Denise Piper is a Multimedia Journalist with the Northern Advocate, based in Whangārei, where she focuses on health and business.
Denise Piper has more than 20 years in journalism 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. Denise’s previous coverage includes Northland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the summer 2020 drought and the trial of New Zealand’s biggest meth bust on Ninety Mile Beach. She was awarded the Bruce Jesson Foundation’s 2021 Senior Journalism Grant, producing a series on New Zealand’s efforts to fight kauri dieback. Health has always been an interest area for Denise, and she spent three years as senior journalist, then editor, for specialist health publication Pharmacy Today. In 2016, the publication won international acclaim for Denise’s coverage of Government underfunding of scripts, placing 16th in the Tabbie Awards’ best single issue category. Denise is qualified with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in journalism, from Auckland University of Technology. In her spare time, Denise likes to spend time at Northland’s beaches and she is an International Surfing Association level 2 surf judge. You can contact Denise at denise.piper@nzme.co.nz.
Delivering change: Online shopping reshapes Northland's retail scene
Some shops were quiet up until the week before Christmas but online orders are strong.
New see-saw transforms play for Whangārei children with disabilities
The see-saw can be used by all and is part of a new playground in Raumanga.
How New Zealand's tallest turbines will power 27k homes by 2026
Mercury's $287 million wind farm near Omamari will produce enough power for 27,000 homes.
'Police will hold to account': Four arrested after alleged aggravated robbery
Police have made four arrests after the aggravated robbery in Whangārei's Te Kamo.
'Completely unacceptable': Police escape injury in alleged car ramming
Thankfully no one was hurt when a man in a stolen vehicle allegedly rammed a police car.
'100% would’ve drowned': Life jackets crucial in Hokianga bar rescue
When a boat was swamped by 3m waves on Hokianga bar, volunteers were watching from shore.
Family of eight ‘overwhelmed’ with donations after fire destroys home
The family walked away from the Oakleigh blaze with only the clothes on their backs.
‘Total loss’: Whangārei home destroyed by fire overnight
The fire destroyed the home on SH1 next to Oakleigh petrol station.
Keen to help: Northland students volunteer after fire and emergency course
Kawakawa Volunteer Fire Brigade's numbers have boosted thanks to a high school course.
'Muggy, warm and humid': Heavy rain for upper North Island tomorrow
MetService says rain is on its way, with possible good news for South Island firefighters.
'This is a win-win': Health Minister Shane Reti cheers new child health unit
The Whangārei Hospital rebuild is still on-track, providing more beds than first modelled.
'Everyone's had a guts-full': Dargaville residents rail against water rules
Residents blame Kaipara District Council inaction on water supply for summer restrictions.
Hikurangi locals await end of highway detour disrupting town
Trucks smash $300 worth of antiques by driving through Hikurangi detour.
Kororāreka 'makes sense': Historic name change decision imminent
The push to restore the town's original Māori name has been underway since 2021.
Owners face new rules at Whangārei's The Butter Factory
The Whangārei venue has been allowed to keep operating, but under reduced hours.
'I'm worried about getting home': Whangārei taxi waits stretch for hours
One woman waited more than four hours for a taxi but drivers say the market is tough.
'I'm living the dream': New homes offer hope for tenants with disabilities
The homes give people with disabilities secure housing, sometimes for the first time.
Movement for Archie: Fundraiser to help Northland baby’s therapy journey
The Kerikeri family have been forced to go private to help Archie Sturrock learn to walk.
'It's not safe': Hospital nurses strike over concerns of unsafe staffing
More than 200 nurses marched in Whangārei as part of the national strike on Tuesday.
'It’s too late once pēpē are born': Urgent call for jabs as whooping cough cases rise
North has low vaccination levels, more smoking, and housing insecurity.
‘It’s a priceless gift’: Whangārei man's life saved by selfless donation
Nolan Keith promises to look after his new heart, to honour those who donated it.
Urination, vomiting and fighting: Violent behaviour sees police oppose venue's liquor licence
New owners of The Butter Factory face liquor licence challenge amid safety issues.
Community group which helps up to 100 a day appeals for new home
The Clothing Sheds and Aroha Gardens offers clothes and kai to up to 100 people a day.
Reti says good progress being made on Whangārei Hospital rebuild
Whangārei Hospital is in such a dire state that parts of the roof leak when it rains.
Extra $42m funding for New Zealand's hospitals, senior doctors
The Health Minister and the commissioner said the regions needed more of a boost.
Tensions on relationships between 'grumpy' gangsters and community police due to patch ban
The new law will be hard for Northland's sole-charge officers, Police Association says.
Police call off search for small boat linked to transnational crime group
Police didn't say why the search was abandoned a day after announcing the hunt for a vessel.
'He does have a hole in his soul': Man who caused death of off-duty policewoman sentenced
Gail Shepherd is described as a genuine, straight talker who kept her family together.
Missing at sea: Mystery surrounds small boat linked to drug importation ring
The international investigation has seen 10 arrested but a small craft is now missing.
Man in moderate condition after allegedly being stabbed twice in Whangārei
The man was taken to hospital with two stab wounds.
Sand mining concerns grow as Bream Bay project could be fast-tracked
The fast-track process may hand 'the keys to the coastline' to the sand miner, some fear.
'Women make great leaders': Uplifting event boosts women’s leadership skills
The Leading Ladies Northland event encouraged women to push aside self-doubt.
New low-cost rentals in Whangārei to tackle housing crisis
Ten new houses in Whangārei will be offered at 80% of the market rental.
'We're marching to a promised land': Hīkoi attracts thousands in Whangārei
It's only day two but the Government is already nervous, hīkoi organisers say.
'For everyone': Hīkoi organisers promote unity on first day of action
Hīkoi is about standing up for Te Tiriti, which will help everyone thrive, organisers say.
Springs Flat roundabout could enable new supermarket, shopping centre and houses
A new supermarket and shopping centre will be enabled by the proposed SH1 roundabout.
Trump fallout: Can Northland expect influx of US citizens?
'They still need us': the Northland Federated Farmers president is calm about tariffs.
New whānau health clinic helps those not enrolled with a GP
The Whangārei CBD nurse-led clinic aims to meet Northland's high health needs.
Far North woman warns others after bag plucked from supermarket trolley
Pensioner too scared to do anything when her bag was taken outside Pak'nSave Kaitāia.
Northland beach town to get another 380 houses with The Rise development
Mangawhai's population has doubled in the last 10 years, with more new homes coming.
Lack of available grants could see Sistema Whangārei shut its doors
More than 300 children could miss out on musical education if the charity closes.
Awards honour outstanding achievements of Northland businesses and individuals
Northland Waste has been recognised for its people-focused growth in this year's awards.
'It was a rollercoaster': Couple recognised for 30 years of business success
Clare and Tony Davies-Colley have led key Northland businesses and Whangārei developments.
'Really uplifting': Northland Women in leadership series continues
Dame Jenny Shipley is one of the keynote speakers at the second women's leadership event.
'It's scary if you think you're going to die': Patient feels doctors have given up
Robert Ewart wants high blood pressure control, after being hospitalised four times.
How to make the Public Works Act work for you if your land is needed for a highway
Land is needed for the SH1 corridor, but what about the property owners?
Hospital without night doctors is safe, Health NZ says
Dargaville Hospital a-okay, although high-risk patients taken to Whangārei Hospital.
Keeping Dargaville Hospital open '100% political decision', leaked email says
Staff say keeping the hospital "fully functioning" is a political, not clinical, decision.
Young Northland surfers ride wave of success at national comp
Three individual wins had the team take bronze in the annual school surf competition.
Northland quad bike crash results in critical injuries, patient flown to hospital
The crash occurred just off SH1 in Mangamuka, around midday Sunday.
Nearly 300 take part in Pink Loop Walk for Northland breast cancer battlers
Northlanders are fighting back against the highest rate of breast cancer in the country.
'It looked like a bomb had gone off': Whangārei fire leaves workers in tears as dry cleaners destroyed
Whangārei residents are now concerned for the workers of the dry cleaning business.
Northlander shocked police failed to attend attempted dog theft and assault
Kaikohe man called 111 after someone tried to steal his Rottweilers and punch him.
'We’d prefer to know the truth': Joanna Sione-Lauaki's family still living day-to-day as homicide remains unsolved
The Dargaville mother-of-eight died on August 2 and her homicide investigation continues.
Corner property in central Whangārei generates $170k from six leases
The Bank and Vine St corner property retuns more than $170,000 a year from its six leases.
Northland police rebuked for not providing medical care after Kāeo arrest
Police cleared of using excessive force in firearm search where man suffered head injury.
'It's really nasty': Health officials bracing for whooping cough outbreak
Health officials are bracing for a whooping cough outbreak, with newborns most at risk.
Police thankful for public's help in catching alleged intoxicated driver in Onerahi
Police arrested a man allegedly driving while three times over the legal alcohol limit.
'Disabled lives matter': Disability sector changes protested in Whangārei
About 100 people attended the Whangārei protest against Government changes.
'Great result': Four arrested after spate of offences in Kaipara and Whangārei
Four people have been arrested after a spate of offending across Kaipara and Whangārei.
'It's a horror film': Greens co-leader wants to help save wāhi tapu land
The Greens co-leader visited the site amidst a second Environment Court hearing.
'Demeaning': Mum relying on donations for son's life saving monitor
A $3000 life-saving epilepsy monitor has been funded by The Den Maungaturoto.
Transpower being investigated as Northland gets power plan and $1m fund
After a downed pylon cut power to Northland, a plan to keep the lights on is launched.
Kiwi dad with rare cancer spending $165k overseas for surgery
Less than one in a million people have the same cancer as Owen Pihema.
Aim for Northlanders to have same cancer care and outcomes as Aucklanders
Faster cancer care and new radiation treatment are the way forward.
Stark figures show postcode lottery for cancer care
Northland has one of the highest cancer death rates in the country.
‘They said it was too far gone': Young mum in fight for life feels let down by health system
'I’m never going to give up ... It’s a full-time job having cancer'.
Watch: 'It was pretty special' - Northlanders' stunning close encounter with humpback whale
Whale and dolphin noises in Whangārei Harbour are being detected for greater knowledge.
Contemporary artist creatively starts Wairau Māori Art Gallery's workshops
Artist Wayne Youle has shown his contemporary works throughout New Zealand and overseas.
Man accused of murder in court after Ripiro Beach body in burning car
Anaru Morunga, 34, faces a total of nine charges, including murdering Jasmaine Reihana.
Weather-hit North Auckland rail line reopens after 20 months, $130m repairs
The track had more than 200 slips and damaged bridges from storms in early 2023.
Courses and talk encourage women to improve water confidence and safety
Women are being empowered to do more than just tag along in powerboating and sailing.
Funky Monkey and orca friends hanging out in Whangārei Harbour
Seeing the orca back in Whangārei is a good sign, according to expert Ingrid Visser.
Whangārei painter scoops supreme win with picture-perfect interior colour work
An eye for detail sees the Premium Painting Solutions team named New Zealand's best.
'Blown away by the support': Kerikeri family grateful as toddler found safe
Kerikeri neighbours united with police and whānau to help find the young boy.
Two taken to hospital with moderate injuries after Northland crashes
Emergency services were kept busy after five crashes at the weekend.
'Terrifying': Northland man goes on alleged drug-induced rampage
Police say the incident was scary for both victims and the man's family.
'I'm proof it can work': Midwifery student encourages others to study health
Eloise Matete said having her own children made her realise she wanted to be a midwife.
Prime house site or land for disabled workers? Charity makes hard decision
The prime Whangārei site is to be sold so CCS Disability Action can continue its work.
'Pleasant surprise' as former Tikipunga Tavern site becomes 55 state homes
The development also includes a community room, gardens and a small playground.