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.
Forestry worker injured during workplace accident in North Canterbury
Emergency services responded to the incident at about 12.17pm.
'The hurt will be deep': Harness racing star Katie Cox loses battle with cancer
The racing fraternity launched a fundraising effort for the Canterbury driver.
‘F***ing lies’: TV star Noel Edmonds rejects claims he sacked Kiwi winery staff
UK celeb Noel Edmonds rejects claims he sacked 17 Kiwi winery staff with a day's notice.
UK TV star accused of blindsiding Kiwi vineyard staff with winter closure
One day's notice of job cuts for 17 staff at Noel Edmonds' South Island winery.
Where the wild things are: Locusts, crickets and balls of all kinds on the menu
Explore the crunchy, wriggly, bizarre kai at this year's Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika.
'All consuming': Farming family's 20-year battle with Govt over land error
Fifth-generation farmers at wits' end over long-running boundary botch up.
Road to the Cup: An inside look into training a champion
The Herald heads to the beach at dawn as harness-racing hopefuls train on sand and surf.
'An unbelievable few weeks': $130k raised to help to Kiwi harness racing driver Katie Cox fight aggressive lung cancer
The harness racing fraternity is launching a fundraising effort for the Canterbury driver.
Top harness racing driver diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer at 33
The harness racing fraternity is launching a fundraising effort for the Canterbury driver.
'Grossly excessive speed': Judge blasts farmer for 'appalling' hit-and-run cyclist death
A man who lied to police about who was driving a car after a fatal crash is sentenced.
Mum, two babies killed: Coroner calls for national review of country intersections
Widespread rural intersection review recommended after mum, babies killed in crash.
Covid-19: Cup and Show Week may be closed to Canterbury public
Level 2 restrictions may mean the public cannot attend Canterbury's annual cup week.
Wet & wild Auckland: Westies start the big cleanup after lockdown rain dump
West Auckland residents are starting to clean up after a massive rain storm on Monday.
Covid 19 Delta outbreak: You shall not pass - airports promise strict checks on travellers as L3/4 divide comes into play
Aviation Security in place to make sure those travelling have permission.
Level 3 countdown: Travel restrictions to stay tight as country readies to divide
NZ set to divide in the fight against Covid-19 - and travelling will be severely limited.
Lockdown's biggest supermarket sellers: Kiwis go bananas
Our ongoing love affair with the banana has continued during lockdown - but broccoli???
Watch: Govt to provide relief fund for flood-affected regions
Extensive clean-up ahead, say ministers after viewing damage.
Closing in: Cops chase up tips on duck hunters after women hit by shotgun pellets
The women were walking near the Clutha River on May 1.
Police release photos of duck shooters after women suffer shotgun injuries
Information sought regarding two men who might be connected to the incident.
'Avoidable' death of shearer: Coroner calls for drivers to stay off road after drinking, using drugs
Blenheim man had alcohol and cannabis in his system ahead of fatal crash.
63-year-old charged with arson over North Canterbury tyre fire
A large fire is blazing in Amberley, north of Christchurch
Fatal helicopter crash: Investigators' 'thorough' process could take years
The investigation into a fatal helicopter crash before Christmas may take up to two years.
Kaikōura coast helicopter crash: Parents farewelled
An emotional "celebration of life" has been held today.
Parents killed in helicopter crash to be farewelled on Wednesday
Funeral on Wednesday for the couple killed in a helicopter crash during a family day out.
'They're one of our own': School pays tribute to family in chopper tragedy
Devastated friends of couple killed have gathered at family home.
Helicopter tragedy: 'Where's my mummy ... is my mummy all right?'
Three injured children pulled to safety as rescuers feared wreckage might go up in flames.
Coronavirus: Family mourn woman after tragic accident soon after lockdown started
A long serving Far North teacher died at her property a day after the lockdown began.
Top cop says no extension, leniency after gun amnesty cut-off
Police are warning the gun buy back amnesty ends in 50 days and those who flout won't win
Farm worker jailed for life for brutally killing ex-wife
A man who murdered his ex-wife in front of their toddler has been jailed for life.
Xi Wang brutally stabbed to death by ex as she held her 2yo son in her arms
Shocking details have emerged about the brutal murder of Flat Bush mum Xi Wang
Man admits murdering ex while their son was home
Rotorua farmer Ephraim Beazley has admitted murdering his ex-wife Xi Wang in December.
Woman found dead after riding incident was mum-of-3
"She was an inspiration, a go getter and I loved her company."
Budget 2018: $300m boost for police 'commended'
Funding was a key election promise and part of Labour's coalition agreement with NZ First.
Youth justice funding as age increases to 17
The justice system is in crisis and failing children and families, says the Government.
Sir Colin Meads: World reacts to his death
Sir Colin Meads has passed away and tributes are flowing across the world.
Mum-of-two dies after fall from horse
A mother-of-two well known in New Zealand equestrian circles died after being thrown from her horse in Tuakau last week.
'I sat with her so she wasn't alone'
The woman killed in a head-on collision on a rural Auckland road was found by her best friend, who sat with her for hours until her body could be removed.
1080: Police check history to find links
Police investigating the 1080 contamination threat have not ruled out a connection to a similar letter drop seven years ago.
1080: Letters 'irresponsible', 'stupid'
1080 opponents have condemned those behind the baby formula threat letters, branding them "irresponsible" and their actions "total stupidity".
Fury over formula threat
Threats to contaminate infant formula with 1080 pesticide have been described as despicable and sick - but have caused more outrage than fear.
Pay cut for two-minute silence
Staff at a North Island freezing works had their pay cut for the official two-minute silence to remember the 29 miners killed in the Pike River mine.