SH1 over Mangamuka Gorge has been reopened after a slip that blocked the road was cleared.
'People are working their hearts out': The struggle of Northland's workers
Of Northland's workforce, 66% earn $50,000 or less annually.
Northland Expressway plan proceeds as landowners face property loss
The Northland Expressway will run from Warkworth to Whangārei.
'Fantastic news': Leaders welcome progress on Northland expressway
The new road is likely to be tolled, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
On The Up - 'Very proud': Northland family's inspiring academic achievements
The Darkins family have achieved academic and professional success.
Road closures, power cuts, 12m swells: Cyclone Tam hammers Northland
About 13,000 without power as Cyclone Tam batters North.
On The Up - ‘Fresh produce is now a luxury’: Northlanders tackle food crisis
Northlanders help families become self-reliant by growing their own vegetables.
Isey Cross celebrates 106th birthday with Jim Beam and kumara chips
Northland kuia reveals what keeps her 'feeling fantastic' at 106.
‘Time is running out’: Urgent plea to save Kaimanawa horses from cull
More than 250 Kaimanawa horses need homes to avoid being culled.
‘Sign of the times’: Northland businesses cut hours amid economic woes
Cathay Cinemas in Kerikeri will close Mondays and cut weekday hours by 15-20%.
Far North Roading grows from humble roots to award-winning success
The company won the supreme award at the 2025 Te Tai Tokerau Māori Business Awards.
Landlords exit Northland market as rents surge, tenants struggle
Landlords are exiting Northland's market due to rising costs like insurance.
‘Absolutely immeasurable’: Guide dogs' impact on blind community
The Highams have raised six Labrador puppies since 2018.
‘Completely thrilled’: Shelter dogs adopted by loving families
Betty was adopted by a couple who saw her photo in the Northern Advocate.
‘Extraordinary’: 72-year-olds complete epic NZ tandem journey
Cliff and Ruth Mail cycled 7200km for charity, raising nearly $10,000.
‘It’s very physical’: Northland cleaning injury claims cost millions
Northlanders have nearly $7m in ACC claims for cleaning injuries since 2020.
Far North farmer battles feral dogs, urges pest species recognition
Farmer John Nilsson loses about 120 ewes and lambs to wild dogs each year.
Why a Northland mum is on the hunt for a ‘nana’
Louise McCaughan seeks a 'nana' to teach old-school skills in Kerikeri.
How Northland’s new expressway aims to boost the economy
The Government will open procurement for the Northland Expressway project.
‘Gorgeous souls: Dogs who spent entire lives in SPCA shelter seek loving homes
Betty and Alexei have collectively spent nearly 900 days in the Far North SPCA shelter.
‘Be brave’: Northland women thriving in male-dominated industries
The International Women's Day theme is Accelerate Action for women's equality.
‘Horrendous’ parvo outbreak: Northland vets warn of rising cases
Vets and SPCA urge vaccinations amid Northland's parvovirus outbreak.
‘It’s a safety issue’: Horse riders challenge new horse manure bylaw
Claire Ganantchian opposes a bylaw requiring riders to remove horse manure.
‘Means a lot’: Toa’s record-breaking triumph at world manu champs
Maara Toa won the Z Manu World Champs adult male division in Auckland.
Dog control review: Roaming dogs found to be serious public safety issue
The report found the council performed well but should undertake more prosecutions.
Waipoua River fire contained, families to return home tonight
The Waipoua River fire in Northland is fully contained at 91ha.
‘Emotionally draining’: The burial mishap that left a family heartbroken
The family faced turmoil when told the plot was single, not double.
Botox popularity grows in Northland
Botox clinics are increasing in Northland, offering 'appearance medicine'.
How a Far North teen’s hard work led to global volleyball success
Kerikeri’s Kaia Derbyshire, 16, will compete in volleyball in Canada and Thailand.
‘Unacceptable levels’: Rising rent drives poverty and homelessness
Otangarei residents spend 56% of weekly income on rent, highlighting stress.
‘Critically endangered’: DoC survey seeks Māui dolphin sightings
The DoC survey aims to find Māui dolphin numbers off North Island's west coast.
Farmer may sell up after repeated dog attacks on livestock
Wayne Johnston may sell his Northland block after recent dog attacks.
Breaking the ice: NZ swimmer’s chilly success at world event
Emilia Finer won multiple medals at the ice swimming championships in Italy.
Special affinity with horses: Northland ‘horse whisperer’ to compete in Special Olympics event
Alex Goldsack will compete in Christchurch from December 10 to 14.
Roads ’in disrepair’: Speed limits reversed on North highways despite safety concerns
Speed limits on sections of Northland highways will return to previous levels by July 1.
'They bit me': Ultrarunner speaks out after dog attack on NZ trail
The dogs belonged to a nearby property owner and were not wild as first reported.
‘Bring your own jars’: Retirees abuzz with bumper honey harvest
How a Kerikeri retirement village harvested 80kg of honey from two hives.
‘It’s a tribute to her’ Mum turns grief into thriving beauty business after losing her daughter
Kaikohe mum Kelli-Asta Baker created a beauty-focused business in memory of her daughter.
‘Super excited’: Northland friends prepare for Ninja challenge
Two young Northland Ninjas are heading to Melbourne for a major competition.
'It latched on to my hip': Northland mum mauled by dog in children's playground
A dog attacked J'aime Wright at a Kaitāia playground on January 18.
‘Too long’: Liquor licence woes halt supermarket plan in Northland
The tenants of a proposed supermarket backed out after objections to the liquor licence.
Why Marsden Estate’s winemaking achievements will continue following sale
Marsden Estate owners Rod and Cindy MacIvor reflect on vineyard sale.
‘It’s been an amazing experience’: Northland retirees' tandem e-bike adventure
Retirees cycling 7500km on tandem e-bike for charity raise over $5000 so far.
How to avoid common summer injuries at the beach and beyond
Northlanders urged to be mindful as summer injuries soar, costing millions in ACC claims.
'High fire danger': Residents urged to be cautious after Whangārei wildfire
A wildfire near Whangārei has been contained. An investigation continues into its cause.
BBC’s Mammals series features false killer whales filmed in Northland
Rare footage of NZ false killer whales to air on BBC's Mammals this weekend.
‘Really disruptive’: Northland businesses hit hard by fibre outage
Northland businesses hit by 12-hour internet outage after digger damages fibre cable.
‘Made me cry’: $13k donated to help beloved bulldog recover
Generous readers donate $13,000 after missing bulldog Baby is found in Northland.
Hikurangi’s revival: From ghost town to community hub
Hikurangi residents reveal why theirs is 'the coolest little town'.
Always happy to catch up: Volunteering time and talents key to the good life in Kāeo
Reporter Jenny Ling visits Kāeo for her series on why residents love their small town.
Trains, people and Hundertwasser: Kawakawa residents say why they love their town
Reporter Jenny Ling visits Kawakawa for her series on why residents love their small town.
‘Drink to enjoy, not to medicate’: Far North deputy mayor's festive warning
Far North deputy mayor Kelly Stratford shares her journey from binge drinking to sobriety.
Teaching life skills: How Rob Pink is shaping Rawene's youth
Hokianga horseman Rob Pink talks hōiho, school bus runs, and mentoring local kids.
‘An honour’: Māori educator reflects on receiving ONZM
Northland educator Dr Te Tuhi Robust honoured as ONZM for services to Māori and education.
Paying it foward: Ōkaihau residents support each other during tough times
Reporter Jenny Ling visits Ōkaihau for her series on why residents love their small town.
'Covered in mud': Mates' epic straight line challenge for charity
Friends scale cliffs, cross manure-filled creeks in five-day charity walk from Dargaville.
'Every day is a beautiful day': Mum on journey with miracle babies
Northland mum celebrates her 'miracle babies' after overcoming premature birth challenges.
Mangamuka Gorge reopens after $204m repair, restoring key route
Far North residents celebrate as Mangamuka Gorge reopens, ending costly detours.
'It's all about giving back': Whānau restaurant to host free Christmas lunches
Mangōnui restaurant to offer free Christmas lunches for Northland's needy and lonely.