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
![Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Whangape Harbour scrub fire treated as suspicious, firefighter says
The scrub fire decimated 50ha of vegetation.
![More than 3500 eels found dead in stream: Second mass death this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
More than 3500 eels found dead in stream: Second mass death this year
It was a shock to see so many elvers dead.
![‘Deliberately lit’ scrub fires in Ruakākā taking toll on firefighters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
‘Deliberately lit’ scrub fires in Ruakākā taking toll on firefighters
More than 30 firefighters roused from their beds after blazes deliberately lit at 2am.
![Whangārei's Pride: The 'colourful identity' of rainbow community celebrated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Whangārei's Pride: The 'colourful identity' of rainbow community celebrated
It’s refreshing to see Whangārei learning to accept the LGBTQ community.
!['You have a choice' road safety experts say after 3 teens die in separate crashes across two days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'You have a choice' road safety experts say after 3 teens die in separate crashes across two days
Families and the community are being called on to be role models for young drivers.
![Whangārei Bird Recovery Centre appeals for $200K in donations or risks closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Whangārei Bird Recovery Centre appeals for $200K in donations or risks closure
“If we don’t get the funding, we will have no choice but to close the centre"
![Mangamuka homicide: Police name Far North stabbing victim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Mangamuka homicide: Police name Far North stabbing victim
Police have arrested three people in relation to the Mangamuka homicide in the Far North.
![Grandmother ‘heartbroken’ after losing everything in Northland house fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Grandmother ‘heartbroken’ after losing everything in Northland house fire
“I still can’t get over the shock that my home is no more."
![Far North community furious at drivers illegally parking across disabled parks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Far North community furious at drivers illegally parking across disabled parks
'Frustrating for our customers who are actually disabled,' a business owner says.
![Appeal for sightings of vehicle linked to Ruakākā homicide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Appeal for sightings of vehicle linked to Ruakākā homicide
Police are on the lookout for a vehicle of interest in connection to the Ruakākā homicide.
!['My mum just has this beautiful approach to life' Family ask for support after mum injured in crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'My mum just has this beautiful approach to life' Family ask for support after mum injured in crash
'It was a scary and traumatic experience for all of us,' Molloy family say.
!['Vague and ineffective': Scientists criticise new fishing rules on kina barrens in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Vague and ineffective': Scientists criticise new fishing rules on kina barrens in Northland
'While removing kina treats the symptom, it doesn't address the cause of a sick reef.'
![Northland's most lucrative speed cameras revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Northland's most lucrative speed cameras revealed
Research suggests the presence of cameras may help reduce the severity of crashes.
![People responsible for active shooter rumour at Whangārei Girls' High School identified by police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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.
![Man in serious condition after crashing into Kerikeri clothing store](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Man in serious condition after crashing into Kerikeri clothing store
A car driven by a man in his 80s crashed into a shop window.
!['Admiring' young fans lend their support to Blues ahead of Fijian Drua clash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Admiring' young fans lend their support to Blues ahead of Fijian Drua clash
'I want to be like them and play rugby at the top level some day.'
![Pedestrian fatally hit by car remembered as adventurous family man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Pedestrian fatally hit by car remembered as adventurous family man
Emmanuel Nicholson, 35, died on February 6 after he was hit by a car in Matauri Bay.
![Station Rd reopened following closure after gas leak in Whangārei](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Station Rd reopened following closure after gas leak in Whangārei
The road has been closed to traffic from Kamo Rd to the intersection with Farmer St.
![37-year-old farm worker dies after car crash into ditch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
37-year-old farm worker dies after car crash into ditch
The man worked at a local avocado farm and was returning home when the crash occurred.
![Tyre store completely destroyed in fire, health warnings issued](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tyre store completely destroyed in fire, health warnings issued
Fire and emergency has asked locals nearby to stay indoors.
![54yo truckie dies after crashing into trees on State Highway 15](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
54yo truckie dies after crashing into trees on State Highway 15
The logging truck went over the centre line, across the road and into the trees.
![Youth unafraid of consequences: Calls for harsher penalties for fleeing drivers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Youth unafraid of consequences: Calls for harsher penalties for fleeing drivers
Youths, aged between 12-17, are said to make up a significant portion of fleeing drivers.
![Threatening behaviour force Kaipara school to initiate 'precautionary' lockdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Threatening behaviour force Kaipara school to initiate 'precautionary' lockdown
The principal says the school gates were closed as a precautionary measure.
![Still-burning wetland fire forces residents to evacuate their homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Still-burning wetland fire forces residents to evacuate their homes
One mum says she and her children could barely breathe as they fled their home.
![New fishing rules expected to tackle kina infestation in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
New fishing rules expected to tackle kina infestation in Northland
Northland would be the first region to see the changes.
![A New Dawn: Whangārei's first cruise ship lands at Marsden Point, passengers get grand welcome](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
A New Dawn: Whangārei's first cruise ship lands at Marsden Point, passengers get grand welcome
The welcome was a great experience which exceeded their expectation.
!['We all thought we would die' Family grateful to swimmer who saved teen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'We all thought we would die' Family grateful to swimmer who saved teen
The rescuer was only at the beach that day because his son asked him to go there.
![Protesters block access as talks fall through over Far North fishing comp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Protesters block access as talks fall through over Far North fishing comp
The contest protesters have received strict scrutiny from tangata whenua hapū Matakairiri.