Julia Gabel, part of the Investigations team for New Zealand’s Herald, has gained invaluable experience in reporting on the important issues, including health and housing.
I’m Julia Gabel – I started at the Herald in 2020. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved writing. I studied a Bachelor of Arts and after living in Beijing for two years, I found my way into the field when I did the Journalism Post-Graduate Degree at AUT. My first role at the Herald was the 3-11pm shift, where I covered the wide range of stories that come across the newsdesk. I shifted to the investigations team and it’s been an invaluable opportunity, allowing me to dive deep into some pressing and important issues – including health and housing – and see how the world of investigative reporting works. Another exciting change I've seen while I've been at the Herald is the development of Kahu, our Maori news platform, which I sometimes write stories for alongside my live and investigative mahi. Whether it’s live shifts, investigative or any other reporting at the Herald that I get to do, the most important facet of reporting to me is people – getting to meet people as part of our mahi, hearing their stories, sharing them. It’s a privilege to be able to do that.
![Early election voting begins today: Everything you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Early election voting begins today: Everything you need to know
The advance voting period for the 2023 election starts today.
!['It's gotten worse': Stories of human struggle behind the cost of living crisis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'It's gotten worse': Stories of human struggle behind the cost of living crisis
Herald interactive and Kiwi accounts show the impact of rising costs, inflation.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: Live tracking, rainfall stats, region-by-region warnings, shelter locations, train and bus services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Cyclone Gabrielle: Live tracking, rainfall stats, region-by-region warnings, shelter locations, train and bus services
The entire North Island is now under or facing heavy rain and/or strong wind warnings.
![Suspected Covid case in Wellington](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Suspected Covid case in Wellington
'It is broadly in line with what we would've expected but it doesn't mean it's okay.'
![NZ-wide emergency: Power failure affects thousands; public left puzzled and angry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ-wide emergency: Power failure affects thousands; public left puzzled and angry
Thousands of homes left without heating in the depths of winter overnight.
![Tūhoe honey on world stage after international competition win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Tūhoe honey on world stage after international competition win
Sweet result causes buzz in Te Urewera.
![GO NZ: In awe of Whakatāne's secret wildlife island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
GO NZ: In awe of Whakatāne's secret wildlife island
Tuatara, fluorescent moss and pōhutukawa hundreds of years old
!['Always a Friday': Matariki public holidays for next 30 years revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Always a Friday': Matariki public holidays for next 30 years revealed
"Mātauranga Māori has been at the heart of decision making on the new public holiday."
![Snow in Wellington, giant wave warning - storm surging north](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Snow in Wellington, giant wave warning - storm surging north
Low temperatures, snow and large waves unleashed across New Zealand today.
![Deadly Covid variant 'could be anywhere in NZ'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Deadly Covid variant 'could be anywhere in NZ'
Expert: 'It can go either way. We just have to wait and see.'
!['Walk-in' vaccines: Members of public jump queue for jabs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Walk-in' vaccines: Members of public jump queue for jabs
'What we have said to those on the frontline...is don't let any vaccinations go to waste.'
![Live: New Covid case - another hotel worker tests positive, four new locations of interest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Live: New Covid case - another hotel worker tests positive, four new locations of interest
The latest case is the third Grand Millennium worker to test positive recently.
![Crackdown on rulebreakers could backfire, Bloomfield warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Crackdown on rulebreakers could backfire, Bloomfield warns
PM Jacinda Ardern said lockdown breaches were not tolerable – but punishment not her call.
![Man pulled from North Island swimming hole unconscious](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Man pulled from North Island swimming hole unconscious
A man in his 20s was pulled from the water unconscious.
![Listeria scare: Consumers warned not to eat 13 salads sold at 400-plus retailers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Listeria scare: Consumers warned not to eat 13 salads sold at 400-plus retailers
The pre-packaged and deli salads are sold at major supermarkets across the country.
![Time to fly: Escaped Auckland cockatiel's mammoth journey to the Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Time to fly: Escaped Auckland cockatiel's mammoth journey to the Coromandel
Keith's not just any cockatiel.
![Christmas weather: Gusty, but no need to wrap up with pleasant day for most](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Christmas weather: Gusty, but no need to wrap up with pleasant day for most
The North Island is in for a pleasant day, but it's a colder story for the South Island.
![Whakaari/White Island tragedy: Charges revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Whakaari/White Island tragedy: Charges revealed
For all organisations on each charge the maximum penalty is a fine of $1.5 million.