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.
Northland police rebuked for not providing medical care after Kāeo arrest
Police cleared of using excessive force in firearm search where man suffered head injury.
Cyclone Gabrielle recovery to continue until 2030, report says
More than 3400 Northland homes were damaged, with insurance claims of $38m.
Councillor urges tight-knit Kaitāia community to give support after homicide
A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder.
'It’s hard to feel like we’ve lost everything': Peria family grateful for support
The family home in the Far North was quickly lost in the blaze on August 11.
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.
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.
Businesses want compensation as Transpower says too many nuts taken off pylon caused power cut
Northland businesses want compensation.
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.
‘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.
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.
Ngāti Kuri using science and cultural practice to inform predator-free concept
Ngāti Kuri's work also includes installing its own climate station at Te Paki.
Re-elected NorthChamber president rebuts murmurings of old boys' club
Tim Robinson says his support is due to his strong track record as a leader.
Measles outbreak in Māori key concern for Health Minister
Reti raises Māori health concerns but providers more concerned by his actions.
Fundraiser for mother's last-chance cancer drug hits important milestone
Cherie Coker is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her kids.
'Hopefully the message is getting through' Northland buoyed by low drowning statistics
Water safety education appears to be having an impact in the north.
Orca spotted swimming on its side is not sick, expert says
Orca have been spotted hunting stingrays at popular coastal sites across Northland.
Search for missing diver continues, more than 10 days later
The rāhui near Ahipara is in place after a diver went missing on December 23.