Katie Harris is the New Zealand Herald's social issues reporter, regularly writing about sexual assault, workplace bullying and harassment, covering high-profile court cases and national media scandals.
Katie Harris graduated from the University of Canterbury in late 2019 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Political Science, International Relations and Media and Communications. In October that year she started working at NZME as a radio reporter, taking a two-month break at the start of 2020 to complete an Asia New Zealand-funded internship at Agence France-Presse in Jakarta. Later that year she became a New Zealand Herald reporter. Katie regularly writes about sexual assault, workplace bullying and harassment, and feels immensely honoured her interviewees feel safe to share their stories with her. During her time as a reporter Katie has covered high-profile court cases, national media scandals and launched a podcast, but her most rewarding moment as a journalist came when she helped a young man find his voice after sexual violence. You can contact Katie at katie.harris@nzme.co.nz.
!['Loss-reactive shoplifting': Experts on Golriz Ghahraman's explanation for her crimes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Loss-reactive shoplifting': Experts on Golriz Ghahraman's explanation for her crimes
Dr Dougal Sutherland said the condition impacts about 5% of the population.
![Court upholds part of domestic violence victim's appeal against paying costs to her abuser](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Court upholds part of domestic violence victim's appeal against paying costs to her abuser
The court dismissed half of the woman's case.
![Trans-exclusionary lesbian group files human rights case against Wellington Pride Festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trans-exclusionary lesbian group files human rights case against Wellington Pride Festival
The case is scheduled to be heard by the tribunal next year.
![Watch: PM Luxon, ministers reveal new measures to tackle youth crime](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: PM Luxon, ministers reveal new measures to tackle youth crime
Luxon will be joined by Children’s Minister Karen Chhour & Police Minister Mark Mitchell
!['Shame': Man impersonated lingerie store manager to get nudes, then blackmailed victim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Shame': Man impersonated lingerie store manager to get nudes, then blackmailed victim
The man said he needed the images to get her correct size in a sheer bra.
![Man confronts Destiny Church disciple accused of abuse as he leaves court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man confronts Destiny Church disciple accused of abuse as he leaves court
The dramatic exchanged followed the accused man's first court appearance.
![Author, former teacher claimed child sex abuse material was 'writing inspiration'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Author, former teacher claimed child sex abuse material was 'writing inspiration'
Police found hundreds of objectionable photos and videos on his devices.
![TVNZ could face 'significant' personal grievances after Employment Court loss - negotiator](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TVNZ could face 'significant' personal grievances after Employment Court loss - negotiator
The judge agreed with the ruling that TVNZ had breached a collective agreement clause.
![Advocates say those struggling to heat homes, feed kids left out in 'Budget of nothing'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Advocates say those struggling to heat homes, feed kids left out in 'Budget of nothing'
“I see nothing in this Budget for those on low incomes, all I see is cuts."
![TVNZ delayed announcement of job cuts ahead of Christmas as it would have been 'catastrophic' for morale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TVNZ delayed announcement of job cuts ahead of Christmas as it would have been 'catastrophic' for morale
'We all hoped our revenue position would change for the better.'
!['Bar needs to be higher': Advocate's call for tougher penalties for doctor misconduct](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Bar needs to be higher': Advocate's call for tougher penalties for doctor misconduct
"We’re short of doctors, but we shouldn’t accept doctors whose behaviour is that bad.”
![Forgery, adultery and violence: Every doctor censured in the past five years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Forgery, adultery and violence: Every doctor censured in the past five years
Nearly half of the doctors who committed misconduct have name suppression.
![TVNZ's staff redundancy bill: How much it will have to pay out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TVNZ's staff redundancy bill: How much it will have to pay out
The figures come as TVNZ and the E tū union begin mediation today.
!['I drowned it': Nurse who killed her 15-week-old baby girl wants to practise again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I drowned it': Nurse who killed her 15-week-old baby girl wants to practise again
“She’s already lost her child, is that not enough of a conviction," her lawyer asked.
![Gang member on run for year: Cops' alarming find when he was finally caught](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gang member on run for year: Cops' alarming find when he was finally caught
Name suppression lifted when the gang's 'orchestrating influence' was sentenced.
![King’s Counsel files complaint over tikanga Māori in NZ law courses, Peters agrees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
King’s Counsel files complaint over tikanga Māori in NZ law courses, Peters agrees
King's Counsel describes incoming requirement as 'symptomatic of a dangerous trend'.
!['Quick money': Ex-Kiwi NRL player convicted after bungled Mongols meth transfer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Quick money': Ex-Kiwi NRL player convicted after bungled Mongols meth transfer
Judge sentences man to 12 months' home detention over incident.
!['I do offer him forgiveness': Sister's emotional message to brother's killer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I do offer him forgiveness': Sister's emotional message to brother's killer
Brayden Towler sat with his head bowed and wearing a deflated look as she spoke.
![Nearly all MPs report harassment, quarter receive death threats - study](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nearly all MPs report harassment, quarter receive death threats - study
One MP says someone came to their office to try to stab them.
![Female health worker who treated abuse victims sentenced over child sex images](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Female health worker who treated abuse victims sentenced over child sex images
The woman avoided being placed on the sex offender register.
![Paramedic applicant who changed his name had hid sex offending past](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Paramedic applicant who changed his name had hid sex offending past
The man did not disclose his unlawful sexual connection conviction.
![Why is Newshub closing? What we know about the decision to axe the broadcaster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why is Newshub closing? What we know about the decision to axe the broadcaster
Today, Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed it still can't make Newshub work.
!['Don't make me cry': Newshub's biggest stars front on its closure, up to 300 job losses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Don't make me cry': Newshub's biggest stars front on its closure, up to 300 job losses
Bosses say no deal 'at this stage' with a third party for a pared-back TV3 news service.
![Parnell lodge fire: Owners obtained $22m in emergency housing grants across 6 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Parnell lodge fire: Owners obtained $22m in emergency housing grants across 6 years
The pair owned nine motels when they spoke to the Herald in 2022.
![Media Insider: TVNZ talks Sunday, Fair Go funds with NZ On Air; Warriors lift lid on marketing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Media Insider: TVNZ talks Sunday, Fair Go funds with NZ On Air; Warriors lift lid on marketing
And just where is the Media Minister's promised plan?
![Media Insider: Suppression spike; Elephant in NZR interview room; Big NBR subscriber cancels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Media Insider: Suppression spike; Elephant in NZR interview room; Big NBR subscriber cancels
Defendants keep names secret, NBR loses 'biggest exclusive user', Maiki Sherman's new gig.
![TVNZ staff rally outside broadcaster's Auckland HQ in opposition to proposed cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TVNZ staff rally outside broadcaster's Auckland HQ in opposition to proposed cuts
Staff from TVNZ have rallied outside its Auckland HQ.
![TVNZ reveals new political editor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TVNZ reveals new political editor
The veteran reporter says she will bring a unique perspective to the role.
![$700 per week for two kids: Daycare fees crippling families](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$700 per week for two kids: Daycare fees crippling families
'It's a massive barrier and it’s not really supporting women back into the workforce.'
![Slut if you do, prude if you don't: Young people walking the line with sexting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Slut if you do, prude if you don't: Young people walking the line with sexting
'There’s pressure not to send nudes, but there’s pressure to send nudes.'
![Botanic Gardens daylight sex assault: Tourist traumatised after attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Botanic Gardens daylight sex assault: Tourist traumatised after attack
The woman was visiting her sister in Auckland when the assault occured.
![Copyright expert says Winston Peters is wrong about use of Chumbawamba song](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Copyright expert says Winston Peters is wrong about use of Chumbawamba song
Lawyer Earl Gray told the Herald copyright law still applied to Winston Peters.
!['I felt like a criminal': Mum's Oranga Tamariki vindication](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I felt like a criminal': Mum's Oranga Tamariki vindication
The complainant said it was the worst time of her life.
!['We watched him gasp for air': Family's pre-term birth nightmare](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We watched him gasp for air': Family's pre-term birth nightmare
"We had to just watch him die."
!['Disgusts me': Sex assault charges rise by 33%, legal aid fees double](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Disgusts me': Sex assault charges rise by 33%, legal aid fees double
Legal aid for sex offences more than doubles to $18.7 million
![Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting: What she stole and how she did it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting: What she stole and how she did it
Items she took included a Zambesi shirt, a $1900 Acne coat and a $4500 Row dress.
![Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting: What drives affluent people to steal?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting: What drives affluent people to steal?
People do all kinds of 'weird s***' for all kinds of reasons.
![Ex-Green MP Golriz Ghahraman admits shoplifting charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex-Green MP Golriz Ghahraman admits shoplifting charges
The 43-year-old faced four shoplifting charges.
![Court mulls whether victim of domestic violence should have to pay costs to abuser](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Court mulls whether victim of domestic violence should have to pay costs to abuser
Lower courts found the man had been abusive but did not issue a protection order.
![Volume of cocaine consumed in NZ jumps more than 90 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Volume of cocaine consumed in NZ jumps more than 90 per cent
There has also been a tenfold increase in people in their 60s and 70s using cannabis.
![Young child caught in bitter Ukraine-New Zealand custody battle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Young child caught in bitter Ukraine-New Zealand custody battle
The court ordered the child should be returned to Aotearoa.
![The rise of the sexsomnia defence: Justice or an easy out for rapists?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The rise of the sexsomnia defence: Justice or an easy out for rapists?
'Part of a broader culture of excusing [rape] behaviour' or 'not that easy'?
!['Violence is violence': Are our international custody laws putting people at risk?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Violence is violence': Are our international custody laws putting people at risk?
The Hague Convention is commonly used when one parent flees a country with their kids.
!['Destroyed me': Kiwi woman discovers her partner's a serial sex offender](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Destroyed me': Kiwi woman discovers her partner's a serial sex offender
After learning the truth, she didn't know where to turn or who to trust.
![Sex offender's appeal to introduce school suspension questions angers victim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sex offender's appeal to introduce school suspension questions angers victim
The sex offender has claimed a judge erred in placing her on the Sex Offender Register.
![Former NZ sports champ charged with cocaine importation, possession for supply](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former NZ sports champ charged with cocaine importation, possession for supply
The man appeared in the Auckland District Court today.
![Elite school bungles allegations against teacher in relationship with 16yo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Elite school bungles allegations against teacher in relationship with 16yo
It found the school should have conducted its own investigation into the behaviour.
![Sky rocketing demand for weight loss medication at Kiwi clinics](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sky rocketing demand for weight loss medication at Kiwi clinics
Three clinics spoken to by the Herald had seen a spike.
![MSD warns incoming minister of rising number of Kiwis on benefit, more increases likely](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MSD warns incoming minister of rising number of Kiwis on benefit, more increases likely
'We are seeing increasing complexity in clients’ needs.'
![Why judge gave NZ athlete discharge without conviction and suppression for sex offences with teen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why judge gave NZ athlete discharge without conviction and suppression for sex offences with teen
The judge referred to the impact on the man's sports career as a mitigating factor.
![Leading academic: Treaty bill ‘completely opposite’ to what Te Tiriti guarantees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leading academic: Treaty bill ‘completely opposite’ to what Te Tiriti guarantees
Margaret Mutu told the Herald these phrases were mistranslated.
![Prison boss apologises after barring Herald journalist's gang book](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Prison boss apologises after barring Herald journalist's gang book
He said the staff were not aware that the books were approved for distribution.
![Prison Break: Ex-con's tell-all memoir allegedly barred from NZ prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Prison Break: Ex-con's tell-all memoir allegedly barred from NZ prison
The high-profile former prisoner is miffed at the move.
![Bad tabs and no sleep: Why experts are urging Kiwis to get their drugs tested this summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bad tabs and no sleep: Why experts are urging Kiwis to get their drugs tested this summer
A substance found in some tabs has caused deaths overseas.
![Confessions of a reformed shopaholic: My year without brand-new clothes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Confessions of a reformed shopaholic: My year without brand-new clothes
Opinion: Katie Harris shares what she's learned only shopping second-hand.
![NZ raises concern with Ukraine over mum's refusal to return girl from war-torn country](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ raises concern with Ukraine over mum's refusal to return girl from war-torn country
She cited frustrations at NZ's Covid-19 restrictions and her reluctance to get vaccinated.
![Blenheim Gymnastics Club 'shocked and appalled' by ex-coaches sex offending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blenheim Gymnastics Club 'shocked and appalled' by ex-coaches sex offending
It said the club’s primary concern at this time was the wellbeing of the victims.
![Blenheim gymnastics coach and sex offender Gregory Pask pleads guilty to nearly 30 charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blenheim gymnastics coach and sex offender Gregory Pask pleads guilty to nearly 30 charges
Police believe there may be more victims.
!['National no different to the Mob': Mum fleeing gang life hits out at Police Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'National no different to the Mob': Mum fleeing gang life hits out at Police Minister
'They’re no different to the mob selling false dreams,' says woman.
![Tash Sultana: Artist lets music do the talking at Spark Arena](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tash Sultana: Artist lets music do the talking at Spark Arena
'Mentally, physically, spiritually it’s been a crazy way to shape your life.'
![Senior gangster behind popular Auckland gym charged with organised crime](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Senior gangster behind popular Auckland gym charged with organised crime
Some of the charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
![Men involved in national sex offending scandal granted reduced sentence after court error](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Men involved in national sex offending scandal granted reduced sentence after court error
The men were initially charged in 2020 and pleaded guilty last year.
![Siouxsie Wiles case: Uni boss says abuse 'not uncommon', reveals being followed home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Siouxsie Wiles case: Uni boss says abuse 'not uncommon', reveals being followed home
'Not a day goes by where I do not get some form of abuse in my inbox.'
![Inside the Auckland scaffolding disaster that cost a young father his arms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside the Auckland scaffolding disaster that cost a young father his arms
After the 'massive sound' and fireball, Jahden Nelson was left in 'excruciating' pain.
![Rapist granted 1.5-year sentence discount for 'sexsomnia'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rapist granted 1.5-year sentence discount for 'sexsomnia'
The Auckland man was sentenced in the Waitākere District Court.
!['It broke me': Fiancée of man who lost arms in work accident's moving message in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It broke me': Fiancée of man who lost arms in work accident's moving message in court
'My children are limited to a lifestyle they should never have been exposed to.'
![‘Gutless’: Victim wants apology after TVNZ shared off-the-record material](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Gutless’: Victim wants apology after TVNZ shared off-the-record material
Email emerges showing TVNZ's "commitment" to a legal fight it then never took.
![‘Could they have been saved?’ - Inquest into Christchurch terror attack begins as families ask for answers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Could they have been saved?’ - Inquest into Christchurch terror attack begins as families ask for answers
Six-week coronial inquest in March 15, 2019 terror attacks set to begin in Christchurch.
![Alice Springs to Uluru: The Australian roadie you didn't know you needed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Alice Springs to Uluru: The Australian roadie you didn't know you needed
It's time we Kiwis realised there’s much more to Australia than nice beaches.
!['I'm not scared of them': Victim's new life after 16-year battle for justice over indecent assaults](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I'm not scared of them': Victim's new life after 16-year battle for justice over indecent assaults
At 15 Erin Leighton was given drugs and indecently touched by a man and woman.
![Mob leader fears Nats' patch ban will see spike in facial tattoos](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mob leader fears Nats' patch ban will see spike in facial tattoos
She said people will get gang tattoos on their face and neck.
![‘Never been truly able to love again’: Victim confronts 'malevolent' sex abusers in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Never been truly able to love again’: Victim confronts 'malevolent' sex abusers in court
She spoke of 'massive psychological wounds' that have festered in her life as a result.
![Journalist says he left TVNZ on a point of principle after interview details used in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Journalist says he left TVNZ on a point of principle after interview details used in court
Journalist speaks out on why he quit TVNZ's flagship Sunday current affairs show.
!['Malevolent': Victim's last words to man who abused her, fraudster Paul Bennett](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Malevolent': Victim's last words to man who abused her, fraudster Paul Bennett
She spoke of “massive psychological wounds” that have festered in her life as a result.
![Supreme Court mulls whether to grant serial sex offender name suppression](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supreme Court mulls whether to grant serial sex offender name suppression
Defendant's lawyer claimed media coverage does "turn the public against him".
!['Psychological war': Mongrel Mob boss says Nats govt will be ‘devastating’ to gangs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Psychological war': Mongrel Mob boss says Nats govt will be ‘devastating’ to gangs
Fatupaito says the banning of gang patches would take away a 'human right'.
![Revealed: Kiri Allan's speech that RNZ fought to keep secret](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: Kiri Allan's speech that RNZ fought to keep secret
"I’ve seen a woman come home feeling broken and battered, always fighting."
![Man accused of driving at National candidate pleads not guilty to all five charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man accused of driving at National candidate pleads not guilty to all five charges
He has elected to have a judge-alone trial.