Julia Gabel, part of the Investigations team for New Zealand’s Herald, has gained invaluable experience in reporting on the important issues, including health and housing.
I’m Julia Gabel – I started at the Herald in 2020. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved writing. I studied a Bachelor of Arts and after living in Beijing for two years, I found my way into the field when I did the Journalism Post-Graduate Degree at AUT. My first role at the Herald was the 3-11pm shift, where I covered the wide range of stories that come across the newsdesk. I shifted to the investigations team and it’s been an invaluable opportunity, allowing me to dive deep into some pressing and important issues – including health and housing – and see how the world of investigative reporting works. Another exciting change I've seen while I've been at the Herald is the development of Kahu, our Maori news platform, which I sometimes write stories for alongside my live and investigative mahi. Whether it’s live shifts, investigative or any other reporting at the Herald that I get to do, the most important facet of reporting to me is people – getting to meet people as part of our mahi, hearing their stories, sharing them. It’s a privilege to be able to do that.
Construction on Dunedin Hospital resumes after delays, cost blowouts and protests
'The new hospital will be the largest health investment ever made in the South Island.'
'Enough is enough': Government beefing up trespass laws, doubling fines
Associate Justice Minister: 'These changes send a clear message: enough is enough.'
'Until we meet again': Hundreds gather in Taihape to mourn 'peaceful leader'
'She was bold, beautiful and she was ours.'
Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai “Tarsh” Kemp moved to burial ground
Takutai Moana Natasha "Tarsh" Kemp died, aged 50, after battling kidney disease.
Whānau Ora reset: Minister calls for transparency as ‘electioneering’ review progresses
PM Luxon says the allegations at the centre of the review are "incredibly serious".
Govt adds 2 years to prison sentences for assaults on first responders, prison officers
The announcement comes as the Government's tougher sentencing rules come into effect.
Political battle lines disappear: Sorrow falls on Parliament after MP’s death
Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp died early on Thursday morning, aged 50.
Takutai Tarsh Kemp fought for Māori ‘until the final hours’ - John Tamihere
Kemp died at home, aged 50, after battling aggressive kidney disease.
Watch: ‘Heartbroken’ MPs pay tribute to Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp
Kemp died aged 50 following a battle with kidney disease.
Tama Potaka seeks review of Māori roll ad featuring Tāme Iti
Another minister says Whānau Ora is 'tainted' by Te Pāti Māori connections.
Health NZ names next chief executive after Margie Apa resignation
Bramley has been the organisation’s interim chief executive since February 2025.
'Stalemate': Te Whānau-ā-Apanui settlement now increasingly unlikely with this Government
Iwi says minister called off meeting days before settlement was due to be signed.
Government says Ngāpuhi negotiations cannot be open-ended: 'It can't be as long as forever'
While NZ First's bill pushes one settlement, the Treaty Minister says all options remain.
NZ First drafting bill to require only one Ngāpuhi settlement
Bill comes amid Govt refusing to agree to settlements that dispute Crown sovereignty.
Iwi leader rules out settlement under this Govt after minister’s sovereignty comments
'[We are] just as staunch and ferocious in saying we hold sovereignty over our own.'
Government will not agree to Treaty settlements that dispute Crown's sovereignty
Former minister Andrew Little says the Government's stance is unnecessary.
Gender equality: New Zealand drops in global ranking for the first time in four years - here’s why
The Government says New Zealand's position in the index is still strong.
Ministry of Culture and Heritage mulling restructure after $2m annual funding cut
Ministry says "tough decisions had to be made" regarding funding cut.
The 'sobering' report on Māori kids in the system: ‘My dreams will come true...even if it takes a while’
The “oranga tamariki system” includes Oranga Tamariki, police and several ministries.
Auckland Transport says speed limit increase at seaside highway was not appropriate
'AT does not believe the speed limit change... to be either desirable or appropriate.'
‘Ugly and sad’: Te Pāti Māori MPs condemn unprecedented suspension for haka after chaotic debate
Three Te Pāti Māori MPs have received the harshest penalties in Parliament's history.
Watch: Parliament votes for harshest-ever sanctions for Te Pāti Māori co-leaders
Three MPs have been sanctioned after a haka in the House last year.
Budget fallout: Labour, National take political hit in latest poll
NZ First, Greens gain as National and Labour fall in latest poll.
WorkSafe shake-up starts with hotline for ‘overzealous’ road cone use
Road cone hotline for public to report excessive cone use launches today.
‘You absolutely cannot say that': Ardern gets personal in much anticipated memoir
'A Different Kind of Power' takes readers behind-the-scenes of Dame Jacinda's life.
Watch: Act remains Labour's 'worst nightmare' – new Deputy PM's message
David Seymour held a celebration brunch after being sworn in yesterday.
'Almost certainly': Seymour warns of prosecutions as Govt cracks down on school truancy
But he says families facing hardship will not be penalised.
Biggest change in NZ history: New proposals for freshwater, infrastructure, farming
'Sorting out our planning rules is critical to boosting economic growth.'
‘Could have expressed it better’: Luxon weighs in on minister’s Indian ‘spam’ comments
Comments were made in the House in response to questions from Labour's Willow-Jean Prime.
More than $160m to build 115 new classrooms, three new schools in Canterbury
Minister says the community had been 'loud and clear' about the lack of space.
Wellington kura celebrating ‘bittersweet’ $35m long-awaited upgrade
'We see the excellent results in our kura kaupapa – despite the buildings they are in.'
Pay equity: Former National MP Marilyn Waring assembles 'people's select committee'
Nanaia Mahuta, Sue Bradford, Jackie Blue and Jo Hayes are among those on the panel.
Government changes tikanga course rules in law schools
Labour is uncomfortable with the Government's approach to the issue.
Education’s $2.5b Budget boost: Where the money is going
Education got a $2.5 billion boost in Budget 2025.
Egregious or reasonable? Economists split over student loan repayment threshold freeze
The Government is not inflation-adjusting student loan repayments.
Te Pāti Māori MP proposes bill requiring MPs to uphold Te Tiriti principles
'It’s not left or right. This is the foundation of us moving together ...'
'Psychological warfare': Shock move pushes out Te Pāti Māori haka punishment verdict
Parliament's Privileges Committee recommended suspending three Te Pāti Māori MPs.
IRD not 'geared up' to know how many families, if any, received $252 tax promise
Significant lags in data are contributing to the issue.
Tribunal calls for Govt to immediately halt Regulatory Standards Bill
The coalition had effectively 'dismissed' the views of Māori, Waitangi Tribunal said.
'Slanting the playing field': Treaty concerns over new Act-backed legislation
More than 18,000 people have registered support for the Waitangi Tribunal claim.
'Dangerous and direct threat': Urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing into Seymour's new bill
Seymour says the bill will help remove unnecessary red-tape and improve lives.
Govt earmarks $100m for students underachieving in maths, new ‘maths intervention’ teachers
Funding will be included in next week's Budget.
Parliament marks 110 years of haka, as Te Pāti Māori MPs face wrath of Privileges Committee
Haka have been performed in Parliament for more than a century.
National's Erica Stanford admits using personal email for work not best practice
The minister says she's changed her processes after admitting processes were 'untidy'.
‘Absolutely no justification’: Erica Stanford sent official briefings to personal email
Stanford and PM Christopher Luxon put it down to printing issues.
'You need to fix it': Lake Alice survivor taking Government to court over redress scheme
Survivor seeks judicial review of the redress scheme: 'You need to fix it'.
Government asking for public feedback on landmark Predator Free 2050 strategy
Consultation on plan to help New Zealand's threatened species closes on June 30.
Watch: NZ to spend more than $2b on new NZDF choppers
The helicopters can go further and carry larger loads than the existing Seasprite fleet.
Health NZ takes medical union to ERA as strikes delay 4300 procedures
Health Minister Simeon Brown: 'I want to see this dispute resolved.'
Abuse in Care: 52 Lake Alice survivors opt for rapid payment
Govt says 120 people as of April 24 have so far been deemed eligible for payment.
New Whānau Ora providers confirmed after contract provider shake-up
The Government has confirmed four new contract providers.
Government plans FamilyBoost changes after low uptake revealed
Uptake figures as of April 9 show 249 households have received the full payment.
Govt overestimated flagship policy: Minister admits IRD got it wrong
The coalition said 21,000 households would be eligible for full amount.
Watch: Transport Minister on new four-lane highway to Whangārei
The Brynderwyn Hills section is expected to pass to the east of the current route.
Porirua locals & Ngāti Toa hold first citizens' assembly to plan for climate change
One hundred people aged 8-80 brainstormed environmental solutions.
ED upgrades, more carparks : Inside the Govt’s new health infrastructure plan
The Government says the 10-year plan is the first of its kind.
'Euphoria': Waikato-Tainui makes biggest investment in 30 years
'For us, this is a line in the sand to say to our people this is just the beginning.'
'It is done': Luxon rules out treaty bill policy for future coalitions
Luxon reflects on how the Act Party's bill created a 'very tumultuous period'.
'Bizarre binary cult': David Seymour wishes he was born 20 years earlier to tackle Treaty
The Act leader's Treaty Principles Bill was 'annihilated' yesterday.
'It hasn’t failed': Seymour defiant as Treaty bill voted down, hints at referendum
'What it has done is put an uneasy conversation on the table' - Act leader
Seymour to face demise of Treaty Principles Bill without PM or deputy
The second reading of Act's Treaty Principles Bill is this afternoon.
Green MP Tamatha Paul fires back at Labour
Paul was responding to critical comments towards her from Labour leader Chris Hipkins.
‘Cremation day’: Govt minister celebrates impending defeat of Treaty bill
'Nehu [burial] day is coming for the Treaty Principles Bill.'
‘Outrageous haste’: Labour criticises Treaty bill process
Labour: “This is an appalling lack of process on a hugely consequential bill."
Te Pāti Māori plans own version of Privileges Committee after skipping key meeting
The party argues it would not get a fair hearing after several requests were rejected.
‘Designed to silence us’: Te Pāti Māori refuses to face Privileges Committee over haka
The party argues it will not get a fair hearing after several requests were rejected.
Govt plans hotline for reporting excessive road cone use
Christopher Luxon: "The cones are frankly just clogging up the joint."
Watch: Shocking moment Red Cross car veers into traffic in wild overtaking attempt
The staff member was immediately stood down from driving Red Cross vehicles.
Wildlife Act changes coming after court ruled Mt Messenger permit unlawful
Minister says changes will be targeted and narrow.
Greenfield Model: Minister announces home owner levy to fund housing developments
The Government would lend at competitive interest rates during early stage of project.
Watch: 'Real questions' - Fa'anānā Efeso Collins’ wife seeks answers to death
'I have some very real questions about whether Efeso’s death could have been prevented.'
Number of Kiwis on benefit has jumped up by 22,000 - the size of these NZ towns
The minister says an increase was expected but an expert warns of tough times ahead.
Law firm says ruling over permit to kill wildlife causing ‘big headaches’ for developers
Recent High Court decision finds permit issued to NZTA was unlawful.
Peeni Henare apologises but stands by his haka in Parliament
Henare was one of four MPs referred to the powerful privileges committee.
‘Fantastic’: Stanford, Seymour met as school lunch debacle continues
Meeting followed liquidation of a key lunch provider, child receiving second-degree burns.
Labour’s Peeni Henare facing privileges committee for haka in the House
Henare and three other MPs were referred to the committee.
Watch: PM dismisses bad poll, grilled on Andrew Bayly going to Mt Everest
Labour has overtaken National in the latest poll.
Minister announces return of Health NZ board after axing
Simeon Brown said it was time to begin transitioning to traditional governance.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announces nurse training, tertiary education funding boost
Boost includes $34.2m for 120 nurse practitioner training places in primary care.
‘Blind to the effects of poverty’: Hipkins scorns Luxon over school lunches debacle
PM Luxon: 'There are a number of issues and the meals are not up to scratch.'