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.
Luxury resort trial ends as ex-manager defends actions in court
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
Director Jing Ma testified for four days, denying the former manager's claims.
'She told me lies': Luxury resort CEO says ex-manager's actions were 'terrifying'
Operations manager Belle Mumby allegedly forged CEO Jing Ma's signature to claim overtime.
'Aroha mai': Murder-accused apologises to grieving whānau after denying charge
Archibald McKenzie's body was found in a Kawakawa car park last month.
‘Unworthy of belief’: A judge didn't believe one man's story, but the higher courts did
Now Tony Harrison's arson conviction has been quashed.
Jailed paedophile James Parker admits there is another victim
Northland man was jailed indefinitely in 2013 for abusing 20 boys aged 9 to 16.
'You didn’t care if you hurt him': Mother guilty of causing baby's brain damage
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
The woman has previously lost a child and said she was worried what people would think.
‘Like a pack of dogs’: Widow describes trio hissing as husband stabbed to death
'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
Euan Mackey was allegedly murdered by three people over a property dispute.
'You did it baby:' Man allegedly stabbed to death over property dispute
Crown claims Denise Davis warned victim’s family they'd return to take the house.
Northland lawyer struck off for sharing child abuse images on social media
Vaughn Hill was arrested in 2023 after a search of his Kaitāia home.
Pesticides and illegal drains: Wetland suffers damage to an area the size of 54 rugby fields
Pesticides were sprayed, and 600m of drains illegally installed.
'He knew I was scared': Man allegedly raped teen after locking her in car
Tairone Walker denies being with the girl, saying he instead spent the night at home.
Man, 28, charged with murder of Thames victim, appears in court
Maxwell Connor died earlier this week following an alleged altercation.
Former iwi leader behind bars for Christmas after jury finds him guilty of indecency
Raniera Tau offered his victim $20,000 to settle the matter outside of court.
'Naughty judge': Chaos erupts in court as violent offender jailed
Judge addresses supporters: 'How am I the only one who’s angry about this?'
Man beat stepchildren with poles, cords, broomsticks and kitchenware when in bad mood
Child's bruise at school leads to Kaikohe man's arrest for serious family violence.
Man unable to escape ex's violent rampage as he was on EM bail and couldn't leave the house
Judge queries how victim ended up being bailed to her home in the first place.
‘This is unusual': Parent flip-flops on drowsy daughter’s condition in attempted murder trial
The parent came home to find their partner overdosed on drugs and slumped over in a chair.
Brain injury battle: Court overturns ACC decision cutting payments
Despite numerous practitioners advising he was unfit for work, ACC disagreed.
Controversial subdivision signed off - but homeowners won't be allowed cats or dogs
119 homes will be built on a sprawling piece of land within a kiwi habitat.
Skipper fined $131k for Russell ferry crash that paralysed captain
'The message for other skippers is, it is your responsibility to stay alert.'
Enchanter survivor describes massive wave flipping boat in an ‘instant’
The three-week trial of skipper Lance Goodhew has started in the Whangārei District Court.
Enchanter fishing boat tragedy: Five deaths, several charges, one upcoming trial
The three-week trial starts on Monday in Whangārei. Here's what you need to know.
'It will be prison': Bus driver, 71, put 'on notice' after kissing boy
The man groomed the boy through their mutual interest in toy cars.
'Frivolous and vexatious proceedings': Māori land court judge condemns pointless litigation
The judge was not impressed with the man pointlessly wasting Māori Land Court time.
Name suppression lapses for Far North murder accused
A homicide inquiry was started after a woman died at Houhora Heads Holiday Park.
Man charged with murder spends time in dock making heart shapes, waving at co-accused
The man, woman and a third person have been charged with the murder of Euan Mackey.
'No thanks': Man charged over dog mauling refuses to go into dock
Abel Wira appeared in Kaitāia District Court charged over the fatal dog mauling.
'High-level' meth dealer missed his sons' tangi because he was behind bars
The father has taken up carving in prison as a way to process his grief.
Luxury resort manager slammed for ‘contemptuous manner’ towards ex-employee
GM William Tan stood over an ERA member and accused her of being biased.
'It's harassment': Horse breeder charged with ill-treatment of animals wants case dismissed
The woman is facing 18 charges of neglect involving horses.
'Shame and embarrassment': High-end resort unlawfully fired housekeeper
The resort manager then trespassed the woman, who held mana whenua status.
Strong evidence in attempted murder case heading to trial
A trial date has been scheduled in the High Court at Whangārei for July 2024.
Enchanter tragedy: Skipper to defend charges against him, company
Five men died when the Enchanter sank in March 2022.
Trial date set for attempted murder case
Haukino Paora Halliday Walters allegedly attempted to murder another man by shooting him.
Woman who stabbed man in self-defence sentenced
The Northland woman picked up a knife after being concerned for her safety.
'Chaotic': Man shattered glass bottle on partners head, lunged at her with knife
The man has a drug addiction which the judge believed was linked to his offending.