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.
![Students return to school amid 'a mixture of Covid-19, the nasty flu, and disastrous weather'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Students return to school amid 'a mixture of Covid-19, the nasty flu, and disastrous weather'
Northland schools try to keep the doors open despite staff shortages and wet weather.
![Will the new Equity Index save Northland's deprived education sector?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Will the new Equity Index save Northland's deprived education sector?
A new school funding system reveals Northland as the region with the greatest need.
![Afghan families learn how to swim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Afghan families learn how to swim
Afghan families settled in Whananaki find their first swim lessons fun and exciting.
![Cost of living has a dampening effect on Northland house buyers' appetite](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cost of living has a dampening effect on Northland house buyers' appetite
Northland's median price remains unchanged from June 2021, sitting at $700,000.
!['It was funny and very lucky to spot humpback whale so close to home'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It was funny and very lucky to spot humpback whale so close to home'
Visitors in Northland blessed with the rare sight of humpback whales feeding in the water.
![Dairy staff detectives find getaway car, weapons after suspects' social media boast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch: Gone in 60 seconds - thieves loot store's cigarette shelves
Terrified worker hides in back room as four males strip tobacco products.
![Cosplay fans gather at the Plunge Pop Culture Convention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cosplay fans gather at the Plunge Pop Culture Convention
Plunge Pop Culture Convention organiser is excited for the first event in Kerikeri.
![Save Our Sands protest: 'When every grain of the sand is gone, it will never be replaced'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Save Our Sands protest: 'When every grain of the sand is gone, it will never be replaced'
Around 300 people protest against renewal of sand mining resource consent in Mangawhai.
![Northland mum teaches how to save money and still make good, healthy kai](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
!['Changing my food habits has saved my life'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Changing my food habits has saved my life'
Amber's Kitchen is first of a kind eatery in Northland, now open in Whangārei. .
!['We are basically in a crisis': Northland's ECE centre director on the Teaching Council fee and levy changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
!['Baptism of whaea': The boom in women's football](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Baptism of whaea': The boom in women's football
FC Whangārei Women's team takes part in the Northland 2nd Division, first time since 2014.
![7-year-old to take part in World Hip-Hop Dance Competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
7-year-old to take part in World Hip-Hop Dance Competition
Northland DDF dance crew qualifies for Hip-Hop International, but there's a catch.
![Graduating teachers carry region's hopes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Graduating teachers carry region's hopes
Tai Tokerau's education graduates share their learning experiences
![Education leader lauds Government strategy targeting 'disappearing students'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
![It's a dog's world: Meet the Helena Bay celebrity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
It's a dog's world: Meet the Helena Bay celebrity
Helena Bay's celebrity big dog Leo knows he is getting all the attention and loves it.
![Whangārei's first-ever Pride Festival still happening - just a year later](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whangārei's first-ever Pride Festival still happening - just a year later
Whangārei PROUD has big announcements to make in an upcoming community hui.
!['The system is broken': Kids falling out of school puts demand on Alternative Education](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
![Grisly discovery of 100 dead penguins horrifies Far North locals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Grisly discovery of 100 dead penguins horrifies Far North locals
The warmer sea temperatures in Northland make it difficult for little penguins to breed.
![Students stranded as school bus firms cancel run at short notice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
![Migrant mental health: Woman stays home for more than a year afraid to ask for help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Migrant mental health: Woman stays home for more than a year afraid to ask for help
Demand for mental health support is growing within the migrant community.
![Tai Tokerau teen helps Afghan families make a splash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tai Tokerau teen helps Afghan families make a splash
Whangārei school's mufti day fundraiser will help Afghani families in Whananaki.
![Queen's Birthday Honours: Noel Birchall's half a century of conservation recognised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Queen's Birthday Honours: Noel Birchall's half a century of conservation recognised
Noel Birchall recalls witnessing transformation of the Northland Fish and Game Council.
![Histories of NZ can cause friction between cultures if not delivered right](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland's biggest tertiary education provider hopeful Budget 2022 breaks down barriers
NorthTec's chief executive welcomes Budget 2022 investment into vocational education.
![Shave for Cure by Whangārei students raises thousands of dollars](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Shave for Cure by Whangārei students raises thousands of dollars
Whangārei Boys' High School and NorthTec students come together for a "good cause".
![Tai Tokerau Principals' Association president pleased with Budget 2022](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School principal goes door-knocking to fight student absenteeism
A Whangārei principal is breaking down barriers between the school and whānau.
![Trades training receives $230m boost in Budget 2022](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Trades training receives $230m boost in Budget 2022
The investment will provide support for another 24,000 apprentices.
![Northland family reunited with Ukrainian mum: 'Many happy tears and warm cuddles' followed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland family reunited with Ukrainian mum: 'Many happy tears and warm cuddles' followed
Northland man sells his most prized possession to build his mother-in-law a house.
![Parua Bay School reflects on 150-year history with celebrations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Parua Bay School reflects on 150-year history with celebrations
A Whangārei school celebrates its 150th anniversary in the presence of mana whenua.
![Principals fear staff cuts as Covid keeps kids away from school](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Principals fear staff cuts as Covid keeps kids away from school
Northland principals are hoping students begin their return to the classroom.
![Onerahi house fire: Pregnant neighbour feared for her home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Onerahi house fire: Pregnant neighbour feared for her home
Four crews responded to a house fire in Onerahi today.
!['I had nothing': Teens ditch education to pay the bills instead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I had nothing': Teens ditch education to pay the bills instead
University is the least favoured option for Northland students post-school.
![Take a bow: 18-year-old thespian to perform at Shakespeare's Globe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Take a bow: 18-year-old thespian to perform at Shakespeare's Globe
Darius Martin-Baker, 18, is fundraising to get to the UK for intensive theatre training.
![Save your chip packets and reduce 80 years of landfill decomposition, and also help someone with a warm night's sleep](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Save your chip packets and reduce 80 years of landfill decomposition, and also help someone with a warm night's sleep
Each survival sheet uses 44 chip packets, equivalent to 3520 recycling years.
!['It is time for some tough love' to address Northland's truancy issue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A new era for Whangārei Boys' High School
Whangārei Boys' High School's new building is fit for modern education outcomes.
![Whangārei cyclist wins big at national para cycling competition after almost cancelling the trip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whangārei cyclist wins big at national para cycling competition after almost cancelling the trip
Cyclist Kyren Andrew's eventual goal is to compete in the Paralympics.
![Plunge Pop Culture Convention ready for a trip to Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Plunge Pop Culture Convention ready for a trip to Far North
Plunge Enterprise director Aruneshwar Singh excited for fourth convention in Whangārei,
![Northland DHB asks families to assist with hospital care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland DHB asks families to assist with hospital care
Northland hospitals request patients' family members to ease some pressure off the staff.
!['We just needed to get together, share some stories': Principals enjoy much-needed get-together](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
![Northland's highest level rider finishes fifth at National One Day Championship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland's highest level rider finishes fifth at National One Day Championship
Around 200 top riders headed to Whangārei for the National 4 Star One Day Championship.
![A damp end to Easter weekend for Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A damp end to Easter weekend for Northland
Monday will bring more rain and wind to Northland.
![Kaikohe's local heroes look forward to the booming opportunities coming to town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
!['We are living in the renaissance period of Whangārei', says GiraGlob designer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We are living in the renaissance period of Whangārei', says GiraGlob designer
The backstory of Whangārei's GiraGlob - the first of many to be created worldwide.
!['As a parent, it is a really degrading situation, both financially and mentally': Northland mum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'As a parent, it is a really degrading situation, both financially and mentally': Northland mum
Northland kids are missing out on healthy food as the cost is too high for some families.
![TikTok's 'dangerous blackout' trend can be life-threatening, doctor warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
TikTok's 'dangerous blackout' trend can be life-threatening, doctor warns
Kiwi teen suffered a seizure when attempting 'blackout' due to social media trend.
!['We can start the healing process': Northlanders react to Government overhaul of Covid restrictions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We can start the healing process': Northlanders react to Government overhaul of Covid restrictions
Northland is 'moving in the right direction', say those impacted by Covid restrictions.
![Mahi Pai's Northland tour: spreading magic and uplifting tamariki wellness, not to influence whānau's vaccine choice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mahi Pai's Northland tour: spreading magic and uplifting tamariki wellness, not to influence whānau's vaccine choice
Mahi Pai's Northland campaign to promote tamariki hygiene will continue till April.
![Huanui College scores big at Cambridge International assessment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Huanui College scores big at Cambridge International assessment
Principal "proud' after six students score at Cambridge International assessment.
![Northland students are ready to fight the Aquabots war](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northland students are ready to fight the Aquabots war
Northland year 6 to 13 students will compete their underwater robots next month.
![GiraGlob: A world-first sculpture right in Whangārei's backyard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
GiraGlob: A world-first sculpture right in Whangārei's backyard
The peculiar blue addition to the Town Basin seats seven people.
![Pūtahi Park's interactive water feature becomes Whangārei hot spot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Pūtahi Park's interactive water feature becomes Whangārei hot spot
Kids have time of their lives playing in Town Basin's water jets.
![Tribesmen and Killer Beez gang members arrested after 'violent' clashes in Kaikohe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
![Ukrainian mum safe in Slovakia, family in Northland worries for how long?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ukrainian mum safe in Slovakia, family in Northland worries for how long?
Tetiana Torbina has crossed the Ukrainian borders and awaits to unite with family in NZ.
![Basketballer Kendell Heremaia's grandparents 'over the moon' at her US success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Basketballer Kendell Heremaia's grandparents 'over the moon' at her US success
Northlander Kendell Heremaia is having major success on international basketball courts.
!['Families have to choose between fuel and food': Will 25c off a litre help Northlanders?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Families have to choose between fuel and food': Will 25c off a litre help Northlanders?
Fuel has become slightly cheaper following the Government announcement on Monday.