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Adam Pearse
Deputy Political Editor

Adam Pearse is Deputy Political Editor for the New Zealand Herald based in the gallery in Wellington.

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.

Check out Adam’s latest content
Three bidders confirmed for Northland Expressway PPP
Northern Advocate

Three bidders confirmed for Northland Expressway PPP

21 Jun 05:00 PM
Pay equity, KiwiSaver and housing: Where the Govt cut $21b
Northern Advocate

Pay equity, KiwiSaver and housing: Where the Govt cut $21b

22 May 02:40 AM

The pay equity changes have saved the Government almost $13b.

PM says Govt is considering whether to build a new oil refinery
Northern Advocate

PM says Govt is considering whether to build a new oil refinery

20 Feb 10:33 PM

The Marsden Point refinery in Northland was shut down in 2022.

‘I just gave them $10m’: Shane Jones threatens to stop funding for Waitangi National Trust
live
Northern Advocate

‘I just gave them $10m’: Shane Jones threatens to stop funding for Waitangi National Trust

05 Feb 02:59 AM

It came after David Seymour had his microphone taken off him twice during his speech.

Seymour's mic taken away, protesters turn their backs during Waitangi speech
live
Northern Advocate

Seymour's mic taken away, protesters turn their backs during Waitangi speech

04 Feb 10:51 PM

The atmosphere was intense as David Seymour bent down to pick up the wero.

Te Pāti Māori to demand a new Te Tiriti Commissioner to audit Governmentt policy
Northern Advocate

Te Pāti Māori to demand a new Te Tiriti Commissioner to audit Governmentt policy

04 Feb 01:34 AM

The co-leaders indicated it could be a bottom line policy.

Mexican Ambassador to meet with Winston Peters amid Shane Jones' ‘xenophobic’ comments
Northern Advocate

Mexican Ambassador to meet with Winston Peters amid Shane Jones' ‘xenophobic’ comments

04 Feb 12:13 AM

The comments from Shane Jones have been deemed 'xenophobic' by the Greens.

Ngā Puhi to welcome Te Pāti Māori, Māori Queen ahead of Government pōwhiri
Northern Advocate

Ngā Puhi to welcome Te Pāti Māori, Māori Queen ahead of Government pōwhiri

03 Feb 05:03 PM

The remaining five political parties will be welcomed tomorrow.

Waitangi 2025: Fallen MP inspires Marama Davidson's challenge to Govt amid political return
Northern Advocate

Waitangi 2025: Fallen MP inspires Marama Davidson's challenge to Govt amid political return

03 Feb 03:19 AM

Davidson's return comes eight months after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Waitangi 2025: An absent PM, a returning Green leader and the tension-raising Treaty bill
Northern Advocate

Waitangi 2025: An absent PM, a returning Green leader and the tension-raising Treaty bill

01 Feb 05:00 PM

Organisers accept reaction to the Treaty Principles Bill could disrupt proceedings.

Shane Jones calls for new Crown entity to drill for geothermal energy
Northern Advocate

Shane Jones calls for new Crown entity to drill for geothermal energy

12 Oct 06:42 AM

Jones is also promising a future for the Marsden Point refinery.

Downed Northland pylon: Minister confident in board despite Transpower’s failure
Northern Advocate

Downed Northland pylon: Minister confident in board despite Transpower’s failure

24 Sep 11:02 PM

The pylon tipped after the removal of the nuts on the tower’s baseplates.

Ministers flag health aid boost to the Pacific
Northern Advocate

Ministers flag health aid boost to the Pacific

29 Aug 08:51 PM

Tonga's PM says the impact of climate change is worsening health outcomes for his people.

Watch: Luxon announces overhaul of Education Review Office to lift achievement
Northern Advocate

Watch: Luxon announces overhaul of Education Review Office to lift achievement

05 Aug 04:48 AM

More than 200 people also gathered on Parliament's lawns today to protest s7AA repeal.

Minister accepts health system in crisis amid rural hospital staff shortages
Northern Advocate

Minister accepts health system in crisis amid rural hospital staff shortages

30 Jul 12:24 AM

Two small hospitals are reportedly using teleheath to service overnight patients.

Northland power cut: Cabinet to address energy and fuel security after blackout
Northern Advocate

Northland power cut: Cabinet to address energy and fuel security after blackout

21 Jun 12:52 AM

Energy Minister Simeon Brown is expected to provide more details this afternoon.

Cyclones, Auckland deluge inquiry exposes how vulnerable NZ is to severe weather events
Northern Advocate

Cyclones, Auckland deluge inquiry exposes how vulnerable NZ is to severe weather events

22 Apr 09:00 PM

It's prompted the Government to scrap a bill aimed at improving emergency management.

Better cancer treatment and child immunisation among Govt’s new targets
Northern Advocate

Better cancer treatment and child immunisation among Govt’s new targets

08 Mar 12:34 AM

The final item of the 100-day plan was completed with the PM in Northland.

Treaty settlement delays likely thanks to Govt’s public spending cuts
Northern Advocate

Treaty settlement delays likely thanks to Govt’s public spending cuts

04 Mar 12:44 AM

The Ngāpuhi settlement, among others, would be prioritised amid the spending cuts.

'2, 4, 6, 8, this government is out the gate': 1000 people march in Waitangi hīkoi
Northern Advocate

'2, 4, 6, 8, this government is out the gate': 1000 people march in Waitangi hīkoi

05 Feb 09:46 PM

PM yesterday told his Waitangi speech missed the mark - but earns apology.

Tension, tolerance and protests greet Govt at Waitangi
Northern Advocate

Tension, tolerance and protests greet Govt at Waitangi

05 Feb 04:12 AM

Thousands gather to watch the arrival of the Prime Minister and politicians at Waitangi

'Stop selling us out' - tense scenes as Jones fronts up to Govt criticism
Northern Advocate

'Stop selling us out' - tense scenes as Jones fronts up to Govt criticism

04 Feb 09:39 PM

300 people slowly approached the marae in silence, holding up white flags.

Rawiri Waititi calls for Māori Parliament amid teasing of NZ First's Peters and Jones
Northern Advocate

Rawiri Waititi calls for Māori Parliament amid teasing of NZ First's Peters and Jones

04 Feb 01:46 AM

Thousands filled the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to watch the Kīngitanga-led group walk on.

Labour promises Ngāpuhi support in fight against Government
Northern Advocate

Labour promises Ngāpuhi support in fight against Government

03 Feb 05:43 AM

The Opposition pōwhiri sets the scene for the Government's welcome on Monday.

Watch: Kelvin Davis’ rallying call to Māori as he finishes politics with rockstar ending
Northern Advocate

Watch: Kelvin Davis’ rallying call to Māori as he finishes politics with rockstar ending

31 Jan 06:41 AM

Davis had no issue attacking the Government's policies regarding the Treaty.

'I’ll make it work' - Christopher Luxon answers Winston questions during visit to Northland
Northern Advocate

'I’ll make it work' - Christopher Luxon answers Winston questions during visit to Northland

08 Oct 04:00 PM

Many who approached said they were voting for him or had already done so.

'Falling apart': Labour, public hit out at Luxon's 'second election' fears
Northern Advocate

'Falling apart': Labour, public hit out at Luxon's 'second election' fears

07 Oct 10:58 PM

The National leader was pushed by Northlanders on how he'd handle Winston Peters.

Winston Peters on the biggest threat to NZ First’s 2023 election campaign
Northern Advocate

Winston Peters on the biggest threat to NZ First’s 2023 election campaign

21 Jul 05:00 PM

The NZ First leader promises to announce the "flavour" of his tax policy.

Budget 2023: $6b resilience plan to future-proof cyclone-hit infrastructure
Northern Advocate

Budget 2023: $6b resilience plan to future-proof cyclone-hit infrastructure

18 May 02:27 AM

It follows the near $1b announced by Finance Minister Grant Robertson on Sunday.

Budget 2023: Primary care eyed as solution to hospital pressure as winter approaches
Northern Advocate

Budget 2023: Primary care eyed as solution to hospital pressure as winter approaches

18 May 02:18 AM

Also referenced was the huge cost to correct payments made under the Holidays Act.

Budget 2023: Govt to build 3000 more public homes by mid-2025
Northern Advocate

Budget 2023: Govt to build 3000 more public homes by mid-2025

18 May 02:16 AM

A total of $3.1 billion of capital funding was allocated to provide the additional homes.

Officials say worse to come: monster waves flood properties in Coromandel; Whangārei evacuation plea; boat in distress
Northern Advocate

Officials say worse to come: monster waves flood properties in Coromandel; Whangārei evacuation plea; boat in distress

12 Feb 11:46 PM

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty will lead the briefing from the Beehive.

Waitangi: PM accuses National/Act of stoking fear about co-governance
Northern Advocate

Waitangi: PM accuses National/Act of stoking fear about co-governance

02 Feb 11:15 PM

This year's Waitangi Day celebrations will be Hipkins' first major outing as PM.

NZ-linked Russian billionaire oligarch targeted in latest sanctions
Northern Advocate

NZ-linked Russian billionaire oligarch targeted in latest sanctions

11 Oct 03:30 AM

Fifty-one oligarchs, including Abramov, have been targeted through the new sanctions.

The 'sex workers' who weren't and a blunder that sent region into lockdown; How Hipkins, PM responded
Northern Advocate

The 'sex workers' who weren't and a blunder that sent region into lockdown; How Hipkins, PM responded

06 Sep 11:48 PM

The Prime Minister and Chris Hipkins faced media in Auckland today.

Computer glitch overcounts today's Covid cases by thousands
Northern Advocate

Computer glitch overcounts today's Covid cases by thousands

08 Jul 04:51 AM

More than 4200 cases were incorrectly added to today's total after a computer glitch.

Gun, drugs and cash seized at Northland gang house
Northern Advocate

Gun, drugs and cash seized at Northland gang house

03 Jun 09:11 PM

Officers executed a warrant on a house with known gang links in Tikipunga, Whangārei.

'Humbled': Governor-General's historic welcome home in North
Northern Advocate

'Humbled': Governor-General's historic welcome home in North

06 May 04:00 AM

Dame Cindy Kiro's visit harks back to the final signature to Te Tiriti in Northland.

Exclusive: Widow's heartfelt message to Enchanter sinking survivors - and plea for captain
Northern Advocate

Exclusive: Widow's heartfelt message to Enchanter sinking survivors - and plea for captain

05 Apr 05:00 PM

Richard Bright, 63, was one of five men who died after the Enchanter capsized.

Covid-19: 15,871 new community cases, 13 deaths, including person in their 30s
Northern Advocate

Covid-19: 15,871 new community cases, 13 deaths, including person in their 30s

25 Mar 12:13 AM

Changes ahead as vaccine mandates in many industries are set to expire on April 4.

'It means closure': How the final Enchanter victim came to shore
Northern Advocate

'It means closure': How the final Enchanter victim came to shore

22 Mar 05:00 PM

Emotions are raw in the Far North.

Enchanter tragedy: Final missing body found
Northern Advocate

Enchanter tragedy: Final missing body found

22 Mar 04:04 AM

It is understood the body was found inside the sunken vessel's hull.

Live: 10 deaths, 930 people in hospital, more than 19,500 Covid cases today
Northern Advocate

Live: 10 deaths, 930 people in hospital, more than 19,500 Covid cases today

17 Mar 01:27 AM

Auckland's hospital staff are coming under increasing pressure, the Herald has revealed.

Auckland, Northland Covid cases believed double what testing shows
Northern Advocate

Auckland, Northland Covid cases believed double what testing shows

15 Mar 04:00 PM

It was estimated 96,275 people in Auckland and Northland had Covid-19 as at Friday.

Premium
Child vaccinations: What regions are falling behind?
Northern Advocate

Child vaccinations: What regions are falling behind?

10 Feb 05:00 AM

A full breakdown of child vaccination levels across the country.

Police release name of 'dangerous' prisoner on the run
Northern Advocate

Police release name of 'dangerous' prisoner on the run

06 Feb 04:49 AM

Michael Tautari is described as about 165cm tall and of medium-to-small build.

Prisoner let out to attend tangi now on the run, crashes car then steals another
Northern Advocate

Prisoner let out to attend tangi now on the run, crashes car then steals another

05 Feb 05:39 PM

The man, reported to be prisoner, crashed just after 7pm in Oakleigh.

Watch: Bright lights appear in Northland night sky
Northern Advocate

Watch: Bright lights appear in Northland night sky

07 Jan 09:27 AM

Starlink has launched several chains of up to 60 satellites in recent years.

Covid: 19 new community cases, 43 cases at the border
Northern Advocate

Covid: 19 new community cases, 43 cases at the border

05 Jan 11:30 PM

Four more cases linked to an Auckland escort agency were reported yesterday.

17 new cases, more Omicron at the border as booster interval shortened
Northern Advocate

17 new cases, more Omicron at the border as booster interval shortened

04 Jan 10:30 PM

Kiwis 18 and over can get their booster dose if it's been four months since their second.

31 new cases in the community - new border-related Omicron case
Northern Advocate

31 new cases in the community - new border-related Omicron case

03 Jan 11:30 PM

The interval between second and booster vaccine doses drops to four months tomorrow.

Live: 27 Covid cases today; 44 people in hospital; no Omicron in community
Northern Advocate

Live: 27 Covid cases today; 44 people in hospital; no Omicron in community

03 Jan 12:39 AM

Twelve cases in Auckland, seven in Waikato, seven in the Bay of Plenty and one in Lakes.

Live: Day one in traffic light system 'a step into the unknown'
Northern Advocate

Live: Day one in traffic light system 'a step into the unknown'

02 Dec 08:58 PM

The traffic light system is all go, officially, today.

'Help is on its way': Low Māori vaccination areas to be targeted following High Court ruling
Northern Advocate

'Help is on its way': Low Māori vaccination areas to be targeted following High Court ruling

01 Nov 06:08 PM

Northland and South Auckland were among those areas to be targeted first.

Live: 'Oh s***' - Positive BOP case, mayor tells of 'pretty leaky' border
Northern Advocate

Live: 'Oh s***' - Positive BOP case, mayor tells of 'pretty leaky' border

09 Oct 05:43 AM

Winston Peters has claimed the positive case was brought to Northland by the Mongrel Mob.

Live: Peters' TV claims - woman at centre of Northland scare 'linked to Mongrel Mob'
Northern Advocate

Live: Peters' TV claims - woman at centre of Northland scare 'linked to Mongrel Mob'

08 Oct 09:20 PM

Mayor: 'We've worked hard and now some bloody idiot has come and buggered it up.'

Northland DoC campsite, dairy and hotel new locations of interest
Northern Advocate

Northland DoC campsite, dairy and hotel new locations of interest

08 Oct 07:19 PM

It is believed a contact of the Covid-positive case visited the site between October 3-5.

Five iwi checkpoints planned across Northland
Northern Advocate

Five iwi checkpoints planned across Northland

08 Oct 05:49 PM

The Covid-positive woman is understood to have travelled as far north as Paihia.

Vaccination by area: Which parts of NZ are lagging behind?
Northern Advocate

Vaccination by area: Which parts of NZ are lagging behind?

07 Oct 02:18 AM

Find out how your suburb's vaccination levels compare.

The 90% Project: Who will be Top Town of the Covid vaccine rollout?
Northern Advocate

The 90% Project: Who will be Top Town of the Covid vaccine rollout?

01 Oct 04:00 PM

How does your town compare with the rest of the country on vaccination?

The 90% Project: How close is your age group to 90% vaccinated?
Northern Advocate

The 90% Project: How close is your age group to 90% vaccinated?

29 Sep 05:13 AM

First dose vaccinations in older Kiwis are more than 90 per cent almost everywhere.

'Unacceptable': Disparity in DHB staff vaccination levels revealed
Northern Advocate

'Unacceptable': Disparity in DHB staff vaccination levels revealed

22 Sep 04:40 AM

Less than half of all staff at one DHB are fully vaccinated.

The call to arms: Should I get vaccinated? Where do I start? Your questions answered
Northern Advocate

The call to arms: Should I get vaccinated? Where do I start? Your questions answered

17 Sep 05:22 PM

If you haven't had a jab yet, you're not alone. Here's everything you need to know.

Live: Splitsville- NZ prepares for different alert levels; 'Level 3 does not mean freedom,' PM warns
Northern Advocate

Live: Splitsville- NZ prepares for different alert levels; 'Level 3 does not mean freedom,' PM warns

30 Aug 03:30 AM

Auckland will stay in alert level 4 lockdown for at least two more weeks.

Study warns of inequitable Covid vaccine rollout
Northern Advocate

Study warns of inequitable Covid vaccine rollout

20 May 05:00 PM

Areas of Northland, the East Coast and much of the South Island had travel time barriers.

Pasifika culture protected in $108m Budget package
Northern Advocate

Pasifika culture protected in $108m Budget package

20 May 01:57 AM

The Pacific Peoples minister is hailing the package as a significant investment.

'Worst thing ever': Mum describes 6-year-old's heartbreaking meningococcal death
Northern Advocate

'Worst thing ever': Mum describes 6-year-old's heartbreaking meningococcal death

30 Apr 09:00 PM

Just six hours after he was picked up from school, Takarua fell victim to the disease.

Premium
Pakiri sand mining gouging trenches in sea floor
Northern Advocate

Pakiri sand mining gouging trenches in sea floor

30 Apr 05:00 PM

Evidence of significant ecological disturbance and consent breaches forced a review.

Jansen: No Māori age vaccine priority a 'complete failure'
Northern Advocate

Jansen: No Māori age vaccine priority a 'complete failure'

16 Apr 05:42 AM

Jansen, Ngāti Raukawa, predicted Māori were at more risk of dying if the virus mutated.

Premium
'Our hearts will never mend': Grieving couple seek police apology over 'lies'
Northern Advocate

'Our hearts will never mend': Grieving couple seek police apology over 'lies'

19 Mar 04:01 PM

Jennifer Roys believes her interactions with police have made Natasha's life worthless.

Watch: Tutukaka marina tsunami surge not the biggest
Northern Advocate

Watch: Tutukaka marina tsunami surge not the biggest

05 Mar 04:00 PM

Busy Northland diving outfit Dive! Tutukaka had one boat at the Poor Knights yesterday.

Premium
Deleted footage leaves questions after alleged Northport Covid-19 PPE incident
Northern Advocate

Deleted footage leaves questions after alleged Northport Covid-19 PPE incident

03 Mar 11:00 PM

Northport says its security footage is overwritten monthly, unless specifically retained.

Meningococcal death: Leaders plead for help as 'well-loved' boy passes away
Northern Advocate

Meningococcal death: Leaders plead for help as 'well-loved' boy passes away

23 Feb 04:50 AM

Covid-19 had restricted some vital health services to Northland's most in need whānau.

When will the Covid vaccine come to Northland?
Northern Advocate

When will the Covid vaccine come to Northland?

19 Feb 05:00 PM

The Ministry of Health has confirmed there would be a particular focus on Māori.

Premium
'Borderland' group to address Covid checkpoint confusion
Northern Advocate

'Borderland' group to address Covid checkpoint confusion

18 Feb 04:00 PM

Checkpoints in Maungaturoto and north of Mangawhai effectively cut Kaipara in half.

Land of confusion: Kaipara mayor slams checkpoint change
Northern Advocate

Land of confusion: Kaipara mayor slams checkpoint change

15 Feb 04:01 PM

The checkpoint north of Mangawhai caused particular confusion for local businesses.

Premium
336 landowners inside proposed four-lane highway route
Northern Advocate

336 landowners inside proposed four-lane highway route

14 Feb 10:00 PM

Eleven aerial maps were published in December which outlined the suggested route.

Ngāpuhi athletes fill list of most influential Māori athletes
Northern Advocate

Ngāpuhi athletes fill list of most influential Māori athletes

12 Feb 04:00 PM

Highest among the Northlanders was wood chopping legend Jason Wynyard.

Ngāpuhi sport stars labelled most influential in last 30 years
Northern Advocate

Ngāpuhi sport stars labelled most influential in last 30 years

11 Feb 09:00 PM

Northland Kauri rugby star Portia Woodman was the highest-ranked Northlander so far.

Premium
Yachties facing cyclones make plea to Immigration Minister
Northern Advocate

Yachties facing cyclones make plea to Immigration Minister

11 Feb 05:00 PM

The sailing community maintain there is no real guarantee of safe conditions until June.

Premium
GPs protest Mahitahi stoush to health minister
Northern Advocate

GPs protest Mahitahi stoush to health minister

09 Feb 05:00 PM

Three GPs say Mahitahi has violated its founding principle of collaboration.

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