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.
Green shoots: Hundertwasser Art Centre hopes to arrest its financial losses
The centre had 13,000 visitors in the last six months of 2024 and 12,500 this year.
'Unsettling': Neighbours plea for Kāinga Ora to take action about troublesome tenant
Neighbours have borne the brunt of a tenant but Kāinga Ora says it's firm but fair.
‘No credible indication’: Doubts over economic benefits of sand mining
Economist questions why sand mining in Northland's Bream Bay got fast-track tick.
‘The threat is quite real’: Hapū fights to save sacred trees
The trees at Onoke Heights are at least 200 years old and have a sacred history.
Te Whara/Bream Head should be closed due to sacred land, hapū say
The Bream Head walkway is nationally significant but was the site of ancient wars.
‘Third World’: Northland town water restrictions spark concerns
Rainfall in February was less than 10% of the expected amount in Dargaville.
Ninety-year-old’s passion for pickleball encourages all ages
Helen Drinkwater started playing pickleball at 84 during a trip to the US.
Teen breaks barriers with historic tractor-pull win
Ella Martin, 17, is the first female to win the Northland Field Days' tractor-pull title.
Up in flames: Whangārei dry cleaning fire leaves customers short
The company's insurance does not cover replacement of customer items burnt in the blaze.
‘It had such a buzz’: Opera in the Garden set for revival
The event is the best chance for Northland families to hear world-class opera singing.
Protesters gather outside court to support Northland’s most well-known green fairy
He denied the charges of cultivating and dealing cannabis as supporters protested outside.
‘Tragic’: Police continue to investigate fatal Onerahi shooting
A man remains in a serious condition in hospital as police investigate woman's death.
‘Tragic’: Police want witnesses to Whangārei park shooting to come forward
A woman was killed and a man is in hospital in a serious condition after the shooting.
Whangārei house fire leaves one person in critical condition
The fire on Kahiwi St in Raumanga started just after 8pm on Wednesday night.
Police launch homicide investigation after ‘tragic’ shooting in Whangārei park
Police are determined to find out the events that led up to the 'tragic incident'.
New Whangārei Hospital transit lounge replaces facility ‘not fit for purpose’
Aim of the new $3.75m transit lounge is to free up bed space while comforting patients.
‘Stupendous amount’: $7.3b cost halts refinery reopening talks
Instead of a new refinery, Shane Jones is pushing for a Marsden Point energy precinct.
Man with cerebral palsy rescued from house fire, but wheelchair and dog lost
The family's chihuahua died and the cat is still missing after the blaze.
Flood-prone Whangārei campground getting drainage makeover
The thousands of visitors at Uretiti Campground have to dodge flooding after heavy rain.
‘Pretty horrific’: Fire destroys Ruawai home in minutes, sheer luck no one hurt
The house was unsalvageable by the time fire crews arrived at the Northland fire.
Mangawhai community mourns champion and harbour vigilante
Jim Wintle enjoyed seeing the community benefit from the projects he was involved with.
Police link three youths to Dargaville burglaries, youngest just 11
Police linked three break-ins at a store, petrol station and superette.
Police seek witnesses after Kaikohe store robbery by armed men
The four men, allegedly armed with a hammer and tyre iron, stole cash and cigarettes.
Family tragedy: Brother charged with motorcyclist’s layby murder
Kyle Jenkins, 18, was found dead in a creek off State Highway 15 on January 29.
Hundertwasser Art Centre hoping to claw back losses with good summer
The centre has struggled with low tourist numbers and the cost-of-living crisis.
‘Ripped off’: Whangārei motorists, officials alarmed over fuel costs
Whangārei's mayor says fuel companies "have a chokehold in Northland".
The Northland town where use of methamphetamine is an ‘epidemic’
The drug is easily available, but there is help available.
How local businesses believe they can outshine big brands like Freedom
Local businesses say they still have something special to offer customers.
‘Totally bizarre’: Kiwi woman puzzled by unexpected cholera diagnosis
Health officials say the non-toxigenic strain poses no public health risk.
Meridian's solar farm in Northland gets go-ahead with wetland protections
The 250,000-panel solar farm could power half of Northland's homes.
'Like living in a cemetery': Subdivision bid on sacred land heads to court again
A 93-home subdivision on culturally sacred land is heading to the High Court.
Cyclist dies after crash in Helena Bay, Northland
The road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene but has since reopened.
Watch: Dramatic cruise ship rescue by Northland helicopter crew
A cruise ship worker with a serious eye injury needed urgent hospital treatment.
Toitū te Tiriti action 'just getting started' says Eru Kapa-Kingi
The Whangārei-born spokesman says he is passionate about speaking out for justice.
How quick-thinking police rescued two teens at Waitangi celebrations
Police said the teens were fully clothed, wearing Crocs and struggling to swim.
Man charged with murder of Northland motorcyclist on day of killed teen’s funeral
Kyle Jenkins was found to have died from gunshot wounds.
'Postcode lottery': Northland's battle against cancer care inequities
Northland had the highest rate of new cancer diagnoses and the second-highest death rate.
‘The doctors said he wouldn’t walk': Meningitis fighter defies odds
Maiaorere Turner's family now need $35,000 so he can safely get in and out of the house.
'Everything to lose': Community protests Bream Bay sand mining
Protesters fear the proposed fast-track sand mining project could kill marine life.
Mangawhai tornado: Family say it was a ‘miracle’ injured woman survived
The woman has had surgery on her broken arm and cuts, with more to come.
Veteran firefighter says Mangawhai tornado worst he’s seen
Mangawhai residents are rallying to help one another after the tornado.
‘Like a turbine’: Mangawhai couple sheltered in wardrobe as tornado hit
A cordon is in place, and people told to treat downed power lines as live.
Celebrate Northland talent with fun, music and markets this weekend
Don't be stuck for something to do this long weekend, there are activities for everyone.
Seymour defies his hapū‘s advice not to attend Waitangi 2025
Ngāti Rēhia advised Seymour not to attend this year's commemorations at Waitangi.
‘No hesitation’: Community backs mother’s urgent cancer journey
Ruby Smith needs to raise up to $70,000 for advanced cancer treatment in Japan.
Fledgling cruise ship destination Whangārei welcomes 658 passengers
Hundreds explored Whangārei’s Town Basin and other attractions in the first visit of 2025.
Shane Reti says health portfolio in good shape for Simeon Brown
While he has lost health, Reti says he is still representing Whangārei at the top table.
‘Grow it to the moon’: Northland vege mince expands with new partnership
The makers of Vince hope to bring convenient veges from Northland to the world.
The unexplained disappearance of mail from Hokianga's postal system
Mail going missing include a handmade bag, a heartfelt letter and cards to grandchildren.
The 'heartland for Māori culture and enterprise' to celebrate Māori business
Applications and nominations for the 2025 awards are open until February 14.
Why a Northland walkway reopening is fuelling debate on public access
The Waikaraka Walkway at Mt Tiger has been opened by an Overseas Investment Office ruling.
'No one thinks this is a good idea': Bream Bay residents oppose sand mining
DoC warns the sand mining near reserves could harm marine life and endangered seabirds.
Kāinga Ora shelves controversial 50-home project in Northland
Kāinga Ora spent nearly $900,000 on the 50-home Ruakākā project now on the back burner.
Dargaville records lowest annual rainfall as dry spell continues
Record dry weather recorded in parts of Northland, but growers cheer no heavy rain.
Firefighters thanked as Whangārei fire brought under control
The fire, which covered 20ha on Thursday, is now under control.
Recession nothing to fear, according to new Northland business owners
You have to be crazy to start a business in a recession, right?
Cash clash: Small businesses ditch coins, sparking concern for payment freedom
Is cash still king or does everybody just use a card or their phone these days?
What to do if you encounter a 'zombie' snapper this summer
The sick snapper with cloudy eyes and missing flesh should not be eaten, authorities warn.
Why these Northland events are bringing festive joy to the community
There is no need for people to be alone or hungry on Christmas Day with two free events.
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.