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.
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.
Leading by example: Northland farmer honoured for transformative work
Coby Warmington won the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award.
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.
'Disappointing': Historic Russell's te reo Māori name bid rejected
The consultation saw 52% support the change and 48% oppose it.
'Nothing short of inspiring': Air NZ boosts Northland nature projects
Eight Northland nature projects by schools, hapū and landcare groups share $50,000.
'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.
'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.
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.
Crime proceeds could fund drug addiction help, Mental Health Minister says
The Mental Health Minister says crime proceeds could help fund meth addiction services.
Watch: Dramatic cruise ship rescue by Northland helicopter crew
A cruise ship worker with a serious eye injury needed urgent hospital treatment.
How quick-thinking police rescued two teens at Waitangi celebrations
Police said the teens were fully clothed, wearing Crocs and struggling to swim.
Far North woman warns others after bag plucked from supermarket trolley
Pensioner too scared to do anything when her bag was taken outside Pak'nSave Kaitāia.
Northland police rebuked for not providing medical care after Kāeo arrest
Police cleared of using excessive force in firearm search where man suffered head injury.
Cyclone Gabrielle recovery to continue until 2030, report says
More than 3400 Northland homes were damaged, with insurance claims of $38m.
Councillor urges tight-knit Kaitāia community to give support after homicide
A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder.
'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.
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.
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.
Businesses want compensation as Transpower says too many nuts taken off pylon caused power cut
Northland businesses want compensation.
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.
‘Adventurous spirit’: Northland's Gaelene Bright remembered two years after murder
The 69-year-old is being remembered with music and dancing in her small town.
Caring mother 'fought to the death for her family' in burglary's fatal struggle
Linda Woods died last year after a man from her street entered her Kaikohe home.
Ngāti Kuri using science and cultural practice to inform predator-free concept
Ngāti Kuri's work also includes installing its own climate station at Te Paki.
Re-elected NorthChamber president rebuts murmurings of old boys' club
Tim Robinson says his support is due to his strong track record as a leader.
Measles outbreak in Māori key concern for Health Minister
Reti raises Māori health concerns but providers more concerned by his actions.
Fundraiser for mother's last-chance cancer drug hits important milestone
Cherie Coker is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her kids.
'Hopefully the message is getting through' Northland buoyed by low drowning statistics
Water safety education appears to be having an impact in the north.
Orca spotted swimming on its side is not sick, expert says
Orca have been spotted hunting stingrays at popular coastal sites across Northland.
Search for missing diver continues, more than 10 days later
The rāhui near Ahipara is in place after a diver went missing on December 23.