Yolisa Tswanya is deputy news director at the Northern Advocate based in Whangārei.
Yolisa hails from Cape Town, South Africa and has been a journalist for 12 years, where she spent a bulk of her career as a print journalist covering a range of issues, in the country's largest multi-platform content company. Her love for writing started in school, where she excelled in essay writing. Yolisa has a keen interest in covering stories around health and education, but has the versatility to report on any news in a balanced, accurate and engaging manner. She has interviewed an array of interesting people and this has grown her love for reporting on issues that matter to people from all walks of life. She has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town. Outside of the newsroom she is a keen sportsperson with a love for netball, rugby and cricket.
Matariki-themed film by Māori director set to premiere in Northland
The film 'Kōkā' is set against the backdrop of Matariki in Northland.
'Still a long road': Volunteers tackle Northland's marine pollution
Local crews collected 106,000 litres of litter in Northland over three months.
Public input sought on Far North's long-term waste strategy
Have your say in the Far North District Council's waste vision.
NZ Highwaymen wrap up epic tour with final show in the Far North
The NZ Highwaymen will debut in Hokianga with their final show on June 14.
‘It was more than a chair’: Kāeo cafe closure leaves a mark
The iconic oversized chair outside the Madhatters cafe has been removed.
Kerikeri's push to be Far North's first bilingual town gains momentum
The move to revitalise te reo Māori includes kapa haka, signage and in future, public art.
Thousands of school meals uneaten in Northland every week
Nationally, 34,878 surplus meals went uneaten for the week of March 28.
Kawakawa’s ambulance base part of national $4.5m push to upgrade stations
Hato Hone's nationwide appeal aims to raise $4.5 million for 13 station upgrades.
On The Up: 'We were very humbled': Rural country store wins business hero award
Settlers Way Country Store won the regional 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero Award.
On the Up: High demand for new sports hub
The new sports hub in Waipapa has seen high demand from local clubs.
Tiny particles, big impact: Microplastic concerns for Northland ecosystems
Microplastics were found at 11 Northland beaches, with Mangawhai worst affected.
Twelve champions for Northland celebrated in King's Birthday Honours
From family violence prevention to services to Māori, locals' dedication recognised.
The rising toll of pokies and online gambling in Northland
About $40.4 million was lost by players, over three times Kaikohe Library's budget.
Northland social workers under strain amid high caseloads
The PSA says high workloads are unsafe and unsustainable, needing urgent action.
Council to landfill 190 tonnes of plastic waste as recycling market stalls
The council stockpiled the plastics in the hope that the markets would recover.
'Top dollar for no services': Residents decry council neglect
Residents in the Far North pay up to $5000 in rates but get few services.
Water regulator reviews Kāeo compliance nearly 10 years into boil notice
Lifting Kāeo's boil notice requires expensive equipment, costing thousands of dollars.
ReSport Trust marks two years with major fundraiser, new facility launch
ReSport Trust is celebrating two years with a fundraiser in Whangārei and new location.
Portable building theft leaves man without emergency housing
Business owner laments criminals taking firm's "last available unit in the Hokianga area".
Grandmother's relentless mission to help Kaikohe children succeed
Rachel Velden, 87, volunteers at Kaikohe West School, aiding struggling kids.
From rescue to research: Green turtles released for major project
Five green turtles were released into Rangaunu Harbour in the Far North.
'Something special': 50 manta rays surround sightseeing boat in stunning display
Manta ray and orca sightings captivated locals.
Baby sharks found in Far North rock pools after strong tides
Baby sharks have been spotted in rock pools near Ahipara, drawing local interest.
'Dream into reality': New charter school opens in Northland
Northland's first new charter school opens with 35 enrolments this month in Doubtless Bay.
New owners, new life: Kaitāia's controversial backpackers to be renovated
The Hike and Bike backpackers in Kaitāia has been sold
Northland's first possum detection dog set to aid conservation efforts
Northland's first possum detection dog, Shaka, aids predator-free efforts.
Police admit errors in handling complaint, assault charge against Kaitāia man
Police acknowledge IPCA findings on the unjustified use of force in the Kaitāia incident.
How one woman's Christmas spirit united a community to help families in need
Generous Kaitaia community answers call to support families with Christmas gifts.
Kaitāia teen completes Minecraft replica of hometown in global project
Kaitāia teen achieves dream, recreates town on Minecraft’s global Build the Earth project.
Rider Sports' legacy continues as local family takes over historic store
Mike Rider retires, hands over iconic store to local couple Kane and Laura Attwood.
'Milestone': Iwi celebrate ownership deal for Kaitāia Airport
Kaitāia Airport deal finalised; Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu take ownership.
Air NZ drops several Northland flights, raising connectivity concerns
Air NZ cuts flights to Kerikeri and Whangārei, raising concerns over Northland's economy.
Northland's greatest rugby players immortalised
The Northland Rugby Union is auctioning 30 framed jerseys to celebrate 100 years of rugby.
Tight-knit Oruru Garden Club marks 66 years with holiday gathering
Sixty-six years of camaraderie for Oruru Garden Club.
Grief affects half of Kiwis, study reveals
‘Grief needs to be recognised’, says Katrina King; many rely on untrained friends.
From pillar to pou: Community centre memories etched in special carvings
The Ngā Tai Tokorua community whare was demolished last week.
Frequent water outages in Far North cause frustration
Residents are frustrated by frequent water outages; council explores long-term upgrades.
Property manager fined $2000 for breaching settlement confidentiality
ERA upholds settlement terms and fines property manager.
Volunteers unite to pack 35,000 Christmas Boxes for those in need
Christmas Box aims to reach more families than ever as cost of living impacts Christmas.
Local businesses optimistic as Northland readies for summer influx
Kiwis face budget strains as food, utilities, and insurance costs rise ahead of Christmas.
Pet owners warned of scam demanding payment for lost pets
SPCA warns of scam calls targeting pet owners, demanding payment to retrieve lost animals.
Glamuzina Architects honoured for Ngāti Kuri’s Kā Uri centre design
Kā Uri centre wins award for its stunning kauri woodwork and cultural significance.
Taipa Twilight Market sparkles with local produce and festive cheer
Taipa Twilight Market features 70+ vendors, fresh produce, and unique artisanal gifts.
Kerikeri’s Egg Cups shine at Eden Park, finish fourth in quiz showdown
Egg Cups aim for win next year after securing fourth at the National Quiz in Auckland.
Heartfelt thanks: Bay of Islands Farmers' Market hits 20-year milestone
Bay of Islands Farmers' Market celebrates two decades.
Russell ferry collision: Lack of watchkeeping standards contributed to collision - report
TAIC report included four reasons why the accident happened.
Early childhood crisis: Kaitāia families wait up to two years for childcare
Parents stay home to care for kids: 'We are trying to juggle the bills on one income.'
New Pukenui solar farm takes shape as Government boosts climate change efforts
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts visits Pukenui solar farm
Rising Stars: Whangārei boxers set to shine at National Amateur Boxing Championships
Kye Hiko and Lucas Potter are set to make an impression at the tournament in Christchurch.
Person killed in Waimamaku accident may have been struck by a vehicle, police say
One person killed after Waimamaku road accident
New Northland Rugby Union chairwoman excited to drive Northland Rugby to be the best
Northland Rugby celebrates new board chairperson