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.
![Bottled water export tax first priority](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Bottled water export tax first priority
Briefings: Dire warnings about growing demands for freshwater in New Zealand.
![Who owns our water? A battle boils](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Who owns our water? A battle boils
Consents given to firms to take our water opened taps on furious row.
![Giant water rip-off: You v bottling firms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Giant water rip-off: You v bottling firms
Water bottling companies are paying an average 500 times less than ratepayers for water.
![How the Havelock gastro outbreak began](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
How the Havelock gastro outbreak began
The worst outbreak of waterborne disease in recent New Zealand history began as a trickle.
![Mushroom farm link to previous water contamination](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Mushroom farm link to previous water contamination
A report on a previous contamination at the water supply causing widespread sickness in the Hawke's Bay will be released today.
![Gastro: Previous investigation revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Gastro: Previous investigation revealed
The water supply causing widespread sickness in the Hawke's Bay was already under investigation for a previous contamination, the Herald can reveal.