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Jodi Bryant
Multimedia journalist for the Northern Advocate
Whangarei

Multimedia journalist for the Northern Advocate

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Jodi’s latest content
On The Up: Trapping efforts are revitalising kiwi habitats
Northern Advocate

On The Up: Trapping efforts are revitalising kiwi habitats

27 May 09:41 PM
Local actor stars in gripping crime thriller theatre debut
Northern Advocate

Local actor stars in gripping crime thriller theatre debut

23 May 05:00 PM

'Wrest' explores motherhood's hidden darker side through a crime thriller.

Kiwi actor brings acclaimed Gallipoli play to Whangārei
Northern Advocate

Kiwi actor brings acclaimed Gallipoli play to Whangārei

29 Apr 05:00 PM

Mark Wright's play 'Voices from Gallipoli' features nine diverse characters.

‘Personal mission’: Father battles invasive moth plant in Northland
Northern Advocate

‘Personal mission’: Father battles invasive moth plant in Northland

04 Apr 04:00 PM

Volunteers and groups like Stamp work to control the moth plant’s spread.

Cameraman’s mission to protect our marine life
Northern Advocate

Cameraman’s mission to protect our marine life

14 Mar 04:00 PM

Steve Hathaway has dived for over 40 years, witnessing drastic ocean changes.

Tahi’s transformation: From barren farmland to rich biodiversity hub
Northern Advocate

Tahi’s transformation: From barren farmland to rich biodiversity hub

28 Feb 04:50 PM

Tahi's open day features guided walks and mānuka honey tastings.

Man cave reveals artist Murray Ross' nostalgic treasures and humour
Northern Advocate

Man cave reveals artist Murray Ross' nostalgic treasures and humour

14 Feb 04:10 PM

Murray Ross freelances in traditional signwriting with Fastsignz in Whangārei.

‘Humble beginnings’: Teen mum’s inspiring journey to dance success
Northern Advocate

‘Humble beginnings’: Teen mum’s inspiring journey to dance success

31 Jan 04:00 PM

Alannah Curtis opened her first dance studio at 18.

'New Zealand has knocked our socks off' Family return to Whangārei
Northern Advocate

'New Zealand has knocked our socks off' Family return to Whangārei

13 Dec 04:00 PM

Exit Only has been a solid craft in getting the family to their destinations safely.

Whangārei A&P Show: A historic Caterpillar on display
Northern Advocate

Whangārei A&P Show: A historic Caterpillar on display

29 Nov 04:00 PM

The show also features royal-themed events, competitions, and live entertainment.

‘This baby is going to be so loved’: Woman's 'super-selfless deed' for couple
Northern Advocate

‘This baby is going to be so loved’: Woman's 'super-selfless deed' for couple

15 Nov 04:00 PM

Despite complications, Colthurst plans to deliver a healthy baby to the supportive couple.

Mum's mission to give grieving families a unique keepsake of their lost little loved one
Northern Advocate

Mum's mission to give grieving families a unique keepsake of their lost little loved one

01 Nov 04:00 PM

Julie Tapp began her work after her son, Ezra, drowned in 2014.

Rising star offers insight on navigating the challenges of a work-life balance
Northern Advocate

Rising star offers insight on navigating the challenges of a work-life balance

18 Oct 04:00 PM

Brooke Gibson concedes she has made sacrifices along the way.

Laugh Out Loud at the Whangārei Fringe Festival with local comedian Kipling Davies-Colley
Northern Advocate

Laugh Out Loud at the Whangārei Fringe Festival with local comedian Kipling Davies-Colley

04 Oct 04:00 PM

Former Whangārei Boys’ student returns to a home crowd.

Something for everyone as the Whangārei Fringe Festival makes a comeback
Northern Advocate

Something for everyone as the Whangārei Fringe Festival makes a comeback

20 Sep 05:00 PM

The Fringe Festival is back in Whangārei.

‘Those who come out the other side of a cancer battle are not survivors – they’re warriors, as are those who didn’t make it’
Northern Advocate

‘Those who come out the other side of a cancer battle are not survivors – they’re warriors, as are those who didn’t make it’

13 Sep 05:00 PM

Mum invented a novel number plate to help raise money towards fighting cancer

'It’s better to burn out than to fade away': Former principal's pearls of wisdom
Northern Advocate

'It’s better to burn out than to fade away': Former principal's pearls of wisdom

30 Aug 05:00 PM

Garelja’s attitude toward life has put him in good stead regarding treatment.

'Success is the work of many': Dance company show promises to be transformative
Northern Advocate

'Success is the work of many': Dance company show promises to be transformative

16 Aug 05:00 PM

'For me it was finding an art form where I could truly express myself.'

Jane Mander Village resident recalls Olympics of the past
Northern Advocate

Jane Mander Village resident recalls Olympics of the past

02 Aug 05:00 PM

Families were proudly cheering them on back home.

Equine therapy paradise plays key role in people’s mental health and wellbeing journeys
Northern Advocate

Equine therapy paradise plays key role in people’s mental health and wellbeing journeys

26 Jul 05:00 PM

The tranquil environment also contributes positively to therapeutic outcomes for clients.

'It was one of the best gigs of my entire life': Comedian's fond memories of performing in Whangārei
Northern Advocate

'It was one of the best gigs of my entire life': Comedian's fond memories of performing in Whangārei

05 Jul 05:00 PM

'It’s gonna be an awesome show!'

'I’m just one of the boys': Northland woman leading the way in a man's world
Northern Advocate

'I’m just one of the boys': Northland woman leading the way in a man's world

21 Jun 05:00 PM

'I was gobsmacked. I haven’t won anything in my whole entire life.'

'I’m not totally a head-banger': Taking on Smokefreerockquest solo
Northern Advocate

'I’m not totally a head-banger': Taking on Smokefreerockquest solo

07 Jun 05:00 PM

Ethan Worthington was part of last year's winning band Ready, Set!

'Like a bomb went off': New Miss New Zealand on the moment she was crowned
Northern Advocate

'Like a bomb went off': New Miss New Zealand on the moment she was crowned

24 May 05:00 PM

Poole is passionate about her charitable work.

Northlander stars in return of TV show Young Riders
Northern Advocate

Northlander stars in return of TV show Young Riders

10 May 05:00 PM

It took a while to get used to being on camera but it soon became second nature.

Premium
'I can feel him around me': Family of student killed in Abbey Caves tragedy on their heartbreak
Northern Advocate

'I can feel him around me': Family of student killed in Abbey Caves tragedy on their heartbreak

03 May 05:00 PM

“I remember saying to him, ‘Don’t worry Tino, if it’s no good ... they won’t let you go."

From studying law to playing the potty-mouthed 'bogan': Aussie comedian Chopper gets candid
Northern Advocate

From studying law to playing the potty-mouthed 'bogan': Aussie comedian Chopper gets candid

26 Apr 06:00 PM

The comedic icon says meeting the real life Chopper Read was under-whelming.

The story of survival behind a wooden heart stolen from the roadside
Northern Advocate

The story of survival behind a wooden heart stolen from the roadside

12 Apr 06:00 PM

The stolen heart not only symbolises Kayla's birth but also her fight for survival.

Exhibition to feature the works of iconic Māori modernist artists
Northern Advocate

Exhibition to feature the works of iconic Māori modernist artists

09 Apr 12:10 AM

‘Māori art is burgeoning at the moment – it’s in such good health.’

All creatures great and small - the life of a rural vet
Northern Advocate

All creatures great and small - the life of a rural vet

22 Mar 05:52 PM

In the end, it’s your family who pay the price.

When Hollywood comes to Whangārei - WBHS student stars alongside Guy Pearce
Northern Advocate

When Hollywood comes to Whangārei - WBHS student stars alongside Guy Pearce

01 Mar 04:00 PM

The Convert is said to be the highest-budget production from Aotearoa.

'He died in my arms' - Dad thankful to daughter and strangers who saved his life
Northern Advocate

'He died in my arms' - Dad thankful to daughter and strangers who saved his life

17 Feb 01:02 AM

A moment of chivalry nearly cost Northland father Vaughan Collier his life.

Celebrity Treasure Island winner and comedian opens up about his friends, mum and his show
Northern Advocate

Celebrity Treasure Island winner and comedian opens up about his friends, mum and his show

02 Feb 04:00 PM

He is keen to spend more time in the region.

Premium
Looking for Treasure: How a popular Pātaua campsite became a sought-after gem
Northern Advocate

Looking for Treasure: How a popular Pātaua campsite became a sought-after gem

19 Jan 05:00 PM

As Treasure Island's owner looks to move on, a new book captures the vast memories.

'It’s like an adventure' Family sailing across the world embrace Whangārei life
Northern Advocate

'It’s like an adventure' Family sailing across the world embrace Whangārei life

15 Dec 04:00 PM

The voyage has not been without its challenges.

Premium
'They just bring joy to people':' Meet the man making a living out of blowing bubbles
Northern Advocate

'They just bring joy to people':' Meet the man making a living out of blowing bubbles

01 Dec 04:00 PM

He has three Guinness World Records.

Premium
It's not your average animal farm: Meet the couple building a unique paradise
Northern Advocate

It's not your average animal farm: Meet the couple building a unique paradise

17 Nov 04:00 PM

The effort is worth it when the couple see looks of 'absolute delight and huge smiles'.

One man's drive to help Whangārei’s homeless leads to world stage
Northern Advocate

One man's drive to help Whangārei’s homeless leads to world stage

03 Nov 04:00 PM

Pehi is representing his country again.

Premium
'I’ll be happy when...'Dr Libby returns to Whangārei to help us enhance quality of life
Northern Advocate

'I’ll be happy when...'Dr Libby returns to Whangārei to help us enhance quality of life

20 Oct 04:00 PM

'I want to offer people ways to feel better when they might not know how.'

Premium
Tiri shipwreck once the beating heart of Radio Hauraki
Northern Advocate

Tiri shipwreck once the beating heart of Radio Hauraki

06 Oct 04:00 PM

The derelict remains of the floating pirate radio studio lie on Matakohe-Limestone Island.

Premium
Northland’s tropical oasis a labour of love
Northern Advocate

Northland’s tropical oasis a labour of love

22 Sep 05:00 PM

People travel from as far as Gisborne and Napier to buy the gourmet fruit.

Premium
Celebrating Matariki with the Maramataka Queen
Northern Advocate

Celebrating Matariki with the Maramataka Queen

30 Jun 05:00 PM

Maramataka’s revival, she believes, is due to people’s feelings of disconnect.

Premium
'They are just boys that want to cook ' High school turns out top chef men
Northern Advocate

'They are just boys that want to cook ' High school turns out top chef men

01 Jul 05:00 PM

"It's definitely a sign of the times that things are changing."

Premium
Owner upbeat as new bar opens amid pandemic
Northern Advocate

Owner upbeat as new bar opens amid pandemic

14 Feb 04:00 PM

'Something a bit different' is coming Whangārei's way with new bar AstroBoy

Self-love - and using your best china
Northern Advocate

Self-love - and using your best china

13 Feb 04:00 PM

Kiwis searching for love in self-help books.

Chance meeting on the street leads to altar
Northern Advocate

Chance meeting on the street leads to altar

13 Feb 04:00 PM

The girl with the fiery red hair and the boy with a crush.

Bream Head Scenic Reserve a success story as petrels bounce back
Northern Advocate

Bream Head Scenic Reserve a success story as petrels bounce back

11 Feb 04:00 PM

It has been a successful year for reserve workers as grey-faced petrel chicks take flight.

Premium
A love of dinosaurs unites two strangers across the ocean
Northern Advocate

A love of dinosaurs unites two strangers across the ocean

11 Feb 04:00 PM

From overseas pen pals to married with children - a couple's story for Valentine's Day.

Goodbye piggy bank, hello SquareOne, thanks to Northland dads
Northern Advocate

Goodbye piggy bank, hello SquareOne, thanks to Northland dads

08 Feb 04:00 PM

Teaching kids to save money in a cashless world.

Plenty to see and do this Waitangi weekend
Northern Advocate

Plenty to see and do this Waitangi weekend

03 Feb 04:00 PM

Large events may have been cancelled but the Northland region offers many attractions.

Events may be cancelled but there's still plenty to do around the region.
Northern Advocate

Events may be cancelled but there's still plenty to do around the region.

27 Jan 09:46 PM

Let's be tourists in Whangārei!

Premium
Business owner handing over the tools after 30 years
Northern Advocate

Business owner handing over the tools after 30 years

25 Jan 04:00 PM

Respected outboard veteran relinquishes tools to capable hands.

Self-directed geeky playground sought
Northern Advocate

Self-directed geeky playground sought

23 Jan 04:00 PM

On the lookout for a space for geeks to hang out.

Premium
Northlanders biggest fans of Trade Me
Northern Advocate

Northlanders biggest fans of Trade Me

21 Jan 04:00 PM

Unwanted gifts most searched for category for Northlanders over holidays.

Condensing life into caravan the way to go
Northern Advocate

Condensing life into caravan the way to go

21 Jan 04:00 PM

Condensing life into caravan the way to go.

Premium
Wheels and water and finding love: Meet the Whangārei Town Basin residents
Northern Advocate

Wheels and water and finding love: Meet the Whangārei Town Basin residents

14 Jan 04:00 PM

A glimpse inside the lives of the Whangārei Town Basin marina residents.

Premium
Northlanders in modern-day 'pipi shuffle'
Northern Advocate

Northlanders in modern-day 'pipi shuffle'

10 Jan 04:00 PM

Northlanders share their tips on how to purge shellfish of annoying grit

Premium
Families enjoying annual camping holiday at Treasure Island
Northern Advocate

Families enjoying annual camping holiday at Treasure Island

09 Jan 04:00 PM

Aucklanders love our camping.

Sea Eagle II's quiet return to the harbour causes stir
Northern Advocate

Sea Eagle II's quiet return to the harbour causes stir

06 Jan 04:00 PM

Sea Eagle II a welcome sight from tops of mountains, aircraft and the harbour.

Premium
Magical Poor Knights worth a visit this summer
Northern Advocate

Magical Poor Knights worth a visit this summer

31 Dec 11:00 PM

The Islands were once home to 400 people.

Premium
Meet the Town Basin marina residents
Northern Advocate

Meet the Town Basin marina residents

28 Dec 04:00 PM

A glimpse inside the lives of the Whangārei Town Basin marina residents.

Premium
Leopard seals' dinner menu stuns local expert
Northern Advocate

Leopard seals' dinner menu stuns local expert

23 Dec 04:00 PM

Top predators predating on top predators

Premium
Whangārei bus service dropped after year-long trial
Northern Advocate

Whangārei bus service dropped after year-long trial

16 Dec 12:51 AM

Summer Beach Bus service doubling this year but long-term service is a no-go.

Hospital staff find sustainable use for discarded socks.
Northern Advocate

Hospital staff find sustainable use for discarded socks.

15 Dec 04:00 PM

Bright cheerful socks for Open Arms recipients

''We want to put the joy back into families' Christmas lights trail proving popular
Northern Advocate

''We want to put the joy back into families' Christmas lights trail proving popular

11 Dec 06:43 PM

Residents want to bring joy back to families after hard year.

Community project to provide fun for Onerahi kids delayed
Northern Advocate

Community project to provide fun for Onerahi kids delayed

10 Dec 04:00 PM

New Onerahi pontoon not likely before Christmas

Northland properties lighting up for Christmas
Northern Advocate

Northland properties lighting up for Christmas

05 Dec 04:00 PM

Residents jump on board the lights trail.

How you can make this Christmas special for children
Northern Advocate

How you can make this Christmas special for children

02 Dec 04:00 PM

Filling shoeboxes with goodies for needy children

Premium
English lifeboat relaunches with new lease on life in Northland
Northern Advocate

English lifeboat relaunches with new lease on life in Northland

02 Dec 04:00 PM

A boat built in England in 1980 and now refitted has a new lease on life.

Premium
Influenza, RSV and Covid all expected next winter as borders reopen
Northern Advocate

Influenza, RSV and Covid all expected next winter as borders reopen

25 Nov 04:00 PM

Leading epidemiologist concerned over return of influenza next year.

Premium
Kiwi North's current exhibition exposes Northland WWII secrets
Northern Advocate

Kiwi North's current exhibition exposes Northland WWII secrets

19 Nov 11:00 PM

Few Northlanders were aware of what happened on home turf during WWII until now.

Premium
Remembering the heroic, gallant US soldiers who endeared themselves to Northlanders
Northern Advocate

Remembering the heroic, gallant US soldiers who endeared themselves to Northlanders

19 Nov 04:00 PM

Northlander remembers when the "cruel, ruthless enemy" were on our doorstep.

Northland Short story competition comes alive again
Northern Advocate

Northland Short story competition comes alive again

19 Nov 04:00 PM

Writing community in New Zealand is in good heart.

Premium
Waipū Welcomes You barn inspires unlikely friendship
Northern Advocate

Waipū Welcomes You barn inspires unlikely friendship

18 Nov 04:00 PM

Art and friendship arise from the paddock

Restaurant signifies first step of future Whangārei harbourside town centre
Northern Advocate

Restaurant signifies first step of future Whangārei harbourside town centre

07 Nov 04:00 PM

Young Whangārei couple seize opportunity to bring harbourside dining to locals.

Celebrated artist's designs can soon be worn on Northland feet
Northern Advocate

Celebrated artist's designs can soon be worn on Northland feet

07 Nov 04:00 PM

Hundertwasser odd sock trend gains traction over 20 years later

Shining a light on brain tumours
Northern Advocate

Shining a light on brain tumours

05 Nov 01:40 AM

Brain Tumour Awareness Week sheds light on the biggest cancer killer among young people.

Premium
Beware loose seal on Whangārei road
Northern Advocate

Beware loose seal on Whangārei road

29 Oct 04:00 PM

Kekeno rescue mission a unique experience for locals.

Premium
'For a long time I was too scared to speak': The stigma of Covid-19
Northern Advocate

'For a long time I was too scared to speak': The stigma of Covid-19

24 Oct 04:00 PM

Twenty-eight Northlanders have contracted Covid-19 – here one of them shares her story.

Premium
Northland still far from reaching 'traffic-light system'
Northern Advocate

Northland still far from reaching 'traffic-light system'

22 Oct 04:00 PM

Northland businesses "elastic really stretched", says tourism leader.

War only show-stopper of Whangārei A&P Show before Covid
Northern Advocate

War only show-stopper of Whangārei A&P Show before Covid

22 Oct 04:00 PM

A&P Show organisers say they're cancelling the December event to keep tamariki safe.

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