Avneesh Vincent is a Multimedia Journalist based in Whangārei for the Northern Advocate, reporting on crime and emergency issues regionally.
Avneesh strongly believes in giving a voice to people who feel unheard and writes stories that make a difference. He began his career as an environment and arts reporter at the Gisborne Herald in 2021 after graduating from Massey University in Wellington, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. During his two years there, he developed strong relationships with the local community, working to uncover the underlying issues and holding powerful institutions and people accountable. He hails from the bustling metropolitan city of Kolkata in India, where he completed his BSc in Mass Communication and Videography - and is an award-winning freelance filmmaker covering social issues. You can contact Avneesh at avneesh.vincent@nzme.co.nz
Police arrested four men who robbed Waipapa store and assaulted staff member
A number of display cabinets in the store were damaged and one staff member was assaulted
Northland officer investigated for allegedly accessing data and other matters
An 'employment process' found the officer had breached the Police Code of Conduct.
Camellia enthusiasts put up an impressive floral show in Whangārei
Whangārei Camellia Show saw hundreds turn up to enjoy the floral experience.
Dargaville residents "terrified and frustrated" by noisy burnouts
'Everyone including my wife and me is terrified.'
Police working hard to uncover details behind death of Jo Sione-Lauaki
An investigation into the unexplained death of the Dargaville woman is continuing.
Mangawhai Surf Club signs agreement with council to fix major slip
Funds have been found and repair work could begin in October.
Relocation company apologises after house slides off trailer and blocks Northland Rd
Kaiwaka road closed for eight hours after house slips from trailer.
'Transpower owes the people of Northland': Leaders disappointed with company's 'weak' response
Transpower's response lacks explanation on fair compensation for Northland businesses.
Whangārei school ex-chair remembered as 'the kindest man on earth'
"...We as a community wish to send our deepest love and support to his whanau..."
'Greatly disappointing': War memorial vandalism angers community
"Those who did this should be ashamed of themselves."
Growing mistrust in law enforcement amidst long police wait times in Northland
Public losing confidence in police after long wait times spanning more than an hour.
Northland sci-fi and fantasy festival a grand success second year in a row
The Festival is a huge community spirit booster.
'We feel so helpless': Attempted robbery leaves owners shaken
The dairy owner was assaulted before the offenders fled.
Maungaturoto Primary School burglary: Red Truck captured stealing sports container
“I think it’s a real shame since it’s stealing off kids really.”
Probe into Northland shellfish deaths proves inconclusive
The mass death event in Pataua was the second since 2022.
Northland Police recover vehicle used in gunshot incident, seek more information
Police appeal for sightings of vehicle in Whangārei firearms incident
Delays expected after serious crash in Whangārei causes road closure
Serious crash blocks Ngunguru Road in Glenbervie, Northland
New patrol vehicle to help with quick crime reporting in Whangārei
The role of any patrol volunteer is to observe and report any suspicious activities.
Public behaviour hailed as disappointing following cop assaults in Northland
Communities urged to keep their cool after assault on cops.
'Someone knows something': Police reveal extent of youngster's injuries before death
Further details released in the historical child death case.
Police crash investigator retires after 43 years
Sport is what helped him pass the police fitness tests regularly.
Charities face rising demand from pensioners as living costs hit home
'Like most elderly, I don’t want to feel like I’m a burden to anyone.'
Police speaking with two 'people of interest' after unexplained 2015 death of Alestra Kepa-Hati
The four-year-old died in 2015 - police revealed this week they are investigating.
Police investigating unexplained death of young child from nine years ago
Kaikohe police are investigating a 9 year old historical child death.
IPCA reviewing firearm incident after shot fired, wanted man injured in fall
Investigations are under way into a Far North incident in which police fired a shot.
Bridge vs Truck: Another truck hits Rust Ave structure, the second in two weeks
Whangārei rail overbridge in Rust Ave hit by truck for 16th time.
'Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders
Simeon Brown orders Electricity Authority review into pylon collapse.
Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland
Parts of Northland were without power after a pylon toppled near Wellsford.
Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water
'There will obviously be an investigation into the incident and what caused it.'
Far North areas worst hit by heavy rain, orange warning lifted for Northland
Some risk still exists: 'We’ll definitely be keeping a really close eye on it.'
Bridge vs truck: Whangārei structure hit by vehicle yet again
The Rust Avenue bridge has been struck 15 times since 2004.
Working Justice systems behind Northland's drop in ram raids
80 per cent of the ram raids were committed by young people aged 10 to 17.
Unborn baby killed, others critically injured in crash with stolen vehicle
Police are investigating a serious crash on State Highway 1 in Okaihau on Monday evening.
Increasing prison beds will not reduce crime, say experts
'Using prisons to deter crime or reoffending doesn’t work.'
Pepper sprayed: IPCA finds Northland officer's actions to capture offender justified
Police acknowledge IPCA report into justified use of force during public disorder.
Kaikohe policeman awarded for 35 years of service to his Far North community
His secret for his long-standing service is his “love for the job” and “incredible family.
King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work
Our reporters caught up with the recipients.
Man dies after his vehicle crashed into trees in Far North
The car rolled on a gentle bend and hit trees.
Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget
Mixed feelings on Budget even though some say Willis delivered what she promised.
Teens allegedly driving stolen vehicle crash after failing to stop for Far North police
'All four occupants were still inside the vehicle and medical assessment was sought.'
'Keep yourself safe': Northland paramedic reflects on the lives lost in crashes
'No one leaves the same person they were before.'
Northlanders turn up in large numbers to support Road Safety Week 2024
"The road toll is not just some number but somebody’s loved one who died on the road."
Civil Aviation Authority to inquire into Northland helicopter crash
Civil Aviation Authority plans to understand what 'exactly' happened and why.
Youths who threatened shop staff following aggravated robbery in Northland, arrested
Speedy Police response locks in four arrests.
Ruawai firefighter opens up on attending ‘horrifying’ fatal crashes in Northland
"Speed is the biggest contributor to most fatal crashes."
'Save my dad': Daughter's mission to raise $130k for incurable blood cancer
“Please help save my dad,” appeals the youngest daughter Tayla Bennett.
Teen taken into custody after numerous car break-ins reported in Northland
"Our message ... is simple. You will be held to account.”
Whangārei house fire considered suspicious, says fire investigator
Locals are used to the derelict home being set alight.
Pathway feels unsafe: Commuter concerns with shared route
Commuters describe their unsafe experiences using the Whangārei shared pathway.
Man wanted by police after Tikipunga fatal fire cleared of any suspicion
Police thank the public, Tikipunga homicide investigation continues.
Public donations rake in $140k to keep Whangārei Bird Recovery Centre alive
'This time it was the generosity of the public which saved us.'
Family of missing Northland fisherman keep faith as search continues
Ferzil Babu’s family remember him as a loving husband and a great dad.
Whangārei search: Missing fishermen new to NZ, family spokesperson says
The men, in their mid-30s, had just arrived from India with their wives and children.
Teens shock as they reportedly push man, 80, off bike, laugh then run away
"It’s just shocking. There is nothing funny about elder abuse."
Tikipunga housefire: Police name Hoani Reupena-Tuoro as fire victim
Emergency services were called to an address on Thomas St around 2.40am.
Search continues for fishermen missing in Whangārei Heads
Two fishermen have gone missing in Taiharuru, search efforts underway.
'Not without a fight': Rural police fear more assaults if gang patch ban goes ahead
Rural officers are said to be more vulnerable as they police large areas on their own.
Police continue investigation into the unexplained death of Tikipunga man
A fire started in a car and spread to the house where a critically injured man was found.
Whangārei mum wins contest with 94kg pumpkin
'My jaw dropped on the floor. I couldn’t believe how big my pumpkin had grown.'
Newly released music album from The Surge is Northland's first vinyl in many years
Producing music on vinyl gave it a certain warmth and spatial depth.
Minister of Health Shane Reti officially opens Whangārei's new maternity suite and lab
The new extension is the beginni of creating a parent, tamariki and pēpi health hub.
Half a billion-dollar dry dock project gets Minister’s nod
The dry dock development will have a major impact on Northland.
'She was cheeky, loved to have a laugh': Police honour the memory of officer Gail Shepherd
Gail Shepherd, 49, was farewelled by coworkers with a guard of honour.
Woman at home when trio break in: One arrested, police still looking for others
An 18yo woman was taken into custody and appeared in the Whangārei District Court today.
Fire chief recalls chaotic scene at Kaipara school bus crash
Four people were taken Whangārei and Dargaville hospitals.
Plans to cut rural police allowances will demoralise recruits, cops say
Police cuts would only hurt the overall recruitment of future rural cops in Northland.
Weather warning: Severe thunderstorms, rain and wind to hit Northland
The bad weather is forecast to hit around 6pm and last until 9am on Friday.
Northlander dies after crashing into tree in Ōkaihau
Emergency services were called to a crash on Wehirua Rd around 8.30am.
Spectators unhurt after race car crashes into safety barriers during Northland event
The only injury is to a woman who grazed an elbow after falling backwards from the impact.
Fire chief says Waipu crash was 'difficult' scene as drivers trapped and children hurt
'It’s been a while since we attended a serious incident of this nature.'
Surfer shares heartfelt thanks after reunion with rescuers
A reunion for surfer who suffered a cardiac arrest in the waves at Mangawhai Heads.
Iwi wants Crown to pay for return of hapū land, site of former Towai school
'Our people also want to know whether we can trust the crown in these matters.'
Lack of support: Northland principals hit back over bad behaviour in classrooms
It's not about naughtiness, it's about kids who are seriously disturbed, says principal.
'Our most successful one so far': Thousands attend Waipu Easter Carnival
'It really takes the whole of Waipu to make this possible.'
Firefighters battling two large scrub fires in Far North
Seven fire appliances from Kawakawa, Hikurangi and Whangārei brigades rushed to the scene.
Teen breaks his own national record in 100m backstroke
"I didn’t expect to break my own record, but it feels pretty good."
Robert Webb thanks public for $43K in donations to keep the centre alive
We didn’t really expect this overwhelming sort of support from the public.
Whangape Harbour scrub fire treated as suspicious, firefighter says
The scrub fire decimated 50ha of vegetation.