Karina Cooper is news director for the Northern Advocate
Karina Cooper is news director at the Northern Advocate based in Whangārei. Inspired by a lifetime of growing up in Northland, she ventured off to the Waikato Institute of Technology to gain a Bachelor of Media Arts majoring in communication and a post-graduate diploma in journalism which gave her the tools to tell the region’s stories. Karina’s career began at the community newspaper, The Whangārei Report, back in 2010. In her first year as a professional journalist, she won APN’s best junior reporter. She continues to uphold those high standards as she has moved into the more fast-paced world of news and as she leads a team of reporters. She has an interest in an array of topics but at the end of the day her favourite stories are always the ones with people at the heart of them. You can contact Karina at karina.cooper@nzme.co.nz.
Evicted from home: Whangārei campers face council's carpark crackdown
The council evicts campers: 'Two weeks before Christmas, we don't need this.'
Security guard brings Christmas magic back to Whangārei's Strand
'It fills my cup," Sharon Edwards says of children enjoying her Christmas decorations.
Gangs hold onto 'precious patches': Two police districts yet to make mark under new rules
Northland gangs comply with new laws as patches prove 'precious' to members.
Man charged with murder after Whangārei house fire that killed 61yo
Police: 'No one else sought' in relation to Whangārei fire that killed John Reuben, 61.
Dangerous Black Power member flees police: Sponge round fired during chase
Police appeal for information as to the whereabouts of Black Power member Toa Pitman.
Didn't leave home for three years: Loneliness 'at epidemic levels' among pensioners in NZ
Loneliness among New Zealand's seniors is reaching epidemic levels, Age Concern says.
Police call off search for small boat linked to transnational crime group
Police didn't say why the search was abandoned a day after announcing the hunt for a vessel.
Toddler falls ill after playing in E. coli-contaminated fountain
Council apologises after E. coli in fountain; changes treatment to prevent future cases.
Woman brutally attacked slams justice system after not learning of abuser's release
The woman received a formal written notice three days before her attacker was released.
'People need to be more open minded': Deaf Northlander's challenge for NZ Sign Language Week
Deaf Northland Alana Best believes people are too timid to try sign language.
Northland's new top cop takes the reins
While the new boss comes from Auckland, his Northland ties aren't too distant.
Region's driving culture needs to change drastically, say police
Northland's road toll this year equates to more than one death a week.
Northlanders at war: A family's search for brave brothers' graves, and a pilot heralded a hero
While war can feel worlds away, its reach is often felt on home soil.
Lest We Forget: A guide to commemorating Anzac Day 2024
The day is a wider remembrance of those soldiers who have fallen.
Wild deer illegally released or farm escapees in firing line as part of Northland crackdown
Sika deer illegally released in the Russell 35 years ago are the first to go.
Northland police uproot large-scale cannabis operation from commercial property
An operation such as the one uncovered could generate millions if undetected, police say.
Fears for winter as council says no to homeless shelter proposal at former old boys' site
Kids as young as 6, elderly, people with cancer, are our homeless, activist says.
'Rare' heart-shaped feijoa up for sale fetches $100 offer online
Is this Northland's most expensive feijoa?
Shell-ebrations as tortoise stolen from reptile park found in Far North
Sadly, the 8-year-old iguana also stolen is still missing.
Govt rejects council's claim over who should cough up emergency services funding
Council is questioning why it is having to top up funding for critical health services.
'Why waste the best years of your life': Advice for living with Parkinson's
Peter Boston, 74, says Parkinson's doesn't mean that life can't be lived and enjoyed.
One dead in Kauri crash, children among seven injured in serious Waipu crash
A person has died in a fatal accident at Kauri, north of Whangārei.
Kawakawa speed camera country's first to have warning signage - where's the rest, says AA
Transport Minister calls out signage delay as "bureaucratic nonsense" he vowed to fix.
SOS: Fears lives may be lost if council cuts emergency services funding
NRC's plans will see Northland's emergency services scramble to make up $1.11m annually.
People responsible for active shooter rumour at Whangārei Girls' High School identified by police
Police found no risk after investigating the potential incident this morning.
ArtBeat proves popular: Showcasing Town Basin as successful festival venue, organisers say
Thousands of people turned out to explore their creative flair at Saturday's festival.
The biggest and best Northland Field Days yet, organiser says
More than 300 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest in farming and lifestyle.
'Yeah, nah': Whangārei Lotto winners shell-shocked by $1m win
The couple won the 'life-changing' prize off a bonus ticket.
75yo Ironman Brian Barach gearing up for milestone event
The addiction continues for long-running Ironman Brian Barach despite highs and lows.
ReSport golfing fundraiser to tee off in the name of helping others
The carnival style day is about giving back to the community, organiser says.
Teen killed in Far North crash: Police warn about wet weather
The rain after weeks of dry weather is said to have contributed to the crash.
Window into the world before Christianity restored after lost taonga found 200 years later
There are more than 16,000 taonga Māori in overseas museums.
Person dies in Far North crash: SH10 reopens
Emergency services are responding to a crash on SH10 near Cottle Drive.
Whangārei Lotto player wins big in Saturday night draw
However, Powerball wasn't won, meaning $10m is up for grabs on Wednesday.
Lock Josh Beehre makes Blues debut against Fijian Drua in Whangārei hometown
The former Whangārei Boys' High School student says he has come full circle.
Fundraiser started for young family who 'lost everything' in house fire
'Fortunately, they are all safe, but they are all shaken from this traumatic incident.'
Mum grabs kids and runs as fire breaks out in kitchen
A young couple have lost everything after their Whangārei home caught fire.
Good Samaritan beaten with bats and bars after trying to stop assault
Police are appealing for the public's help as they investigate the 'cowardly' attacks.
Spate of arrests made after 'violent and brazen' crimes carried out on Northland roads
Police are not ruling out further arrests as they continue their investigations.
'Death is there to make us realise that life is gorgeous': Expert shares why dying isn't taboo
'The fear is to die before you have lived fully. That’s our real fear.'
Fatal crash in Waiharara: Second road death in Northland in less than 24 hours
A person has died and four others have suffered serious to moderate injuries.
Person killed in logging truck crash on State Highway 15
A section of Mangakahia Rd is currently closed.
Cyclone Gabrielle one year on: How Northland is picking up the pieces
Even though a year has passed, remnants of the storm's destruction remain.
Fishing club reeling with delight after record number of marlin catches
The last spike in marlin catches was in 2016 during an El Niño climate pattern.
Tensions flatline at Waitangi Day ceremony - unless you are David Seymour
The Act leader was booed by the crowd at the dawn ceremony.
'The thing with cancer is, it doesn’t discriminate': Young mum's message after shock diagnosis
The 27yo felt at the peak of life when a shock diagnosis turned her world on its head.
What's on this Waitangi weekend
Plenty is on offer to cater for people with all interests this weekend.
Police investigating unexplained death in Bay of Islands
The death is not currently considered suspicious, police say.
Rugby league fundraiser for youth attracts major sporting talent
Among the star-studded line up are Kiwi players Ruben Wiki, Duane Mann, and Jerry Suesue.
Donors help Kaikohe Tooth Fairy they say helped them: Court fines covered by fundraiser
One person donated $7000 to help pay Claire Wihongi-Matene's court imposed fine.
'Much-loved by all': Father named as roadworker killed on the job
Gabriel Fa'amausili is being remembered as a man who cared deeply for his family.
Trapped by tide: Surf lifeguards rescue family clinging to rocks
A high tide and large swells trapped the family inside a cave during a beach outing.
Holidaymaker horrified after child seen hanging on to moving car at beach
A child was seen standing on the vehicle's running board, hanging on to the window.
The car most stolen in Northland revealed
Data shows that vehicle thefts peak between 10pm and 5am.
'Mum would've loved that': Calls to restore and protect Dame Whina Cooper's former home
Cooper's daughter shares her memories of the family home, now worn out.
What the?! Discovery of unusual snake-like animal mystifies dogwalkers
'The way it was lying made it look like a snake. Neither of us wanted to get too close...'
Homeless trespassed from downtown Whangārei streets
A homeless man says he is prevented from accessing the city's only day shelter.
Northland's top baby names for 2023 revealed
Can you guess which baby names proved the most popular in Northland?
Volunteers clean up Maunu Cemetery to help raise community spirit
Friends of Maunu Cemetery help tidy the grounds once a week as a way to give back.
'Hell of a splash': Great white shark spotted near Whangārei Heads
The white pointer, believed to be 3m long, was spotted leaping out of the water.
New Year Honour recognises the '17yo farm boy from Marua' who became a table tennis great
James Morris, 71, has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Granddaughter of late Sir James Hēnare says serving Māori community 'a privilege'
Rowena Tana, 63, has received a QSM for services to the Māori community.
Xmas Appeal 2023: Kaipara women help community heal from sexual and domestic violence
Community meetings in 1984 concerned about sexual and domestic violence sparked change.
Xmas Appeal 2023: Kiwi corridor's major success but Kiwi Coast says there's more to be done
Everyone can play a part in Kiwi Coast's “genetic rescue mission” to help kiwi.
Family man's death at Far North beach led local woman to save lives nationwide
After a heartbreaking drowning at Cable Bay, local Pat Millar decided to take action.
Diver missing in Bay of Islands found dead
The diver was reported missing at Wahihi Bay at 6.40pm on Thursday.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Mum's mission to find job for son with Down syndrome opens doors for others
'Taimahi is more than just a charitable organisation.'
Christmas Appeal 2023: More helping hands needed as victims of crime increase
Victim Support supported more than 48,000 people nationwide last year.
Brynderwyns to close for nine weeks next year, NZTA confirms
Easter is set to be spared as plans for the closure of the Brynderwyns are revealed.
Xmas Appeal 2023: Waipoua Forest Trust's call for more to join conservation mission
The trust's main aim to is protect the forest, which houses much biodiversity.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Northland Impact Trust changes the lives of Far North youth
The trust provides diverse and empowering experiences for youth finding their way.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Ruakākā Dog Rescue's simple festive wish for safe, loved canines
"Our Christmas wish is simple. We dream of every dog finding a safe, secure home."
Dazzling lights, festive inflatables, a snow globe: Your 2023 Christmas Lights Trail guide
Get your dose of Christmas cheer by checking out the hordes of homes lit up.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Seniors ASAP Trust 'absolutely overwhelmed' by demand for elder abuse help
Everyone can play a part in preventing or stopping elder abuse, the trust says.
Iwi put foot down over ashes being scattered at Cape Reinga
'It is very much a place for the living.'
Christmas Appeal 2023: Special Olympics Whangārei 'woefully short of volunteers'
The Olympics where the last athlete across the line gets the biggest cheer.
Whangārei Cat Rescue tackles cat-astrophic problem
The rescue currently has 60 kittens in their care but can take up to 90.
The thinning blue line: Where our police are going and the plans to help them stay
“This is a difficult job. There comes a point in time where you want a change."