Kirsty Johnston is an investigative reporter at the New Zealand Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Wealthiest students get half of uni scholarships](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Wealthiest students get half of uni scholarships
Schools in the most exclusive areas were winning up to $1 million in prizes each year.
!['Nightmare' over: Win for families caring for disabled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
'Nightmare' over: Win for families caring for disabled
The Government will repeal a disability law described as a "shame on society"
![Families' long fight: 'I'm doing my best but I am a nothing'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Families' long fight: 'I'm doing my best but I am a nothing'
Families of the severely disabled have been fighting to be paid for their work.
![Bottled water export tax first priority](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Bottled water export tax first priority
Briefings: Dire warnings about growing demands for freshwater in New Zealand.
!['I was never loved as a child'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
'I was never loved as a child'
A new report argues intellectually disabled people in state care suffered systemic abuse.
![Giant water rip-off: You v bottling firms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Giant water rip-off: You v bottling firms
Water bottling companies are paying an average 500 times less than ratepayers for water.