Denise Piper

New Zealand, Whangarei

Journalist at The Northern Advocate

Journalist at New Zealand Herald

Journalist at Northern Advocate

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Articles

'Not good enough': Northland doctors walk out over health system crisis

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Senior doctors with the the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists symbolically walk out the doors of Whangārei Hospital after going on strike at 10am on Wednesday. Photo / Denise PiperStriking Northland hospital doctors, working with a vacancy rate of nearly 20%, say the health system is in crisis. About 240 senior doctors and dentists from Northland hospitals walked off the job at 10am today, in a 24-hour strike organised by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
Fears for grieving families as Whangārei autopsy services under review

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

There are concerns Northland funerals and tangihanga will be delayed by days if post-mortem examinations are transferred to Auckland. Photo / 123RFCommunity leaders and funeral directors worry grieving families will pay the price if coronial post-mortem examinations are not provided in Whangārei in future. But Health New Zealand said it recognises the need for mortuary and post-mortem services in the region, and is working on a long-term plan for them to continue.
Muddy cross country course challenges New Zealand secondary schools champs in Whangārei

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

James Weber runs his Southland team to first place in the Senior Mixed Relay. Photo / Denise PiperHospitality, support and a bit of mud has earned Whangārei plenty of praise for its hosting of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships this weekend. Nearly 700 students from across the country took part in the event, the first time Whangārei has hosted the championships.
On The Up: Habitat for Humanity wins national award for Whangārei housing project

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo helped to open the 22-home Warren Place development in August 2024. Habitat for Humanity’s 22-house development in Whangārei has won a prestigious property award for its thoughtful design promoting collective responsibility. The Warren Place social housing development in Maunu was opened in August 2024 to give Northland families stable and affordable rentals.
Whangārei hosts NZ Secondary Schools Cross Country Champs for first time

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Sam Ruthe (right), the youngest person in history to break the four-minute-mile barrier, in 3m 58.35s, is entered into the NZ Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships in Whangārei. Photo / Athletics NZWhangārei is hosting the NZ Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships this weekend, with teenage middle-distance prodigy Sam Ruthe among the 700 athletes competing. This is the first time Whangārei has hosted the event, which is in its 51st year.
Young Whangārei mum fighting aggressive cancer grateful for community support

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Misty Paniora, centre, pictured with her family, is grateful for support while she battles aggressive breast and brain cancer. Photo / Brooke HayA young Whangārei mother, who is fighting aggressive, incurable breast and brain cancer, is overwhelmed by community donations of more than $20,000. Misty Paniora, 26, is a fulltime mum to her four girls, aged 3 to 8, plus her 17-year-old nephew.
Man pleads not-guilty to murder of Kaikohe 3-year-old Catalya Tangimetua-Pepene

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene, 3, is remembered by her family as their 'beautiful darling'. The man charged with the murder of Kaikohe 3-year-old Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Catalya, known to close family as Remana, died at her home on May 21. Kaikohe man Drummond Augustine Leaf, 45, was charged with her murder, along with assault on her a month earlier. He appeared in the High Court in Whangārei today through audio-visual link.
Northland Māori health provider launches diabetes clinic amid soaring rates

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti, chief executive of Ngati Hine Health Trust, has diabetes himself and needed a partial foot amputation. Northland Māori health provider Ngāti Hine Health Trust is taking urgent action to help tackle a diabetes crisis, after witnessing diabetes rates much higher than the national average. About 64% of the 4200 patients enrolled in the trust’s Kawakawa clinic have diabetes, said chief executive Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti, who himself has diabetes.
New self-service petrol station targets Whangārei's high prices

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

U-GO led to a petrol price war in Auckland but Whangārei's mayor is sceptical the same thing will happen in Whangārei. A new self-service petrol station could help disrupt the fuel market in Whangārei, which has long been criticised for having some of the most expensive petrol in the country. The Z Energy station on Porowini Ave is being converted to a U-GO site, which will open tomorrow. U-GO is run by Z but boasts simplified, low-cost fuel.
On The Up: Top honour for young Northland Māori beef farmer from Waimā

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Denise Piper

Coby Warmington, pictured with partner Holley Millan, won the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award on Friday. A Northland farmer who helped transform a beef farm in his home town of Waimā has been named New Zealand’s top young Māori farmer. Coby Warmington (Te Mahurehure, Ngāpuhi) was named the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award on Friday, for his work as farm manager with Waima Topu Beef, in the South Hokianga.