Denise Piper is a Multimedia Journalist with the Northern Advocate, based in Whangārei, where she focuses on health and business.
Denise Piper has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference to everyday people - helping to give them a voice, highlight inequities and hold authorities to account. Denise’s previous coverage includes Northland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the summer 2020 drought and the trial of New Zealand’s biggest meth bust on Ninety Mile Beach. She was awarded the Bruce Jesson Foundation’s 2021 Senior Journalism Grant, producing a series on New Zealand’s efforts to fight kauri dieback. Health has always been an interest area for Denise, and she spent three years as senior journalist, then editor, for specialist health publication Pharmacy Today. In 2016, the publication won international acclaim for Denise’s coverage of Government underfunding of scripts, placing 16th in the Tabbie Awards’ best single issue category. Denise is qualified with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in journalism, from Auckland University of Technology. In her spare time, Denise likes to spend time at Northland’s beaches and she is an International Surfing Association level 2 surf judge. You can contact Denise at denise.piper@nzme.co.nz.
Uber is expanding to a new NZ city - and is on the hunt for drivers
Uber is coming to Whangārei but local taxi drivers hope their customers will stay loyal.
Is $4 an hour too much to pay for car parking in central Whangārei?
Business owners fear higher prices will keep customers from the CBD.
Accessible respite service offers unique relief for Northland families
Northlanders with disabilities no longer have to use hospitals or rest homes for respite.
How Northland plans to transform into a $60b economic powerhouse
A new NZIER report shows potential for Northland to grow six-fold by 2050.
Far North council roading restructure likened to Hunger Games
Workers feel blamed for underperformance, as union considers court for lack of data.
Holiday park murder: Woman admits killing one woman, assaulting another
The victim was found with critical injuries at Houhora Heads Holiday Park in April 2024.
Windswept chaos: 102km/h gusts leave Northland without power
Dargaville's fire brigade handled multiple callouts, including a lifting roof in Ruawai.
Freemasons help Northland Special Olympics athletes get to Christchurch
The nationals will be a life-changing event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The New Zealand towns gaining global acclaim for their beauty and charm
WorldAtlas has favoured one area for its beauty, warmth and appeal to retirees.
Saving lives: Mobile AED startup named best emerging business
Winner Georgia Keys took action after witnessing a young woman die from cardiac arrest.
'Public safety at risk': Guns, cannabis found in Kaitāia raid
Police found three .22 rifles, a shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle at a Kaitāia house.
Kāinga Ora scraps 450 new Northland houses, deepening shortage
Kāinga Ora halts 40 housing projects in Northland amid $12.3b debt
Northland needs unity for $977m regional deal, minister advises
Northland has missed out on the first cut of regional deals but is still hopeful.
Stalemate: Ngāpuhi, minister remain firm on sovereignty
A Treaty settlement for Ngāpuhi looks increasingly unlikely with sovereignty a stalemate.
Art exhibition marks Whangārei’s place in Rainbow Warrior bombing 40 years on
Whangārei was the staging ground for the French agents who bombed the Rainbow Warrior.
Northland businesses have 'giant hangover' from Covid lockdowns, inquiry told
'We're in a lot of pain', NorthChamber's Tim Robinson tells the Covid-19 inquiry.
Doctor criticises $100k spend on vouchers for private urgent care
The vouchers allow patients waiting at ED to visit White Cross for free instead.
Court backs sacking of Northland doctor who sent 'flirty texts' to junior
The sexual harassment investigation led to the doctor taking 10 months' stress leave.
On The Up: McKay leads Samoa's green transport with solar-powered electric catamarans
The five solar and battery-powered electric boats will be built in Whangārei and Samoa.
Local taxis unite for Māori All Blacks game to tackle rogue pricing
Local taxis and Semenoff Stadium will offer a new taxi stand on Okara Drive on Saturday.
Te Aupōuri kaitiaki group honoured for outstanding Northland conservation
The group planted more than 120,000 native plants and installed 16km of fencing.
Sabbatical leave crucial for setting up rural mobile clinic in Far North
More than half of the clinic's Kawakawa patients had been waiting more than 10 months.
'Absolutely unreal': Dive trip inspires young conservationists
The trip to one of the world's best dive spots rewarded the passion of nine Northlanders.
Developer to pay $50k over sacred land battle, hapū still short
The legal battle cost Ngāti Kahu o Torongare about $120,000, not counting volunteer time.
'Don't want to go home crying': Nurses strike over pay, staffing issues
Union says private health plans will drain staff from already-stretched public hospitals.
Pensioners' pleas heard: Rates battle ends with compromise from council
The council put the general rate increase at 9.7%, instead of the proposed 10.7%.
'Not good enough': Northland doctors walk out over health system crisis
Northland senior doctors, working among a 19% vacancy rate, want better conditions.
'A lot of tears': Concerns over changes to post-mortem examinations
Health NZ plans for autopsies to remain in Whangārei, with a two-year contract extension.
Mud and cheers: Whangārei hailed for hosting cross country event
World record holder Sam Ruthe finished second in the Senior Boys 6000m race.
'Foundation for stability': Habitat's Whangārei housing project wins big
The 22-home Warren Place development was named the best affordable housing project.
World's fastest teen descends on Whangārei for cross country champs
Sam Ruthe is among the 700 young athletes competing at Whangārei's Barge Park.
'So thankful': Mum overwhelmed by community support in cancer fight
Misty Paniora, 26, was given just a few months to live after cancer spread to her brain.
Not-guilty plea: Murder accused remanded over Catalya's death
The accused, Drummond Leaf, pleaded not-guilty to murder and assault.
Northland Māori health trust taking urgent action on 'diabetes crisis'
About 64% of patients enrolled with Ngāti Hine Health Trust in Kawakawa have diabetes.
New self-service petrol station targets Whangārei's high prices
The Porowini Ave U-GO opening Tuesday will be the first outside of Auckland.
Leading by example: Northland farmer honoured for transformative work
Coby Warmington won the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award.
Northland farm wins national Māori farming excellence award
Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust is running a thriving enterprise and connecting to the land.
Northland doctor highlights pay dispute and staffing crisis in EDs
Dr Gary Payinda says despite the challenges, Northland patients are amazing.
Weather woes leave Northland with high flight cancellation rate in April
The first regional flight report shows Northland's cancellation rate is among the highest.
Leaks within Dargaville's ageing infrastructure 'completely foreseeable'
Water was restored Sunday, but higher areas were dry from Friday to Sunday.
Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach work criticised for lack of mandate
Ngā Puāwaitanga o Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe seeks to restore the health and wellbeing of the beach.
Twelve champions for Northland celebrated in King's Birthday Honours
From family violence prevention to services to Māori, locals' dedication recognised.
On The Up: Bold plan for Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe aims to restore toheroa to Ninety Mile Beach
The new project will help restore the mauri of one of New Zealand's most iconic beaches.
'No services': Whangārei pensioners facing $7000-a-year bill protest rising rates
Whangārei District Council is mulling a 10.7% general rates rise, plus extra charges.
Dargaville has almost no water left: Residents told to conserve
Dargaville's 5000 residents were asked to stop using water this morning.
New football centre in Tikipunga set to grow Northland's game
The Northland Football Hub has a covered deck which will overlook a new artificial turf.
'Exceptional care': Whangārei home marks 80 years of aged care
Originally bought in 1945, the home now cares for 55 mixed-gender residents.
What Northlanders need to know as severe weather looms
Stormy conditions are expected tonight for Te Tai Tokerau, warns Civil Defence.
'Visitors go around and around': Patients miss hospital appointments as parking chaos worsens
Construction removed 80 car parks, forcing patients and staff to compete for spots.
House gutted by fire in Maungatūroto, one person hospitalised
The fire is believed to have been caused by a fault in the home's fireplace.
'Disappointing': Historic Russell's te reo Māori name bid rejected
The consultation saw 52% support the change and 48% oppose it.
'Most vulnerable are invisible': Northland leaders give Budget 2025 mixed reviews
The Budget is applauded for its rates rebated but criticised for pay equity cuts.
'Nothing short of inspiring': Air NZ boosts Northland nature projects
Eight Northland nature projects by schools, hapū and landcare groups share $50,000.
Great relief: Whangārei teen's Melbourne health trip saved after Jetstar setback
Jetstar was unable to give wheelchair assistance on the booked flight, so Air NZ swooped.
A labour of love: Family's green transformation of leaky city building
The green Vinery Lane renovation also includes transformation of the nearby carpark.
'Very tight': Builders struggle in Northland's falling market
New building consents in the region dropped 31% in the year to March 2025.
'Radical change': Possible crayfish ban for Northland's east coast
Shane Jones says crayfish can't keep declining in the popular fishing area.
Move Over Cancer collaboration supports cancer survivors
Mobility classes on May 21 and 23 will raise money for Pinc & Steel programmes.
'Ridiculous': Teen's Melbourne health check at risk due to flight assistance limits
Jetstar can't provide wheelchair assistance for Carrie’s return flight.
Smooth recovery: Emergency services stood down after Whangārei plane crash
The light plane took a nose dive on landing, but the pilot was not seriously hurt.
'Doctor-less' hospital: Alarm raised after stroke patient assessed by telehealth
Sharon's husband was assessed via a digital consult with a US-based doctor after a stroke.
Northland ovarian cancer patient pens song to help raise awareness
Ruby Smith wants awareness of 'silent killer', especially for Māori and Pasifika women.
Northland weather alert: Heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms
MetService has issued an orange Heavy Rain Warning for Friday until 6pm.
New Whangārei cafe offers support and services for rough sleepers
Whare Āwhina's community cafe is on Cameron St in the former police station.
Former Northland nurse celebrates 100th with thanks from Health NZ
Eileen Davidson was just a teenager when she started nurse training at Whangārei Hospital.
'Incredibly fortunate': No injuries after car flies into house at high speed
Whangārei District Council said it has applied for funding to cover safety improvements.
'Consent is a great thing’: Whangārei festival promotes respect, autonomy
The Festival of Consent runs until Sunday with events including talks and a dance party.
On The Up: Community support helps Whangārei teen with rare condition thrive
Carrie Kunicich has atypical Friedreich ataxia, which impacts her muscles and vision.
Supermarket, petrol station, showing interest in Whangārei site
As Springs Flat project moves ahead, hapū have raised cultural and environmental concerns.
25yo mum fights for time with kids after cancer spreads to brain
Misty Paniora, 25, is battling terminal cancer but wants to see her kids' milestones.
Police Minister wants crackdown on Northland gangs, dirt bike riders
Mark Mitchell heard about key crime problems in Northland, and offered some solutions.
'Tax on healthcare': Whangārei man paying $25k in GST on cancer treatment
Merv Williams must pay more than $25,000 in GST for his cancer treatment.
'Overwhelming' support: Doctors strike for hospital and GP crisis
Dr Gary Payinda says 200,000 people are waiting to see specialists.
Could Northland help power Auckland? $2m study to find out
If feasible, the project could unlock $1b in private investment in renewable energy.
'Zero facilities': Pensioners fear proposed 30% rates hike
The Johnsons' rates could rise to more than $3500 a year.
Cycling champion honoured for trailblazing work in Northland
Steve Gwilliam recognised for having a 'remarkable impact' on Northland's cycle trails.
The long road to recovery: Cyclone Tam's aftermath lingers in Far North
More than 20 Far North homes are still without power after the storm.
'Owners want to do the right thing': Northland trust fights dog overpopulation
The trust has helped desex almost 400 dogs since 2023 but demand is surging.
'Could've caught them out': Cyclone's potential impact on dolphins
Three dolphins died after three different strandings in Whangārei over Easter.
Community effort: Hundreds unite to tackle invasive seaweed
Around 500 tonnes of the marine pest were moved above the high tide line in four days.