Sarah Curtis is a Multimedia Journalist for The Northern Advocate.
Sarah Curtis is a Multimedia Journalist with the Northern Advocate, based in Whangārei, where she focuses on a range of issues. She has been a journalist for about 20 years and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference to everyday people - helping to give them a voice, highlight inequities and hold authorities to account. Much of Sarah's career has been in covering the courts - mainly in Gisborne and on the East Coast. She is especially passionate about Environmental issues. Sarah is qualified with a Certificate in Journalism, from Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru, and also has a degree in Fine Arts from the Dunedin School of Art and a post-graduate diploma in secondary teaching from Waikato University. In her spare time, Sarah likes to spend time exploring New Zealand's natural spaces, particularly Northland’s beaches. She is also a keen photographer. You can contact Sarah at Sarah.Curtis@nzme.co.nz.
‘It’s real bad’: Northland’s shocking rate of vehicle testing failures
More than a quarter of the country's vehicles fail their fitness checks on testing
Missing boat still a big hazard, owner considers court action
A ketch left to drift on police instructions during a rescue last year remains missing.
Final curtain call for much-loved theatre stalwart killed in Kaipara crash
Michael Craig Collins (Mike) died in a single-vehicle crash at Kaipara this month.
Teenager named as victim of shooting at Whangārei layby
Police have released the name of a teenager fatally shot at a layby area in Ōtaika.
Stockman tramples council's claims mustering wild cattle is too dangerous and difficult
A man claims he offered a year ago to deal with wild cattle problem on Whangārei Heads.
Campground visitor fee dispute sparks tension for holidaying family
A woman was charged a $20 visitor fee for an hour stay at Tauranga Bay Holiday Park.
Mooring piracy rampant during windy summer – Harbourmaster
Mooring piracy has been an issue for boaties in Northland this summer.
Northland farmers see golden tourism opportunity
The Northland farming couple turning fields into gold
Police make Whangārei robberies arrest after spotting suspect vehicle
Police have arrested a 16-year-old on suspicion of involvement in two robberies.
Kiwi dies of dehydration amid Northland’s dry conditions, rain offers relief
Ranger Bevan Morgan found the kiwi unconscious on January 11.
What does a hot, dry summer mean for kiwi?
Northland's had a hot, dry summer - what does that mean for kiwi?
'Pathetic' sewerage system poorly designed from the start: Drainlayer
Coastal residents despair as sewage continues to spill into picturesque bay.
What's with all the kiwi in central Whangārei?
Why are kiwi being spotted in Whangārei's central business district?
Russell Forest less 61 feral deer during joint conservation initiative
Efforts to eradicate feral deer from Northland are going well, authorities say
'Emotional train wreck': Skipper's ordeal after ketch left to drift
Yachtie says his $250,000 ketch is adrift off Northland after rescuers failed to secure it
Man who fleeced gardening group's tools before Christmas owns up
A Northland thief has owned up to stealing all a visiting gardening group's tools
Cattle a 'wicked' hazard: Motorist 'mind-boggled' no one held to account
Motorists fear for their lives as Whangārei's wild cattle still pose huge traffic hazard
The crucial role of goat culling in saving Northland’s kauri forests
Contract hunters remove 3000-4000 goats to protect Northland's kauri forests.
Thieves fleece visiting charity food growing group twice in 10 days
Thieves have hampered the efforts of a charity food growing initiative visiting Northland
Urupukapuka Island - a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs
There's so much for locals and visitors to see and do on Urupukapuka Island
Northlanders shouldn’t miss out this must-do attraction in their own backyard
Northlanders neglect biggest purpose-built visitor attraction north of Auckland
Store owners "pretty happy" with Boxing Day sales
Plenty of shoppers around for Boxing Day sales but few loaded up with bargains
Will Boxing Day sales be boom or bust? Whangārei retail expert says 'wait and see'
Boxing day sales expected to create even more mayhem than Black Friday
Northland weather: What to expect this Christmas
What does the weather have in store for Northlanders this festive season?
Road tragedy at Horeke
One person died at the scene of a vehicle crash at Horeke, on Saturday morning.
Police investigate van robbery on SH10 near Kerikeri
A man was left at the roadside after robbers took his van near Kerikeri overnight
Loveable Lab a formidable force within Northland’s police - and now a calendar girl
Ripper sniffs out hidden items, wins a spot in the 2025 police calendar.
Rāhui in place after man found dead on Far North beach
Hapū have imposed a rahui near Mitimiti Beach after a man's body was found there
'Weren't even in the country!': Couple overseas woken by NZ police alleging bad driving
Overseas at the time, they've praised keen NZ police work and the power of social media.
Harbourmaster warns boaties must have wreck-removal insurance
Regional council wants divers from wrecked boat to pay for its clean up.
Armed police close major route through Whangārei
Armed police have closed major road through Whangārei as an incident unfolds
Pest infestation at Onerahi could spread to offshore island
Northland's Regional Council cracks down on aggressive, soil-poisoning weed
'Excessive': Supermarket parking policy changes spark outrage
Whangārei's Pak'nSave supermarket comes under fire for enforcing its parking rules.
Stoat-busting duo find no sign of rogue visitor on predator-free island
A stoat that swam to Matakohe-Limestone Island is believed to have gone again.
Young couple left with 44c to pay mortgage after bank card fraud
A young mum is warning anyone who finds a bank card to be careful how they advertise it.
Apology 'not accepted': Conservationists cause outrage by killing pet cat
The difficulties of predator control in conservation areas near housing.
Whangārei Heads residents sick of slow pace want quick change
Should local speed limits be relaxed during school holidays?
Rescued whales still safe at sea today: Public praised for their help
Thousands of people thronged to Ruakākā Beach to help a pod of stranded whales.
Neighbours to the rescue after Whangārei property starts billowing smoke
Neighbours sprung into action safeguarding two teens during a house fire yesterday
One person treated for smoke inhalation after house fire in Raumanga
A person was treated for smoke inhalation after a house fire in Raumunga this afternoon
Dog in car taken from shop injured but reunited with owner
A dog is safely back with her owner after thief steals car.
'Chronically underfunded': DoC asks public to pay to save critically endangered species
DoC has enlisted the help of a fundraising organisation to back some critical projects.
Why a Whangārei rural postie stayed 30 years in the job despite hugely increased workload
Northland postie has delivered her final package after 40 years
Northlanders really need to talk more openly about suicide prevention worker says
Some believe more open discussion about suicide is a vital tool.
'We’re just all really, really broken': Family despair at loss of teen’s memorial sign
A whānau are heartbroken at the loss of a roadside memorial sign.
'He’s a little character': Pūkeko's 29km journey back home
When it comes to finding their way around, pukeko rival homing pigeons
Upper Whāngarei Harbour out of bounds for fishers while man remains missing
A rāhui is in place over part of Whāngarei Harbour in respect of a missing swimmer
Person critically injured in car fire at Ōmāpere
Firefighters also battling scrub fire at Ōmāpere.
Group ignores 'unmissable' signs and walks dog off lead on pest-free Northland island
Dog seen on pest-free Matakohe Limestone Island was not there for conservation purposes
Police appeal for sightings of 83-year-old missing swimmer
The 83-year-old man has not been seen since Saturday and was reported missing on Monday.
Death of rare frogs linked to Brynderwyns roading work
Native frogs were endangered by concrete used in the upgrade, a report says.
Community stepping in to safeguard Doubtless Bay kiwi
There's no doubt about a new kiwi population in Doubtless Bay.
Locally rejected port expansion plan gets fast-track tick
Eleven Northland projects get approval for fast-tracking.
Misspelled road signs called out by residents
The Council and NZTA have both attracted criticism for recent road sign spelling blunders
Some Kiwis still "sleepwalking through life" oblivious to pest problem, says conservationist
A Northland man is urging gardeners to use dead possums for fertiliser.
Downed pylon: Transpower boss says context missing from failures announcement
Transpower says its position in the fallen pylon incident has not been fairly represented
Downed pylon 'an act of incompetence and negligence' – Northland leader
Northland leaders have responded to the energy authority's findings about a downed pylon.
Police drug operation Gambit snares suspect in Northland
A woman has been arrested in Northland for alleged cocaine offences in Waikato
'Why us?': Family's car fire latest in a spate of suspected arsons
Another Tikipunga family's lives have been turned upside down after blaze.
31 dogs snatched from Northland end up in Wellington: Police, SPCA investigating
Thirty-one dogs and puppies were unlawfully taken from a Whangārei property.
Legendary Northland kiwi Sir Ed killed
A 20-year-old kiwi, father to numerous offspring, has been found dead on Matakohe Island.
'Distraught': Police seek help to find Tikipunga’s vehicle arsonist
Three cars have been torched in one week.
Ratepayer challenges council over its Armourguard $12m contract
Ratepayer notifies auditor-general of concerns over the district's animal control service
Police name Kaitāia homicide victim
The suspect, reportedly known to the man, was charged on Sunday night with his murder.
Kaitāia woman charged with murder granted interim name suppression
The suspect, reportedly known to the man, was charged on Sunday night with his murder.
Big shark washes up on Bay of Islands beach
A dive instructor was surprised and saddened by the discovery of washed-up gill shark.
Seriously injured man dropped off at hospital dies, police investigating
The man died shortly after being dropped off at Kaitāia Hospital, police say.
A mystery boat retrieved from sea and several crashes keep emergency units busy
Police incident callouts over the weekend included these more serious ones.
Northland no longer meth capital of NZ, testing reveals
Usage levels have changed across NZ policing districts, and cocaine use was up nationwide.
Property market springing back – but not in Northland
Experts say house prices have finally bottomed out and are on the up... elsewhere.
Could Northland's escapee Water Dragon still be out there somewhere?
Two pet Water Dragons that escaped a Pataua South owner in 2022 were never recovered.
Driver admits fatally injuring motorcyclist
A driver has admitted his carelessness caused the death of a motorcyclist.
'Why penalise the dog owners who do the right thing': Calls for more positive use of registration fees
Dog owners say the council should make better use of their registration fees.
Intoxicated driver killed much-loved policewoman and wants to avoid conviction
Guilty driver had consumed beer and cannabis.
Pet rule changes could help people escape family harm
Victims of family harm could benefit from changes to the Residential Tenancies Bill.
Final week at courthouse for Whangārei JPs
Justices leave court for more peaceful surrounds.
Can you still bag a bargain at op shops?
Shoppers have noticed a marked increase in prices at their favourite opportunity stores.
Kerikeri chef's Double Cheeseburger pie wows judges at pie awards
Three Northland bakers have been recognised as some of the country's best pie makers
Long waits for Family Court time: Northland lags behind rest of NZ
Northland has some of the country's longest wait times for Family Court services.
Landlord ordered to pay tenant $30k
Renting an old property out cheaply doesn't excuse landlords from ensuring it's habitable.