Emma Russell
Multimedia Journalist
Emma Russell, Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand's Herald, uncovers health investigations and writes daily news following the country's biggest health system shake up and continued repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kia ora, I'm Emma. I'm really proud of two major investigations I've uncovered since starting at the New Zealand Herald in 2018. The first exposed inequalities in cancer care in a 2019 investigation called ‘Cancer: Why can’t we get it right?’. The second was a 2022 campaign called ‘In her Head’, which uncovered serious issues with how women are treated in New Zealand’s health system, and the severe neglect that some wāhine had faced. I also write daily news including following the country’s biggest health system shakeup and continued repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing up, I watched people I love struggle with their mental health, with them becoming stripped of a voice and left feeling powerless. I observed the role the media has to influence positive change. This led me to study journalism, with history and English, at the University of Canterbury and through a postgraduate diploma at Auckland University of Technology. I learnt about three key staples to journalism - holding powers to account, shining a light on injustices, and giving people a voice. Many of the stories I cover are harrowing and confronting. Those stories have stayed with me, but by sharing them we provoke meaningful conversation. To me, journalism is more than a job, it’s a privilege and one I am committed to never taking for granted
Check out Emma’s latest content
'We live in a man's world': NZ lags behind other countries in women's health
"When we look at systems of all sorts around the world we see inequality for women."
'Women let down by system': ACC pays out $27m to women harmed by health treatment
'There are so many areas that could be improved to better [women's] outcomes," GP says.
'Just part of being a woman': How our health system ignores and neglects female patients - and what can be done about it
'I kept thinking maybe I'm just being weak, maybe I just need to harden up...'
'I felt like I'd failed as a parent': Mum speaks out about traumatic births
Monique Cross says she was repeatedly dismissed by health professionals.
Live: 'Stay away' - Aucklanders to be locked out of holiday hotspots this summer
The simple message to Aucklanders is to stay away, Ōpōtiki councillor says.
Live: Luxon's demand to PM - open Auckland's borders tonight
I think we would expect to see cases go up with the traffic light, Baker has warned.
Delta outbreak: 109 cases - new infections in Northland, Waikato; Auckland vaccine rate latest
There are 35 people in hospital around the country.
The staggering amount taxpayers spend on drink-driving crashes
'Road deaths aren't just numbers,' police boss says.
Toddler's dislocated hip undetected by surgeon for 10 months
Family wins apology after a three year investigation by HDC.
'Bold move': $36.6m to help Kiwis quit smoking by 2025
Advocacy groups are applauding the Government's Smokefree 2025 spend.
'Incredibly hopeful': Mental health nurse on health shake-up
Whangārei nurse Terryann Clark hopes some failures will now be fixed.
Harrowing video on maternal suicide leaves politicians holding back tears
The film was shown to politicians to prompt action against neglected maternal care.
Travellers allowed to skip managed isolation for medical reasons
Five were approved under the medical exemptions and one for "exceptional circumstances".
51yo mum is dying of bowel cancer. Govt refuses to lower screening age
Catherine Edwards won't live to see her daughter marry or grand-kids grow up.
'I thought I was giving birth to baby Jesus': Doctor tells virgin she is pregnant
A woman has 2.5kg cyst removed after being misdiagnosed as heavily pregnant.
Young dad told he has an STI, turns out it's cancer
Patient tells doctors there's no way it's an STI, but he wasn't believed.
Man suffers bowel injury after treatment. ACC offer him a bucket
ACC declines man with bowel injury a vehicle with toilet facilities.
30yo told not to worry about lump in breast. Now she's dying
Hollie Mcintyre has been given just months to live.
Ruby Princess cluster closed, 21 days with no new Covid-19 cases
The Ministry of Health has released the latest update.
One new Covid-19 case - link to Auckland rest home cluster
The number of new Covid-19 cases in the previous seven days has been just two.
Extraordinary battle: Little girl with golf ball-sized tumour in heart
Today, the 'bubbly, energetic and outgoing' fighter is being discharged from hospital.
'Happy Meal' healthcare: Plan for 200 drive through medical clinics
"Our ability to deliver health care will be as swift as getting a Happy Meal."
Caring for a sick loved one: 'It's my duty as a wife'
Family members will now be paid to look after disabled loved one - here's why.
Public outrage at Ruby Hill's story: 'This is so wrong'
Sent home to die, it's Hill's mother who provides her with full-time care without help.
Dying young woman unable to eat refused palliative care
WARNING: Confronting images. "I'm dying and nobody believes me," says Ruby Hill.
Health boards fail to meet 'faster cancer treatment' target
How do DHBs rank when it comes to cancer treatment wait times?
'Rotten care': Elderly rest home residents dying due to low level of help - union
Reports of man dying after being too scared to report infected wound due to low staffing.
Junior doctors' strike starts today: What you need to know
From 7am tomorrow hospitals nationwide are without 3300 junior doctors for 48 hours.
ACC warns Kiwis of the odd 'preventable' Xmas injuries
Falling Xmas trees, flying wine corks and hang fairy lights common hazards, ACC tells
'Seven years of medicated hell': One in eight Kiwis prescribed antidepressants
Kiwi teacher shares her struggle as research reveals 1 in 8 Kiwis are prescribed the drug.
Danger at the beach: Rubbish blamed for surge in seaside injuries
Researchers are warning rubbish is becoming a "growing hazard" at New Zealand's beaches.
Health shock: Starship, hospitals 'not fit for purpose'
Health unions flag leaks, mould and asbestos among a wide-spread of problems.
Pay negotiations to continue after nurses' strike
New Zealand Nurses Organisation and District Health Boards head back to the table.
Students learning three times faster with electronics, study shows
Students learning three times faster with electronics
Toilet gag a hit at national competition
An idea that stemmed from rivalry with neighbouring boys school.
Whangārei's Quarry Garden on global stage
Australasian mayor impressed with Whangarei's garden quarry.
Out with the old, in with the new pews for Whangārei church
Anglican church replaces wooden pews for chairs
$750m for restoring hospitals' urgent building needs
Funding to fix hospital buildings is "a start", but more is needed.