Lane Nichols is Deputy Head of News and a senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years' experience in the industry.
His career includes stints at the Nelson Mail, Dominion Post and currently the Herald. He has covered a numerous rounds including fisheries, health, education and property, winning several national awards along the way. He has held senior newsroom leadership roles for nearly 15 years while also reporting on many high-profile news events and breaking countless exclusive stories. His current areas of focus include bank fraud and the surge of international investment scams. But he has also undertaken deep-dive investigations into the skydiving industry, mental health sector, property speculation, Kāinga Ora and misbehaving real estate agents. He is based in Auckland but remains a proud Wellingtonian. You can contact Lane at lane.nichols@nzme.co.nz.
'Devastated': Officer loses $250k to scammers, ASB manager helped victim send money to thieves
Three victims lost $550k through an ANZ 'money mule' account.
Watchdog refuses compo for $100,000 scam victim, says banks can't be compelled to check for fraud
The watchdog says banks can't be forced to monitor for references to known scams.
'It’s a horrifying scene': One dead, one seriously injured after 'stabbing' at Browns Bay sushi shop
Ambulances have rushed to the scene in Clyde Rd.
Auckland mayor issues half-billion-dollar payment demand to govt, end of 'free ride'
Brown says Auckland is getting 'shortchanged' and Wellington needs to pay its fair share.
'Ruined my life': Luxury yacht skipper loses $400k in scam, faces accused 'mule' in court
He thought he was investing $400k in a HSBC term deposit. But it was all a scam.
NZ First candidate loses $200k in scam, slams 'inept' banking regulations
Kiwibank refused to divulge account details to the victim, suggesting he contact the SFO.
‘Victim blaming’: Ombudsman under fire after ruling scam victims culpable for loss
Victim Support says it is pointless and harmful to blame victims of fraud.
'I was a victim too': Young mum linked to $1m loss blames Nigerian scammer
Aimee Rodda has dodged charges.
Scam ‘mule’ allegedly linked to $1.7m in stolen money is a CEO and company director
Victims want regulation; banks believe their systems are robust.
Singaporean swindler: Divorcee loses $569k in romance scam after meeting woman on Tinder
He thought he was investing in Bitcoin with a woman he'd met on Tinder. It was all a scam.
Govt instructs banks to introduce urgent measures to protect customers from scams
Banks have been told to investigate a voluntary reimbursement scheme for victims.
'Big stick': Watchdog warns new Govt faith in banking system at risk from scam scourge
Nicola Sladden wants banks to significantly improve fraud detection systems.
'Preposterous': Banking watchdog under fire, calls for law change to protect scam victims
Critics say customers who visit their bank are more protected than those paying online.
Scam victim horrified nine others lost $800k after he reported $1m fraud to banks, police
The victim sent 20 separate money transfers of $50k each over just eight days.
ANZ misses watchdog's scam warning after email caught in spam filter
Consumer NZ says ANZ's spam filter systems seem more effective than those detecting fraud.
'Fight for justice': BNZ told to reimburse scam victims nearly $300k after missing ‘red flags’
The Banking Ombudsman found BNZ had missed crucial warning signs of a known scam.
Golriz Ghahraman accused of stealing nearly $10k worth of goods
If convicted she could face up to seven years in prison.
'She had no choice': Naked woman forced to jump for her life from upper window to escape fire
A large orange tree broke the woman's fall after she jumped from a second-storey window.
Finance firm's secret payout after destroying contents of fashion designer's home
'What happened to me is not fair and reasonable.'
JP accused of laundering $1.8m in scam proceeds appears in court, granted suppression
One of the JP's alleged victims lost $1m in the scam, according to court documents.
Investment scam: Auckland JP charged with 10 counts of money laundering worth nearly $1.8m
Police seized documents and computer equipment during a search at his home this week.
Inmate jailed for prison attack on former estate agent after being refused chicken
Aaron Drever's face was slashed open with a metal hook in the prison kitchen.
'Like the wild west': Witness warned wife not to cross sand before Muriwai Beach death
Auckland Council has today closed Muriwai Beach to vehicles following yesterday's crash.
Inmate could face 14 years' jail for horrific prison attack on former real estate agent
Aaron Drever's face was slashed open with a metal hook in the prison kitchen.
'Substandard systems': Watchdog calls for ASB to refund scam victim’s $100k loss
A financial expert claims ASB was on notice of criminal activity but failed to detect it.
'No red flags': Heartbroken realty agent loses $100k in elaborate finance scam
'I just burst into tears. It’s my life savings'.
Man allegedly linked to $100k scam being removed from JP website, fresh probe launched
The accused JP is authorised to certify anti-money laundering documents for finance firms.
'A joke' - Kiwi victim of $100,000 scam refuses $2000 ‘goodwill payment’ by ASB
Nearly six month after scam reported, police are yet to interview the alleged mule.
Tactical use of pain: Call for urgent change as police arrest tactics, especially against Māori, revealed
Police say the use of force is always proportionate to the situation and a last resort.
'No respect': Which Auckland home triggered the most noise complaints this year?
“It’s like Police Ten 7," frustrated neighbour says.
'Glacial response': Consumer watchdog slams NZ banks after update on fight against scammers
Work is 'progressing' to introduce a co-ordinated Anti Scam Centre to protect customers.
'How did this happen?': Historical Auckland church hall faces demolition
Heritage advocates say they were never consulted about the hall losing protection.
'Deceitful predator': Disgraced real estate agent who abused young girls declined parole
The Parole Board found O'Reilly had minimised his offending and remained an ongoing risk.
'It's bizarre': Police uncover web of victims after widow loses $100K in FB hacking scam
An Australian man caught up in the case lost $500,000 in a romance scam.
'Inexcusable': Auckland Council’s secret seven-figure payout labelled a disgrace
'Confidentiality clauses should not be used to shield the council from embarrassment.'
Auckland Council pays secret seven-figure settlement after new-build home demolished
The house had been built to the roof line but was torn down due to structural concerns.
Border alert, warrants issued for disbarred lawyer accused of money laundering
Victim angry alleged mule did not have to surrender his passport to when given bail.
'Very bad taste' - Anti-scam video featuring comedian Tom Sainsbury pulled by watchdog
Fraud victims criticise 'disrespectful and insensitive' awareness campaign.
Malaysian company fined after $50m Parnell land splurge
Business cops penalty and hopes to start building terraced apartments next year.
Through the mill: $11m 'fire sale' for closed Tasman paper plant
About 160 workers were made redundant when the mill closed in 2021.
Man charged after engineers’ signatures allegedly forged
The man will appear in Taupō District Court on November 8.
JP says bank account frozen after allegedly receiving $100k in stolen money
The private investigator, the secret recording and the fake Bitcoin investment contract.
'He's trying to stab him': State tenant accused of lunging at neighbour with ‘butcher’s knife’
"I’m going to go and get a car and ram your house and kill you and your family."
'We will love you forever': Grieving family pay tribute to celebrity physician Dr Tom
"He was so much to so many, but to us, he was everything.”
Banking Ombudsman launches probe into ASB after pensioner loses $100k in FB hacking scam
The victim's family want an independent review of ASB's processes.
'Very, very raw': 'Hero' physician Dr Tom Mulholland dies suddenly
Known affectionately as Dr Tom, he'd helped hundreds of thousands of people over 30 years.
'Bloody wrong': Family furious at WorkSafe decision not to prosecute after forestry death
“I just feel like Jason’s life was taken, they removed the body and went back to work.”
Top law firm cautioned after ‘workaround’ advice led to foreign investment law breaches
The foreign investment watchdog said it was concerned by the law firm's approach.
'Not a good look': ASB should have reported $100K fraud to police
'Where does their liability sit for this if other cases are discovered?'
'Bizarre': Widow loses $100k in Facebook hacking scam, family furious at ASB
“If the bank had contacted the family we may have been able to recover the funds.”
'Very privileged': New York tax fraudster forced to sell luxury Kiwi vineyard
A judge said it was unfortunate Rath had 'crossed a line' by engaging in illegal activity.
Real estate agent implicated in doctored LIM case under spotlight in Australia
A lawyer believes the offenders' real estate agent was "clearly part of the deceit".
'I feel wicked’: Professional couple sentenced for doctoring Lim report for leaky house
'If I had the money, I'd give you everything you’re asking for, but I can't.'
'Far too late': Victims sick of 'false promises' as banks announce changes to fight scams
"Unfortunately, this comes far too late as my family’s lives have already been destroyed."
'Absolute negligence': Financial expert lashes Kiwi banks, alleges systemic security failures
It’s absolute negligence on the banks’ behalf and it’s an embarrassment internationally.'
'Agony': Woman trespassed from visiting dying mother at hospital
'If I return to visit my dying mother I will be arrested on the spot.'
Double tragedy: Coroner highlights care shortfalls in mental health death
The coroner says shortcomings in care likely contributed to his decision to take his life.
Victims who lost $1.25m to scammers via alleged 'mule' believe ASB should accept liability
"Some kind of red flag should have been raised."
'Fueled by greed': Disgraced realtor granted parole from prison
“My moral compass went off track and led me to where I am today.”
Picton crash passenger feels 'empty' after crash kills 7 in his family
'Sometimes I have flashbacks. I get really scared. Sometimes I can't breathe.'
Ōrākei couple accuse property developer of 'bullying' after being banned from shops
'I think it is bullying and harassment. What else would you call it?'
'Highly p***ed off': Mule used ANZ account to steal money from up to 9 victims
'Our NZ banking system is grossly inadequate.'
Scam victim hires private investigator to track ‘money mule’ after losing $100k
'In a lot of these cases you’re chasing shadows, but here there’s a genuine lead.'
'Very happy, so grateful': Willow's mum tells of agonising six hours, joyful reunion
'We’re very happy that she’s safe. She’s none the wiser.'
'Terrible people': Scammers steal $350k from mum as hubby fights for life in hospital
"That money was an inheritance ... and I’ve gone and f***ed it up."
'Heartless': Bank refuses refunds for scam victims who lost $430k
"NZers are soft targets because we don’t have the security in place. It’s bananas."
'Digital ram raids': NetSafe unveils new scam detection weapon to protect Kiwis
'This is a massive step in New Zealand’s war against scams.'
Employer’s guilty plea after scaffolder lost both arms in workplace accident
The company could be fined up to $1.5 million at sentencing in November.
Double tragedy: Patient took life at mental health unit, days after friend died at same facility
His foster mother raised concern after he rang to say what song he wanted at his funeral.
Auckland scam victim faked own kidnapping to extract money from family
Chinese students or older Chinese migrants the main targets.
"Not sustainable': Calls for liaison police placements overseas to target scammers
But Government rubbishes plan as 'ridiculous'.
'Skilled predators': Top cop admits it's impossible to ID offshore scammers
“It’s easy money for the offenders. It’s an easy crime.”
30 Auckland buildings at risk as police probe engineer forgery claims
Councils are racing to check if any buildings are structurally at risk.
Bank recovers just $19k of stolen $330k life savings, police ID scam 'mule'
'Why wasn’t something done to stop this guy?'
'Not just gullible people': Nigel Latta fronts new TVNZ scam show
“It’s not just gullible people, it’s smart people who get sucked in.”
‘They have deep pockets’: Consumer boss wants banks forced to refund scam victims
'It’s getting worse. The figures are mind-boggling.'
Owners watch collapsing West Auckland slip-damaged home demolished by digger
A skateboard was among the items rescued from the rubble.
Home creaking as it collapses, sandwiching onto itself
The council is awaiting geotechnical reports before the damaged home is pulled down.