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Shannon Pitman
Open Justice multimedia journalist, Whangārei
Whangarei

Shannon Pitman is an Open Justice court reporter based in Whangārei covering the Northland Courts.

With a keen interest in unravelling the intricacies of legal proceedings, Shannon is committed to ensuring transparency and accessibility in the justice system. Shannon holds whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai, and Ngāti Pūkenga, grounding her work in a deep understanding of the local community and its values. This connection to her roots fosters a sense of responsibility in her reporting, ensuring that stories are told with cultural sensitivity and respect. Her focus on crime and justice reporting stems from a genuine belief in the importance of holding institutions accountable and giving a voice to those affected by legal processes. Through her work, Shannon strives to bridge the gap between the legal system and the public, demystifying complex legal proceedings and fostering a greater understanding of the issues at hand. As an Open Justice court reporter, her commitment to excellence in reporting, coupled with her cultural awareness and digital media expertise, sets her apart as a valuable contributor to the field of crime and justice journalism in Te Tai Tokerau. You can contact Shannon at shannon.pitman@nzme.co.nz.

Check out Shannon’s latest content
'Good Samaritan': Off-duty officer sucker-punched while trying to stop shoplifters
Northern Advocate

'Good Samaritan': Off-duty officer sucker-punched while trying to stop shoplifters

16 Jun 08:00 AM
'I've paid the price': Illegal gasfitter claims laws need to change
Northern Advocate

'I've paid the price': Illegal gasfitter claims laws need to change

08 Jun 03:00 AM

John Arthur falsely advertised himself as a registered professional.

Luxury resort trial ends as ex-manager defends actions in court
Northern Advocate

Luxury resort trial ends as ex-manager defends actions in court

07 Jun 03:00 AM

Belle Mumby is accused of theft, deception and forgery.

Tensions boil in former luxury resort manager's trial as director cross-examined for four days
Northern Advocate

Tensions boil in former luxury resort manager's trial as director cross-examined for four days

02 Jun 04:00 AM

Director Jing Ma testified for four days, denying the former manager's claims.

'I didn't do it': Convicted rapist's outburst as judge delivers 31 guilty verdicts
Northern Advocate

'I didn't do it': Convicted rapist's outburst as judge delivers 31 guilty verdicts

30 May 05:00 AM

Five ex-partners testified he raped, beat, and assaulted them.

'She told me lies': Luxury resort CEO says ex-manager's actions were 'terrifying'
Northern Advocate

'She told me lies': Luxury resort CEO says ex-manager's actions were 'terrifying'

27 May 07:00 AM

Operations manager Belle Mumby allegedly forged CEO Jing Ma's signature to claim overtime.

'It's just so serious': Teen set residential home on fire after fight over his phone
Northern Advocate

'It's just so serious': Teen set residential home on fire after fight over his phone

26 May 08:00 AM

Greenway Trust in Dargaville supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.

'No one to save me': Woman claims before trial suddenly halted
Northern Advocate

'No one to save me': Woman claims before trial suddenly halted

14 May 04:58 AM

Complainant alleges the abuse began the day she came into the man's care.

Cannabis advocate's supporters rally as 'Gandalf' appears in court
Northern Advocate

Cannabis advocate's supporters rally as 'Gandalf' appears in court

13 May 05:38 AM

Paul Smith, known as ‘Gandalf’, faces new charges in Whangārei District Court.

'Trying to survive': Woman alleges years of daily sexual violence by 'sadistic' ex
Northern Advocate

'Trying to survive': Woman alleges years of daily sexual violence by 'sadistic' ex

09 May 07:00 AM

The man is defending physical and sexual violence allegations made by five exes.

German tourist stabbed by drunk man who couldn't find his car keys
Northern Advocate

German tourist stabbed by drunk man who couldn't find his car keys

08 May 08:00 AM

Kenneth Green swung a knife 35 times, stabbing the victim he had been drinking with twice.

'Every day I hear his music': Family mourn hip-hop artist as killer driver jailed
Northern Advocate

'Every day I hear his music': Family mourn hip-hop artist as killer driver jailed

08 May 07:00 AM

She had three chances to rectify her bad driving before the fatal crash occurred - Crown.

'I felt trapped': Woman says partner raped her three weeks after childbirth
Northern Advocate

'I felt trapped': Woman says partner raped her three weeks after childbirth

07 May 08:00 AM

Four ex-partners have alleged they were raped and physically abused by the man.

Woman claims ex forced her into pregnancy, raped and threatened to cut her throat
Northern Advocate

Woman claims ex forced her into pregnancy, raped and threatened to cut her throat

04 May 08:00 PM

The woman described the few months she lived with the man as the worst time of her life.

'Aroha mai': Murder-accused apologises to grieving whānau after denying charge
Northern Advocate

'Aroha mai': Murder-accused apologises to grieving whānau after denying charge

02 May 08:00 AM

Archibald McKenzie's body was found in a Kawakawa car park last month.

'He played two people': Woman says allegedly abusive ex wrapped wire around his own neck
Northern Advocate

'He played two people': Woman says allegedly abusive ex wrapped wire around his own neck

01 May 08:00 AM

She warned other women about him on social media, saying he was psychologically abusive.

'I could see my lifeless body': Woman recalls moment ex allegedly held her underwater
Northern Advocate

'I could see my lifeless body': Woman recalls moment ex allegedly held her underwater

29 Apr 07:03 AM

She is one of five women the man, who is now on trial, allegedly abused over 15 years.

Meth dealer with 23-year addiction praised for rehabilitation efforts
Northern Advocate

Meth dealer with 23-year addiction praised for rehabilitation efforts

17 Apr 06:00 AM

Brian Tito was found with 87g of meth and 'tick lists' of around $50,000.

'You're gonna kill him': Man beaten by teen after failing to return borrowed car
Northern Advocate

'You're gonna kill him': Man beaten by teen after failing to return borrowed car

16 Apr 06:00 AM

The teen attacked him with a hammer, continuing even after the victim was unconscious.

‘Unworthy of belief’: A judge didn't believe one man's story, but the higher courts did
Northern Advocate

‘Unworthy of belief’: A judge didn't believe one man's story, but the higher courts did

12 Apr 02:00 AM

Now Tony Harrison's arson conviction has been quashed.

'Your actions were deliberate': Driver leaves couple's lives shattered in horror crash
Northern Advocate

'Your actions were deliberate': Driver leaves couple's lives shattered in horror crash

12 Apr 12:49 AM

Driver crashed into the victims head-on, flipping their car and injuring seven people.

'Life of darkness': Stepfather's 20 year sentence for 15 years of abuse
Northern Advocate

'Life of darkness': Stepfather's 20 year sentence for 15 years of abuse

10 Apr 08:00 PM

The victims have suffered self-doubt, PTSD, fear, distrust and shame.

‘Horrific and abhorrent:’ Computer tech makes startling discovery on customer’s laptop
Northern Advocate

‘Horrific and abhorrent:’ Computer tech makes startling discovery on customer’s laptop

07 Apr 08:00 PM

Ton Kaan claimed he did not know images of children in explicit poses were illegal.

Unrestrained preschooler fell from car being driven by drunk aunty
Northern Advocate

Unrestrained preschooler fell from car being driven by drunk aunty

07 Apr 07:00 AM

'I should have known better,' said the woman whose partner was killed by a drink driver.

Jailed paedophile James Parker admits there is another victim
Northern Advocate

Jailed paedophile James Parker admits there is another victim

07 Apr 04:59 AM

Northland man was jailed indefinitely in 2013 for abusing 20 boys aged 9 to 16.

‘Prolific burglary offending’: Writing on the wall for man who broke into 23 homes
Northern Advocate

‘Prolific burglary offending’: Writing on the wall for man who broke into 23 homes

04 Apr 07:00 AM

Some people were burgled of sentimental jewellery that could never be replaced.

Mental health concerns raised in unrelated Northland murder cases
Northern Advocate

Mental health concerns raised in unrelated Northland murder cases

04 Apr 04:56 AM

The men were unable to enter pleas due to concerns around their mental health.

'You didn’t care if you hurt him': Mother guilty of causing baby's brain damage
Northern Advocate

'You didn’t care if you hurt him': Mother guilty of causing baby's brain damage

01 Apr 04:01 AM

The mother insisted she only tried to wake the baby with a simple shake.

‘His body turned white’: Mother on trial for alleged harm to baby left with brain damage
Northern Advocate

‘His body turned white’: Mother on trial for alleged harm to baby left with brain damage

25 Mar 05:00 AM

The woman has previously lost a child and said she was worried what people would think.

‘False sense of security’: Eight children drown in one summer
Northern Advocate

‘False sense of security’: Eight children drown in one summer

23 Mar 11:46 PM

Coroner calls for better supervision around pools, lakes and rivers.

Eviction hopes dashed: Kāinga Ora tenant stays despite a shooting and 25 complaints
Northern Advocate

Eviction hopes dashed: Kāinga Ora tenant stays despite a shooting and 25 complaints

22 Mar 04:00 PM

Police confirmed a shooting occurred but the tenant didn't engage with them.

‘Has not been put before the courts’: Murder case hits legal snag
Northern Advocate

‘Has not been put before the courts’: Murder case hits legal snag

20 Mar 10:15 PM

Man accused of shooting Yvonne Chapman is still in hospital, delaying court appearance.

‘Someone was lying’: Man cleared of allegations he raped his former friend
Northern Advocate

‘Someone was lying’: Man cleared of allegations he raped his former friend

20 Mar 03:00 AM

She said it was rape while he argued it was consensual.

‘She was saying stop’: Teen says she was raped twice by friend during movie nights
Northern Advocate

‘She was saying stop’: Teen says she was raped twice by friend during movie nights

18 Mar 07:00 AM

Crown: 'Mr Stainton didn’t really care if she was consenting or not, he just went ahead.'

'Trial must be brought to an end': Murder case unexpectedly halted
Northern Advocate

'Trial must be brought to an end': Murder case unexpectedly halted

17 Mar 11:35 PM

Only four of the 31 witnesses had testified before the trial ended.

‘Like a pack of dogs’: Widow describes trio hissing as husband stabbed to death
Northern Advocate

‘Like a pack of dogs’: Widow describes trio hissing as husband stabbed to death

14 Mar 06:00 AM

'They were hissing and my daughter was just screaming,' she told the High Court.

‘I love you, I love you’: Daughter's final words as stabbed dad died in her arms
Northern Advocate

‘I love you, I love you’: Daughter's final words as stabbed dad died in her arms

12 Mar 04:00 AM

Euan Mackey was allegedly murdered by three people over a property dispute.

Jury finds sports coach not guilty of indecent assault charges
Northern Advocate

Jury finds sports coach not guilty of indecent assault charges

11 Mar 11:22 PM

Charges included six counts of indecent assault and one of unlawful sexual connection.

'You did it baby:' Man allegedly stabbed to death over property dispute
Northern Advocate

'You did it baby:' Man allegedly stabbed to death over property dispute

10 Mar 11:00 PM

Crown claims Denise Davis warned victim’s family they'd return to take the house.

Witness claims coach accused of inappropriate relationship with girl, 14, said ‘I’ll do what I want'
Northern Advocate

Witness claims coach accused of inappropriate relationship with girl, 14, said ‘I’ll do what I want'

09 Mar 04:00 PM

The Crown alleges the man sexually assaulted a 14-year-old sportstar.

Northland lawyer struck off for sharing child abuse images on social media
Northern Advocate

Northland lawyer struck off for sharing child abuse images on social media

09 Mar 03:00 AM

Vaughn Hill was arrested in 2023 after a search of his Kaitāia home.

Scammed out of life savings, drug-growing Vietnamese workers jailed and face deportation
Northern Advocate

Scammed out of life savings, drug-growing Vietnamese workers jailed and face deportation

06 Mar 07:00 AM

Five Vietnamese men were jailed, claiming they were duped into a visa scam.

‘It was manipulation’: Sports coach allegedly crossed the line with 14yo
Northern Advocate

‘It was manipulation’: Sports coach allegedly crossed the line with 14yo

05 Mar 07:30 PM

Teen: 'I don’t want him doing that to other people, it’s not a nice feeling'.

Kāinga Ora tenant evicted after terrorising community, shooting four cats
Northern Advocate

Kāinga Ora tenant evicted after terrorising community, shooting four cats

04 Mar 07:00 AM

The man harassed children, neighbours, tradesmen and blocked roads with his wheelchair.

‘Land of weed’: Man thought he was paying $45k for a job and visa ... now he’s behind bars
Northern Advocate

‘Land of weed’: Man thought he was paying $45k for a job and visa ... now he’s behind bars

03 Mar 06:00 AM

The Vietnamese man ended up in a cannabis growing op that used $300 of stolen power a day.

'Agonising pain': Murder victim's family describe their loss as killer is jailed
Northern Advocate

'Agonising pain': Murder victim's family describe their loss as killer is jailed

28 Feb 06:00 AM

Bob Kleiman’s body was found in a Whangārei home in 2022. Now his killer has been jailed.

Woman’s 73km police chase ends with her hiding on a roof
Northern Advocate

Woman’s 73km police chase ends with her hiding on a roof

24 Feb 06:00 AM

The judge sent Elaine Rudolph to jail for her 15th disqualified driving charge.

Indecency case: Young woman’s courage brings down prominent Ngāpuhi leader
Northern Advocate

Indecency case: Young woman’s courage brings down prominent Ngāpuhi leader

20 Feb 04:00 PM

Judge Bayley criticised Tau's stance, noting his 40 prior convictions.

‘It is so wrong’: Drunk driver gets home detention for crash that killed fashion designer
Northern Advocate

‘It is so wrong’: Drunk driver gets home detention for crash that killed fashion designer

18 Feb 04:00 PM

Fashion designer Samantha Williams was killed by drink driver Jake Hamlin.

‘Psychological torture’: Neighbours' relief as woman evicted for excessive noise
Northern Advocate

‘Psychological torture’: Neighbours' relief as woman evicted for excessive noise

14 Feb 10:31 PM

Thirteen complaints were made to Kāinga Ora since she moved in last year.

Brothers admit role in fatal attack that claimed young man’s life at service station
Northern Advocate

Brothers admit role in fatal attack that claimed young man’s life at service station

10 Feb 06:00 PM

Shayden Perkinson died trying to protect his cousin at an ATM in 2023.

Pesticides and illegal drains: Wetland suffers damage to an area the size of 54 rugby fields
Northern Advocate

Pesticides and illegal drains: Wetland suffers damage to an area the size of 54 rugby fields

09 Feb 02:00 AM

Pesticides were sprayed, and 600m of drains illegally installed.

‘Stop, you’re gonna kill him’: Assault leaves man with skull fracture, brain bleed
Northern Advocate

‘Stop, you’re gonna kill him’: Assault leaves man with skull fracture, brain bleed

05 Feb 06:00 AM

Judge Tomlinson said the assault had 'homicide written all over it'.

Man plied his daughter's 13-year-old friend with alcohol then sexually preyed on her
Northern Advocate

Man plied his daughter's 13-year-old friend with alcohol then sexually preyed on her

04 Feb 04:00 PM

The girl had been seeking refuge at her friend's house amid troubles in her home.

'I see potential': One man's plea for gang member who was on meth by age of 9
Northern Advocate

'I see potential': One man's plea for gang member who was on meth by age of 9

03 Feb 07:00 AM

Harley Hauraki resisted arrest, swinging a patu at officers during a police stop.

'I will never see him again': Mum's grief after son killed in hit-and-run
Northern Advocate

'I will never see him again': Mum's grief after son killed in hit-and-run

25 Jan 09:00 PM

Damon Clark died while visiting a waterfall. The man who hit him has now been sentenced.

Road to justice: High-profile trials set for 2025 at Whangārei courts
Northern Advocate

Road to justice: High-profile trials set for 2025 at Whangārei courts

24 Jan 05:00 PM

Three high-profile murder trials set for 2025 in Whangārei, starting with Perkinson case.

Couple assaulted while getting petrol by Head Hunter miffed at friendly nod
Northern Advocate

Couple assaulted while getting petrol by Head Hunter miffed at friendly nod

23 Jan 07:00 AM

The man was king hit and then repeatedly punched and kicked as he lay on the ground.

'He knew I was scared': Man allegedly raped teen after locking her in car
Northern Advocate

'He knew I was scared': Man allegedly raped teen after locking her in car

21 Jan 05:36 AM

Tairone Walker denies being with the girl, saying he instead spent the night at home.

Black Power member jailed after birthday celebration erupted into pub brawl
Northern Advocate

Black Power member jailed after birthday celebration erupted into pub brawl

20 Jan 07:00 AM

Four people were injured at The Butter Factory in Whangārei last year.

Man, 28, charged with murder of Thames victim, appears in court
Northern Advocate

Man, 28, charged with murder of Thames victim, appears in court

16 Jan 03:11 AM

Maxwell Connor died earlier this week following an alleged altercation.

Teen apprentice told there's no more work, then finds firm advertising similar role
Northern Advocate

Teen apprentice told there's no more work, then finds firm advertising similar role

13 Jan 08:04 PM

Now he's taken Jayu Developments to the ERA and won a $30,000 payout.

Verbal abuse, intimidation and brawls: Courtroom chaos as violence escalates
Northern Advocate

Verbal abuse, intimidation and brawls: Courtroom chaos as violence escalates

04 Jan 05:25 PM

Court violence surges with 450 assaults in five years; security breaches under scrutiny.

'It just kept dragging on': Frustrations with growing backlog of judge-alone trials
Northern Advocate

'It just kept dragging on': Frustrations with growing backlog of judge-alone trials

31 Dec 04:00 PM

Lawyers fear some people are pleading guilty because their cases keep being adjourned.

Former iwi leader behind bars for Christmas after jury finds him guilty of indecency
Northern Advocate

Former iwi leader behind bars for Christmas after jury finds him guilty of indecency

19 Dec 10:05 PM

Raniera Tau offered his victim $20,000 to settle the matter outside of court.

'Naughty judge': Chaos erupts in court as violent offender jailed
Northern Advocate

'Naughty judge': Chaos erupts in court as violent offender jailed

17 Dec 10:17 PM

Judge addresses supporters: 'How am I the only one who’s angry about this?'

'Not one bit of respect': Killer's antics torment victim’s family
Northern Advocate

'Not one bit of respect': Killer's antics torment victim’s family

17 Dec 04:00 AM

Lance Hall fatally stabbed father-of-two Jason McNae at an apartment complex.

'What does the word yes mean?' Young woman questioned during indecent assault trial
Northern Advocate

'What does the word yes mean?' Young woman questioned during indecent assault trial

16 Dec 04:00 AM

The then 16-year-old claims she consented out of fear. Sonny Tau was 63 at the time.

'No remorse at all': Son speaks out against fraudster mother's schemes
Northern Advocate

'No remorse at all': Son speaks out against fraudster mother's schemes

14 Dec 08:00 PM

Tre Araia claims he's also been a victim of his mother Gina Potae's dishonesty offending.

Leading meth cook in country's largest haul asks to move prisons
Northern Advocate

Leading meth cook in country's largest haul asks to move prisons

14 Dec 06:00 AM

Brownie Harding is now eligible for parole but is refusing to take part in a rehab course.

'Why is he doing this?' Former Ngāpuhi leader accused of assaulting teen on fishing trip
Northern Advocate

'Why is he doing this?' Former Ngāpuhi leader accused of assaulting teen on fishing trip

11 Dec 05:00 AM

Raniera Tau, also also known as Sonny Tau, was 63 at the time. The girl was 16.

'Best estimate': Company told to put $4.5m on hold as redundancy payout dispute continues
Northern Advocate

'Best estimate': Company told to put $4.5m on hold as redundancy payout dispute continues

10 Dec 04:00 PM

Channel Infrastructure laid off 121 workers - and it's turned into a lengthy legal battle.

'The abuse of that monster': Court hears rage as paedophile's victims demand justice
Northern Advocate

'The abuse of that monster': Court hears rage as paedophile's victims demand justice

09 Dec 02:31 AM

Hunt faces preventative detention; court hears of decades-long pattern of abuse.

Fake landlord with 180 convictions left young, pregnant couple homeless before Christmas
Northern Advocate

Fake landlord with 180 convictions left young, pregnant couple homeless before Christmas

05 Dec 06:46 AM

After losing $3600 to the rental scam, the couple had to live in emergency accommodation.

'Highly careless': Unconsented earthworks damaged 'vulnerable' wetland
Northern Advocate

'Highly careless': Unconsented earthworks damaged 'vulnerable' wetland

03 Dec 05:09 AM

The experienced civil worker was fined $4000.

'The risk of explosion is high': Fake gasfitter put lives at risk
Northern Advocate

'The risk of explosion is high': Fake gasfitter put lives at risk

02 Dec 06:00 AM

John Arthur used fake ID to pose as a gasfitter for people with boats and motorhomes.

'Disease of the mind:' Mother who killed two preschoolers gripped by delusional fears
Northern Advocate

'Disease of the mind:' Mother who killed two preschoolers gripped by delusional fears

26 Nov 06:05 AM

The woman has been acquitted of murder after being deemed insane at the time.

Man beat stepchildren with poles, cords, broomsticks and kitchenware when in bad mood
Northern Advocate

Man beat stepchildren with poles, cords, broomsticks and kitchenware when in bad mood

24 Nov 07:53 AM

Child's bruise at school leads to Kaikohe man's arrest for serious family violence.

Postvention as prevention: A Māori approach to suicide support
Northern Advocate

Postvention as prevention: A Māori approach to suicide support

24 Nov 02:00 AM

The team supports whānau post-suicide, focusing on trust and community needs.

Seventy-hour weeks and no pay: Worker's nightmare in NZ superette
Northern Advocate

Seventy-hour weeks and no pay: Worker's nightmare in NZ superette

22 Nov 11:00 PM

The worker logged 437 hours in five weeks - all of which was unpaid.

Man burst into home, pulled gun on woman and her son while demanding drugs
Northern Advocate

Man burst into home, pulled gun on woman and her son while demanding drugs

21 Nov 07:00 AM

He fired a shot which flew past the son's head and through the TV.

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