David Fisher
Senior writer
David Fisher is a senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald who has twice been named New Zealand’s Reporter of the Year.
David is based in Northland and has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, winning multiple journalism awards and being selected as one of a small number of Wolfson Press Fellows to Wolfson College, Cambridge. He joined the Herald in 2004. You can contact David at david.fisher@nzme.co.nz
Check out David’s latest content
Police stand-off with man who allegedly made death threats against PM
Richard Sivell has allegedly made threats against the PM - today police paid a visit.
NZ and the road ahead: Forgotten sufferers 'are really angry' about Covid spending
The Road Ahead finds businesses and politicians working flat out - and a nation spending.
Todd Muller used professional to crack into leader's office safe
Events played out in eventful first week when Muller took over as National Party leader.
'Searing experience': Head of Govt inquiry into state child abuse quits
The head of the Royal Commission into abuse in care has resigned.
Christchurch shootings: Meet the PM's top secret advisers
It's called ODESC and it gathers in times of crisis.
Big Read: One night with the man who will change your kids' lives
Our schools face an overhaul - David Fisher finds out what passes for public consultation.
Jami-Lee Ross saga: Why Simon Bridges made call to Whaleoil
National leader Simon Bridges has made a surprising phone call to an old party enemy.
Inside story: 'Botany Bagman' Jami-Lee Ross and what's next
Jami-Lee Ross MP might have a plan to his destructive attacks on his former party.
Ross saga: Cathedral Club donor's identity revealed
The identity of the secret $10,000 "Cathedral Club" donor is now known.
National put up Chinese millionaire for QB honour list
National Party said to be behind Queen's honour for Chinese businessman.
Simon Bridges' 'tough on crime proof' — unpublished, not reviewed
Evidence on prisons from National leader Simon Bridges suggests spending money elsewhere.
Anihera Black allegations: Police find no evidence of paedophile ring
The woman who made the serious claims against her dead husband - is refusing to speak.
Shock over Awanui Black abuse allegations impossible to measure
The degree of shock cannot be understood without a measure of the man who stood so tall.
Ex-wife reveals dark life with alleged paedophile
Anihera Zhou Black has been outspoken about her community leader former husband.
Politician's paedophile ring goes to 'highest heights'
Widow alleges her former husband engaged in orgies, group sex.
Widow outs paedophile politician: Louise Nicholas urges victims to speak up
Shock over paedophile allegations and calls for police to investigate.
Politician's paedophile ring goes to 'highest heights'
Widow alleges her former husband engaged in orgies, group sex.
Surge in prison suicides after 'tough on crime' boom
Research suggests severe policies have an effect opposite to what was intended.
Big Read: Scientist vs sceptic on prisons
Science versus the roar of the crowd - what sort of justice does New Zealand want?
Twitter 'twat': Simon Bridges admits 'liking' post mocking Gayford
Bridges has admitted "liking" social media post by Whaleoil blogger Cameron Slater.
'Dirty politics': PM, police respond to fake Gayford rumours
Police boss says PM's partner is not - and has not been - subject of any police inquiry.
Strain on Human Rights Tribunal as cases pile up
Two cases have had a three-year delay in having decisions delivered.
Why is Corrections helping inmates get bail?
Too many prisons, not enough cells - Corrections is finding ways to get inmates bail.
12% chance of big quake by midnight
There's a 12 per cent chance of a big quake hitting before midnight. That's the prediction from government scientists GeoNet.
Stop-go killing: 'There's so much to miss'
The children of murdered roadworker George Taiaroa have spoken of the enormous absence created by a father taken suddenly.
Killer a recluse who shut out the world
A jury yesterday found Quinton Winders guilty of the murder of George Taiaroa. David Fisher went in search of the killer's past.
Second employee in meat hook accident
The accident involved a meat hook at the Affco NZ plant in Rangiuru, the same meatworks which was fined $30,000 this week after a hook penetrated a worker's head.
As his body healed he crumbled inside
GRAPHIC IMAGES: Jason Matahiki points to the back of his head. The hook went in here, he says. Then his hand moves to the front of his face. It's where it came out.
Hook-in-head worker dangled for an hour
WARNING: Graphic image. In an exclusive interview the cleaner caught on a meat hook reveals he tried to kill himself after the horrifying workplace injury.
Cleaner impaled: Company's safety failed
An Affco meatworking plant failed to follow its own safety rules in a case which led to a cleaner becoming impaled on a meat hook, a court has found.
No evidence to support charges against Horan
Former New Zealand First MP Brendan Horan has been told by police there is no evidence to support charges he used money from his dying mother's bank account in an inappropriate way.
Dog lover's issues reach Tauranga
A dog owner at war with her Auckland neighbours has progressed to a new home - and a brand new controversy - a little further south.
'I love him with all my heart' - Blessie killer's mum
"I love my son," says Maria McWatters, mother of killer and rapist Tony Robertson. "Nothing will ever change that."
Blessie's killer: Why was he back on the streets?
Tony Robertson was free from prison for five months before he raped and killed Blessie Gotingco.
Simon Bridges first locked up Robertson
The current Transport Minister was a Crown prosecutor for Tauranga back in 2005 when Tony Robertson was convicted of several offences.
Phil Rudd's 'phone call threat' to kill
The case against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been made public and includes claims he threatened to kill a man and his daughter.
Bankrupt suing Horan, Radio Live
A bankrupt businessman with tax avoidance convictions is suing independent MP Brendan Horan and Radio Live in a $650,000 defamation claim.