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.
![Former refinery shows commitment to oil spill response with new boat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Former refinery shows commitment to oil spill response with new boat
While oil is no longer refined at Whangārei's Marsden Point, oil spills are still a risk.
![Arrest made after spate of aggravated robberies and burglaries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Arrest made after spate of aggravated robberies and burglaries
A 16-year-old teenager was charged after eight Northland businesses were targeted.
![Friday's Daffodil Day to raise money for Cancer Society accommodation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Friday's Daffodil Day to raise money for Cancer Society accommodation
This Friday's Daffodil Day includes plenty of Northland events for the Cancer Society.
!['Wish come true': Fishing couple capture magic of southern right whale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Wish come true': Fishing couple capture magic of southern right whale
The southern right whale is rare in Northland, more common in subantarctic waters.
!['It’s hard to feel like we’ve lost everything': Peria family grateful for support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'It’s hard to feel like we’ve lost everything': Peria family grateful for support
The family home in the Far North was quickly lost in the blaze on August 11.
![Police checkpoint saves three from alleged kidnapping in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Police checkpoint saves three from alleged kidnapping in Northland
A well-placed police roadside checkpoint led to a dramatic police operation.
![Double awards for Northland builder 'good news' in tough times](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Double awards for Northland builder 'good news' in tough times
Homes in Russell and Langs Beach won awards for Oliver Tuck Construction.
![Whānau get warm, dry, secure homes with Whangārei charity development](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Whānau get warm, dry, secure homes with Whangārei charity development
The 22-home development is Habitat for Humanity's largest in New Zealand.
![Commissioners decline plan for rest and service centre on SH1 in Ruakākā](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Commissioners decline plan for rest and service centre on SH1 in Ruakākā
The service centre was designed to cater for truckies heading south on SH1.
!['Terrifying': Nurses working in hospital without doctors to protest with strike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Terrifying': Nurses working in hospital without doctors to protest with strike
The one-hour strike shows nurses are unhappy treating patients without an on-site doctor.
!['Saving money costs lives' key message of Northland striking ambulance officers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Saving money costs lives' key message of Northland striking ambulance officers
The ambulance officers are striking for four hours each shift on Tuesday and Saturday.
![Taimahi Trust showcasing its model supporting people with disabilities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Taimahi Trust showcasing its model supporting people with disabilities
Taimahi Trust has a produce shop, kitchen and greenhouses, plus big plans for expansion.
!['The system is broken': Long waits to see GPs now impacting hospitals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'The system is broken': Long waits to see GPs now impacting hospitals
Even Health Minister Shane Reti admits he struggles to get a doctor's appointment.
!['It's like she just disappeared': Family of Jo Sione-Lauaki say police suspect foul play](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'It's like she just disappeared': Family of Jo Sione-Lauaki say police suspect foul play
Police have asked for sightings of a Mitsubishi Outlander near Omamari Beach.
![Cause of 'zombie fish' snapper illness still unknown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Cause of 'zombie fish' snapper illness still unknown
Tests are now being run in sick snapper for high levels of aluminium.
![‘I apologise to patients every day’: Northlanders suffer as health crisis takes hold](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
‘I apologise to patients every day’: Northlanders suffer as health crisis takes hold
Patients are being misdiagnosed, face hours of travel for treatment or can't see a GP.
![Service centre proposed for dangerous intersection, Waipu residents say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Service centre proposed for dangerous intersection, Waipu residents say
The service centre is the third proposed for State Highway 1 south of Whangārei.
![Doctor shortage increases waits for cancer treatment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Doctor shortage increases waits for cancer treatment
Doctor vacancies and a reduction in planned care over summer are chief culprits.
![Transpower willing to provide some payment to Northland for power cut, MP says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Transpower willing to provide some payment to Northland for power cut, MP says
Northland MP Grant McCallum had a productive meeting with Transpower about compensation.
!['Men are useless at talking': Charity Men-Tall has high hopes for changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Men are useless at talking': Charity Men-Tall has high hopes for changes
More than 100 people attended the charity's black-tie event on Saturday.
!['I was choking': Mum says poor Kāinga Ora fire repair impacted unwell son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'I was choking': Mum says poor Kāinga Ora fire repair impacted unwell son
The mum says the Kāinga Ora house stank of smoke after fire, a worry for her sick son.
![Kāinga Ora's 'battery-hen development' proposed for Ruakākā now under review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Kāinga Ora's 'battery-hen development' proposed for Ruakākā now under review
State housing builds that can't be finished by mid-2025 are being reassessed.
!['Another blow for Northland': Brynderwyns closure highlights need for four-lane highway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Another blow for Northland': Brynderwyns closure highlights need for four-lane highway
The closure of the highway on Saturday shows an urgent need for a Brynderwyns replacement.
!['Take shelter': New wild weather warning for Northland as Brynderwyns clean-up continues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Take shelter': New wild weather warning for Northland as Brynderwyns clean-up continues
SH1 is open at the Brynderwyns but more thunderstorms are on their way.
![Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment helps man keep independence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment helps man keep independence
Peter Copeman, 93, has no doubt he would be blind if he did not have a simple eye test.
!['Metres from sea': Dover Samuels calls island pool fence rule too bureaucratic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Metres from sea': Dover Samuels calls island pool fence rule too bureaucratic
Kaumātua Dover Samuels says the Motukawaiti Island pool is right next to the sea.
!['Ratepayers hit hard' with Whangārei increasing rates 17.2%](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Ratepayers hit hard' with Whangārei increasing rates 17.2%
More could have been done to keep the rates lower, critics say.
![Private island site no excuse for not fencing swimming pool in Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Private island site no excuse for not fencing swimming pool in Far North
The owners of Motukawaiti Island had argued young children would never visit the site.
![Parent wanted family to die together: On trial for attempted murder and coercing suicide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Parent wanted family to die together: On trial for attempted murder and coercing suicide
The daughter required hospital treatment after the incident, the prosecution says.
![Whangārei Boys' High School pleads guilty to charges relating to Abbey Caves death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Whangārei Boys' High School pleads guilty to charges relating to Abbey Caves death
The school admitted two charges after the death of a student on a school caving trip.
![Kaipara Harbour water test near town shows alarmingly high levels of aluminium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Kaipara Harbour water test near town shows alarmingly high levels of aluminium
The aluminium could be toxic to fish and a potential cause of 'zombie' snapper.
![Wanted: Families looking for a hand-up into buying their first home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Wanted: Families looking for a hand-up into buying their first home
Habitat for Humanity is building 24 Whangārei homes for its rent-to-buy scheme.
![Northport expansion's creation of jobs outweighed by coastal impact](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northport expansion's creation of jobs outweighed by coastal impact
Independent commissioners have declined the resource consents to expand.
![Poor work blamed for Cape Rēinga slip, while climate change floods track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Poor work blamed for Cape Rēinga slip, while climate change floods track
Fill which was poorly placed, then paved over, contributed to the slip in May 2023.
!['They were very cold': Transpower leaves Northland businesses in dark over compo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'They were very cold': Transpower leaves Northland businesses in dark over compo
Transpower has decided not to be proactive in any compensation or help for Northland.
![Northland's Pita Tipene leading world's first indigenous trade agreement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland's Pita Tipene leading world's first indigenous trade agreement
The arrangement helped US and Canadian indigenous people meet for the first time.
![Chef of the Year finalist credits Northland collaboration for success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Chef of the Year finalist credits Northland collaboration for success
Schnappa Rock's Dean Thompson is a finalist in Hospitality NZ's Chef of the Year award.
![Circus Kumarani marks 21 years as stage for all ages and abilities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Circus Kumarani marks 21 years as stage for all ages and abilities
The community circus is about supporting people of all ages and abilities.
!['The pain is ongoing': Businesses want power cut compensation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'The pain is ongoing': Businesses want power cut compensation
The power cut is causing ongoing damage to Northland's reputation, NorthChamber says.
![Northland businesses feeling the pinch offered workshops, mentoring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland businesses feeling the pinch offered workshops, mentoring
ASB economists warn about Northland’s outlook but help is on hand for businesses.
![Builders want government help to smooth troughs of construction industry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Builders want government help to smooth troughs of construction industry
While consents are down 29%, more trained builders will be needed soon in Northland.
![Customers owed thousands from Flaming Fires offered warmth from rival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Customers owed thousands from Flaming Fires offered warmth from rival
Liquidators are working with Flaming Fires' director to get money back to customers.
!['It’s important for our mental health in the cold': Matariki fun warms hearts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'It’s important for our mental health in the cold': Matariki fun warms hearts
Friday's events included Whangārei's Light and Lantern Parade, and Waipu on Ice.
!['He’s riding his eternal wave' Dad and 'soulmate' remembered as passionate surfer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'He’s riding his eternal wave' Dad and 'soulmate' remembered as passionate surfer
Stephen Moir, 53, was a Mangawhai builder who always downed tools when there was surf.
![Businesses want compensation as Transpower says too many nuts taken off pylon caused power cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Businesses want compensation as Transpower says too many nuts taken off pylon caused power cut
Northland businesses want compensation.
![Top Whangārei building apprentice 'stoked' to be in national competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Top Whangārei building apprentice 'stoked' to be in national competition
Jayden Hudson-Owen will represent Whangārei at a national competition this week.
!['We’re sick to the eyeballs': Northland businesses angry with region's fragile infrastructure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'We’re sick to the eyeballs': Northland businesses angry with region's fragile infrastructure
Thursday's power cut was estimated to cost $60m in another blow to struggling businesses.
!['Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Unacceptable': Energy Minister on fallen pylon that cut power for 100,000 Northlanders
Simeon Brown orders Electricity Authority review into pylon collapse.
![Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Full investigation launched after major power outage in Northland
Parts of Northland were without power after a pylon toppled near Wellsford.
![Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water
'There will obviously be an investigation into the incident and what caused it.'
![Fisheries NZ still can't identify what causes 'zombie' disease in snapper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Fisheries NZ still can't identify what causes 'zombie' disease in snapper
MPI is running tests on the diseased snapper from around the North Island.
![Is it safe? Inquiry into Northern Wairoa health called for](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Is it safe? Inquiry into Northern Wairoa health called for
'Zombie' fish and years of pollution pushes Dargaville residents to call for inquiry.
![Rare condition not stopping Whangārei girl fundraising for testing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rare condition not stopping Whangārei girl fundraising for testing
Carrie, 12, has limited vision and mobility, and needs to get to Melbourne for tests.
![Police working tirelessly to find out why Hoani Reupena-Tuoro died in fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Police working tirelessly to find out why Hoani Reupena-Tuoro died in fire
Police are determined to find out what happened to Hoani Reupena-Tuoro and why.
![Up to 70 people collaborate to restore native habitat on Manaia Maunga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Up to 70 people collaborate to restore native habitat on Manaia Maunga
The event was underpinned by Māori knowledge, with the mountain regarded as an ancestor.
!['It feels like theft': Customers lose thousands as fire business liquidated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'It feels like theft': Customers lose thousands as fire business liquidated
One customer paid $7500 for a fireplace in October but was kept waiting for installation.
![One person dies after coming off jet ski on remote stretch of Northland's west coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
One person dies after coming off jet ski on remote stretch of Northland's west coast
Emergency services were unable to revive the person after they came off a jet ski.
![‘Zombie’ snapper caught in Auckland suggests disease more widespread](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
‘Zombie’ snapper caught in Auckland suggests disease more widespread
The sick snapper caught near Port Albert suggest the problem is widespread.
![Awakino Precinct in Dargaville approved to allow 384 new houses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Awakino Precinct in Dargaville approved to allow 384 new houses
The Awakino Precinct will allow up to 384 new homes on a 39ha rural block.
![Kerikeri teen refuses food to protest New Zealand inaction against war in Gaza](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Kerikeri teen refuses food to protest New Zealand inaction against war in Gaza
Wren Fisher, 17, is on a liquids-only hunger strike for Palestine.
![Ōruku Landing seeks fast-track consent and regional funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Ōruku Landing seeks fast-track consent and regional funding
Ōruku Landing, once considered dead in the water, is hoping for more lifelines.
![King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work
Our reporters caught up with the recipients.
![Northland's Golden Bay wants to replace all coal in its cement making by 2030](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland's Golden Bay wants to replace all coal in its cement making by 2030
Golden Bay has replaced more than half of its coal but wants to do more.
![Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget
Mixed feelings on Budget even though some say Willis delivered what she promised.
![Four-lane highway, social housing, key Budget hopes for Northland leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Four-lane highway, social housing, key Budget hopes for Northland leaders
Business prosperity and child wellbeing are key factors in Northland ahead of the Budget.
![Long waits for mental health help can be catastrophic for Northland youth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Long waits for mental health help can be catastrophic for Northland youth
Northland children are waiting 50 per cent longer than adults for mental health services.
![Mapping whale migration still part of planning work for Ocean Flyer's seagliders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Mapping whale migration still part of planning work for Ocean Flyer's seagliders
The unique form of transport could be coming to New Zealand in 2026 or 2027.
![Diseased snapper described as 'zombies' caught in Kaipara Harbour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Diseased snapper described as 'zombies' caught in Kaipara Harbour
The fish have sunken and milky eyes, bones sticking out and a lack of mucus coat.
![Slips and broken bridges continue to keep eastern Te Paki tracks closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Slips and broken bridges continue to keep eastern Te Paki tracks closed
Ngāti Kuri is mulling over alternatives to the extensively damaged waterfront walkways.
![Seagliders' 35-minute trips to Auckland closer with $145m deal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Seagliders' 35-minute trips to Auckland closer with $145m deal
Seagliders and 35-minute trips between Whangārei and Auckland are a step closer.
![Big barge shows Whangārei's boat-building chops](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Big barge shows Whangārei's boat-building chops
The 57m Kaipara Karrier VII was built by Culham Engineering for Atlas Concrete.
![Police investigate fatal crash in Mangōnui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Police investigate fatal crash in Mangōnui
Police are investigating the fatal crash near the Far North town of Mangōnui last night.
![Fuel prices brought down by competition but motorists still feeling pump pain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Fuel prices brought down by competition but motorists still feeling pump pain
The Commerce Commission says price differences cannot be explained by costs alone.
![Northland nurses 'drowning' in work call for safer staffing levels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland nurses 'drowning' in work call for safer staffing levels
One Whangārei nurse says the mental health of her over-worked colleagues is a concern.
![Pay cuts could understaff new radiation cancer facility, say striking doctors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Pay cuts could understaff new radiation cancer facility, say striking doctors
GPs and specialty roles like radiology and oncology should not face cuts, strikers say.
![Emerging business Moka Fibre aims to tackle ugly truth about lash glue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Emerging business Moka Fibre aims to tackle ugly truth about lash glue
The glue is made from flax and wool extracts and does not damage natural eyelashes.
![WorkSafe charges Whangārei Boys’ High School over Abbey Caves student death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
WorkSafe charges Whangārei Boys’ High School over Abbey Caves student death
WorkSafe has laid two Health and Safety charges against the school's Board of Trustees.
![Northland human milk bank to provide breast milk to most vulnerable babies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland human milk bank to provide breast milk to most vulnerable babies
The human milk bank still needs $12,000 to get up and running.