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 and features writer in 2019. Jenny’s varied career began at Suburban Newspapers in Auckland where she covered crime, transport, court and council, followed by the Dominion Post in Wellington where she covered ethnic and consumer affairs. She spent three-and-a-half years working at Leader Community Newspapers in Melbourne before becoming deputy editor of three Fairfax suburban newspapers in Auckland. In 2014 Jenny moved to Northland and became editor of the Bay Chronicle and Northern News then the Northland News Director. Her feature articles have been published in North & South, New Zealand Gardener, Heritage New Zealand, Lifestyle Block, Wilderness, and NZ Retail magazines. Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and media studies from the University of Auckland. She was the winner of best features in the Fairfax Editorial Excellence Awards communities category and received an honourable mention at the International News Media Association Awards for work on the Northern Advocate’s Our Hidden Homeless editorial campaign. The campaign was a finalist in the 2021 Voyager Media Awards. You can contact Jenny at Jenny.Ling@nzme.co.nz.
!['A game-changer': Northlanders thrilled with four-lane highway announcement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'A game-changer': Northlanders thrilled with four-lane highway announcement
Simeon Brown has announced accelerated work on a new four-lane expressway.
!['It doesn’t look like it’ll last long’: Northlander describes nail-biting trip through slip-riddled Brynderwyns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It doesn’t look like it’ll last long’: Northlander describes nail-biting trip through slip-riddled Brynderwyns
The Brynderwyn Hills have been closed again and again - here's why it's such a challenge.
![Going to miss the people: Trade Aid Whangārei store to close this month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Going to miss the people: Trade Aid Whangārei store to close this month
Trade Aid Whangārei has been around for 37 years. Volunteers reminisce ahead of closure.
![It's the right thing to do: Government commits to rollout of speed camera warning signs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's the right thing to do: Government commits to rollout of speed camera warning signs
The Government is installing warning signs at speed cameras including those in Northland.
![It's been a major: Volunteers show off upgrade at historic Jack Morgan Museum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's been a major: Volunteers show off upgrade at historic Jack Morgan Museum
Northland volunteers are delighted at the new-look Jack Morgan Museum.
!['Life-threatening': Hokianga residents petition changes to St John ambulance services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Life-threatening': Hokianga residents petition changes to St John ambulance services
Hokianga residents are concerned about changes to the Rawene St John ambulance station.
![Dumped and emaciated: Influx of puppies dumped on roadsides and bushes in Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Dumped and emaciated: Influx of puppies dumped on roadsides and bushes in Far North
The Kerikeri SPCA has seen an influx of abandoned puppies.
![It's another barrier: Reducing wait times for driver's licence tests welcomed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's another barrier: Reducing wait times for driver's licence tests welcomed
Northlanders welcome the Government's move to cut wait times for driver's licence tests.
!['Nervous, excited, and sleepless': Northland man's swift ascent to top of career dream](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Nervous, excited, and sleepless': Northland man's swift ascent to top of career dream
His message to other young people: 'Don’t be shy, go and do it.'
![Give youth a chance: Employers urged to give young Northlanders their first job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Give youth a chance: Employers urged to give young Northlanders their first job
Northland youth unemployment is the highest in the country, new figures show.
!['Excitement for the future': tourism leaders boosted by Brynderwyns opening](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Excitement for the future': tourism leaders boosted by Brynderwyns opening
The Brynderwyns have reopened, now industry leaders are pushing for a long-term solution.
!['Waste of ratepayer money': Council 'seeking advice' after forging ahead with speed limit reductions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Waste of ratepayer money': Council 'seeking advice' after forging ahead with speed limit reductions
Far North District Council reduced speeds on 300 roads. Now it might have to reverse them.
!['Fresh arsenal' MPI announce new measures to battle fall armyworm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Fresh arsenal' MPI announce new measures to battle fall armyworm
Fall armyworm was first detected in Northland in 2023 - so what's being done now?
![Looking forward: Northlanders relieved Brynderwyns open after four long months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Looking forward: Northlanders relieved Brynderwyns open after four long months
State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns is finally open tonight after four months of detours.
![Special part of the motu: Northlanders urged to get into the spirit of Matariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Special part of the motu: Northlanders urged to get into the spirit of Matariki
What's on in Northland during this year's Matariki celebrations.
![Real soul food: The Hāngi Master reveals top tips to eating well this Matariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Real soul food: The Hāngi Master reveals top tips to eating well this Matariki
Matariki is all about food and whānau. Here's some tips to eating traditional Māori kai.
![Iconic red elephant sculpture moved to Northland after Thai restaurant closes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Iconic red elephant sculpture moved to Northland after Thai restaurant closes
The sculpture from Auckland's Red Elephant restaurant has retired in Northland.
![Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water
'There will obviously be an investigation into the incident and what caused it.'
!['Everyone is so relieved': Northlanders praise reopening of Brynderwyns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Everyone is so relieved': Northlanders praise reopening of Brynderwyns
Northlanders are rejoicing after news the Brynderwyns will reopen after four long months.
![A big job: SH1 over the Brynderwyns set to reopen after lengthy delays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A big job: SH1 over the Brynderwyns set to reopen after lengthy delays
The Northland road will be open for Matariki weekend.
![Keen to do good in my community: Hokianga resident explains why he became a St John volunteer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Keen to do good in my community: Hokianga resident explains why he became a St John volunteer
Former Defence Force worker relishes his new role.
![Concerns proposed 110km/h speed limits not suited to Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Concerns proposed 110km/h speed limits not suited to Northland
Road safety advocates say government speed limit plan won't work for Northland roads.
![It's a sore spot: Northlanders respond to pothole funding boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's a sore spot: Northlanders respond to pothole funding boost
Northlanders affected by potholes respond to government funding boost.
![No ageism in art: Award-winning songwriter sings praises of teenage Kerikeri band](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
No ageism in art: Award-winning songwriter sings praises of teenage Kerikeri band
Two Northland bands are coming together to play a one-off gig in Kerikeri.
!['Disappointed': Northlanders not impressed with EPA decision on continued use of Hi-Cane](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Disappointed': Northlanders not impressed with EPA decision on continued use of Hi-Cane
Northlanders respond to EPA decision to allow Hi-Cane spray in kiwifruit orchards.
![Music to their ears: Truckies and motorists welcome pothole repair funding boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Music to their ears: Truckies and motorists welcome pothole repair funding boost
Northland is getting a funding boost to deal with a scourge of potholes on state highways.
![Protecting life: Speed camera aims to reduce car crashes in the Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Protecting life: Speed camera aims to reduce car crashes in the Far North
A controversial speed camera is up and running in the Far North.
!['Northland is a beautiful place and we expect it to grow': Region one of north's fastest-growing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Northland is a beautiful place and we expect it to grow': Region one of north's fastest-growing
The latest Census data shows Northland is growing.
![King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work
Our reporters caught up with the recipients.
![Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget
Mixed feelings on Budget even though some say Willis delivered what she promised.
!['Crazy': Residents question speed reduction on main road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Crazy': Residents question speed reduction on main road
The speed limit on Kerikeri's main road will soon be slashed from 80km/h to 50km/h.
!['We love the people and the vibe': Coast Northland radio station celebrates being number one in region](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We love the people and the vibe': Coast Northland radio station celebrates being number one in region
The team at Coast Northland is celebrating overtaking their radio competitors.
![Student with toy gun sends entire Kerikeri school into lockdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Student with toy gun sends entire Kerikeri school into lockdown
Kerikeri High School was placed under lockdown after reports of a person with a gun.
!['It's astonishing': Road safety advocates welcome long-awaited roadside drug testing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It's astonishing': Road safety advocates welcome long-awaited roadside drug testing
The Government has moved on getting roadside drug testing by the end of the year.
![No symptoms: Northlander urges others to do bowel screening test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
No symptoms: Northlander urges others to do bowel screening test
Britta Conrad took the bowel screening test despite not having symptoms. She had cancer.
![Exhausting but fulfilling: Creative Northlanders turn passions into lucrative side hustles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Exhausting but fulfilling: Creative Northlanders turn passions into lucrative side hustles
Northlanders are turning their passions into lucrative side hustles. Here's how.
![Not acceptable to be played at weddings: Northland musicians release 'gritty' debut album](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Not acceptable to be played at weddings: Northland musicians release 'gritty' debut album
Northland musicians Leroy Brown and Mark Bruce reveal how their band was started.
!['Ignorance is not an excuse' Northland man fronts up over alleged illegal fishing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Ignorance is not an excuse' Northland man fronts up over alleged illegal fishing
Fisherman explains how he came to be fishing in a protected marine reserve.
!['Sick to our stomachs' Dive companies shocked by alleged illegal fishing in Poor Knights Islands marine reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Sick to our stomachs' Dive companies shocked by alleged illegal fishing in Poor Knights Islands marine reserve
The Poor Knights Marine Reserve is a sanctuary for marine life.
![‘No other region would put up with this crap’: Frustration mounts over prolonged Brynderwyns closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘No other region would put up with this crap’: Frustration mounts over prolonged Brynderwyns closure
Calls for compensation as frustration grows.
![Who’s doing the checks? Roading expert angry logging trucks allowed on Brynderwyns detour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Who’s doing the checks? Roading expert angry logging trucks allowed on Brynderwyns detour
Months into the Brynderwyns closure, why are some trucks allowed on a banned detour?
![There isn’t a market like it: Owners of popular Kerikeri market hope new buyers keep it going](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
There isn’t a market like it: Owners of popular Kerikeri market hope new buyers keep it going
The Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri is on the market.
![Economy hanging by a thread: Northland MP urges haste in reopening Brynderwyns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Economy hanging by a thread: Northland MP urges haste in reopening Brynderwyns
There is still no sign of when the Brynderwyns will reopen following two slips.
![They carry their own tapu: Māori carver reaches out to thieves for return of stolen chisels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
They carry their own tapu: Māori carver reaches out to thieves for return of stolen chisels
Far North carver Renata Tane is gutted after the theft of dozens of his chisels.
![It's very distressing: Auckland company offers reward for return of portable cabin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's very distressing: Auckland company offers reward for return of portable cabin
A 6x3m cabin was stolen from a Marsden Point Rd property in Ruakākā on Tuesday.
![Better health outcomes: Far North residents set to benefit from new medical and health services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Better health outcomes: Far North residents set to benefit from new medical and health services
Kerikeri is set to get a new medical hub with expanded health services.
!['Definitely tough out there': Cost of living '100 per cent' impacting Northland businesses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Definitely tough out there': Cost of living '100 per cent' impacting Northland businesses
Northland companies call in administrators as the cost of living crisis drags on.
![Northlanders rally for Brynderwyns bypass after latest slip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northlanders rally for Brynderwyns bypass after latest slip
A Brynderwyn bypass needs to be the biggest roading priority in the nation, mayor says.
![Brynderwyns reopening delayed: 'Prolongs the hurt' for Northland businesses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Brynderwyns reopening delayed: 'Prolongs the hurt' for Northland businesses
Motorists have to wait another 'number of weeks' before using SH1 over the Brynderwyns.
![A huge achievement: Kaikohe's new indoor sports complex officially opens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A huge achievement: Kaikohe's new indoor sports complex officially opens
Kaikohe's new multisport gymnasium will be officially opened on Saturday.
![Artist's latest exhibition dishes dirt on neighbour and council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Artist's latest exhibition dishes dirt on neighbour and council
A Northland artist has an unconventional exhibition showing in Whangārei.
![Thousands of Northlanders brave the chill to commemorate Anzac Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Thousands of Northlanders brave the chill to commemorate Anzac Day
Dawn ceremonies are taking place around the region today.
!['It's made them quite nice': Kerikeri resident bakes unique Anzac biscuits for local RSA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It's made them quite nice': Kerikeri resident bakes unique Anzac biscuits for local RSA
Kerikeri's Liz Rushworth is renowned for her Anzac biscuits - what makes them so special?
!['Will miss you forever': Family pay tribute to policewoman killed after hit by car](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Will miss you forever': Family pay tribute to policewoman killed after hit by car
Family and friends are paying tribute to policewoman Gail Shepherd, who died on Saturday.
!['It gave me a purpose': Retiree reveals why he poisoned 50 gum trees in heritage reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It gave me a purpose': Retiree reveals why he poisoned 50 gum trees in heritage reserve
A Kerikeri man deliberately drilled holes in 50 trees and poisoned them. He explains why.
!['I've never felt so good about myself': Meet the 70-year-old women pumping iron](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I've never felt so good about myself': Meet the 70-year-old women pumping iron
Two 70-year-old Northland women reveal their strength training tips.
![Govt’s new 'pet bond' won’t make a difference to struggling renters, animal advocates say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Govt’s new 'pet bond' won’t make a difference to struggling renters, animal advocates say
Northlanders unsure whether new 'pet bond' will make a difference to renters.
!['Stick to the rules': Residents angry proposed medical centre would breach district plan rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Stick to the rules': Residents angry proposed medical centre would breach district plan rules
'All we want is for them to do the right thing, to stick to the district plan rules.'
![We let ourselves down: Truck company apologises for driver being on banned Brynderwyns detour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
We let ourselves down: Truck company apologises for driver being on banned Brynderwyns detour
Truck company apologies to Mangawhai community following crash.
![He did this brazenly: Northland residents want truck company fined for using banned detour route](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
He did this brazenly: Northland residents want truck company fined for using banned detour route
“These particular two corners are just not suitable for truck and trailers."
![They shouldn’t have been there: Truck company under fire following crash on detour route](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
They shouldn’t have been there: Truck company under fire following crash on detour route
NZTA and police are investigating a truck crash on a banned Brynderwyns detour.
![Truckie tries his luck on banned Brynderwyns detour route](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Truckie tries his luck on banned Brynderwyns detour route
Cove Rd has reopened after a truck got stuck and blocked both lanes.
![Northlander's cooking chops making waves](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northlander's cooking chops making waves
He's known as Stef the Māori in the Far North, and he's taking social media by storm.
!['We’ll get one good shot at a busy four days': Northland businesses brace for busy Easter weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We’ll get one good shot at a busy four days': Northland businesses brace for busy Easter weekend
From chocolate shops to markets and motels: Northland businesses keen for Easter visitors.
![A significant part of the community: Whangārei Trade Aid to close after 37 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A significant part of the community: Whangārei Trade Aid to close after 37 years
Trade Aid's northernmost store to close. 'It's an end of an era.'
![Skinny, hungry, dirty and covered in fleas: Elderly dog reunited with owners after being lost for a month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Skinny, hungry, dirty and covered in fleas: Elderly dog reunited with owners after being lost for a month
Ruby the dog was 'over the moon' at being reunited with her owners after a month away.
![Bittersweet: Popular restaurants to close after 'tough year'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Bittersweet: Popular restaurants to close after 'tough year'
'We had to make the decision': Mangawhai eateries close as cost-of-living bites.
![Retirement village's plans for affordable rental housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Retirement village's plans for affordable rental housing
Kerikeri Retirement village has scaled back plans to build 200 units in Kerikeri.
!['Frightened the living daylights out of us': Elderly couple's close call on Brynderwyns detour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Frightened the living daylights out of us': Elderly couple's close call on Brynderwyns detour
'A fraction later it may have been a head-on crash'. Truck nearly crashes into car.
!['An accident waiting to happen': Kerikeri couple tackle parking problem](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'An accident waiting to happen': Kerikeri couple tackle parking problem
A retired Kerikeri couple want action taken over a long-standing parking issue.
![Quieter: Brynderwyns closure impacting pull for out-of-town house-hunters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Quieter: Brynderwyns closure impacting pull for out-of-town house-hunters
'They don’t have to compete with Aucklanders.'
![Trucks banned from Brynderwyns detour route shortcut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Trucks banned from Brynderwyns detour route shortcut
'Everyone’s under extreme pressure to get things right.'
!['I’m still buzzing': Pipiwai youth perform winning manus at world champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I’m still buzzing': Pipiwai youth perform winning manus at world champs
'It was a really emotional moment for all of us.'
![I've got my smile back: Five Northlanders share their journey from benefit to business ownership](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
I've got my smile back: Five Northlanders share their journey from benefit to business ownership
'I look at my...kids, and I know I’m going to create a platform for them in the future.'
![Northland women reveal secrets to their success for International Women's Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland women reveal secrets to their success for International Women's Day
Four Northland women reveal what pushes them to excel
![It's personal: Pipiwai locals head to World Manu Champs to honour their loved ones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's personal: Pipiwai locals head to World Manu Champs to honour their loved ones
The Northland community is backing Pipiwai youth at the World Manu Champs in Auckland.
![Expect delays: Crash closes another detour route during Brynderwyns closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Expect delays: Crash closes another detour route during Brynderwyns closure
Another crash has happened on a Brynderwyns detour route.