Yolisa Tswanya is deputy news director at the Northern Advocate based in Whangārei.
Yolisa hails from Cape Town, South Africa and has been a journalist for 12 years, where she spent a bulk of her career as a print journalist covering a range of issues, in the country's largest multi-platform content company. Her love for writing started in school, where she excelled in essay writing. Yolisa has a keen interest in covering stories around health and education, but has the versatility to report on any news in a balanced, accurate and engaging manner. She has interviewed an array of interesting people and this has grown her love for reporting on issues that matter to people from all walks of life. She has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town. Outside of the newsroom she is a keen sportsperson with a love for netball, rugby and cricket.
Council’s $1.5m plan to alter Kāeo River and reduce flooding
Phase two of the Kāeo flood scheme will start this year.
E.coli found in school water, students asked to bring bottles
An MoE upgrade is expected for Mangawhai School's water infrastructure.
Dump turned into a community racetrack and communal space
Moerewa land transformed from rubbish site to community hub.
Kāeo residents mark decade under boil water notice, no end in sight
Kaeo residents have struggled for years to get answers about the water crisis.
'Something special': 50 manta rays surround sightseeing boat in stunning display
Manta ray and orca sightings captivated locals.
Far North woman petitions for better healthcare after 160km ambulance ride
The petition urges the Government to expand or build a new Kaitāia Hospital.
‘It’s about the safety of our kids’: Parents alarmed over bus cuts
There are concerns about children walking along State Highway 10.
Teen's Minecraft project brings Northland cities to life
Whangārei is now on Minecraft as part of a global project.
Pay errors unaddressed: Calls grow for school payroll reform
Calls for overhaul as overpayment cases hit 820, with 66 in Northland.
Medicinal cannabis prescriptions soar
Scripts for the legal products rose from 9% in 2022 to 37% in 2024.
'Make a huge difference': Principals praise KidsCan support
KidsCan supports 1100 schools, helping with food, shoes, and jackets.
‘A thousand times harder’: Parents turn to charities as school costs rise
Parents increasingly rely on charities due to rising school costs.
Northland teachers face challenges as curriculum changes loom in 2025
Northland educators remain dedicated amid upheavals.
Baby sharks found in Far North rock pools after strong tides
Baby sharks have been spotted in rock pools near Ahipara, drawing local interest.
Residents frustrated with $100k roadworks deemed unnecessary
Residents call road resealing 'unnecessary'
‘It’s shocking’: Dust woes continue, residents call for stronger council action
Residents in the Far North are angered by dust issues despite dust suppression measures.
Humble Northland couple’s community contribution recognised
John and Lily Coleman recognised for community service.
'Dream into reality': New charter school opens in Northland
Northland's first new charter school opens with 35 enrolments this month in Doubtless Bay.
Why Northland's luxury stays are world-class escapes
A glimpse into some of Northland's most luxurious stays
New owners, new life: Kaitāia's controversial backpackers to be renovated
The Hike and Bike backpackers in Kaitāia has been sold
Police admit errors in handling complaint, assault charge against Kaitāia man
Police acknowledge IPCA findings on the unjustified use of force in the Kaitāia incident.
How one woman's Christmas spirit united a community to help families in need
Generous Kaitaia community answers call to support families with Christmas gifts.
Kaitāia teen completes Minecraft replica of hometown in global project
Kaitāia teen achieves dream, recreates town on Minecraft’s global Build the Earth project.
'Milestone': Iwi celebrate ownership deal for Kaitāia Airport
Kaitāia Airport deal finalised; Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu take ownership.
Rider Sports' legacy continues as local family takes over historic store
Mike Rider retires, hands over iconic store to local couple Kane and Laura Attwood.
Air NZ drops several Northland flights, raising connectivity concerns
Air NZ cuts flights to Kerikeri and Whangārei, raising concerns over Northland's economy.
Northland's greatest rugby players immortalised
The Northland Rugby Union is auctioning 30 framed jerseys to celebrate 100 years of rugby.
Frequent water outages in Far North cause frustration
Residents are frustrated by frequent water outages; council explores long-term upgrades.
Grief affects half of Kiwis, study reveals
‘Grief needs to be recognised’, says Katrina King; many rely on untrained friends.
Local businesses optimistic as Northland readies for summer influx
Kiwis face budget strains as food, utilities, and insurance costs rise ahead of Christmas.
Property manager fined $2000 for breaching settlement confidentiality
ERA upholds settlement terms and fines property manager.
Glamuzina Architects honoured for Ngāti Kuri’s Kā Uri centre design
Kā Uri centre wins award for its stunning kauri woodwork and cultural significance.
Taipa Twilight Market sparkles with local produce and festive cheer
Taipa Twilight Market features 70+ vendors, fresh produce, and unique artisanal gifts.
Pet owners warned of scam demanding payment for lost pets
SPCA warns of scam calls targeting pet owners, demanding payment to retrieve lost animals.
Heartfelt thanks: Bay of Islands Farmers' Market hits 20-year milestone
Bay of Islands Farmers' Market celebrates two decades.
Northlander the only validated gang member holding a firearms licence
Only one gang member on NZ's National Gang List has an expired firearms licence.
'Devastated': Four Northland childcare centres closed amid liquidation and debt
The closure has created uncertainty for employees, parents, and the wider community.
Rainy Labour weekend ahead, lifeguards ready at beaches
Lifeguards prepare for busy Labour weekend; weather may deter some beachgoers.
'A standout destination' Northland's unique attractions land it on Best of the World list
Northland named in National Geographic's 25 Best Places to Travel for its unique beauty.
Driver testing: Ongoing funding for community driver testing scheme beyond 2026
Government will continue funding community driver testing scheme beyond 2026.
'Urgent': Pharmacists providing healthcare amid rising GP wait times
Local pharmacists are providing medical care and advice amid long GP wait times
Grim discovery: Horse euthanised after being found with suspected gunshot wound
The injured animal was found by bike riders.
Russell ferry collision: Lack of watchkeeping standards contributed to collision - report
TAIC report included four reasons why the accident happened.
Early childhood crisis: Kaitāia families wait up to two years for childcare
Parents stay home to care for kids: 'We are trying to juggle the bills on one income.'
New Pukenui solar farm takes shape as Government boosts climate change efforts
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts visits Pukenui solar farm
Rising Stars: Whangārei boxers set to shine at National Amateur Boxing Championships
Kye Hiko and Lucas Potter are set to make an impression at the tournament in Christchurch.
A dream come true: Local teens train with football legend
Kamo club youngsters train with Football Ferns striker Hannah Wilkinson.
Surf's up: Whangārei local heading to world champs
Whangārei local Heather Easterbrook will compete at the surfing champs in El Salvador.
Two for one: Classic Taniwha kick off double-header in Whangārei
Classic Taniwha, with former Northland rugby greats, will go against Classic All Blacks.
Sick green turtle dies after boatie rescued it in Whangārei Harbour
The turtle has died of pneumonia.
Power fully restored after car hits power pole
A driver sustained minor injuries after hitting a power pole.
Local pooch becomes latest addition to Te Whatu Ora's pet therapy team
Boots and his owner Phillipa Mentor are Health New Zealand's newest pet therapy team.
Police searching for vehicle of interest in relation to Dargaville woman’s death
'Anyone who saw this vehicle or has dashcam footage ... is urged to come forward.'
Charity champions the success and development of young people
The partnership gets new and used sports items to adolescents.
Two vehicles involved in serious crash on SH10 outside Waipapa
Crash injures three people.
Changes to benefit ‘may negatively impact young jobseekers’
The changes include requiring recipients to reapply every six months.
'Long overdue': Whangārei of the future revealed in proposed strategy
In the next 30 years, the district will add 40,000 new residents.
Police are renewing appeals in ongoing homicide investigation into Tikipunga house fire
Police are renewing appeals in an ongoing homicide investigation.
Police investigating unexplained death in Ruakākā
Ruakākā body the second unexplained death in Northland in days.
Whangārei doctor breaks records, bags six medals at track and field champs
When Miles Holt is not busy saving lives, he is on the track training.
Person killed in Waimamaku accident may have been struck by a vehicle, police say
One person killed after Waimamaku road accident
Whangārei swimmers raising funds for Coastguard in Big Swim
The group are swimming 466km in a bid to raise more than $6000.
New Northland Rugby Union chairwoman excited to drive Northland Rugby to be the best
Northland Rugby celebrates new board chairperson
Rescue teams save four getting in trouble on Cape Reinga rocks
Emergency services have successfully rescued a small group at Cape Reinga.
Two rescued, two others missing after getting in trouble on Cape Reinga rocks
Police are searching for two people who got into trouble on the rocks at Cape Reinga.
New 155 Whare Āwhina hub to centralise organisation's support services
155 Whare Āwhina will centralise support services at new location.
Brynderwyns reopening a success, work will continue until spring
Afte a four-month long closure State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyn Hills is open.
Scholarship winner sets eyes on global theatre stage
M'lago Morris was one of four students to get a scholarship