Karina Cooper is news director for the Northern Advocate
Karina Cooper is news director at the Northern Advocate based in Whangārei. Inspired by a lifetime of growing up in Northland, she ventured off to the Waikato Institute of Technology to gain a Bachelor of Media Arts majoring in communication and a post-graduate diploma in journalism which gave her the tools to tell the region’s stories. Karina’s career began at the community newspaper, The Whangārei Report, back in 2010. In her first year as a professional journalist, she won APN’s best junior reporter. She continues to uphold those high standards as she has moved into the more fast-paced world of news and as she leads a team of reporters. She has an interest in an array of topics but at the end of the day her favourite stories are always the ones with people at the heart of them. You can contact Karina at karina.cooper@nzme.co.nz.
'Drenched in blood': Fire chief awarded bravery medal after violent hospital ordeal
Zak Bristow recognised for his actions in protecting staff and patients.
'Horrific': Mother's plea after child severely burnt by embers at Northland beach
Her mother urges beachgoers to properly extinguish fires to prevent injuries.
Dolphin decline in Bay of Islands as boaties flout sanctuary rules
Bottlenose dolphin populations in the Bay of Islands continue to decline, research says.
Homicide investigation launched after man dies at Far North property
A man was found critically injured at a Waikerikeri Rd property in Horeke.
'Important part of the Northland culture': Diver's legal fight against scallop ban
Michael Badham claims Whangārei Harbour can support sustainable harvesting.
'We could see the bone in our hand': Navy vet's vivid memories of hydrogen bombs
Hockley witnessed four hydrogen bomb tests at Christmas Island in 1957.
4600 homes still without power as Cyclone Tam clean-up begins
Bay of Islands residents are urged to save water as repairs are under way in Paihia.
Road closures, power cuts, 12m swells: Cyclone Tam hammers Northland
About 13,000 without power as Cyclone Tam batters North.
'Mission critical': Business leaders push for inclusion as NZ demographics evolve
More than 80 business leaders met at Waitangi to discuss workplace inclusion.
‘Out on the bones of their a***’: Volunteer firefighters demand better ACC cover
The volunteers currently lack coverage due to their non-taxable status.
Far North school goes into lockdown after reported fight nearby involving weapons
Two people were taken into custody after the altercation in Taipa.
Celebrating 50 years: The enduring legacy of Te Tai Tokerau kapa haka festival
Twenty-eight kapa haka groups will perform in the two-day event.
‘I try my hardest’: Teen makes history for his family as first to attend university
He received a First Foundation scholarship for Otago University.
‘Smarter investment’: $977m regional deal to bolster Northland economy
Northland's regional deal could boost GDP by $977m and create 6000 jobs.
‘Transformative’: $41.5m loan expected to help future-proof water supply
$17.5m will be used for a 22km pipeline linking Dargaville to the Te Waihekeora Reservoir.
‘Craziest feeling’: Whangārei crew strikes historic gold at national rowing event
The team was part of Whangārei Rowing Club's best performance.
Northland to boast second-highest structures in NZ as wind farm takes flight
Northland's wind farm will have 12 turbines, each 206m tall.
Champions celebrated: Northland’s sporting stars shine at awards night
Whangārei boxer Lani Daniels won the Supreme Award at the 2024 Northland Sports Awards.
‘Making history’: Northland woman becomes world’s first customer to be digitally cloned
Liz Wright is the first person to be digitally cloned for a brand.
Drivers and passengers shaken as rocks pelted at buses
Rocks have been thrown at buses on Matai St, Ōtangarei, smashing windows.
Fisherman tells of his shock after bizarre dolphin encounter
“A 400kg dolphin falling out of the sky is going to leave more than just a bruise ... "
Mum’s heartbreak over baby’s suffering, alleges healthcare ignored concerns
Kruger shared her daughter's suffering to highlight cultural issues in healthcare.
‘Tragic’: Police want witnesses to Whangārei park shooting to come forward
A woman was killed and a man is in hospital in a serious condition after the shooting.
Police launch homicide investigation after ‘tragic’ shooting in Whangārei park
Police are determined to find out the events that led up to the 'tragic incident'.
Waipoua River blaze 50% contained as crews battle 100ha fire
Twenty homes were evacuated as flames blocked access to State Highway 12.
‘At our best’: Sheep dog trial club celebrates centennial milestone
The Northland Centre Championships will mark the centenary for the sheep dog trial club.
‘If I hadn’t swerved, I would be dead’: Quick thinking saves man in horror crash
At first, police didn't believe Jaden Packer was the driver because he was walking.
Layby slaying: Motorcyclist shot and body abandoned in creek; police seek footage
Police believe he was killed between 7pm and 11pm on Tuesday.
‘Succumbing to foul play’: Police launch homicide investigation into motorcyclist’s death
Police believe he was killed between 7pm and 11pm on Tuesday.
Shootings, fires, and more: Alarming rise in cruel acts against protected birds
Nineteen incidents were recorded nationwide in the past three months.
‘He was ready to live’: Family mourns adventurer who died in snorkelling tragedy
Daniel Allen, 46, dies snorkelling in Northland; family honours his adventurous spirit.
Whangārei fire: Home still under threat, firefighting efforts to stretch across three days
The cause of the fire is not yet know but an investigation will take place on Friday.
Beachgoers watch as fire crews battle hilltop blaze
As of 3.45pm four fire trucks and 3 helicopters were on site.
A fatal tumble, a heroic act, snorkelling in paradise: Three deaths on Northland’s coastline sparks warning
The deaths on unmanned beaches begs the question, do we need more patrols?
‘It made me cry’: Former drug-dealing gang member on the words that changed his life
Kamonn Flavell-Downey helps 170 youth, proves change is possible.
Person dies after being found unresponsive in water at popular Northland bay
A rāhui has been placed on Bland Bay and will be lifted at 12pm on Thursday.
Galapagos Postman surprises family with hand-delivered postcard from 200-year-old postbox
Jonny Beardmore's global mission highlights MND challenges, connects people.
How Blues' grassroots efforts are inspiring the next generation
Sam Nock hopes Northland faces in Super Rugby inspires kids to pursue the sport.
Christmas cheer: Whangārei Lions Club's toy appeal helps families
'No kid should go without a toy at Christmas,' says Lions Club's Hugh Deverell.
Northland's first charter school to open under new regime revealed
New charter school Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao, opens in January, teaching in te reo Māori.
Evicted from home: Whangārei campers face council's carpark crackdown
The council evicts campers: 'Two weeks before Christmas, we don't need this.'
Security guard brings Christmas magic back to Whangārei's Strand
'It fills my cup," Sharon Edwards says of children enjoying her Christmas decorations.
Gangs hold onto 'precious patches': Two police districts yet to make mark under new rules
Northland gangs comply with new laws as patches prove 'precious' to members.
Man charged with murder after Whangārei house fire that killed 61yo
Police: 'No one else sought' in relation to Whangārei fire that killed John Reuben, 61.
Dangerous Black Power member flees police: Sponge round fired during chase
Police appeal for information as to the whereabouts of Black Power member Toa Pitman.
Didn't leave home for three years: Loneliness 'at epidemic levels' among pensioners in NZ
Loneliness among New Zealand's seniors is reaching epidemic levels, Age Concern says.
Police call off search for small boat linked to transnational crime group
Police didn't say why the search was abandoned a day after announcing the hunt for a vessel.
Toddler falls ill after playing in E. coli-contaminated fountain
Council apologises after E. coli in fountain; changes treatment to prevent future cases.
Woman brutally attacked slams justice system after not learning of abuser's release
The woman received a formal written notice three days before her attacker was released.
'People need to be more open minded': Deaf Northlander's challenge for NZ Sign Language Week
Deaf Northland Alana Best believes people are too timid to try sign language.
Northland's new top cop takes the reins
While the new boss comes from Auckland, his Northland ties aren't too distant.
Region's driving culture needs to change drastically, say police
Northland's road toll this year equates to more than one death a week.
Northlanders at war: A family's search for brave brothers' graves, and a pilot heralded a hero
While war can feel worlds away, its reach is often felt on home soil.
Lest We Forget: A guide to commemorating Anzac Day 2024
The day is a wider remembrance of those soldiers who have fallen.
Wild deer illegally released or farm escapees in firing line as part of Northland crackdown
Sika deer illegally released in the Russell 35 years ago are the first to go.
Northland police uproot large-scale cannabis operation from commercial property
An operation such as the one uncovered could generate millions if undetected, police say.
Fears for winter as council says no to homeless shelter proposal at former old boys' site
Kids as young as 6, elderly, people with cancer, are our homeless, activist says.
'Rare' heart-shaped feijoa up for sale fetches $100 offer online
Is this Northland's most expensive feijoa?
Shell-ebrations as tortoise stolen from reptile park found in Far North
Sadly, the 8-year-old iguana also stolen is still missing.
Govt rejects council's claim over who should cough up emergency services funding
Council is questioning why it is having to top up funding for critical health services.
'Why waste the best years of your life': Advice for living with Parkinson's
Peter Boston, 74, says Parkinson's doesn't mean that life can't be lived and enjoyed.
One dead in Kauri crash, children among seven injured in serious Waipu crash
A person has died in a fatal accident at Kauri, north of Whangārei.
Kawakawa speed camera country's first to have warning signage - where's the rest, says AA
Transport Minister calls out signage delay as "bureaucratic nonsense" he vowed to fix.
SOS: Fears lives may be lost if council cuts emergency services funding
NRC's plans will see Northland's emergency services scramble to make up $1.11m annually.
People responsible for active shooter rumour at Whangārei Girls' High School identified by police
Police found no risk after investigating the potential incident this morning.
ArtBeat proves popular: Showcasing Town Basin as successful festival venue, organisers say
Thousands of people turned out to explore their creative flair at Saturday's festival.
The biggest and best Northland Field Days yet, organiser says
More than 300 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest in farming and lifestyle.
'Yeah, nah': Whangārei Lotto winners shell-shocked by $1m win
The couple won the 'life-changing' prize off a bonus ticket.
75yo Ironman Brian Barach gearing up for milestone event
The addiction continues for long-running Ironman Brian Barach despite highs and lows.
ReSport golfing fundraiser to tee off in the name of helping others
The carnival style day is about giving back to the community, organiser says.
Teen killed in Far North crash: Police warn about wet weather
The rain after weeks of dry weather is said to have contributed to the crash.
Window into the world before Christianity restored after lost taonga found 200 years later
There are more than 16,000 taonga Māori in overseas museums.
Person dies in Far North crash: SH10 reopens
Emergency services are responding to a crash on SH10 near Cottle Drive.
Whangārei Lotto player wins big in Saturday night draw
However, Powerball wasn't won, meaning $10m is up for grabs on Wednesday.
Lock Josh Beehre makes Blues debut against Fijian Drua in Whangārei hometown
The former Whangārei Boys' High School student says he has come full circle.
Fundraiser started for young family who 'lost everything' in house fire
'Fortunately, they are all safe, but they are all shaken from this traumatic incident.'
Mum grabs kids and runs as fire breaks out in kitchen
A young couple have lost everything after their Whangārei home caught fire.
Good Samaritan beaten with bats and bars after trying to stop assault
Police are appealing for the public's help as they investigate the 'cowardly' attacks.
Spate of arrests made after 'violent and brazen' crimes carried out on Northland roads
Police are not ruling out further arrests as they continue their investigations.
'Death is there to make us realise that life is gorgeous': Expert shares why dying isn't taboo
'The fear is to die before you have lived fully. That’s our real fear.'