Emma Russell, Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand's Herald, uncovers health investigations and writes daily news following the country's biggest health system shake up and continued repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kia ora, I'm Emma. I'm really proud of two major investigations I've uncovered since starting at the New Zealand Herald in 2018. The first exposed inequalities in cancer care in a 2019 investigation called ‘Cancer: Why can’t we get it right?’. The second was a 2022 campaign called ‘In her Head’, which uncovered serious issues with how women are treated in New Zealand’s health system, and the severe neglect that some wāhine had faced. I also write daily news including following the country’s biggest health system shakeup and continued repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing up, I watched people I love struggle with their mental health, with them becoming stripped of a voice and left feeling powerless. I observed the role the media has to influence positive change. This led me to study journalism, with history and English, at the University of Canterbury and through a postgraduate diploma at Auckland University of Technology. I learnt about three key staples to journalism - holding powers to account, shining a light on injustices, and giving people a voice. Many of the stories I cover are harrowing and confronting. Those stories have stayed with me, but by sharing them we provoke meaningful conversation. To me, journalism is more than a job, it’s a privilege and one I am committed to never taking for granted
!['Women let down by system': ACC pays out $27m to women harmed by health treatment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Women let down by system': ACC pays out $27m to women harmed by health treatment
'There are so many areas that could be improved to better [women's] outcomes," GP says.
!['Just part of being a woman': How our health system ignores and neglects female patients - and what can be done about it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Just part of being a woman': How our health system ignores and neglects female patients - and what can be done about it
'I kept thinking maybe I'm just being weak, maybe I just need to harden up...'
![Live: 'Stay away' - Aucklanders to be locked out of holiday hotspots this summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Live: 'Stay away' - Aucklanders to be locked out of holiday hotspots this summer
The simple message to Aucklanders is to stay away, Ōpōtiki councillor says.
![Delta outbreak: 109 cases - new infections in Northland, Waikato; Auckland vaccine rate latest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Delta outbreak: 109 cases - new infections in Northland, Waikato; Auckland vaccine rate latest
There are 35 people in hospital around the country.
![RSV resthome outbreak - 3 hospitalised, 11 test positive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
RSV resthome outbreak - 3 hospitalised, 11 test positive
Three rest home residents hospitalised amid RSV rest home outbreak.
![The staggering amount taxpayers spend on drink-driving crashes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The staggering amount taxpayers spend on drink-driving crashes
'Road deaths aren't just numbers,' police boss says.
!['Bold move': $36.6m to help Kiwis quit smoking by 2025](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Bold move': $36.6m to help Kiwis quit smoking by 2025
Advocacy groups are applauding the Government's Smokefree 2025 spend.
!['It sucks': Dialysis patients devastated after closure of Auckland renal unit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It sucks': Dialysis patients devastated after closure of Auckland renal unit
Patients who spend 12 hours a week hooked up to a life-saving machine upset at closure.
!['I felt worthless': Teen mum's heartbreak, escape from meth-addicted family](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I felt worthless': Teen mum's heartbreak, escape from meth-addicted family
Felicity Palmer shares her story being 16 and pregnant with a family addicted to meth.
![Dad told the cancerous lump on cheek was a tooth abscess. Now he's dying](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Dad told the cancerous lump on cheek was a tooth abscess. Now he's dying
"Telling the kids their dad was dying was the hardest thing we have ever had to do."
!['Devastating and dehumanising': Homeless population dying 30 years younger](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Devastating and dehumanising': Homeless population dying 30 years younger
'Homeless people are dying because healthcare is so out of reach,' volunteer says.
![Lesley Martin recalls 'lowest moment' after helping mum die](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Lesley Martin recalls 'lowest moment' after helping mum die
She sat in prison she reflecting on whether helping her mum die was the right decision.
![PM v Rob Fyfe - 'Remiss of me' not to thank ex-Air NZ boss; 'job's not done yet'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
PM v Rob Fyfe - 'Remiss of me' not to thank ex-Air NZ boss; 'job's not done yet'
'Perhaps he thought he was exiting and I didn't' - Jacinda Ardern
![Ruby Princess cluster closed, 21 days with no new Covid-19 cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ruby Princess cluster closed, 21 days with no new Covid-19 cases
The Ministry of Health has released the latest update.
![One new Covid-19 case - link to Auckland rest home cluster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
One new Covid-19 case - link to Auckland rest home cluster
The number of new Covid-19 cases in the previous seven days has been just two.
![Dying young woman unable to eat refused palliative care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Dying young woman unable to eat refused palliative care
WARNING: Confronting images. "I'm dying and nobody believes me," says Ruby Hill.
![Health boards fail to meet 'faster cancer treatment' target](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Health boards fail to meet 'faster cancer treatment' target
How do DHBs rank when it comes to cancer treatment wait times?
!['Rotten care': Elderly rest home residents dying due to low level of help - union](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Rotten care': Elderly rest home residents dying due to low level of help - union
Reports of man dying after being too scared to report infected wound due to low staffing.
![Researchers reveal reasons behind NZ's 'shocking' unplanned pregnancy rate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Researchers reveal reasons behind NZ's 'shocking' unplanned pregnancy rate
"Our rate [of unplanned pregnancies] is shockingly high and that needs to change."
![Mum's holiday nightmare: Sun burns baby through SPF 50 sunscreen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mum's holiday nightmare: Sun burns baby through SPF 50 sunscreen
"I trusted Cancer Society to protect my children," mother tells of horror.
![Junior doctors' strike starts today: What you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Junior doctors' strike starts today: What you need to know
From 7am tomorrow hospitals nationwide are without 3300 junior doctors for 48 hours.
![Home for Christmas: 'feisty fighter' joins family](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Home for Christmas: 'feisty fighter' joins family
Baby Isabelle is finally going home ... just in time for Christmas.
![The greatest smile: Charlie learns to smile for first time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The greatest smile: Charlie learns to smile for first time
"I just want my friends to see me smile so they know what I'm feeling," Charlie said
![ACC warns Kiwis of the odd 'preventable' Xmas injuries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
ACC warns Kiwis of the odd 'preventable' Xmas injuries
Falling Xmas trees, flying wine corks and hang fairy lights common hazards, ACC tells
![Departing senior doctor slams Whanganui DHB](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Departing senior doctor slams Whanganui DHB
Departing senior doctor slams Whanganui DHB
![Revealed: Junior doctors running ED night shifts unsupervised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Revealed: Junior doctors running ED night shifts unsupervised
Unions tell of 'dangerous behaviour' of senior doctors refusing to come in when on call
![Six months to be seen by eye specialist, now he's blind](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Six months to be seen by eye specialist, now he's blind
Darlow feels Specsavers took too long to send referrals and DHB needed to act sooner.
!['Seven years of medicated hell': One in eight Kiwis prescribed antidepressants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Seven years of medicated hell': One in eight Kiwis prescribed antidepressants
Kiwi teacher shares her struggle as research reveals 1 in 8 Kiwis are prescribed the drug.
![Unsung hero -- the Whanganui soldier who led one of NZ's most famous military victories](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Unsung hero -- the Whanganui soldier who led one of NZ's most famous military victories
Forgotten hero - former Whanganui man at the front-line of the liberation of Le Quesnoy
![Rowing fundraiser supports riding for disabled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Rowing fundraiser supports riding for disabled
Harry Middleton who lives with autism but found joy through riding horses.
![More than 800,000 people stripped of funeral insurance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More than 800,000 people stripped of funeral insurance
"Premium affordability is a concern for our members," says insurer.
![Crater lake death not due to inexperience: witnesses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Crater lake death not due to inexperience: witnesses
"It began as a gesture of kindness but had tragic consequences."
![School fall: Girl's traumatic brain injuries, mum's anger](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School fall: Girl's traumatic brain injuries, mum's anger
Family still struggling 10 months after girl's head injury at school.
![Pay negotiations to continue after nurses' strike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Pay negotiations to continue after nurses' strike
New Zealand Nurses Organisation and District Health Boards head back to the table.
![$750m for restoring hospitals' urgent building needs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
$750m for restoring hospitals' urgent building needs
Funding to fix hospital buildings is "a start", but more is needed.
![Home to Whanganui on a wing and a cheer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Home to Whanganui on a wing and a cheer
After 13 years, pilot Jeremy Anderson returns to his roots.
![Child poverty high on Tim's radar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Child poverty high on Tim's radar
Army tour in Afghanistan shaped Tim Easton into the person he is today.
!['No wait times in Whanganui' - says health board](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'No wait times in Whanganui' - says health board
What does this mean for Whanganui?
![Belgian student lands internship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Belgian student lands internship
Whanganui woman who assaulted a police officer had RJ room in tears, Belgian intern tells.
![Delayed Easter brings ongoing excitement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Delayed Easter brings ongoing excitement
Gold buried beside the monkey bars, on top of the slide, and beneath the bark ...
![Woman died with her dog in her arms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Woman died with her dog in her arms
Death was accidental - although deliberately taken - overdose.
!['Banking world changing rapidly'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Banking world changing rapidly'
Worrying trend away from face-to-face banking towards online banking.
![Over 100? Not a problem at this class](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Over 100? Not a problem at this class
From six falls over a year to zero, 90-year-old Whanganui man tells how.
![Trial over motorcyclist's death likely 'end of the year'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Trial over motorcyclist's death likely 'end of the year'
James Hiroki on bail for a pre-trial call over on July 30
!['I'm on crack, I need help': Man pleads with judge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I'm on crack, I need help': Man pleads with judge
Man's drug addiction the root of the problem.
![Crashing is all part of training pilots, flight school says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Crashing is all part of training pilots, flight school says
"It is incredibly common all over the world - even with far more experienced pilots."
![The Wahine disaster: 50 years on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The Wahine disaster: 50 years on
"It was awful. Bodies were hitting the rocks ... and bits of scrap metal flying."
![Whanganui feeding world hunger for pilots](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Whanganui feeding world hunger for pilots
200 pilots to be trained and deployed out of Whanganui every year.
![Among the fish galore, here are the winners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Among the fish galore, here are the winners
A 9.5kg snapper, a 12kg kingfish and 3.5kg crayfish - not bad Whanganui.
![Planting seeds of community enterprise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Planting seeds of community enterprise
An idea started by murder victim Craig Rippon is taking root in Whanganui.
![Police name children killed in horrific Desert Rd crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Police name children killed in horrific Desert Rd crash
Police have released the names of two young boys killed in the crash.
![Easter cruise booked out early](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Easter cruise booked out early
Over 100 people hopped on board the Waimarie, along with the Easter bunny.
![Fishers chase big one at record comp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fishers chase big one at record comp
Hundreds line up to weigh their "best catch of the day".
![Driver jailed after u-turn hit-and-run left man fighting for life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Driver jailed after u-turn hit-and-run left man fighting for life
Man jailed two years seven months for a hit-and-run that left a victim fighting for life.
!['You're asking me to kill someone:' An in-depth look into the End of Life Choice Bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You're asking me to kill someone:' An in-depth look into the End of Life Choice Bill
A closer look at what is being proposed as NZ edges closer towards legalising euthanasia.
![Hundreds to farewell Hells Angels president killed in crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hundreds to farewell Hells Angels president killed in crash
A funeral service will take place at the clubhouse on Friday
![Ex-Hells Angels president dies after being hit by car](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ex-Hells Angels president dies after being hit by car
The death of the former Hells Angels' Whanganui president came as a shock to many.
![Truck collides with car, putting three in hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Truck collides with car, putting three in hospital
Three in hospital after truck collides with car
![On call 24/7 for $7.38 an hour - fair?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
On call 24/7 for $7.38 an hour - fair?
Whanganui midwife says she may be forced to give up the profession she loves.
![Five-year-old girl sees mum get brutally beaten](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Five-year-old girl sees mum get brutally beaten
A 48-year-old man with no violent history puts partner in hospital.
![Facebook scammer jailed for $4000 rip offs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Facebook scammer jailed for $4000 rip offs
Camera lenses, go-kart motors, balers - Sean Chapman took money for items he did not have.
![Migrating to Whanga-vegas, a no-brainer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Migrating to Whanga-vegas, a no-brainer
Planting the seeds in Whanganui for a career in law.
![Crash, crash, crash... repeat 11 times](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Crash, crash, crash... repeat 11 times
Resident and her home assailed by out-of-control vehicles 11 times.
![Petition to install roundabout gains traction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Petition to install roundabout gains traction
Enough is enough say women who fear someone will be killed on dangerous corner.
![Double whack: Injured by careless driver then $2500 for treatment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Double whack: Injured by careless driver then $2500 for treatment
Being hit by a "careless driver" was only the beginning for a Whanganui victim
![Meet Abbot, the canine breeder of 25 guide dogs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Meet Abbot, the canine breeder of 25 guide dogs
Dog shaped cookies and hot-dogs galore to raise money for guide dogs
![Affco in court over infected Whanganui employee](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Affco in court over infected Whanganui employee
Affco is accused of causing a Whanganui employee to become seriously ill.
![Over 6500 Whanganui homes without power](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Over 6500 Whanganui homes without power
PowerCo are investigating cause of power cut in Whanganui
![Making pot, hot on the block](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Making pot, hot on the block
Pottery club debuts in Whanganui's Open Artist Studios
![68th Waimarino Rodeo - still going strong](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
68th Waimarino Rodeo - still going strong
Cowboys impress the crowd at Waimarino Rodeo.
![Organisations join forces to provide Children's Day entertainment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Organisations join forces to provide Children's Day entertainment
"It's really about family fun and getting together as a whanau," c o-organiser Jane Barlow
![Relay for Life: Colours galore light up Cooks Gardens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Relay for Life: Colours galore light up Cooks Gardens
Whanganui shows its support to cancer survivors and their carers.
![41 residents and 61 staff - where will they go?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
41 residents and 61 staff - where will they go?
What will they do and where will they go?
![Man found guilty of molesting 7-year-old girl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man found guilty of molesting 7-year-old girl
Two women provided evidence in court but only one got the verdict she was hoping for.
![Public response 'touched our hearts'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Public response 'touched our hearts'
Community helps Briar Novis get to Russia for stem cell treatment
![Man accused of molesting girls 30 years ago awaits verdict](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man accused of molesting girls 30 years ago awaits verdict
A jury is deciding the fate of a man accused of repeatedly molesting two little girls.