Derek Cheng is a Multimedia Journalist for New Zealand’s Herald. He values holding those in power to account and shining a light on issues kept in the dark.
Journalism is a powerful tool that has allowed me to cover huge stories, from general elections to the Christchurch earthquake to the March 15 terrorist attack to the Covid-19 response. It gives us access to those who make decisions that affect millions of lives, or to pivotal moments where we are tasked to write the first draft of history. The privilege to do so, sometimes, is a daunting one. It's also multi-pronged, and my stories have covered the whole gamut - from scrutinising the Government's decisions to a first-person account of a climbing accident where I had to have my face reconstructed. I've worked for the NZ Herald on and off since graduating with a journalism diploma the end of 2004, but I've also never lost sight of the pursuit of adventure, and have repeatedly left work for indefinite overseas trips to chase mountains and perfectly steamed dumplings. I had my first taste for political journalism in the Helen Clark years, started properly in the press gallery in the John Key years, and have covered Jacinda Ardern's time at the top, including her historic election victory in 2020. Throughout, I've learned the value of holding those in power to account, and shining light into corners that some would prefer to remain under cover of darkness. Never has that been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic.
![TikTok justice? Why the Govt has hit the brakes on sentencing changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
TikTok justice? Why the Govt has hit the brakes on sentencing changes
Those at the coalface say the programme is working, but the Govt has frozen the funding
![This is Ireland but not as you know it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
This is Ireland but not as you know it
Top tips for visiting the island you thought you knew, but don't.
![David Tamihere intending Supreme Court bid as murder convictions upheld: 'I’ll keep at it'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
David Tamihere intending Supreme Court bid as murder convictions upheld: 'I’ll keep at it'
'You've got to grab them by the short and curlies,' a defiant Tamihere says.
![Two slain tourists, lies, and jailhouse snitches: David Tamihere's 34-year legal saga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Two slain tourists, lies, and jailhouse snitches: David Tamihere's 34-year legal saga
How Tamihere owes his case being reviewed again, decades later, to the 'jailhouse lawyer'.
![Explainer: Will Darleen Tana be kicked out Parliament, or is this a stand-off waiting to happen?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explainer: Will Darleen Tana be kicked out Parliament, or is this a stand-off waiting to happen?
The waka-jumping law allows her to be ejected - but is this a stand-off waiting to happen?
![Revealed: The top crimes witnessed by Kiwis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Revealed: The top crimes witnessed by Kiwis
A new poll reveals the most common crimes in New Zealand.
![Anti-gang laws softened but still likely to breach Bill of Rights Act](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Anti-gang laws softened but still likely to breach Bill of Rights Act
A select committee report ignores suggestions to make the law more Bora-consistent.
![$2 or $23 an hour? Disabled workers at centre of political stoush ‘often’ receive minimum wage equivalent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
$2 or $23 an hour? Disabled workers at centre of political stoush ‘often’ receive minimum wage equivalent
Outrage at wage top-up scheme's dumping misplaced, says minister.
![Derek Cheng: Examining the evidence around Luxon's law and order reforms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Derek Cheng: Examining the evidence around Luxon's law and order reforms
OPINION: Why the PM's hands are tied in dropping the dumb stuff in justice reform.
![Crime steady overall, rise in feeling unsafe, big rises in fraud, vehicle theft – survey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Crime steady overall, rise in feeling unsafe, big rises in fraud, vehicle theft – survey
Highly victimised groups were Māori, young people, the disabled and the LGBT+ community.
![What's coming up in final days of Luxon’s action plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What's coming up in final days of Luxon’s action plan
Several items were mere formalities. Others were easy ticks. Anything substantive?
![Revealed: Sliding levels of trust and confidence in police, people feel less safe after dark](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Revealed: Sliding levels of trust and confidence in police, people feel less safe after dark
Police Minister says downward trends justify law and order focus.
![The 'disgusting' Irish must-do that's worth travelling across the world for](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The 'disgusting' Irish must-do that's worth travelling across the world for
It's not Guinness and it's not whiskey, but it is green, slimy and gooey.
![Government moves to harsher punishments for offences committed on bail, parole, or in custody](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Government moves to harsher punishments for offences committed on bail, parole, or in custody
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says longer sentences will bring greater accountability.
![Will the Govt's sentencing reforms make any difference?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Will the Govt's sentencing reforms make any difference?
Robbing the corner dairy will mean a longer sentence under a law change.
![Three Strikes 2.0: Why the Government has watered down the hardline policy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Three Strikes 2.0: Why the Government has watered down the hardline policy
The 'manifestly unjust' clause will apply to both sentence length and parole.
![How the Govt wants longer sentences by straitjacketing judiciary on guilty pleas, remorse, youth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How the Govt wants longer sentences by straitjacketing judiciary on guilty pleas, remorse, youth
Should offenders get a discount for remorse or youth if they keep reoffending?
![Winston Peters delivers serious warning as scrutiny week concludes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Winston Peters delivers serious warning as scrutiny week concludes
Ministers have survived hours of questioning by Opposition MPs during the week.
![Oil and gas bonds idea won’t work - officials kill Shane Jones’ idea for long-term industry certainty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Oil and gas bonds idea won’t work - officials kill Shane Jones’ idea for long-term industry certainty
Officials quash idea from Shane Jones to give oil and gas sector more certainty.
![‘As low as $2 an hour’: Disabled workers miss out on minimum wage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘As low as $2 an hour’: Disabled workers miss out on minimum wage
Social Development Minister accused of an almost 'eugenic-type definition of productivity'
![Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds slams Te Pūkenga priorities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds slams Te Pūkenga priorities
Govt is defending shifting balance of tertiary education costs from providers to students.
![My night at an Irish castle and the series of unbelievable events that followed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
My night at an Irish castle and the series of unbelievable events that followed
Where entrepreneurial nuns and rude awakenings in the night go hand-in-hand.
![Former gun lobbyist now Cabinet Minister Nicole McKee on sidelining her personal views](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Former gun lobbyist now Cabinet Minister Nicole McKee on sidelining her personal views
McKee: 'I’m not going to keep everyone happy. I can see that already.'
![Nicola Willis wants tourists to pay more to keep national parks pristine](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Nicola Willis wants tourists to pay more to keep national parks pristine
Charging international visitors more when they come to NZ is currently being consulted on.
![Big spike in serious repeat young offenders revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Big spike in serious repeat young offenders revealed
Latest statistics show a 26 per cent spike last year in serious repeat young offenders.
![Explainer: Here’s how first changes to gun laws are supposed to increase public safety](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explainer: Here’s how first changes to gun laws are supposed to increase public safety
Nicole McKee: 'People think if you belong to a club, you’re a Brenton Tarrant'.
![Where are the billions of dollars for tax cuts coming from? What we know so far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Where are the billions of dollars for tax cuts coming from? What we know so far
The Government needs to find and generate billions of dollars to fund its tax cuts.
!['If you're unwell, give up your licence' – Gun law change may have unintended consequences](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'If you're unwell, give up your licence' – Gun law change may have unintended consequences
'People are avoiding going to the doctor' – is that the right outcome for public safety?
![The horrifying truths that lie in Ireland's most ghoulish castle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The horrifying truths that lie in Ireland's most ghoulish castle
Paranormal activity is rife, but that's the least of your concerns...
![Law change could ‘worsen safety, stability, and well-being of our children’ says OT](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Law change could ‘worsen safety, stability, and well-being of our children’ says OT
Oranga Tamariki's scathing criticism of Govt plans to repeal section 7AA
![The damning testimonials showing how the education system is failing neurodivergent kids](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The damning testimonials showing how the education system is failing neurodivergent kids
Dr Nina Hood: 'We're talking big numbers here. The scale of the problem is enormous.'
![Yoga, clothing, a pet: What principals spent 'treat yourself' Covid-19 wellbeing money on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Yoga, clothing, a pet: What principals spent 'treat yourself' Covid-19 wellbeing money on
The ministry doesn't know how many schools were sent draft guidance to 'treat' themselves.
![Analysis: There’s a reason Luxon can’t point to evidence Three Strikes works. It doesn’t exist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Analysis: There’s a reason Luxon can’t point to evidence Three Strikes works. It doesn’t exist
ANALYSIS: No evidence it will reduce crime also doesn't mean it won't or can't.
![Social Investment 2.0: The answer to lifting up our most deprived, or a Trojan Horse?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Social Investment 2.0: The answer to lifting up our most deprived, or a Trojan Horse?
Governments have failed to break the cycle of disadvantage. Will this one be different?
![Fines for Fiji trips during term? Seymour's tough talk as Govt reveals truancy plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fines for Fiji trips during term? Seymour's tough talk as Govt reveals truancy plan
The Government wants to lift regular school attendance from 46 per cent to 80 per cent.
![Christopher Luxon reveals nine Govt targets to be delivered by 2030](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Christopher Luxon reveals nine Govt targets to be delivered by 2030
The Government announces a suite of policy as Parliament returns for another sitting week.
![Social media change forcing parties to buy their way to relevance, says Swarbrick](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Social media change forcing parties to buy their way to relevance, says Swarbrick
Social media policies are curtailing the reach of politicians — unless they pay for it.
![PM outlines Govt's main focus for next 100 days: 'We want to find the balance'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
PM outlines Govt's main focus for next 100 days: 'We want to find the balance'
Public service targets will continue to be rolled out across government services.
![Luxon’s next ‘action plan’ - the easy ticks and potential game-changers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Luxon’s next ‘action plan’ - the easy ticks and potential game-changers
A line by line look at each action point, including the easy ticks and the meatier ones.
![Behind the coalition talks: What the parties asked about to inform negotiations - Fees-free, Three Strikes, UNDRIP](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Behind the coalition talks: What the parties asked about to inform negotiations - Fees-free, Three Strikes, UNDRIP
One party didn't ask officials for any information to inform coalition negotiations.
![‘Intolerably imprecise’: Watchdog blasts spy agency for use of class warrants for highly intrusive surveillance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Intolerably imprecise’: Watchdog blasts spy agency for use of class warrants for highly intrusive surveillance
NZSIS warrants 'did not meet the legal tests for necessity and proportionality'
![Watch live: NZ spy agency bosses grilled after China-backed espionage revelations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch live: NZ spy agency bosses grilled after China-backed espionage revelations
They represented a 'major national security risk' training those with different values
![‘Very low’: Former security minister on the risk of MPs’ personal information being stolen in China-sponsored cyberattack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Very low’: Former security minister on the risk of MPs’ personal information being stolen in China-sponsored cyberattack
Little responds: Paul Buchanan says NZ considered Achilles heel of the Five Eyes network.
![Chinese hackers stole MPs' data, spies confirm; Govt says no sanctions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Chinese hackers stole MPs' data, spies confirm; Govt says no sanctions
The Chinese ambassador has been called in by Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
![Govt boosts early childhood rebate by up to $75 a week, 100,000 families eligible](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Govt boosts early childhood rebate by up to $75 a week, 100,000 families eligible
Up to $75 a week is there for eligible households as National keeps an election promise.
!['You can have a really active life as an amputee' - Anna Parsons returns to Yosemite](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You can have a really active life as an amputee' - Anna Parsons returns to Yosemite
She lay in hospital with an amputated foot, pondering what her new life would be like.
![‘Improper’: NZ spy agency slammed for secretly hosting foreign spying](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Improper’: NZ spy agency slammed for secretly hosting foreign spying
GCSB had no visibility on whether the capability was contributing to military strikes.
![More convictions, more likelihood of jail time, spike in youth robbery - what the latest crime statistics show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More convictions, more likelihood of jail time, spike in youth robbery - what the latest crime statistics show
Latest crime statistics show upward trends in youth crime, sexual and violent offences.
![Plastic-wrapped justice: Timely justice hampered by mouldy courtrooms, shortage of judges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Plastic-wrapped justice: Timely justice hampered by mouldy courtrooms, shortage of judges
Which court building needed to be 'wrapped in plastic' due to weather-tight issues?
![Officials' scathing analysis of Government gang proposals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Officials' scathing analysis of Government gang proposals
How the Ministry of Justice pushed to water down the gang crackdown proposals.
![The Government's law and order 100-day action item that required 'no actions'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The Government's law and order 100-day action item that required 'no actions'
The prison target wasn't just axed by Labour. It was never actioned by Corrections.
![The substantive, easy, and the redundant: How Govt’s 100-day plan is going](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The substantive, easy, and the redundant: How Govt’s 100-day plan is going
Today is the deadline for the 100-day action plan. How many items were meaningless?
![Govt's transport plan: How much more you'll pay and what you'll get for it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Govt's transport plan: How much more you'll pay and what you'll get for it
The message is if you speed or drink-drive, you'll likely get caught and you'll pay more.
![How does your school rate? NCEA and UE results at every college ranked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How does your school rate? NCEA and UE results at every college ranked
Where does your school rank? Which ones stand out, and why?
![The Great Tourism Reset or more of the same underinvestment?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The Great Tourism Reset or more of the same underinvestment?
New minister Matt Doocey wants tourism to boost the economy - but maybe without Govt help?
![Will new ministers push back over 'incoherent' $16.5m plan to stop Milford Sound over-tourism?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Will new ministers push back over 'incoherent' $16.5m plan to stop Milford Sound over-tourism?
Tourism Minister says some of the Milford Opportunities Project plans are 'incoherent'.
![Grant Robertson’s value to Labour has been unquestionable. His success as a Finance Minister is more ambiguous](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Grant Robertson’s value to Labour has been unquestionable. His success as a Finance Minister is more ambiguous
Analysis: He came to Parliament in 2008 to make a difference. Has he?
![Who is Barbara Edmonds, Labour’s hope for future finance minister?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Who is Barbara Edmonds, Labour’s hope for future finance minister?
Edmonds is a former tax lawyer and IRD staffer, and had eight Cabinet roles last year.
![From sexual abuse and anorexia to Coast to Coast champion - Simone Maier's incredible journey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
From sexual abuse and anorexia to Coast to Coast champion - Simone Maier's incredible journey
Maier is chasing her fourth consecutive Coast to Coast win this weekend.
![The state of tourism: Low wages, poor productivity, and the perennial question of who pays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The state of tourism: Low wages, poor productivity, and the perennial question of who pays
Tourism Minister told not to fund local tourism and leave it to the regions
![‘Could happen tomorrow’: Govt warned of chances of ‘catastrophic’ earthquake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Could happen tomorrow’: Govt warned of chances of ‘catastrophic’ earthquake
Staffing issues could compromise the Government's response to even small-scale events.
![Potential contenders to be Greens co-leader - why they might be right for role](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Potential contenders to be Greens co-leader - why they might be right for role
Chlöe Swarbrick might feel obliged to put her hand up, even if she doesn't really want to.
![Shaw's legacy: The ‘suit’ who brought Greens back from the brink](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Shaw's legacy: The ‘suit’ who brought Greens back from the brink
ANALYSIS: James Shaw will be remembered for more than his climate change legislation
![The Treaty principles bill appears to be DOA before it’s even written](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The Treaty principles bill appears to be DOA before it’s even written
Analysis: Contentious bill will go no further than select committee stage.
![Derek Cheng: Political battle lines are being drawn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Derek Cheng: Political battle lines are being drawn
Politics is taking centre stage again after a summer hiatus. What are the key issues?
![500-day wait for a trial ‘too long’: Justice Minister's aim to cut massive court delays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
500-day wait for a trial ‘too long’: Justice Minister's aim to cut massive court delays
Judicial discretion is in the firing line - are judges getting it wrong?
![Derek Cheng: How Luxon made a deal without giving up too much](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Derek Cheng: How Luxon made a deal without giving up too much
OPINION: Five of the top columns of the year from Derek Cheng.
![Derek Cheng: Gun law reforms and the spectre of March 15 - safety vs freedom, and why there’s no perfect answer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Derek Cheng: Gun law reforms and the spectre of March 15 - safety vs freedom, and why there’s no perfect answer
What will change and what might change in a new Arms Act to be passed this term
![How Kiwis are buying their drugs on social media – and on the darknet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How Kiwis are buying their drugs on social media – and on the darknet
Getting drugs via Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram is "a real wake-up call".
![Wealthier students benefiting from tertiary fees-free](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Wealthier students benefiting from tertiary fees-free
Those from decile 1 schools make up an ever-shrinking share of fees-free students.
![Drug prosecutions creeping up again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Drug prosecutions creeping up again
The law change was hailed as effective decriminalisation of drug use. Has that happened?
![NZ spies watching group plot possible terror attack may have been unlawful](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ spies watching group plot possible terror attack may have been unlawful
The concerns are raised in a spy agency watchdog's 2023 report on NZSIS and GCSB activity.
!['Demonised target': Why the Government thinks its anti-gang laws won’t be misused](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Demonised target': Why the Government thinks its anti-gang laws won’t be misused
Safeguards needed to ensure anti-gang laws aren't applied to people with no gang links.
![IPCA: Six instances of excessive force by police during Parliament occupation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
IPCA: Six instances of excessive force by police during Parliament occupation
Report follows examination of 21 complaints that warranted further investigation.
!['Learning loss': Kiwi kids falling performance in maths and science](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Learning loss': Kiwi kids falling performance in maths and science
Report shows continuing decline of 15-year-old students in maths compared to rest of OECD.
![Luxon’s 100-day action plan, and key differences from National’s original plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Luxon’s 100-day action plan, and key differences from National’s original plan
The plan reveals National's concessions.
![Derek Cheng: Why the new Government wants to make it easier to smoke tobacco](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Derek Cheng: Why the new Government wants to make it easier to smoke tobacco
What the research says about how smoking laws impact the local dairy and the black market.
![Fate of Covid-19 response inquiry falls to Act’s Brooke van Velden as commissioner resigns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fate of Covid-19 response inquiry falls to Act’s Brooke van Velden as commissioner resigns
Former National Party minister Hekia Parata quit earlier this month.