Avina Vidyadharan
Multimedia journalist
Avina Vidyadharan, reporter at Northern Advocate working on all community-focused news, but with a special focus on the education sector.
I'm Avina Vidyadharan – I’ve been with the Northern Advocate since 2021. I grew up in India, in a multicultural town called Vadodara. I studied a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication from M S University in India, and worked as a digital journalist for a year before moving to Aotearoa in 2019. My journey in New Zealand began with a PG Diploma in Communications from AUT University. My first journalistic experience in the country soon followed in the rural town of Wairoa. I worked as a community news reporter at the Wairoa Star for nine months, where I was familiarised with the crucial role community plays in the media and vice versa. At the Northern Advocate I am the education eye on the ground. I have covered a huge array of news from the education sector – be it vaccine mandates or award-winning students, as well as sharing the voices of 5-year-olds with Government officials. I have a real hunger for new narratives, which pushes me beyond focusing entirely on education. Working in a regional newspaper has again restored the understanding of community-focused news and so I cover and write any story that advocates a human voice. Outside work, you may find me awkward, funny, or maybe like my boss described me - a “straight up gangster”. But honestly, I am still processing my big shift to this country and learning everything it has to offer.
Check out Avina’s latest content
Dairy staff detectives find getaway car, weapons after suspects' social media boast
Tutukaka store robber posts selfie with stolen cigarettes on social media.
Watch: Gone in 60 seconds - thieves loot store's cigarette shelves
Terrified worker hides in back room as four males strip tobacco products.
Northland mum teaches how to save money and still make good, healthy kai
Haurora Wānanga is part of the winter wellness campaign encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Rise of the anti-social customer: Wife locked man in bedroom to protect delivery driver
Sociologist recommends ways to achieve more tolerance in society.
'Twindemic' of Covid, flu hammering Northland schools
At Kerikeri High, Northland's biggest school, up to 30 teachers are off sick each day.
'Triumphant and symbolic moment for Northland's international education sector'
Northland prepares to welcome international students for the first time since March 2020.
'They will have one glance at us and will change direction or cross the road': Whangarei queer teens face homophobia
The Library Gays in Whangarei was formed to create a safe space for queer teens.
Northland rangatahi claims a double with speech and table tennis wins
Whangārei teen wins big at Race Unity speech contest and secondary schools sports titles.
'It is up to us, as members of Aotearoa, to work towards racial unity' : says Northland teen on winning Race Unity Speech Awards winner
Northland student is named the joint national winner of the Race Unity Speech Awards.
'We are basically in a crisis': Northland's ECE centre director on the Teaching Council fee and levy changes
Northland's education leaders ponder upon the effects of the Teaching Council fee changes.
Graduating teachers carry region's hopes
Tai Tokerau's education graduates share their learning experiences
Education leader lauds Government strategy targeting 'disappearing students'
The strategy aims to return vanishing students to classrooms around the country.
'If the wages were liveable, I wouldn't leave' NorthTec nursing graduate moves to Australia
NorthTec holds four graduation ceremonies over two days to celebrate two graduate cohorts.
'The system is broken': Kids falling out of school puts demand on Alternative Education
Alternative education space in Northland is filled with over-capacity and minimal funding.
Students stranded as school bus firms cancel run at short notice
A severe lack of local bus drivers has left some families scrambling to get kids home.
More youth encouraged to connect with culture through marae-based workshop
Rangatahi Ora is conducting a three-day marae-based workshop from June 17 to 19.
Histories of NZ can cause friction between cultures if not delivered right
Northland education experts reflect on the teaching of the new NZ history curriculum.
For Whangārei school students, 'drama class is their safe haven'
A Whangārei school drama team fundraises to get to National Shakespeare Drama Festival.
'Northland young kids were getting addicted to vaping, while many parents have no clue'
Northland smoke-free adviser blames the increase in vaping retailers for more kids vaping
'If a week is enough to solve the problems of a 'disturbed child', pigs can fly too'
Northland Principals worry the Interim Response Fund in the region is "just not enough".
Education expert disappointed Northland didn't contribute more in curriculum changes
The new Aotearoa New Zealand's histories and Te Takanga o Te Wā curriculum begins in 2023.
Whangārei students walk more than 20km to raise money
Kamo Intermediate School students and teachers do the Mighty Walk, for fun and a cause.
Ruawai College students revel in overhauled curriculum
Ruawai College gives students the liberty to choose their own learning modules.
Northland's biggest tertiary education provider hopeful Budget 2022 breaks down barriers
NorthTec's chief executive welcomes Budget 2022 investment into vocational education.
Trades training receives $230m boost in Budget 2022
The investment will provide support for another 24,000 apprentices.
Tai Tokerau Principals' Association president pleased with Budget 2022
$3b is targeting some of the right areas, according to Pat Newman.
School principal goes door-knocking to fight student absenteeism
A Whangārei principal is breaking down barriers between the school and whānau.
'It is time for some tough love' to address Northland's truancy issue
In term 1, Northland schools see the lowest attendance averaging 73 per cent.
Covid in schools: How does Northland cases compare nationally?
Data suggests Northland schools may have fared far better than elsewhere in the country.
A new era for Whangārei Boys' High School
Whangārei Boys' High School's new building is fit for modern education outcomes.
'We just needed to get together, share some stories': Principals enjoy much-needed get-together
Northland principals revitalise at a three-day conference in Waitangi.
Kaikohe's local heroes look forward to the booming opportunities coming to town
Kaikohe community has bounced back from the recent gang violence, says community heroes.
Kiwi kids urged to stay clear of TikTok's 'potentially life-threatening' new craze
'Teenagers since the dawn of time have done stupid things but this is another level.'
Principals reflect on mandates after vax requirements dropped
Northland school principals welcome the removal of vaccine mandates.
'Closing schools as a last resort is not flattening the curve', says epidemiologist
The best protection for immunocompromised children might be online learning.
What was the point? The impact of vaccine mandates in Northland and their purpose
Covid-19 modeller explains the need for introducing and removing vaccine mandates.
TikTok's 'dangerous blackout' trend can be life-threatening, doctor warns
Kiwi teen suffered a seizure when attempting 'blackout' due to social media trend.
Northland students are ready to fight the Aquabots war
Northland year 6 to 13 students will compete their underwater robots next month.
Tribesmen and Killer Beez gang members arrested after 'violent' clashes in Kaikohe
Eleven people, as young as 15, were arrested with police not ruling out more to follow.
Basketballer Kendell Heremaia's grandparents 'over the moon' at her US success
Northlander Kendell Heremaia is having major success on international basketball courts.
Northland Pre Apprentice Trades students' gift to kohanga reo kids is a win-win
The students built a sandpit for kohanga reo kids.
Northland family desperate to fast-track Ukrainian visa process, as mum flees war-zone with single backpack
Northland man pushes to bring his mother-in-law from Ukraine to New Zealand.
School bus operators try to steer through driver shortages
School transport operators are upset with the lack of financial support against Omicron.
Frustrated on the frontline: Northland education leaders want critical worker status and easier access to RATs
Northland education leaders demand RATs kits for teachers and school staff.
Collaboration, not competition: Northland school goes subjects-free
Ruawai College's new "learning packages" involve themes and experiences.
Northland educators sparring stances on whether schools should become vaccination sites
Many in Northland are not convinced that schools should be used as vaccination centers.
Northland principals hit back over rumours schools to become vaccine clinics
Northland schools have rejected the Government's calls for onsite vaccination centres.
Back to School: Northland schools ease some financial pressure for parents
Tai Tokerau schools help out parents with free stationery, food, and electronic devices.
Whangārei's Adventure Adrenaline Park will have NZ's first full-size cable wakeboarding system
Adrenaline Adventure Park will host the NZ IWWF cable wakeboarding nationals this year.
Family distraught after dog attacks pet on owner's property
Now the hunt is on to identify the dog and the man who was walking it.
'No warning': Eruption surges sink 12 boats, smash marina
Northland - just recovering from lockdown - takes another hit.
Aggravated robberies: 'It is a vicious cycle, dairy owners suffer all loss'
Here's why Northland dairy owners are hesitant to speak against aggravated robberies.
Margery Pita has given more than 50 years to NZ music industry
Singer and dancer for over 50 years, Margery Pita accepts honour on behalf of the band.
New Year Honours: Northland principal humbled by NZ Order of Merit honour
Hora Hora School principal Pat Newman receives honour for his services to education.
It is a privilege to be of service to education, says Louise Ānaru-Tangira
Northland principal achieves high Māori student progress by working with the community.
Car thefts, aggravated assault and ramraids keep police busy
Platypus Whangārei and Bank Street Foodmart ram raided on Wednesday night.
'I'll take you on a boot ride': Northland nurse's life threatened by anti-vaxxer
'I do not take these threats too lightly,' nurse Hanibrez Sipu says of extreme abuse.
The Great Kiwi Bake Off 2021 crown goes to Whangārei doctor Alby Hailes
Alby Hailes, 26, goes through a roller-coaster of emotions after winning a TV reality show
Northland records lowest vaccination among full-time and day relief teachers
Response from 90.8% of Northland schools shows 6.7% of teachers have refused vaccination.
Principal receives awards for both leadership and mentoring
Manaia View School principal wins a crystal trophy and $10000 grant in an online ceremony.
Hana Kōkō comes to Christmas Parade riding on his horse and cart
The Moerewa Christmas Parade was attended by at least 300 people.
'Confusing': Mixed reactions as life in the red starts
Whangārei hospitality staff say My Vaccine Pass system is much-needed but also confusing.
Whangārei man attacked after refusing to buy drugs
A 27-year-old was attacked by a group of four last month after they barged into his car.
Dairy owner robbed at gunpoint: 'My daughter was so scared she couldn't sleep'
Tuesday's aggravated robbery is the latest attack on Whangārei dairy businesses.
'Less stress' for students sitting NCEA
It is uncertain how many Northland students are sitting for their NCEA exams this year.
Northland home-based childcare providers fear closing business as vaccine mandate bites in
Private home-based care won't have government funding or safety checks.
Ethnic communities willing to help police tackle hate crime
Whangārei ethnic community members discuss the fear of rising hate crime with the police
Whangārei young entrepreneur wins prestigious award, aspires to be the first Māori vet nurse in Ngāti Hine rohe
Arwyn Henare, 15, and team win Rangatahi Māori Company of the Year.
'Where is simple humanity?': Teen attacked and racially abused
A 15-year-old was critically injured in a racially motivated crime in Whangārei.
Health and education leaders waiting to see full impact of mandate
Wait for numbers of Northland health and education workers who refuse vaccine.
Principals brace themselves as vaccine mandate kicks in
Northland principals are working on a solution to fill up staff positions.
Nadia's Whole Garden will supply locally grown produce to a new Whangārei water-top restaurant
NCAA champion to a market gardener, Nadia Pavlovich's life took a turn when she fell sick.
MoE works closely with Northland school and kura leaders on how to manage unvaccinated employees
Some Northland school principals and kura leaders anticipate staff shortages.
Northland school principals say schools are missing out on a multicultural experience as international borders remain closed
Northland schools see a reduction of $1.1M in international students' income last year.
Student misses a month of school due to Covid lockdown
A Whangārei Boys' High School student stuck on Great Barrier Island since August.
Hikoi of Truth protest unwelcome in Waitangi as Northland grapples with Covid
Northland iwi has rebuked Hīkoi of Truth protesters for the timing of their stand.
School kids write to mayor over lack of footpath
Hurupaki School kids want to ride their bikes to school but there is no footpath
Tutor loses 20% of students after mandating vaccination in class
A Northland maths tutor is shocked by low vaccination numbers in Northland.
Try economy instead of courier, snowed-under NZ Post tells Northlanders
NZ Post faces increasing demand for courier service amidst Covid-19 changing alert levels.
Schools will and should be involved in Oranga Tamariki's new system, says Pat Newman
Pat Newman is positive about the new changes and recommendations for Oranga Tamariki.