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.
![Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment helps man keep independence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment helps man keep independence
Peter Copeman, 93, has no doubt he would be blind if he did not have a simple eye test.
!['Metres from sea': Dover Samuels calls island pool fence rule too bureaucratic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Metres from sea': Dover Samuels calls island pool fence rule too bureaucratic
Kaumātua Dover Samuels says the Motukawaiti Island pool is right next to the sea.
!['Ratepayers hit hard' with Whangārei increasing rates 17.2%](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Ratepayers hit hard' with Whangārei increasing rates 17.2%
More could have been done to keep the rates lower, critics say.
![Private island site no excuse for not fencing swimming pool in Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Private island site no excuse for not fencing swimming pool in Far North
The owners of Motukawaiti Island had argued young children would never visit the site.
![Parent wanted family to die together: On trial for attempted murder and coercing suicide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Parent wanted family to die together: On trial for attempted murder and coercing suicide
The daughter required hospital treatment after the incident, the prosecution says.
![Whangārei Boys' High School pleads guilty to charges relating to Abbey Caves death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whangārei Boys' High School pleads guilty to charges relating to Abbey Caves death
The school admitted two charges after the death of a student on a school caving trip.
![Kaipara Harbour water test near town shows alarmingly high levels of aluminium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaipara Harbour water test near town shows alarmingly high levels of aluminium
The aluminium could be toxic to fish and a potential cause of 'zombie' snapper.
![Wanted: Families looking for a hand-up into buying their first home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wanted: Families looking for a hand-up into buying their first home
Habitat for Humanity is building 24 Whangārei homes for its rent-to-buy scheme.
![Northport expansion's creation of jobs outweighed by coastal impact](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northport expansion's creation of jobs outweighed by coastal impact
Independent commissioners have declined the resource consents to expand.
![Poor work blamed for Cape Rēinga slip, while climate change floods track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Poor work blamed for Cape Rēinga slip, while climate change floods track
Fill which was poorly placed, then paved over, contributed to the slip in May 2023.
!['They were very cold': Transpower leaves Northland businesses in dark over compo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They were very cold': Transpower leaves Northland businesses in dark over compo
Transpower has decided not to be proactive in any compensation or help for Northland.
![Northland's Pita Tipene leading world's first indigenous trade agreement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland's Pita Tipene leading world's first indigenous trade agreement
The arrangement helped US and Canadian indigenous people meet for the first time.
![Chef of the Year finalist credits Northland collaboration for success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chef of the Year finalist credits Northland collaboration for success
Schnappa Rock's Dean Thompson is a finalist in Hospitality NZ's Chef of the Year award.
![Circus Kumarani marks 21 years as stage for all ages and abilities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Circus Kumarani marks 21 years as stage for all ages and abilities
The community circus is about supporting people of all ages and abilities.
!['The pain is ongoing': Businesses want power cut compensation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The pain is ongoing': Businesses want power cut compensation
The power cut is causing ongoing damage to Northland's reputation, NorthChamber says.
![Northland businesses feeling the pinch offered workshops, mentoring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland businesses feeling the pinch offered workshops, mentoring
ASB economists warn about Northland’s outlook but help is on hand for businesses.
![Builders want government help to smooth troughs of construction industry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Builders want government help to smooth troughs of construction industry
While consents are down 29%, more trained builders will be needed soon in Northland.
![Customers owed thousands from Flaming Fires offered warmth from rival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Customers owed thousands from Flaming Fires offered warmth from rival
Liquidators are working with Flaming Fires' director to get money back to customers.
!['It’s important for our mental health in the cold': Matariki fun warms hearts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It’s important for our mental health in the cold': Matariki fun warms hearts
Friday's events included Whangārei's Light and Lantern Parade, and Waipu on Ice.
!['He’s riding his eternal wave' Dad and 'soulmate' remembered as passionate surfer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'He’s riding his eternal wave' Dad and 'soulmate' remembered as passionate surfer
Stephen Moir, 53, was a Mangawhai builder who always downed tools when there was surf.
![Businesses want compensation as Transpower says too many nuts taken off pylon caused power cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Businesses want compensation as Transpower says too many nuts taken off pylon caused power cut
Northland businesses want compensation.
![Top Whangārei building apprentice 'stoked' to be in national competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top Whangārei building apprentice 'stoked' to be in national competition
Jayden Hudson-Owen will represent Whangārei at a national competition this week.
!['We’re sick to the eyeballs': Northland businesses angry with region's fragile infrastructure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We’re sick to the eyeballs': Northland businesses angry with region's fragile infrastructure
Thursday's power cut was estimated to cost $60m in another blow to struggling businesses.
!['Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders
Simeon Brown orders Electricity Authority review into pylon collapse.
![Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland
Parts of Northland were without power after a pylon toppled near Wellsford.
![Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water
'There will obviously be an investigation into the incident and what caused it.'
![Fisheries NZ still can't identify what causes 'zombie' disease in snapper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fisheries NZ still can't identify what causes 'zombie' disease in snapper
MPI is running tests on the diseased snapper from around the North Island.
![Is it safe? Inquiry into Northern Wairoa health called for](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is it safe? Inquiry into Northern Wairoa health called for
'Zombie' fish and years of pollution pushes Dargaville residents to call for inquiry.
![Rare condition not stopping Whangārei girl fundraising for testing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rare condition not stopping Whangārei girl fundraising for testing
Carrie, 12, has limited vision and mobility, and needs to get to Melbourne for tests.
![Police working tirelessly to find out why Hoani Reupena-Tuoro died in fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police working tirelessly to find out why Hoani Reupena-Tuoro died in fire
Police are determined to find out what happened to Hoani Reupena-Tuoro and why.
![Up to 70 people collaborate to restore native habitat on Manaia Maunga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Up to 70 people collaborate to restore native habitat on Manaia Maunga
The event was underpinned by Māori knowledge, with the mountain regarded as an ancestor.
!['It feels like theft': Customers lose thousands as fire business liquidated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It feels like theft': Customers lose thousands as fire business liquidated
One customer paid $7500 for a fireplace in October but was kept waiting for installation.
![One person dies after coming off jet ski on remote stretch of Northland's west coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One person dies after coming off jet ski on remote stretch of Northland's west coast
Emergency services were unable to revive the person after they came off a jet ski.
![‘Zombie’ snapper caught in Auckland suggests disease more widespread](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Zombie’ snapper caught in Auckland suggests disease more widespread
The sick snapper caught near Port Albert suggest the problem is widespread.
![Awakino Precinct in Dargaville approved to allow 384 new houses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Awakino Precinct in Dargaville approved to allow 384 new houses
The Awakino Precinct will allow up to 384 new homes on a 39ha rural block.
![Kerikeri teen refuses food to protest New Zealand inaction against war in Gaza](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kerikeri teen refuses food to protest New Zealand inaction against war in Gaza
Wren Fisher, 17, is on a liquids-only hunger strike for Palestine.
![Ōruku Landing seeks fast-track consent and regional funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ōruku Landing seeks fast-track consent and regional funding
Ōruku Landing, once considered dead in the water, is hoping for more lifelines.
![King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work
Our reporters caught up with the recipients.
![Northland's Golden Bay wants to replace all coal in its cement making by 2030](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland's Golden Bay wants to replace all coal in its cement making by 2030
Golden Bay has replaced more than half of its coal but wants to do more.
![Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget
Mixed feelings on Budget even though some say Willis delivered what she promised.
![Four-lane highway, social housing, key Budget hopes for Northland leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Four-lane highway, social housing, key Budget hopes for Northland leaders
Business prosperity and child wellbeing are key factors in Northland ahead of the Budget.
![Long waits for mental health help can be catastrophic for Northland youth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Long waits for mental health help can be catastrophic for Northland youth
Northland children are waiting 50 per cent longer than adults for mental health services.
![Mapping whale migration still part of planning work for Ocean Flyer's seagliders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mapping whale migration still part of planning work for Ocean Flyer's seagliders
The unique form of transport could be coming to New Zealand in 2026 or 2027.
![Diseased snapper described as 'zombies' caught in Kaipara Harbour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Diseased snapper described as 'zombies' caught in Kaipara Harbour
The fish have sunken and milky eyes, bones sticking out and a lack of mucus coat.
![Slips and broken bridges continue to keep eastern Te Paki tracks closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Slips and broken bridges continue to keep eastern Te Paki tracks closed
Ngāti Kuri is mulling over alternatives to the extensively damaged waterfront walkways.
![Seagliders' 35-minute trips to Auckland closer with $145m deal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seagliders' 35-minute trips to Auckland closer with $145m deal
Seagliders and 35-minute trips between Whangārei and Auckland are a step closer.
![Big barge shows Whangārei's boat-building chops](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big barge shows Whangārei's boat-building chops
The 57m Kaipara Karrier VII was built by Culham Engineering for Atlas Concrete.
![Police investigate fatal crash in Mangōnui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police investigate fatal crash in Mangōnui
Police are investigating the fatal crash near the Far North town of Mangōnui last night.
![Fuel prices brought down by competition but motorists still feeling pump pain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fuel prices brought down by competition but motorists still feeling pump pain
The Commerce Commission says price differences cannot be explained by costs alone.
![Northland nurses 'drowning' in work call for safer staffing levels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland nurses 'drowning' in work call for safer staffing levels
One Whangārei nurse says the mental health of her over-worked colleagues is a concern.
![Pay cuts could understaff new radiation cancer facility, say striking doctors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pay cuts could understaff new radiation cancer facility, say striking doctors
GPs and specialty roles like radiology and oncology should not face cuts, strikers say.
![Emerging business Moka Fibre aims to tackle ugly truth about lash glue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Emerging business Moka Fibre aims to tackle ugly truth about lash glue
The glue is made from flax and wool extracts and does not damage natural eyelashes.
![WorkSafe charges Whangārei Boys’ High School over Abbey Caves student death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
WorkSafe charges Whangārei Boys’ High School over Abbey Caves student death
WorkSafe has laid two Health and Safety charges against the school's Board of Trustees.
![Northland human milk bank to provide breast milk to most vulnerable babies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland human milk bank to provide breast milk to most vulnerable babies
The human milk bank still needs $12,000 to get up and running.
!['Devastating': One body recovered in search for missing Whangārei fishermen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Devastating': One body recovered in search for missing Whangārei fishermen
Operation continues on Friday to find men, who recently moved to New Zealand from India.
![Say cheese: Waipū traditional goat cheese maker takes top trophy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Say cheese: Waipū traditional goat cheese maker takes top trophy
Belle Chevre Creamery’s Betta than Feta won the Best in Class Goats Milk Cheese.
![Barrier Air spreads wings to Bay of Islands to shake-up national carrier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Barrier Air spreads wings to Bay of Islands to shake-up national carrier
The competition comes as domestic airfares found to be the least competitive market in NZ.
![‘Adventurous spirit’: Northland's Gaelene Bright remembered two years after murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Adventurous spirit’: Northland's Gaelene Bright remembered two years after murder
The 69-year-old is being remembered with music and dancing in her small town.
![Fast-track consenting gives Northport another door to expansion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fast-track consenting gives Northport another door to expansion
Northport wants to ensure its plans to expand will be approved one way or another.
![Police say no risk to public after suspicious fatal fire in Tikipunga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police say no risk to public after suspicious fatal fire in Tikipunga
Police say there's no suggestion of any public risk after the suspicious fatal fire.
![Police launch investigation into Whangārei house fire that left one person dead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police launch investigation into Whangārei house fire that left one person dead
The fatal fire started in a car and spread to the house, Fenz said.
![Disability funding cuts hurt: 'There's nothing to help us'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Disability funding cuts hurt: 'There's nothing to help us'
Kristy Kewene loves her son James, 23, but says caring for him is tough.
![Four-star hotel plans resurrected for central Whangārei](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Four-star hotel plans resurrected for central Whangārei
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels want the Dent St site for a hotel, again.
![Thousands of Northlanders brave the chill to commemorate Anzac Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thousands of Northlanders brave the chill to commemorate Anzac Day
Dawn ceremonies are taking place around the region today.
![Northland to get $150m worth of new and revamped state houses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland to get $150m worth of new and revamped state houses
The state house owner plans to build nearly 400 new houses by the end of 2025.
![Whangārei 17.2 per cent rates rise ‘unaffordable’, ‘irresponsible’, critics say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whangārei 17.2 per cent rates rise ‘unaffordable’, ‘irresponsible’, critics say
In defence, Whangārei's mayor says council is facing a huge increase in costs.
![Caring mother 'fought to the death for her family' in burglary's fatal struggle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Caring mother 'fought to the death for her family' in burglary's fatal struggle
Linda Woods died last year after a man from her street entered her Kaikohe home.
![Local Waipu shop's award-winning cheeses answer to new EU regulations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Local Waipu shop's award-winning cheeses answer to new EU regulations
Origin Northland in Waipu sells food products with the lowest possible food miles.
![Sport NZ making a splash as leading regional rate planned to be cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sport NZ making a splash as leading regional rate planned to be cut
Northland Regional Council wants to cut the rate which helped fund key sports projects.
![Northland Expressway will grow region by $2.1b a year, new report says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland Expressway will grow region by $2.1b a year, new report says
The report shows huge economic and social benefits for Northland, plus a boost to GDP.
![Family mourn loving father of 14 who died in Whangārei Heads water incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Family mourn loving father of 14 who died in Whangārei Heads water incident
Shelford Hawira died after suffering a heart attack and falling into the water on Sunday.
!['Town is dying': Five Whangārei CBD businesses close](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Town is dying': Five Whangārei CBD businesses close
Five shops in Whangārei CBD are closing down due to rising costs and less customers.
![New date last chance for Waipu Highland Games to gain volunteers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New date last chance for Waipu Highland Games to gain volunteers
The traditional date for more than 150 years has been changed to get more volunteers.
![Person dies after suspected boat accident at Whangārei Heads on Sunday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person dies after suspected boat accident at Whangārei Heads on Sunday
The person may have been hit by a boat propeller and was unable to be revived.
![Northland dodges worst of storm overnight Thursday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland dodges worst of storm overnight Thursday
The region has come through the worst of the weather largely unscathed.
![Hundertwasser Art Centre not alone in its struggles, says The Kauri Museum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hundertwasser Art Centre not alone in its struggles, says The Kauri Museum
A lack of funding and higher costs is impacting all, including Matakohe's Kauri Museum.
![Danger of closed surf clubhouse sees club offer to pay $1.9m to fix slip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Danger of closed surf clubhouse sees club offer to pay $1.9m to fix slip
'We cannot wait any longer when lives are at risk', Mangawhai surf club tells the council.
![Regional council plans to kill off millions in funding for sport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Regional council plans to kill off millions in funding for sport
The fund has put $7m into Northland sports projects since 2018, but not any more.