David Fisher is a senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald who has twice been named New Zealand’s Reporter of the Year.
David is based in Northland and has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, winning multiple journalism awards and being selected as one of a small number of Wolfson Press Fellows to Wolfson College, Cambridge. He joined the Herald in 2004. You can contact David at david.fisher@nzme.co.nz
![‘We thought they were growing tomatoes’: Inside NZ's biggest cannabis bust](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘We thought they were growing tomatoes’: Inside NZ's biggest cannabis bust
Police uncovered a large cannabis growing operation linked to Vietnamese organised crime.
!['Tooth fairy' fined $7k for making dentures for desperate locals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Tooth fairy' fined $7k for making dentures for desperate locals
Tooth fairy Claire Wihongi-Matene was fined for low-cost unlicensed denture service.
![Fatal dog attack: Family of elderly Moerewa woman 'devastated' by 'tragic loss'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal dog attack: Family of elderly Moerewa woman 'devastated' by 'tragic loss'
The woman had reportedly spent her entire life in the Far North community.
![The switch in mood in Northland’s final election debate that got candidates talking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The switch in mood in Northland’s final election debate that got candidates talking
Debates in Northland have been called 'feral', 'misogynist' and 'racist'.
![Fatal crash probe slammed after police case against tourist driver collapses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal crash probe slammed after police case against tourist driver collapses
New inquiry into police investigation highlights slew of failures in double-fatal crash.
![Hipkins tells Northland - your roads aren’t up to scratch (and neither were schools or hospitals)](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hipkins tells Northland - your roads aren’t up to scratch (and neither were schools or hospitals)
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says North has been underfunded for years.
![Northland, the politics of belief and ‘Nimby’, ‘misogynist’ and ‘racist' voters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland, the politics of belief and ‘Nimby’, ‘misogynist’ and ‘racist' voters
Can Labour's Willow-Jean Prime hold onto a seat her party has won only once since 1938?
![Locals free injured men after chopper rolls during take-off](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Locals free injured men after chopper rolls during take-off
Two people were in the aircraft when the incident happened at Whangaroa about 3.20pm.
![Red tide that swept Northland could be swallowed by blue wave this election](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Red tide that swept Northland could be swallowed by blue wave this election
A new poll puts National's Grant McCallum well ahead in Northland.
![Clairvoyant who 'conned' $19m Lotto winner: Claims of debts emerge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Clairvoyant who 'conned' $19m Lotto winner: Claims of debts emerge
Kim Helmbright created an aura of trust among those who befriended her.
![David Fisher: Luxon hits the pre-campaign trail to build political muscle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
David Fisher: Luxon hits the pre-campaign trail to build political muscle
OPINION: The smell of the election is in the air as National's leader meets the people.
![Town square plan boost after artist moots a shift of mosaic mural wall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Town square plan boost after artist moots a shift of mosaic mural wall
Kaitaia's mosaic wall could be moved, says artist.
![Council says sorry for error showing massive rates hikes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council says sorry for error showing massive rates hikes
'They couldn't run a bath': A ratepayer's blast at the Far North District Council.
![Fixing main street - move to legally force owners of shabby buildings to sharpen up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fixing main street - move to legally force owners of shabby buildings to sharpen up
The owner of an earmarked building told the Age he will bring his building up to standard.
![‘Sting’ in the tail sees PGF projects needing ratepayer cash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Sting’ in the tail sees PGF projects needing ratepayer cash
Shade sails at Kaitāia park reveal hidden cost behind North's $800m cash grab.
![Tension in relationship between Far North mayor and council chief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tension in relationship between Far North mayor and council chief
Praise for departing chief executive - mayor won't discuss relationship.
![Sheer grit in the gorge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sheer grit in the gorge
An exclusive tour of the SH1 repair works at Mangamuka reveals the extent of the damage.
![Far North mum keeps the whānau fed, despite financial constraints](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North mum keeps the whānau fed, despite financial constraints
Shantelle Puru's careful budget faced ruin when $50 was lost in the supermarket carpark.
![The man behind NZ's 'stop co-governance’ rallies and his property dispute with Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The man behind NZ's 'stop co-governance’ rallies and his property dispute with Māori
Evangelist Julian Batchelor's latest meeting to be targeted by anti-racism protesters.
![Thieves pinch street artist’s collection of crochet creations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thieves pinch street artist’s collection of crochet creations
Leo Stirling's crochet collection of woolen artworks were stolen while he slept.
![10 days with no power, seven days trapped - life inside an isolated Northland valley](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
10 days with no power, seven days trapped - life inside an isolated Northland valley
David Fisher walked into the isolated valley cut off from the world by Cyclone Gabrielle.
![Dargaville evacuation call: Rural chaos with crops ruined and dairy farms dumping milk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dargaville evacuation call: Rural chaos with crops ruined and dairy farms dumping milk
Dargaville reeling amid new evacuations as farmers count the cost.
![Digger driver owed $6m tells court to sell council's offices to pay debt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Digger driver owed $6m tells court to sell council's offices to pay debt
Northland's Jimmy Daisley signed a deal with council and says it reneged.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: The town isolated by slips, wild weather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cyclone Gabrielle: The town isolated by slips, wild weather
Mangamuka is cut off from its closest centre and residents are counting the cost.
![Festival atmosphere as 15,000 turn up for Waitangi Day amid warnings of racial division](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Festival atmosphere as 15,000 turn up for Waitangi Day amid warnings of racial division
Waitangi Day began will calls for unity, ended with a big party.
![Waitangi Day 2023: Political leaders call for a united front at this year's dawn ceremony](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waitangi Day 2023: Political leaders call for a united front at this year's dawn ceremony
Thousands at Waitangi dawn powhiri as country welcomes national day.
![Watch: 'Hands off' - kaumātua removed after interrupting Waitangi service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: 'Hands off' - kaumātua removed after interrupting Waitangi service
An elderly man interrupted official proceedings at Waitangi this morning.
![Politicians at Waitangi wrestle with the rules of not talking politics - then mostly do so anyway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Politicians at Waitangi wrestle with the rules of not talking politics - then mostly do so anyway
Requests to skirt politics brought awkwardness and eloquence.
![Waitangi 2023: Hipkins urges Kiwis to not be afraid to discuss Maori-Crown relations; Luxon labels Treaty 'a little experiment'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waitangi 2023: Hipkins urges Kiwis to not be afraid to discuss Maori-Crown relations; Luxon labels Treaty 'a little experiment'
Parliamentarians have formally been welcomed to Waitangi.
![‘We thought they were growing tomatoes’: Inside NZ's biggest cannabis bust](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘We thought they were growing tomatoes’: Inside NZ's biggest cannabis bust
Police uncovered a large cannabis growing operation linked to Vietnamese organised crime.
![Skeletons removed from quirky shop display after ghost rumour surfaces](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Skeletons removed from quirky shop display after ghost rumour surfaces
Melanie Kinghan finally found a way to express her creativity - and then came the rumours.
![‘I feel ripped off’ - the life insurance story that could save you thousands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘I feel ripped off’ - the life insurance story that could save you thousands
Veteran's life insurance premium was $5800 on $15,000 policy.
![Surveillance audit: Cops will investigate use of CCTV network](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Surveillance audit: Cops will investigate use of CCTV network
Privacy Commissioner questions police access of surveillance network.
![Exclusive: Police faked car crimes in hunt for women who sparked Covid lockdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: Police faked car crimes in hunt for women who sparked Covid lockdown
A powerful network of CCTV cameras was accessed after police made up a crime.
![Inside the police file: Documents detail hunt for Covid-positive women](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside the police file: Documents detail hunt for Covid-positive women
Determined efforts to find women offer insights into a police 'manhunt'.
![Exclusive: Women's trip north - the 'sex workers' who weren't; Govt blunder sent region into lockdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: Women's trip north - the 'sex workers' who weren't; Govt blunder sent region into lockdown
Covid-positive women had valid business, were not prostitutes or linked to gangs - police.
!['Miracle' no one killed in crash which struck tangi convoy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Miracle' no one killed in crash which struck tangi convoy
Fire crews thought 'carnage' when turning up at SH10 crash scene.
![Intense day of judging ahead of Whangārei Orchid Society show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Intense day of judging ahead of Whangārei Orchid Society show
A broad range of the exotic flowers are on display at Forum North.
![The End: Covid killed one of NZ's last video stores](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The End: Covid killed one of NZ's last video stores
Video stores edged out as Covid and streaming brings end to an era.
![Exotic Orchids show an early bloomer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exotic Orchids show an early bloomer
The flowers grow around the world, with the number of species exceeded only by grasses.
!['Low-life mongrels': Council appeals $5.7m payout to wrongly closed quarry owner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Low-life mongrels': Council appeals $5.7m payout to wrongly closed quarry owner
A 17-year fight over a wrongly-filed resource consent is heading back to court.
![Rural non-delivery: 'Overwhelmed' postie hoards 15 months of mail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rural non-delivery: 'Overwhelmed' postie hoards 15 months of mail
Missing mail included specialist appointments, car registrations and jury duty summons.
![Island paradise's new owner speaks after $22m price dropped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Island paradise's new owner speaks after $22m price dropped
Hapu with 900 years link to island hoped Crown would landbank it.
![Poison alcohol in the letterbox: Man's attempt to solve his own murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Poison alcohol in the letterbox: Man's attempt to solve his own murder
Dave Davan died after drinking port spiked with weedkiller. Who wanted him dead?
![Enchanter tragedy: The ill-fated 'trip of a lifetime' that claimed five lives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Enchanter tragedy: The ill-fated 'trip of a lifetime' that claimed five lives
NZ Herald reporter David Fisher plots the journey of the Enchanter's fatal voyage.
![Sinking of the Enchanter: A community in shock after ill-fated trip to the 'Everest of fishing'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sinking of the Enchanter: A community in shock after ill-fated trip to the 'Everest of fishing'
The sinking of the Enchanter tore through its home port of Mangonui.
![Behind the protest: Organiser's unsuccessful political career and failed gold mining scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Behind the protest: Organiser's unsuccessful political career and failed gold mining scheme
A rallying voice at Parliament's protest is linked to a global network of misinformation.
!['We do not want to stand by': PM's Waitangi speech, Covid response for Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We do not want to stand by': PM's Waitangi speech, Covid response for Māori
At Waitangi, there's an eerie absence of people.
![Ex-MP and Covid theories: The cost of a 'treacherous political rabbit hole'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex-MP and Covid theories: The cost of a 'treacherous political rabbit hole'
Former National MP Matt King on why he won't 'sell my soul to the devil'.
![Kaimaumau wetlands: Sacred sites, rare flora and fauna complicate fire fight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaimaumau wetlands: Sacred sites, rare flora and fauna complicate fire fight
Burning for 22 days, the fire has covered an area the size of 2400 football fields.
![Fatal car crash mystery: Who killed Cheryl Te Maro?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal car crash mystery: Who killed Cheryl Te Maro?
Victim's sister apologises to driver charged - 'I don't believe she did it'.
![How one summer hotspot feels about Auckland's upcoming holidays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How one summer hotspot feels about Auckland's upcoming holidays
The Herald on Sunday spoke to dozens of Northlanders about Auckland coming on holiday.
![Crown pays $1.5m for waterfront property occupied by iwi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crown pays $1.5m for waterfront property occupied by iwi
It took five weeks - how a Northland iwi is set to regain privately-owned ancestral land.
![Tinfoil-wrapped phones, laptops in freezer: Meet the man who heckled PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tinfoil-wrapped phones, laptops in freezer: Meet the man who heckled PM
His confrontation with the Prime Minister went around the world. So who is Shane Chafin?
![Far North resort blockaded after rumour of Covid case visit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North resort blockaded after rumour of Covid case visit
A concerned crowd gathered at Carrington Estate on the Karikari Peninsula yesterday.
![Far North town's Covid case - and anger at Ministry's 'secrecy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North town's Covid case - and anger at Ministry's 'secrecy'
Community leaders voice frustration over 'privacy' claims for not revealing town names.
![Horror in the sand dunes as foot severed - 'like a guillotine'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Horror in the sand dunes as foot severed - 'like a guillotine'
Frantic dash for hospital
![A tourist driver was charged over two deaths - then a tragic theory emerged over other motorist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A tourist driver was charged over two deaths - then a tragic theory emerged over other motorist
A tourist driver was charged with causing two deaths - then another story emerged.
![Trevor Mallard and the day Parliament acted like a bunch of kids](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trevor Mallard and the day Parliament acted like a bunch of kids
Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard is taking democracy and debate to schools.
![Big Read: Mortal fear for remote arson-plagued community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big Read: Mortal fear for remote arson-plagued community
There's one name that keeps cropping up - is he the mystery arsonist?
![David Fisher: Judith Collins, streaking Queen Street and bugbears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
David Fisher: Judith Collins, streaking Queen Street and bugbears
Judith Collins on media bias, law and order, hate speech and other bugbears.
![Evicted - then Betty Hooper, 99, took her landlord to court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Evicted - then Betty Hooper, 99, took her landlord to court
Frustration with her eviction led to judicial showdown.
![Mayor Mai: 'Disappointing' time taken on SH1 roundabout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mayor Mai: 'Disappointing' time taken on SH1 roundabout
Roundabout project meant to finish late 2020 now stretching to late 2022.
!['Uncomfortable': Top cop has fishing boat called 'Dawn Raid'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Uncomfortable': Top cop has fishing boat called 'Dawn Raid'
For Superintendent Tony Hill, naming his boat 'Dawn Raid' took on a new significance.
![Whangārei out of water reform, CEO cites trust issue with govt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whangārei out of water reform, CEO cites trust issue with govt
Mayor Sheryl Mai angles for compensation over water reform.
![Tale of SH1 roundabout works: 'This has been too long'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tale of SH1 roundabout works: 'This has been too long'
Two years of irritation - Brent George on being neighbour to SH1 roundabout works.
![Northport urged to develop wharf to meet rail link](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northport urged to develop wharf to meet rail link
The port is spending $8m as the upgraded rail line is tipped to spur a boom in the region.
![Meat works losing 'millions' through staff shortages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Meat works losing 'millions' through staff shortages
Meat works stretched - and a national campaign planned to match workers with employers.
!['White privilege' - the truth behind Act's classroom claim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'White privilege' - the truth behind Act's classroom claim
David Seymour says 'white privilege' classroom incident probably 'enthusiastic graduate'.
!['Unacceptable' - Robertson taken to task over dumped highway plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unacceptable' - Robertson taken to task over dumped highway plan
Grant Robertson confronted over government dropping Northland's four-lane highway.
![Strike: No news, good news for those going to hospital today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Strike: No news, good news for those going to hospital today
Who will be - and won't be - affected by today's nursing strike.
!['All offers considered': $22m island owner's cut-price sale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'All offers considered': $22m island owner's cut-price sale
"Ignore previous price tags," says owner of Far North island and luxury home.
![How the fight against Covid-19 conspiracies is changing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How the fight against Covid-19 conspiracies is changing
The rise of conspiracy has led to shift from the 'single source of truth'.
![Abandoned island mansion plagued by invaders for two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Abandoned island mansion plagued by invaders for two years
New buyers emerge for $22m island as inquiries reveal two years of abandonment.
![Trucks to clog SH1: More than 1000 containers Auckland-bound](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trucks to clog SH1: More than 1000 containers Auckland-bound
From 6am Friday, a dozen trucks an hour will head from Northport to Auckland.
![Possum-like puss perched at power pole pinnacle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Possum-like puss perched at power pole pinnacle
Power to the puss - scales 11m high power pole before returning to Earth.
![$7m land grab - will this be Whangārei's new airport?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$7m land grab - will this be Whangārei's new airport?
A $7m-plus land deal has identified one of three sites for Whangārei's new airport.
![Grim scenario behind penguins' deaths revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grim scenario behind penguins' deaths revealed
The killer of a penguin found dead at Uretiti Beach has been discovered.