Northern Advocate's top stories online 2012

We take a look back at our top ten most popular stories for 2012.

Our biggest story was news that a Northlander was among the victims of a deadly tornado which hit West Auckland in December. Former New Zealand sporting representative Brendon Johnson, 22, died after the tornado swept through a Hobsonville High School construction site.

Our second most-viewed story online was the story that a man had been charged with murder after the body of a 21-year-old Whangarei woman was discovered near the Waiorohia Stream.

In June volunteer firefighters were shocked by the actions of an ''idiot'' bystander who sabotaged their water supply as they fought a house blaze in Kaikohe - placing their lives at risk.

The fourth biggest story of the year was the popular women at work promotion where readers could vote for their favourite local businesswoman.

In July police launched a homicide investigation after the body of a young woman was discovered under a bridge in Whangarei.

Our sixth top story was about Zion Wildlife Kingdoms and former owner Patricia Busch being locked out of the park as her operator's license fwas investigated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

At number seven, it was time for the local businessmen to shine in our 'men at work' poll.

In the eighth spot was the story of a naked surfer: Marama Kake made waves in Australia by taking to the surf wearing nothing more than a smile.

Our ninth biggest story of the year was the revelation that the photos of a moose in Fiordland which Northlander Fred Stewardson claimed he snapped during a hunting trip in 1953 were a sham.

Rounding out our top ten was the news that Australian mining companies were luring Northlanders with promises of salaries of $110,000.