Katie Harris
Social Issues reporter
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.
Check out Katie’s latest content
'Erections in class': School finally acknowledges early complaint against teacher
The elite girls' school has now admitted it received an early complaint about Peter Thomas
Auckland man who secretly filmed girls, women admits dozens of charges
The hearing occurred at the Auckland District Court today.
'Off their phones': Poll finds Kiwis want social media restricted for kids
Dr Samantha Marsh: 'It's a public health issue that requires regulation'.
'Good to be home': Crowded House deliver unforgettable Auckland performance
'I feel very blessed to be amongst you and to be in Auckland.'
Lord of the Rings actor jailed for sexually abusing Auckland girl
He was also added to the child sex offender register.
Student kicked out of class for complaining about music teacher's erections
Months later he struck up a sexual relationship with a different music student.
'Not a great night for NZ': Kiwis react to Trump’s election lead, dollar takes a hit
American in Auckland felt 'ashamed', NZD takes hit, tariff concern.
'Brought a knife to a fist fight': Jury shown chilling footage in bus station murder trial
The Crown alleges he murdered the victim, his lawyer says it was self-defence.
'It was magical': Trans man’s pregnancy and childbirth in Canterbury
“If we only ever have one child, we are so blessed," Frankie said.
Kim Hill's new gig, NZ media bosses on US endorsement palaver, popular parenting podcast ends
Kiwi Media bosses weigh in on US papers' endorsement woes.
TVNZ backtracks on proposal to scrap 1News website, but says it is to be ‘reduced’
Bosses held an all-staff meeting at 1pm.
Media Insider: TV personality's cocaine, organised crime charges
The TV star has name suppression and has been granted bail.
Revealed: The Kiri Allan, Anika Moa podcast RNZ refused to air
The podcast was released to the Herald under the Official Information Act.
Police launch investigation into King’s College staffer’s alleged inappropriate behaviour
King's said the male staffer acknowledged being involved in inappropriate online activity.
King’s College staffer resigns over allegations of inappropriate online activity, police notified
The school alerted parents tonight that the matter has been reported to police.
'Dire' shortages, burnout fears: Stuff staff hit out as fresh cuts loom
Worker frustrations boil over at Stuff as more staff face job cuts.
MediaWorks confirms plan to disestablish some roles in attempt to 'evolve' to market
Some staff have been given just 72 hours to provide feedback.
Trial of prominent NZ musician charged with threats to kill, assault, impeding breath delayed
He was set to go to trial this week but the case was vacated until February.
Home detention for Auckland rugby player whose partner died during kidnapping
“I thought a grown man would run out of tears by now,” the victim's father said.
TVNZ staffer on 'all-out assault' on newsroom; Google’s NZ threat to PM
The news company expanding in NZ and RNZ could move in with... who?
TVNZ to axe 1News website from early next year, staff told
The company may place more focus on digital news for streaming.
Older and wealthier: Who is using the most legal cannabis in New Zealand?
The first of its kind data has been exclusively shared with the Herald.
Children receive hundreds of cannabis prescriptions per year, parent says it's 'life-saving'
Research shows the drug can work well with some forms of epilepsy.
Disgraced teacher Peter Thomas gave pupil 'stolen' sex toy - student
Fresh details of his misconduct have been laid bare in a newly released tribunal decision.
Forgery, adultery and violence: Every doctor censured in the past five years
Nearly half of the doctors who committed misconduct have name suppression.
Watch: 'Absolutely terrified' – How Auckland woman lived in fear of her stalking ex
A film about her experience calls for action on an anti-stalking law in New Zealand.
Philip Polkinghorne trial timeline: Nine weeks that gripped the nation
The Auckland eye surgeon was accused of killing wife Pauline Hanna in their Remuera home.
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‘Let Pauline rest in peace’: Polkinghorne found not guilty of murdering wife
The Crown said the Remuera surgeon strangled his wife. The defence said it was suicide.
Revealed: Jury's question to judge in Polkinghorne murder trial
The jury will return to court at 11am.
Music teacher at Epsom Girls’ Grammar loses battle to keep details of sex with student secret
Peter Thomas took his fight for suppression to the High Court at Auckland.
Polkinghorne murder trial: Jury sent home, deliberations to resume next week
The former eye surgeon sobbed in court this morning as his 111 call was played.
Polkinghorne sobs before jury retires to consider verdict after 52 days
The former eye surgeon sobbed in court this morning as his 111 call was played.
Jury will deliberate Polkinghorne verdict tomorrow: 'Don’t allow emotion, sympathy or prejudice guide'
Justice Graham Lang told the jury to focus on the facts.
Polkinghorne trial: Judge sends jury home as verdict deliberations begin tomorrow
The eye surgeon is accused of strangling wife Pauline Hanna then staging a suicide.
Tortured with blowtorch, made to dig her own grave - woman's brutal month-long gang kidnapping ordeal
Victim kept in a state of terror for weeks while receiving “periodic beatings”.
'Very stupid': Man who helped supply gun later used in Auckland CBD shooting sentenced
His lawyer claimed he believed he was selling guns to like-minded hunting enthusiasts.
Claims alcohol-harm boss told conference he's 'like a battered wife'
A person who attended told the Herald they were "horrified" by the comment.
'Highly intoxicated': Former AB's daughter dragged man 30m to his death beneath her car
The advertising industry worker had been drinking at a Christmas work function.
Auckland man sentenced over attempted murder at Remuera campground
He was suffering from 'active psychotic symptoms' at the time of the attack.
Auckland man accused of sexual conduct with 13yo can now be named
He first appeared for this alleged offending last year, his name suppression lapsed today.
Northland man sentenced to home detention for attempting to murder terminally ill mother
The man's lawyer said he had acted out of 'compassion and love'.
Police officer who assaulted two teens wins discharge without conviction
Judge orders constable to pay each victim $1000.
'Only God judges': Activist who juiced anti-trans campaigner Posie Parker convicted
Eli Rubashkyn was denied her request for a discharge without conviction.
Sex, fraud and violence: 20 teachers fall foul of Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal
The Herald takes a deeper look at 20 rulings against badly behaved teachers.
PM pays tribute to Māori King Tūheitia in moving speech
PM Luxon said he'd anticipated becoming quite emotional as he spoke of the fallen monarch.
Blockhouse Bay homicide: Man appears in court on murder charge
The man is accused of killing scientist Stephen Thorpe last weekend.
Female Auckland teacher facing multiple sex charges after alleged violation of teen student
An Auckland teacher is accused of sexually abusing one of her students.
Former NZ athlete who admitted sex offence with minor competing locally again
The athlete got a discharge without conviction after pleading guilty to the offending.
Father of murder victim offers love and prayers to teen killers
'We do not seek revenge.' A father's emotional message to his son's killers.
High-flying British exec ordered to pay $16,730 after skipping rent on lavish Queenstown pad
The expat claimed his money was tied up in the UK's anti-money laundering regime.
Woman appears in court over brutal attack on teen bus passenger
The woman appeared in court this afternoon.
Mama Hooch: 'Part of me was taken away' - second victim drops name suppression
She wants to show other survivors they can succeed after sexual abuse.
'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
The court dismissed half of the woman's case.
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
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
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
The dramatic exchanged followed the accused man's first court appearance.
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
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'
“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
'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
"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
Nearly half of the doctors who committed misconduct have name suppression.
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
“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
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
King's Counsel describes incoming requirement as 'symptomatic of a dangerous trend'.
'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
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
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
The woman avoided being placed on the sex offender register.
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
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
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
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
And just where is the Media Minister's promised plan?
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
Staff from TVNZ have rallied outside its Auckland HQ.
TVNZ reveals new political editor
The veteran reporter says she will bring a unique perspective to the role.