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.
'It was a rollercoaster': Couple recognised for 30 years of business success
Clare and Tony Davies-Colley have led key Northland businesses and Whangārei developments.
Northlander shocked police failed to attend attempted dog theft and assault
Kaikohe man called 111 after someone tried to steal his Rottweilers and punch him.
Courses and talk encourage women to improve water confidence and safety
Women are being empowered to do more than just tag along in powerboating and sailing.
Kaipara Harbour snapper with higher aluminium levels okay to eat if healthy
As long as snapper are not showing 'zombie' symptoms, they can be safely eaten.
'The system is broken': Long waits to see GPs now impacting hospitals
Even Health Minister Shane Reti admits he struggles to get a doctor's appointment.
Is it safe? Inquiry into Northern Wairoa health called for
'Zombie' fish and years of pollution pushes Dargaville residents to call for inquiry.
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
Ngāti Kuri is mulling over alternatives to the extensively damaged waterfront walkways.
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.
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.
Northland Fritter Festival Slice of Heaven with Kiwi favourites
About 4000 people took part in the event at Semenoff Stadium on Saturday.
Veggie mince Vince poised to become core brand in New Zealand supermarkets
The business grew out of Debbie and Nigel Stowe's experiments for their allergic daughter.
'We’re open- come and enjoy it': Free beer on offer to ease highway detour stress
Businesses say communication needs to be better so visitors still travel north.
Whangārei Quarry Gardens gets bridges over troubled waters after cyclone
A recycled bridge is an important step in restoring the gardens after the cyclone.
Businesses' heartbreak over Brynderwyn closure: 'It will destroy March trading'
The nine-week closure of State Highway 1 comes at 'the worst time', locals say.
Warning over swimming, water contact in Whangārei Town Basin
People and pets should stay out of the water due to an algal bloom.