Mike Dinsdale is News Director 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.

Focus on environment and te reo learning sees Far North principal win major award
Panguru principal Mina Pomare-Peita earns major award for school's te reo-based education

History made and world boxing titles stay in Northland hands
Kaitāia’s Mea Motu and Whangārei’s Lani Daniels retained their world boxing titles.

Mea Motu and Lani Daniels make weight ahead of historic fight night
The boxers weighed in to the sounds of cheers from fans.

Tourism enterprises in new indigenous tourism TV show
Manea: Footprints of Kupe, and Kawiti Glow Worm Caves feature on indigenous tourism series

Far North festive events start in style this weekend
Plenty of Far North Christmas parades for all.

'Without comparison': One of NZ's worst child sex abusers goes for parole
The damage done to his young victims was “incalculable”.

Northland’s two women world boxing champs to put titles on the line on Saturday
Both women are facing tough opponents.

Kiwis tell of pavlova love in new Northland book Pav Deconstructed
Northland book gives fascination insight into Kiwis' love affair with pavlova

Electricity from huge Kaitāia solar farm now powering the country
It is New Zealand's largest solar farm.

Hard-up Far North hospices get help from Farmers Kaitāia Christmas appeal
Far North hospices will benefit from Farmers Kaitāia Christmas Tree of Remembrance Appeal.

End of one era, start of another as Kaitāia mosaic wall removed
Much-loved Kaitāia mosaic wall being removed to make way for town square.

Far North mayor's vow to improve dog control welcomed
Far North activists are keen to keep the council honest on dog control improvements.

Far North Mayor promises to improve dog control in the district after protest
A protest against the council's dog control system brought a vow from the mayor.

Don't light fires on Far North islands in public conservation as dry summer looms
People lighting fires on Far North's conservation islands could be jailed or fined.

Protest outside FNDC's Kaikohe office over dog control 'inaction'
A lack of faith in dog control in the Far North sparks a protest at the council.

Awanui on a high after clinching Tiny Town award
Awanui abuzz after being named Most Beautiful Tiny Town in the country.

Shellfish off menu in Far Far North due to toxin which can cause serious illness
Toxins in shellfish in Far North spark health warning

NZ Events Association votes Whangārei’s Northland Events Centre the best in the country
Where's the best events venue in the country? Right here in Northland!

Breach of natural justice: Northlander wins Māori Land Court rehearing
But Māori Appellate Court also warns him his case was poorly made.

Whangārei Fight Night: Trish Vaka gets boxing gloves back on after four-year hiatus
Northland Kauri player on the Wahine Toa II double world champion card.

Turnaround sees Awanui named Most Beautiful Tiny Town
Awanui's huge efforts to revitalise itself have paid off.

From small Northland community to international climate change scientist
Northland's Georgia Grant lands L’Oreal-Unesco For Women in Science (FWIS) fellowship.

Kaikohe gets more than three times its normal October rainfall from cyclone's tail
Ex-tropical cyclone Lola dumped record rainfall on the Far North.

Eco-friendly Kaitāia cafe wins top environmental award
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery's green initiatives recognised.

Is it a giant log? No it's Kaitāia mechanic Joe Oliver's unique caravan!
Kaitāia mechanic Joe Oliver creates eye-catching log caravan

New Te Tai Tokerau MP outlines her top priorities for the next three years.
Mariameno Kapa-Kīngi is honoured that people have put faith in her.

Kaitāia Riding for the Disabled holding annual Garden Safari fundraise this month
This year the gardeners in the Far Far North from Awanui to Ngataki get their turn.

Everything Awanui celebrated at annual Awanui Day event
Awanui turns it on for visitors at annual celebration

Well-known businessman takes out the Business Hall of Fame award
The Northland Business Excellence Awards winners have been announced.

'It’s Pipiwai Hard all the way. Lani Daniels ready to add second world title belt to her locker
'I'll be sending her back with a blood nose - and no title.'

Brutal killer of Whangārei teen denied parole after 17 years in jail
The murderer was denied parole 17 years after the brutal killing of a Whangārei teen.