Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME since February 2015 and been a journalist for 20 years.
Belinda's career started out in the small South Island town of Oamaru where she first started covering court, along with the police and entertainment rounds. She has continued writing about crime since then, including while working in Whanganui before moving to Hamilton in 2007. Her journalism career has also seen her cover large breaking news events including the Kaikoura earthquake and White Island eruption. Belinda, who is of Ngati Kahungungu descent, has a keen interest in the justice system and exploring the journey of those who have to go through it with balance, honesty and integrity.
'Crude attempt': Sister caught trying to use gran's death to get gangster brother out of prison
Natalia Merrin, 28, even catfished another dead person's Facebook page.
Former top cop John Dewar revealed as businessman convicted of theft, deception charges
John Dewar was jailed in 2007 for covering up Louise Nicholas' rape allegations.
‘Treated like an animal’: Gang member involved in mob killing kept in kennel as a baby
The three-day sentencing came to an end with lengthy jail terms handed down.
'They hold no mana': Victim's sister condemns gang who killed her brother in retaliatory attack
Mitchell Te Kani died after a group of Mongrel Mob members stormed his parent's home.
‘Pure heartlessness’: Man laundered $44k from 22 victims for Kenya-based scammers
Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children but in reality, he fed his addictions.
Coroner rules out foul play in death of man whose body was found at a playground
VJ Tutai was likely in a low mood from drug withdrawal at the time of his death.
Mixed verdicts in mass trial of eight Mongrel Mob members accused of murder
The jury's marathon deliberations ran for two weeks.
'Something out of CSI Miami': Lawyer says man accused of murder wasn't even there
Hamiora Bennett is one of nine people, mostly Mongrel Mob members, accused of murder.
'I will be forever sorry': Woman apologises after telling teen driver to run her partner over
Taku Paul was fatally run down during a fight with Ephron Ronaki about missing money.
Murder-accused is 'Dorothy', not the 'Wicked Witch of the West’, defence tells jury
The jury got a taste of a classic fairy tale during Kiri Pini's defence closings today.
'They were not there to share drinks': Crown claims gang's deadly attack was retribution
The Crown has closed its case in the lengthy murder trial of nine Mongrel Mob members.
'It was like slow motion': Brother recalls fatal strike during Mongrel Mob brawl
Thomas Te Kani said he immediately dropped to the ground to cover his brother.
'I'm mighty Mongrel Mob': Niece describes events leading to fatal brawl
The now 22-year-old was scared for her 8-week-old baby inside the house.
Witness says 'more than 30' Mob members walked up driveway 'barking'
The mobsters were heard, and seen, barking and shouting as they walked up the driveway.
Court hears 111 call from man allegedly murdered in group mob hit
Upset whānau could be heard in court where 10 people are on trial for murder.
'It was retaliation': Brother allegedly killed in armed Mongrel Mob hit
Mitchell Te Kani was struck in the head with a crowbar. Now 10 people are on trial.
Tears as jury finds teen stepmum killed toddler Harlee-Rose
The Crown said Jessica Mulford was resentful about caring for 2-year-old Harlee-Rose.
'I'm sick of everyone thinking I'm a murderer': Teen stepmum accused of killing toddler
The Crown alleges Jessica Mulford stomped on toddler Harlee-Rose.
‘Help, my daughter isn't breathing’: Dad’s desperate efforts to save toddler heard in murder trial
He pounded on his neighbour’s door and asked for her to do CPR on the girl.
A fall or strangulation? Dr questions stepmum's explanation for toddler's injuries
A doctor assessed an injured Harlee-Rose five months before she was allegedly murdered.
Watch: Black Power member performs haka as he is found not guilty at third murder trial in 11 years
The jury believed his defence that another man killed Wiremu Birch in Taupo.
‘I’m a gangster. I can get any woman I want’: Witness claims in murder trial
Wiremu Birch was stabbed to death 11 years ago during a street fight in Taupō.
'I lied': Eye witness changes statement about boyfriend's killer
Wiremu Birch's girlfriend has retracted most of what she's said on previous occasions.
Who killed Wiremu Birch? Third trial over 11-year-old Taupō murder begins
The defence says there's another man who has escaped blame all these years.
'All hell broke loose': Jury to decide if woman and teen had murderous intent
Taku Manu Paul was killed after being struck twice by a car.
'Is that it?' Anger as woman sentenced for Taupō crash that killed two
'I feel so robbed and heartbroken', a victim's son tells the court.
Tradie accused of $87k of fraud wanted trial thrown out due to 'excessive' delays
Jason Lambert's lawyer argued: “It’s his right to be tried without undue delay.”
'Dehumanising and degrading:' Man's abuse left woman unable to breastfeed
Adam Thomas Ross' abuse spanned two-and-a-half years.
Woman kidnapped, beat young dad in brutal 23-minute attack
After five years, Joshua Terrey's family has some closure - but not the kind they want.
Man shoves fist in partner's mouth, breaks jaw, in haunting night of violence
It wasn't until the following morning that the battered victim was able to flee.
Shooter stuffed meth in undies, hid in cannabis-filled secret bunker
The victim was driving away when he was shot in the back.
Tense scenes as driver of double fatal crash admits guilt
Jeannine Ball and her mother-in-law Lynda Ball died in the Taupō crash earlier this year.
Former psychologist claims ADHD clients who complained were ‘fake’
Gunther van der Heijden maintains NZ's health system is "corrupt".
‘Amazing times, dark times’: Dawn Raids lawyer calling time on his 44-year career
“I have never doubted my passion for my job... [it's as] natural as breathing oxygen".
'My best friend': Meth-fuelled driver kills brother on hunting trip
Keely-Shaye Albert had never held a licence and was driving on a private road.
Murder victim said he'd be 'dead tomorrow' after testifying against Mongrel Mob boss
The Crown and defence are closing their case in the Eli Johnson murder trial.
'Against his will': Mum says son was ‘forced’ to testify against Mongrel Mob boss
'He would stay up all night making sure no one was coming,' victim's mum tells trial.
Man's last words after being stabbed for allegedly testifying against gang boss
The crown says Eli Johnson paid the ultimate price for testifying against the Mongrel Mob.
'This is a Kangaroo court': Psychologist saw ADHD clients despite being under supervision
Gunther van der Heijden didn't turn up for the HDPT hearing.
'Callous and brutal': Man fatally beaten in his own home by Mobster
The blows in the attack, which was over drugs, could be heard from the street.
'I lost my moral compass': Mexican cartel cocaine kingpin jailed
Tangaroa Demant went from exporting crayfish to importing cocaine.
'You are the highest chain of command': Mongols gang president jailed
Jim 'JD' Thacker has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison.
'He never had a bed': Mongols vice president's 'shocking' road to 16 years jail
Hone Ronaki was deported from Australia in October 2018.
The text that sent a Mongols gang member to jail for a long time
The Auckland man was jailed for 14 years and nine months.
'Be quiet': Man walks into home, barricades himself inside, then sets it on fire
The 36-year-old was jailed for four years in the Hamilton District Court.
'Sized him up like a boxer': Prisoner's attack smashes inmate's teeth
The victim was wanting to leave exercise time early. Caine Woodmass put a stop to that.
'Lifestyle, cars, money and his uncle' drew man into Mongols gang
Kane Ronaki is the last of 11 Mongol gang members to be sentenced this week.
Ounces or kgs? Dispute over drugs in Mongol sentencing
The judge stepped in to settle the dispute.
‘She needs a shower, not an ambulance’: Woman's 15-hour wait for help after 'brutal' beating
Instead of calling an ambulance, the assailant bathed the woman and cut her hair.
Mongols president ‘not involved in the drug trade’ - court told
High Court told Jim Thacker did not have control over what his members did.
Mongols trial: Key witness testimony so detailed he could have been ‘expert’, Crown claims
Jury has listened to evidence of more than 200 witnesses since August.
Defence opens case in Mongols trial as accused have multiple charges dismissed
Each of the accused had at least one charge dismissed today.
'Each year the confidence grew': Former business manager quietly stole $900k
The 49-year-old stole just over $900,000 over a nine-year period.
'I don't have to make anything up': Key witness in Mongols trial
Secret witness in the Mongols gang trial denies having a 'mad' cocaine habit of his own.
'Easy one ounce a week': Gang president's alleged 'extremely bad' cocaine habit
The storage spot in the Corolla was no good because it couldn't hold a kg of cocaine.
'It's used to get rid of someone', key Crown witness reveals allegations of gang operation
The witness said he became a prospect for the gang.
Mongols gang trial: Drug dealing, shootings - and Louis Vuitton
They allegedly had a penchant for drugs and violence - but also Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Kopu murder: 'You put holes in the hearts of everyone who loved Bayden,' father's words for killer
Bayden Williams' family swore obscenities to his killer as he was jailed for 14 years.
'It's just completely derailed me': Rape complainant's angst over court delays
Case is one of more than 80,000 to be adjourned or rescheduled in six months.
A man's haunted life after serving as a Dutch intelligence officer
The 40-year-old has a month to get to terms with his name being published.