Derek Cheng is a Multimedia Journalist for New Zealand’s Herald. He values holding those in power to account and shining a light on issues kept in the dark.
Journalism is a powerful tool that has allowed me to cover huge stories, from general elections to the Christchurch earthquake to the March 15 terrorist attack to the Covid-19 response. It gives us access to those who make decisions that affect millions of lives, or to pivotal moments where we are tasked to write the first draft of history. The privilege to do so, sometimes, is a daunting one. It's also multi-pronged, and my stories have covered the whole gamut - from scrutinising the Government's decisions to a first-person account of a climbing accident where I had to have my face reconstructed. I've worked for the NZ Herald on and off since graduating with a journalism diploma the end of 2004, but I've also never lost sight of the pursuit of adventure, and have repeatedly left work for indefinite overseas trips to chase mountains and perfectly steamed dumplings. I had my first taste for political journalism in the Helen Clark years, started properly in the press gallery in the John Key years, and have covered Jacinda Ardern's time at the top, including her historic election victory in 2020. Throughout, I've learned the value of holding those in power to account, and shining light into corners that some would prefer to remain under cover of darkness. Never has that been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Big spike in serious repeat young offenders revealed
Latest statistics show a 26 per cent spike last year in serious repeat young offenders.
Plastic-wrapped justice: Timely justice hampered by mouldy courtrooms, shortage of judges
Which court building needed to be 'wrapped in plastic' due to weather-tight issues?
'You have reached for hope and you have voted for change': PM-in waiting Luxon says time to turn NZ around
National and Act have the numbers to govern on the night, but NZ First may yet be needed.
Act candidate Neil Christensen dies, by-election to be held
He was standing in the Port Waikato electorate.
Hipkins admits claim he made in leaders' debate was incorrect
For the first time, the men vying to be PM have gone head-to-head on television.
Live: Another Waikato Covid case; MIQ system 'ignoring stateless Kiwis'
'The [MIQ] changes are at best a small step forward and at worst woeful' - Grounded Kiwis.
Covid: 74 cases, Waikato alert level eased, Nov 15 school return plan
Tentative plan for Year 1-8 schoolchildren to return to class on November 15.
Live: PM's advice to Aucklanders on Xmas travel; vaccination targets to be revealed
Vaccine targets on Friday to move to the new normal will aim at leaving no groups behind.
Live: 29 new cases, Waikato boundary extended south from tonight
The Government will today outline where rapid antigen testing will be used
29 new Covid cases - eight unlinked; new case at hospital ED
Cabinet meets on alert level, 2 million Kiwis now fully vaccinated.
Derek Cheng: Lockdown looms for Waikato; Auckland level 2 hopes dashed
Comment: The response will show if the Government's elimination strategy is sincere.
Hamilton the next quarantine spot; Queenstown and Dunedin being looked at
Megan Woods and Darryn Webb will are giving a press conference
Labour MP self-isolates over coronavirus concerns
Nanaia Mahuta joins a growing list of MPs in isolation after returning from Australia.
Coronavirus: Multi-billion dollar plan to save jobs as travel rules kick in
Tens of thousands of jobs on the line as Govt weighs up economic response to Covid-19.
Colin Carruthers QC to lead independent body to review wrongful convictions
A number of legal heavyweights will set up the new body to review wrongful convictions