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.
'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.
'Solution needed': SH1 opens at Brynderwyns but long-term fix still needed
Cyclone Tam caused a slip on SH1 near the Brynderwyns, prompting calls for permanent fix.
On The Up: Pita Tipene’s visionary leadership earns top Māori business award
Tipene now hopes to lead Ngāti Hine through settlement, enabling the iwi to thrive.
'This is great': Hapū wins fight to protect sacred land and trees
The controversial 93-home development at Onoke Heights, Te Kamo, is now at a dead end.
Cyclone Tam wreaks havoc: Narrow escape as redwood crushes shed
A teen had to run for his life in Kerikeri as a tree collapsed in the wild weather.
Signs of disagreement: Hundertwasser centre seeks better highway advertising
The Hundertwasser Art Centre is not easy to find, with no signs on SH1 directing tourists.
4600 homes still without power as Cyclone Tam clean-up begins
Bay of Islands residents are urged to save water as repairs are under way in Paihia.
Road closures, power cuts, 12m swells: Cyclone Tam hammers Northland
About 13,000 without power as Cyclone Tam batters North.
Crime proceeds could fund drug addiction help, Mental Health Minister says
The Mental Health Minister says crime proceeds could help fund meth addiction services.
'Growing fast': Green light for project set to unlock 3000 homes, supermarket
The project aims to unlock land for up to 3000 homes and a new supermarket in Whangārei.
New homes open doors for young disabled Northlanders
Rest homes used to be the only option for young people with disabilities.
'A game-changer': New mental health facility opens in Whangārei
Manaia House in Whangārei cost $21.6m and has 75 consultation rooms.
Kaipara lifts water restrictions after steady rain boosts supply
A 22km pipeline will help Dargaville's water supply but not until the end of 2026.
‘Poor me’ not an option: How carer turned patient lives well with Parkinson’s
The progressive condition requires a positive attitude, says Whangārei's Elizabeth Swift.
Water-saving efforts: Dargaville adapts to severe drought measures
Dargaville's water use dropped by 166,000 litres a day under level-four restrictions.
Green shoots: Hundertwasser Art Centre hopes to arrest its financial losses
The centre had 13,000 visitors in the last six months of 2024 and 12,500 this year.
'Unsettling': Neighbours plea for Kāinga Ora to take action about troublesome tenant
Neighbours have borne the brunt of a tenant but Kāinga Ora says it's firm but fair.
‘No credible indication’: Doubts over economic benefits of sand mining
Economist questions why sand mining in Northland's Bream Bay got fast-track tick.
‘The threat is quite real’: Hapū fights to save sacred trees
The trees at Onoke Heights are at least 200 years old and have a sacred history.
Te Whara/Bream Head should be closed due to sacred land, hapū say
The Bream Head walkway is nationally significant but was the site of ancient wars.
‘Third World’: Northland town water restrictions spark concerns
Rainfall in February was less than 10% of the expected amount in Dargaville.
Ninety-year-old’s passion for pickleball encourages all ages
Helen Drinkwater started playing pickleball at 84 during a trip to the US.
Teen breaks barriers with historic tractor-pull win
Ella Martin, 17, is the first female to win the Northland Field Days' tractor-pull title.
Up in flames: Whangārei dry cleaning fire leaves customers short
The company's insurance does not cover replacement of customer items burnt in the blaze.
‘It had such a buzz’: Opera in the Garden set for revival
The event is the best chance for Northland families to hear world-class opera singing.
Protesters gather outside court to support Northland’s most well-known green fairy
He denied the charges of cultivating and dealing cannabis as supporters protested outside.
‘Tragic’: Police continue to investigate fatal Onerahi shooting
A man remains in a serious condition in hospital as police investigate woman's death.
‘Tragic’: Police want witnesses to Whangārei park shooting to come forward
A woman was killed and a man is in hospital in a serious condition after the shooting.
Whangārei house fire leaves one person in critical condition
The fire on Kahiwi St in Raumanga started just after 8pm on Wednesday night.
Police launch homicide investigation after ‘tragic’ shooting in Whangārei park
Police are determined to find out the events that led up to the 'tragic incident'.
New Whangārei Hospital transit lounge replaces facility ‘not fit for purpose’
Aim of the new $3.75m transit lounge is to free up bed space while comforting patients.
‘Stupendous amount’: $7.3b cost halts refinery reopening talks
Instead of a new refinery, Shane Jones is pushing for a Marsden Point energy precinct.
Man with cerebral palsy rescued from house fire, but wheelchair and dog lost
The family's chihuahua died and the cat is still missing after the blaze.
Flood-prone Whangārei campground getting drainage makeover
The thousands of visitors at Uretiti Campground have to dodge flooding after heavy rain.
‘Pretty horrific’: Fire destroys Ruawai home in minutes, sheer luck no one hurt
The house was unsalvageable by the time fire crews arrived at the Northland fire.
Mangawhai community mourns champion and harbour vigilante
Jim Wintle enjoyed seeing the community benefit from the projects he was involved with.
Police link three youths to Dargaville burglaries, youngest just 11
Police linked three break-ins at a store, petrol station and superette.
Police seek witnesses after Kaikohe store robbery by armed men
The four men, allegedly armed with a hammer and tyre iron, stole cash and cigarettes.
Family tragedy: Brother charged with motorcyclist’s layby murder
Kyle Jenkins, 18, was found dead in a creek off State Highway 15 on January 29.
Hundertwasser Art Centre hoping to claw back losses with good summer
The centre has struggled with low tourist numbers and the cost-of-living crisis.
‘Ripped off’: Whangārei motorists, officials alarmed over fuel costs
Whangārei's mayor says fuel companies "have a chokehold in Northland".
The Northland town where use of methamphetamine is an ‘epidemic’
The drug is easily available, but there is help available.
How local businesses believe they can outshine big brands like Freedom
Local businesses say they still have something special to offer customers.
‘Totally bizarre’: Kiwi woman puzzled by unexpected cholera diagnosis
Health officials say the non-toxigenic strain poses no public health risk.
Meridian's solar farm in Northland gets go-ahead with wetland protections
The 250,000-panel solar farm could power half of Northland's homes.
'Like living in a cemetery': Subdivision bid on sacred land heads to court again
A 93-home subdivision on culturally sacred land is heading to the High Court.
Cyclist dies after crash in Helena Bay, Northland
The road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene but has since reopened.
Watch: Dramatic cruise ship rescue by Northland helicopter crew
A cruise ship worker with a serious eye injury needed urgent hospital treatment.
Toitū te Tiriti action 'just getting started' says Eru Kapa-Kingi
The Whangārei-born spokesman says he is passionate about speaking out for justice.
How quick-thinking police rescued two teens at Waitangi celebrations
Police said the teens were fully clothed, wearing Crocs and struggling to swim.
Man charged with murder of Northland motorcyclist on day of killed teen’s funeral
Kyle Jenkins was found to have died from gunshot wounds.
'Postcode lottery': Northland's battle against cancer care inequities
Northland had the highest rate of new cancer diagnoses and the second-highest death rate.
‘The doctors said he wouldn’t walk': Meningitis fighter defies odds
Maiaorere Turner's family now need $35,000 so he can safely get in and out of the house.
'Everything to lose': Community protests Bream Bay sand mining
Protesters fear the proposed fast-track sand mining project could kill marine life.
Mangawhai tornado: Family say it was a ‘miracle’ injured woman survived
The woman has had surgery on her broken arm and cuts, with more to come.
Veteran firefighter says Mangawhai tornado worst he’s seen
Mangawhai residents are rallying to help one another after the tornado.
‘Like a turbine’: Mangawhai couple sheltered in wardrobe as tornado hit
A cordon is in place, and people told to treat downed power lines as live.
Celebrate Northland talent with fun, music and markets this weekend
Don't be stuck for something to do this long weekend, there are activities for everyone.
Seymour defies his hapū‘s advice not to attend Waitangi 2025
Ngāti Rēhia advised Seymour not to attend this year's commemorations at Waitangi.