Anna Leask, specialist in crime and justice reporting for the New Zealand Herald, has covered some of New Zealand’s biggest events, incidents, tragedies and disasters.
Anna Leask is a senior journalist and crime and justice specialist for the New Zealand Herald. From a young age, Anna was an avid storyteller and writer so it was no surprise to anyone when she chose journalism as a career. Anna studied Mass Communications and Sociology at Canterbury University before completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism in 2005. This led her to her first job at The Star in Christchurch. She spent two years there covering all things crime and court and then made the move to the Herald on Sunday. In 2010, Anna became a police reporter, a role that soon came to be much more about broader crime and justice issues, particularly the people involved. Anna has covered some of the most high-profile crimes and events New Zealand has seen. To name a few, the Pike River mine disaster; the Christchurch quakes; and the unprecedented four-day sentencing of the gunman responsible for the 2019 terror attack. Alongside her daily reporting Anna writes, hosts and produces monthly episodes for the chart-topping podcast 'A Moment In Crime' which won a silver award in the true crime category at the inaugural New Zealand Podcast Awards in 2021. You can contact Anna at anna.leask@nzme.co.nz.
Bushfire started by youths on school camp destroys 600ha, costs $2m
A fire starter and aerosol were used to start the blaze, a new report finds.
On The Up: 'Keep busy' - Tips from Ashburton's 102-year-old 'dancing queen'
Eileen Greenwood celebrates her 102nd birthday in Ashburton today.
‘Causing incalculable harm’: Why experts say NZ must recognise femicide as a national crisis
A new report highlights systemic issues, urging a shift to prevention over reaction.
From the disappearance to the chaotic trial: The murder of Yanfei Bao
True crime podcast A Moment In Crime looks at the murder of Yanfei Bao in Christchurch.
First responder accused of exporting, possessing child sex abuse material
The man faces five charges relating to exporting and possessing child sex abuse material.
Serial rapist John Hope Muchirahondo files appeal against convictions, sentence
John Muchirahondo is taking his case to the Court of Appeal. A date is yet to be set.
Murder victim’s family say she would still be alive if killer’s deadly past was known
Elliot Cameron killed his brother in 1975, but the act was suppressed until now.
Mum's warning after preschooler's blind cord hanging left him 'completely blue'
The 4-year-old stopped breathing after being caught in a playroom blind cord.
50-year secret unveiled: Gardener who murdered pensioner had killed before
Elliot Cameron killed his brother in 1975, but his past was suppressed until now.
'You took my mummy away from me': Yanfei Bao's daughter's 'chilling' words to killer
Tingjun Cao has been sentenced today for the murder of Yanfei Bao in Christchurch in 2023.
Estate agent Yanfei Bao's killer booted from courtroom after angry outbursts
Tingjun Cao is being sentenced today for the murder of Yanfei Bao in Christchurch in 2023.
Soldier won't be dismissed after filming woman without consent during sex
Judge and panel opt for a lesser sentence for corporal, including a formal warning.
Watch: Noel Edmonds returns to TV with reality show on Kiwi country life
The former star of Noel's House Party reveals his return to the screen.
Facing dismissal: Soldier's career on the line after filming woman without consent during sex
A panel began deliberations this morning at Burnham Military Camp.
Mental health patient jailed for life after killing pensioner he gardened for
Faye Phelps was murdered at her home in October 2024 by her gardener Elliott Cameron.
Court martial for NZ soldier accused of filming women during sex without consent
Corporal Manu Smith has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Kiwi adventure camp operator charged after boy severely burned on school trip
Charges against the trust have been laid at Christchurch District Court.
'I’ve still got marks': Ex-Two by Twos churchgoer alleges 'extreme' child beatings
The woman left the church after 60 years over what she claims was inaction over abuse.
Hero Pike River survivor convicted after assault at grandmother’s funeral
Daniel Rockhouse apologises for attack on uncle.
Midwife security bolstered after ‘very violent attack’ on worker leaving shift
A Christchurch birthing unit staff member was attacked soon after finishing work.
Miscarriage of justice: The Peter Ellis case revisited
The Peter Ellis case is one of the most controversial in New Zealand legal history.
'Unfair': Father who beat, murdered baby girl says trial should have been aborted
Michael Topp is appealing his conviction and sentence for murder.
Disgraced eye surgeon convicted of attempted murder to be freed from prison
Ian Dallison was jailed after attempting to murder his landlord in Christchurch in 2022.
The search for Ruth and Justin: Family of Karori woman hit by car seeking pair who 'saved her life'
Nain Singh was struck by a car while out for her nightly walk in the Wellington suburb.
Critically injured teen pulled from burning house by off-duty cop
The teen was unaccounted for when firefighters arrived at the scene.
Two by Twos: More people come forward to police with abuse allegations
Police say more people have reported allegations of sexual abuse within secretive church.
‘Picked the right person for the job’: Ex-NZ police chief confirmed as Victoria’s top cop
Mike Bush was NZ's Police Commissioner from 2014 until 2020.
Ex-NZ police chief Mike Bush lands top Australian cop job
Bush was NZ's Commissioner of police from 2014 until 2020.
Woman finds out Tinder dating app match is ‘depraved’ child sex offender
The woman - herself a sexual assault survivor - warns other women about her experience.
'Got to stop': Why ex-Two by Two church members are breaking decades of silence
Ex-members are speaking out en masse about the Two by Twos church. They explain why.
'Catastrophic': Learner driver killed hitchhiker 79 days after getting licence
Family of British tourist angry over young driver's 'lack of respect'.
Man charged after 'mini crime spree' involving robbery of pizza delivery driver
The 20-year-old faces charges including three counts of aggravated robbery.
'Why are they letting him out?': Survivor furious as untreated rapist paroled
Christchurch man jailed for 'brutal' rape of teen paroled without sex offender treatment.
Juliana Herrera murder inquest: Probation officer said paroled rapist 'high high' risk
A probation officer tasked with monitoring a paroled rapist has given evidence.
Juliana Herrera murder inquest: Victim’s sister begs for answers
Parole Board and Corrections have reviewed how Joseph Brider was managed.
Should Juliana Herrera have been warned about paroled rapist neighbour? Coroner to decide
Coroner probes murder of woman by rapist released on parole just 72 days earlier.
Inquest begins for woman killed by recently paroled rapist neighbour
Joseph Brider was released on parole just 72 days before he violated and murdered a woman.
'Exceptional courage': Officers praised in high-stakes police chase
A 43-year-old was arrested after a high-speed chase in Te Awamutu.
'World's best and loveliest daughter': Tributes for young woman killed in Marton crash
My Marie Harder Clemensen died in a crash on SH1 in March, police confirmed.
'Dream trip' turns to tragedy after hitchhiking Lord of the Rings fan killed in crash
Tourist Joseph Snode was picked up by a woman who later crashed her car and killed him.
'We will not tolerate abuse': Head of Two by Twos church responds to sex abuse claims
Sect head overseer Wayne Dean says he has not been contacted the FBI or police.
Beckenridge disappearance: Man behind 'new evidence' retracts all allegations his cousin 'helped' missing pair
Man who brought 'new evidence' to Coroner about Beckenridge retracts all allegations.
'We helped them': New twist in Beckenridge disappearance case
The coroner is to hear from a new witness about missing pair Mike and John Beckenridge.
‘The only way to heaven’: Inside the controversial, secretive Two by Twos sect
The Herald looks inside the controversial Two by Twos church.
Two by Twos: 'Several' new police investigations after 27 people make abuse claims
Police say 27 people in NZ reported allegations of sexual abuse within secretive church.
'Keeps me up at night': Top Youth Court judge gives rare interview about NZ's kid criminals
Head Youth Court Judge Isa Malosi speaks to A Moment In Crime podcast.
‘Well embedded’: National MP now admits being member of 'cult' under FBI sex abuse probe
Hamish Campbell last week claimed his connection to the group was through family.
Shamed upskirt teacher linked to secretive religious sect under FBI probe
Convicted sex offender Douglas Martin is a former elder of the Two by Twos.
‘Disgustingly false’: Mum slams coroner, mental health response after ‘traumatising’ suicide
Mother disappointed by coroner’s report; says concerns not addressed.
Lest we forget: Afghan war hero finally honoured with public memorial
Rory Malone died in 2012 and a memorial has finally been held for him in Riverhead today.
‘She would have forgiven’: Murdered Christchurch pensioner’s family speak
Faye Phelps was allegedly murdered in October 2024. The accused was back in court today.
Masked gunman behind spree of pub robberies stays behind bars - for now
Douglas Roake shot two women during a horrific home invasion and robbed six pubs.
Man who raped, murdered schoolgirl makes ‘limited progress’ in 33 years behind bars
Paul David Bailey was sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of Kylie Smith.
Kaikoura boat tragedy: Skipper speaks after report on whale capsize that claimed five lives
Five people were killed in the incident in September 2023.
ERA hears ‘poo’ allegations against Christchurch Boys’ High headmaster
Susan Mowat is giving evidence at an Employment Relations Authority hearing today.
Ex-teacher claims unfair dismissal from top Christchurch boys’ school
Susan Mowat is giving evidence at an ERA hearing today.
‘Disgusted’: Exponents frontman Jordan Luck escapes drink driving conviction
The high-profile entertainer was over the limit in December.
Paedophile teacher, jailed for abusing 20 boys, eyes South Island move
One of New Zealand's worst child sex offenders has been refused parole again.
‘Renewed energy’: Police seek guns in hunt for West Coast cold case killer
Police have reopened a cold case from 1998 in Kakapotahi, West Coast.
Gang members use local gym for brutal bare-knuckle fights
Gym owner changes rules after private group booking used by gang.
Teen accused of critically injuring woman in Chch park now facing ‘serious’ sex charges
The 16-year-old is now facing serious sexual violence charges.
Hope in hell: Survivors face serial rapist John Hope Muchirahondo
'I use this pun intentionally ... I finally have a Hope in hell. May you rot there.'
Scott Watson’s bid for freedom in tatters as parole hearing abandoned
The hearing is being abandoned instead of adjourned after running over time.
Gloriavale death: Coroner says Sincere Standtrue died suddenly from ‘blacking out game’
Sincere Standtrue's sister reveals the way he was treated at Gloriavale before he died.
Revenge, violence and throwing faeces: Inside Scott Watson’s freedom bid
The double murderer appeared before the Parole Board yesterday for the sixth time.
‘My father sexually abused me 830 times over four years’: Child sex abuse survivors share ordeal
Sisters sexually abused by their father have shared their story in Herald podcast.
Scott Watson’s bid for freedom: Parole Board to see notorious double murderer again today
Notorious double murderer Scott Watson to appear before the Parole Board today.
Teen forced to take wheel in fatal crash after epileptic woman ignored warning not to drive
Raeann Cook knew she should not be driving after suffering a seizure.
Where’s Sara’s remains? What ‘dying ex-crim’ said about cold case
The killer in the cold case never revealed the location of his girlfriend's body.
Man ‘arbitrarily detained’ by military police rejects ‘insulting’ compo offer
It agreed to pay the man but refused to make a formal apology.
Man, 20, charged with drug driving causing deaths of teen girl and 20yo man
He will be back in court next month.
Mum of victim claims 'privilege of demographic' protected serial sex offender
'I hope the community is outraged,' the woman said.
Serial sex attacker’s identity revealed, offended again as victims battled to name him
Luca Fairgray's series of sex attacks began when he was 14.
‘Leaving is not easy’: Imam who survived mosque terror attacks announces move to Oz
The Islamic leader has announced his plan to leave New Zealand for a new role.
Hospital sends info about sex abuse victim in hiding from gang-linked offender to stranger
The woman went to hospital but her discharge papers were sent to a stranger by mistake.
Oranga Tamariki undertaking ‘processes’ after student suspended from top school following Year 6 camp ‘incident’
The school will not elaborate on the nature of the incident but investigation underway.
Suppression lifted: Former priest named as alleged St Bede’s College sex abuser
Ex school priest, dean charged with historical sexual offences from 1996 to 2000.
Single gunshot heard before body found: Police reveal new information in 1998 murder cold case
Police have reopened a cold case from 1998 in Kakapotahi, West Coast.
Student suspended from top school after Year 6 camp ‘incident’
Police will not investigate a formal complaint made, the school's head says.
‘Trail of destruction’: Judge lifts lid on one of NZ’s worst young criminals
Paddy racked up more than 30 offences before he turned 18.