Susan Botting is the Local Democracy Reporter for Northland.
Susan has been working at the Northern Advocate as Local Democracy Reporter since November 2019. She is part of the national Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) project and her work focusses on Northland democracy. Susan has been a journalist for 20 years in a career that has mixed communication and education. That time includes working at the Northern Advocate agricultural editor. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Journalism. Susan is a registered teacher and worked at Northland Regional Council for more than 15 years as a kaiako taio encouraging teachers and students around Te Tai Tokerau how to get involved in looking after the world around them. Susan was also part of Northland Civil Defence for several years while at the council, working in communication and education. She was also council volunteer co-ordinator. Susan has a passion for storytelling and loves photography. She loves Northland and enjoys sailing plus anything to do with the ocean and is a former Tūtūkākā South Pacific Yacht Club commodore.
![Five councillors irate over not being allowed to debate on Gaza conflict](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Five councillors irate over not being allowed to debate on Gaza conflict
Councillors are upset the mayor won't allow a debate on Palestine-Israel issues.
![Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland
Parts of Northland were without power after a pylon toppled near Wellsford.
![Northland Civil Defence is working with power companies to ensure limited supply is distributed to essential services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland Civil Defence is working with power companies to ensure limited supply is distributed to essential services
Civil Defence powers up in face of Te Tai Tokerau electricity failure
![Mayoral leader Vince Cocurullo has called for power to be restored immediately](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mayoral leader Vince Cocurullo has called for power to be restored immediately
Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurrullo called for power to be returned by this evening.
![Council slammed over continuing with climate funding cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Council slammed over continuing with climate funding cuts
Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson disagreed the council had abused the democratic process.
![Kaipara Harbour’s newest wharf expected to boost tourism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaipara Harbour’s newest wharf expected to boost tourism
New $2.9 million facility at Pouto has officially been opened.
![Kaipara waste-to-energy plant opponents: Spare us the sales pitch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaipara waste-to-energy plant opponents: Spare us the sales pitch
Opponents say decision-makers needed to know about the incinerator’s risks.
![Musical chairs - Northland council told to sort ‘dysfunctionality’ as chairman survives coup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Musical chairs - Northland council told to sort ‘dysfunctionality’ as chairman survives coup
Game of Chairs: MP Jones said the ongoing ructions had been damaging for NRC.
![Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown bins talk of city’s rubbish fuelling Kaipara plant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown bins talk of city’s rubbish fuelling Kaipara plant
Auckland Mayor pours cold water on talk of his council’s rubbish going north.
![Northland Regional Council chair facing the axe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland Regional Council chair facing the axe
If Crawford loses the chair’s role, it will be the third change at the regional council
![Te Iwitahi civic centre has been honoured for a “strong tikanga Māori narrative”](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Te Iwitahi civic centre has been honoured for a “strong tikanga Māori narrative”
Whangārei’s civic centre and other architectural marvels win at awards
![Doctors warn: Human health risks from proposed $730m Kaipara waste-to-energy plant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Doctors warn: Human health risks from proposed $730m Kaipara waste-to-energy plant
Health concerns included toxins such as dioxins, heavy metals and gases.
![Northland policewoman Gail Shepherd remembered for ‘amazing’ emergency mahi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland policewoman Gail Shepherd remembered for ‘amazing’ emergency mahi
'She was a passionate daughter, mother and grandmother.'
![Water tanks installed in response to drought in Northland rural communities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Water tanks installed in response to drought in Northland rural communities
Almost 100 water tanks have been installed to help rural communities.
!['A better empowered disabled sector strengthens community resilience'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'A better empowered disabled sector strengthens community resilience'
An empowered disabled community strengthens emergency response
![Systems not people cop blame for severe weather responses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Systems not people cop blame for severe weather responses
Northland’s community preparedness has been highlighted in an inquiry report.
![Former Northland councillor says Māori wards fine - if polls held](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Former Northland councillor says Māori wards fine - if polls held
Former councillor John Bain says the Govt had made the 'right move' regarding Māori wards.
![Northland Regional Council pushes back against plan to reinstate binding polls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland Regional Council pushes back against plan to reinstate binding polls
The council played a key role in getting Māori ward polling removed.
![Ruawai leader slams council in David and Goliath battle over $400k property](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ruawai leader slams council in David and Goliath battle over $400k property
Proceeds from a residential property should go to the scheme and not the council, he says.
![Govt changes risk demise of Māori wards, prominent leader warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt changes risk demise of Māori wards, prominent leader warns
Government changes are rolling back rights, a Northland leader says.
![Far North council set to oppose Government's Māori wards changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Far North council set to oppose Government's Māori wards changes
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania has hit out at the Government’s proposed Māori wards changes.
![Kaipara Mayor wants Māori ward gone before next local elections](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaipara Mayor wants Māori ward gone before next local elections
The Govt changes signalled this month allow council to reverse Māori ward decisions.
![Northland home to NZ's biggest tsunami siren replacement project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland home to NZ's biggest tsunami siren replacement project
The new sirens are not reliant on the region's electricity network to function.
!['It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from': Mayor's message ahead of graduation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from': Mayor's message ahead of graduation
'You can do anything you make up your mind to do and bring that home to your people.'
![Opposition to proposed Kaipara waste to energy plant in grows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Opposition to proposed Kaipara waste to energy plant in grows
Opponents are angry and say such a plant should not be built anywhere.
![Record rates rise will hit thousands in the Far North hard: Dover Samuels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Record rates rise will hit thousands in the Far North hard: Dover Samuels
Dover says the rates rise would be the defining moment of Far North kahika Moko Tepania.
![Brynderwyns' long closure not justifiable, transport leader says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Brynderwyns' long closure not justifiable, transport leader says
The scale of resilience work over the Brynderwyns has been called bigger than necessary.
![Government will need to make Kaipara waste to energy plant decisions: Mayor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Government will need to make Kaipara waste to energy plant decisions: Mayor
Moko Tepania says his support for a feasibility study is not support for the project.
![New $7.5m emergency response hub for region](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New $7.5m emergency response hub for region
The new centre will be a Northland first.
![Northland councillor hits out at 2.9% rates rise option](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland councillor hits out at 2.9% rates rise option
Concerns low rates rise option will see the council’s work go backward.
![Pensioners risk having to sell homes due to rates hike - community leader](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Pensioners risk having to sell homes due to rates hike - community leader
The council was also now shouldering $44 million in Three Waters debt.
![More slower speed roads for controversial Whangārei Heads review area](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
More slower speed roads for controversial Whangārei Heads review area
Initial slower speed zones have brought loud community backlash.
![Northlanders asked to take photos of super-high king tides](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northlanders asked to take photos of super-high king tides
'Your photo may help us identify areas that are already at risk from higher water levels.'
![$730m Kaipara waste to energy plant moves closer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
$730m Kaipara waste to energy plant moves closer
A plant could be operating by 2028.
![Mayor's mum with broken hip waits two hours for ambulance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mayor's mum with broken hip waits two hours for ambulance
Mayor Craig Jepson said he planned to lodge a formal complaint and is seeking an apology.
![Whangārei ratepayers facing huge 17.2 per cent rates hike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Whangārei ratepayers facing huge 17.2 per cent rates hike
It's almost double the previous highest rates increase of 9 per cent in 2015/2016.
![Fight against invasive seaweed caulerpa boosted by $5m Govt funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fight against invasive seaweed caulerpa boosted by $5m Govt funding
Northlanders have been urging the Government to step up its investment to fight caulerpa.
![Whangārei Heads' lower speed limits to be reviewed amid backlash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Whangārei Heads' lower speed limits to be reviewed amid backlash
Local councillor reminding people not everybody can have what they want.
![Explosive Northland council meeting sparks complaint to Local Government Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Explosive Northland council meeting sparks complaint to Local Government Minister
NRC chair said the process followed at the meeting had been open and honest.
![Northland's Three Waters future under spotlight amid Govt repeal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland's Three Waters future under spotlight amid Govt repeal
Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo supports the new Government's Three Waters repeals.
!['Everybody’s big is big': Dargaville kūmara grower shares lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Everybody’s big is big': Dargaville kūmara grower shares lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle
'You can become very vulnerable thinking you’re a bad farmer'.
![Mayor hits out at Minister as speed reductions for 300-plus roads go ahead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mayor hits out at Minister as speed reductions for 300-plus roads go ahead
Council wants to make local decisions rather than the Government.
![Cyclone impact prompts first emergency preparedness workshops for farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cyclone impact prompts first emergency preparedness workshops for farmers
The workshops aim to help farmers and growers prepare for the next big weather event.
![Cyclone Gabrielle one year on: How Northland is picking up the pieces](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
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.
![Boats breaching Bay of Islands anchor ban as battle against pest seaweed continues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Boats breaching Bay of Islands anchor ban as battle against pest seaweed continues
Around 120 boaties have been spoken to since the summer season started at Labour Weekend.
![Why the Kaipara Mayor dressed in an English Victorian costume on Waitangi Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Why the Kaipara Mayor dressed in an English Victorian costume on Waitangi Day
The mayor says the costumes were well received by many - Māori included.
![Far North council changes Māori name ahead of Waitangi Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Far North council changes Māori name ahead of Waitangi Day
The refresh did not alter the council’s legal name.
![Far North Mayor hosts first-time Waitangi local government sector presence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Far North Mayor hosts first-time Waitangi local government sector presence
'It’s taken a lot of work to get as far as this.'
![Groundbreaking caulerpa dredging results expected in next month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Groundbreaking caulerpa dredging results expected in next month
The two-week trial began last week.
![Whangārei District Council given $3m for flood relief in problematic suburb](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Whangārei District Council given $3m for flood relief in problematic suburb
$4m is to go towards four flood resilience projects in Whangārei, Ruawai and Kaipara.
![Cost of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery in Northland hits $1bn mark](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cost of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery in Northland hits $1bn mark
Rebuilding after Cyclone Gabrielle last year is the biggest recovery Northland has faced.
![NZ's first caulerpa dredging machine to be used in Northland's fight against invasive seaweed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZ's first caulerpa dredging machine to be used in Northland's fight against invasive seaweed
The new mechanical suction dredge is at the centre of a $650,000 trial regarding caulerpa.
![How a youngster is calling on politicians for safer weed-spraying on school grounds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How a youngster is calling on politicians for safer weed-spraying on school grounds
Not only did Henry Bedell present to council, he also wrote to the Minister of Health.
![New community climate adaptation pilot for Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New community climate adaptation pilot for Northland
The Ōākura pilot’s site selection had been based on objective data.
![Fluoride fracas flares up again at Whangārei District Council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fluoride fracas flares up again at Whangārei District Council
Residents will be surveyed on what they think about the introduction of fluoride.
!['Without water we have nothing': Māori leader angry over call to scrap freshwater principles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Without water we have nothing': Māori leader angry over call to scrap freshwater principles
Pita Tipene says the crucial principles need to stay: 'Without water we have nothing.'
![New council leader wants Govt to scrap Te Mana o te Wai freshwater principles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New council leader wants Govt to scrap Te Mana o te Wai freshwater principles
'You can’t be green if you’re not in the black,' says Geoff Crawford.
![Compulsory checks for Kai Iwi Lakes boaties amid clam threat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Compulsory checks for Kai Iwi Lakes boaties amid clam threat
The possibility of a gold clam invasion from the Waikato River has kaitiaki worried.
![Move to lower speed limits hitting bumps after Government changes announced](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Move to lower speed limits hitting bumps after Government changes announced
“The work should still be happening regardless.”
![New bans in place for vehicles on some Northland beaches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New bans in place for vehicles on some Northland beaches
The change is something many coastal communities have been waiting for, councillors say.
![Freshwater gold clam fears for Northland’s busiest tourist lake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Freshwater gold clam fears for Northland’s busiest tourist lake
NRC warns there is an urgent need to prepare as the spectre of the pest grows.
![Landmark community climate pilot paused by council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Landmark community climate pilot paused by council
The Ruawai pilot was a major feature of Kaipara’s climate adaptation work.
![Tears and tension as councillors voted out at explosive meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tears and tension as councillors voted out at explosive meeting
A group of five councillors dominated the voting as major changes took place.
![Kaipara council warned of legal action over climate move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaipara council warned of legal action over climate move
Canning climate adaption policy could put lives at risk.
![Northland Regional Council power shift: Deputy chair facing chop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Northland Regional Council power shift: Deputy chair facing chop
It comes after Tui Shortland resigned from her role as chairwoman.
![Ruawai's $18m drainage scheme would welcome climate pilot money](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ruawai's $18m drainage scheme would welcome climate pilot money
The pilot’s future looks uncertain.
![NZ’s first wāhine Māori chairwoman resigns Northland Regional Council role](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZ’s first wāhine Māori chairwoman resigns Northland Regional Council role
Tui Shortland's resignation effective from Tuesday's meeting; she stays on the council.
![Kaipara councillor opens meeting with karakia despite mayor's ban](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaipara councillor opens meeting with karakia despite mayor's ban
The meeting opened with the words: “Kia hora te marino”.
![Ruawai property in spotlight over who gets potential sale funds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ruawai property in spotlight over who gets potential sale funds
The decision will now go to the full council to decide.
![Rates due on Monday, but Northlanders are struggling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rates due on Monday, but Northlanders are struggling
Northland council rates are due on Monday, but many are struggling to pay.
![Think caulerpa doesn't affect you? Think again, ocean ecologist says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Think caulerpa doesn't affect you? Think again, ocean ecologist says
A major caulerpa infestation can majorly affect the local fishery, expert says.
!['You’ve come too far not to go further': The young mayor sparking change in the Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'You’ve come too far not to go further': The young mayor sparking change in the Far North
Moko Tepania said it has been a "hell of a year" but there's plenty more to do.
![Council continues with fluoridation plan despite High Court ruling on mandate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Council continues with fluoridation plan despite High Court ruling on mandate
The council was still waiting for formal notification from the Ministry of Health.
![Petition seeks to save Kaipara’s climate adaptation work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Petition seeks to save Kaipara’s climate adaptation work
Former mayor fears district council may cancel all of Kaipara's climate work.
![Climate change expert quits council in wake of politicians’ decision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Climate change expert quits council in wake of politicians’ decision
“Go and find another at-risk community somewhere else if you want to do that.”
![Kaipara mayor on his controversial calls at the helm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaipara mayor on his controversial calls at the helm
Craig Jepson: 'If you have an opinion it can be a dangerous place in local government.'
![It’s been 'a hell of a year’ Mayor Vince Cocurullo on first 12 months in the job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
It’s been 'a hell of a year’ Mayor Vince Cocurullo on first 12 months in the job
Cocurullo has high hopes for the district.
![Silver Festival expected to draw more than 1000 people](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Silver Festival expected to draw more than 1000 people
The festival celebrates the district’s 20,500 people who are aged 65 and over.