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Julie Paton
Northern Advocate columnist

Julie Paton is a Northern Advocate columnist writing about things rural.

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 Julie’s latest content
Premium
Not sure which is worse, drought or paradise ducks
The Country

Not sure which is worse, drought or paradise ducks

05 Mar 02:00 AM
Premium
Rose above the rest at garden club annual show
The Country

Rose above the rest at garden club annual show

14 Nov 01:00 AM

A weekly round-up of community news and events from the Bream Bay area.

Premium
Contest to find 'Fastest Milker in the Shire'
The Country

Contest to find 'Fastest Milker in the Shire'

01 Aug 02:00 AM

A weekly round-up of community news and events from the Bream Bay area.

Little Luna happy with feathered friends
The Country

Little Luna happy with feathered friends

23 Jan 11:00 PM

Most of the chickens followed Luna out to run madly around the garden and resist recapture

Rural Ramblings: Pip's over puppy love
The Country

Rural Ramblings: Pip's over puppy love

27 Jun 05:00 PM

Maybe canine baby brain is actually a thing.

Rural Ramblings: New Life for Bex and Bruce
The Country

Rural Ramblings: New Life for Bex and Bruce

29 Jun 05:00 AM

When you live in the country, you soon see a vast number of feral cats share it too.

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