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.
'Exceptional courage': Officers praised in high-stakes police chase
A 43-year-old was arrested after a high-speed chase in Te Awamutu.
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.
Hamilton teen’s death ‘unexplained’ – police investigating
The 19-year-old woman was found unresponsive about 12.30am.
Man accused of murdering Hamilton baby keeps name secret for now
Suspect remanded in custody after special hospital bedside hearing.
‘All kinds of messed up’: Locals distraught at Hamilton baby’s death as man faces murder charge
A man aged 34 has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
Man charged with murder after baby’s death in Hamilton
34-year-old allegedly killed baby and attacked its mother and a second child in Hamilton.
'Consent is crucial': Victim of Hamilton teen sex offender speaks
Hamilton teen's initial prison term was reduced by 60 months due to a range of factors.
Homicide investigation: Child killed, mother injured in Hamilton tragedy
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious incident in Fairfield, Hamilton.
‘Sexual predator’ teen jailed for raping girl, violating three others
Hamilton teen's initial prison term was reduced by 60 months due to a range of factors.
Why did baby Isabella die? Kiwi mum's agonising seven-year wait for answers
Mum still waiting for authorities to make formal ruling on what caused Isabella’s death.
Passenger burned by in-flight coffee spill faces lengthy wait for Emirates’ response
The Morrinsville man says the airline's 60-day reply time is ridiculous.
30 years on from the Bain family massacre: David's new life, new name
The Herald spoke to David Bain on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the murders.
Police rewards: Who decides who gets them, and how often are they claimed?
Police rewards offered over the years - why, when and what for?
The Bain murders 30 years on: Where is David? Why are Kiwis obsessed with this case?
The Herald looks at the infamous case and the aftermath that haunts a family today.
Raiana's story: PM responds to open letter from family of 13-year-old who died suddenly
Devastated family begs Government for more help for teens in crisis.
13-year-old girl dies suddenly after bullying – a family’s plea to NZ’s leaders
Devastated family begs Government for more help for teens in crisis.
Ponsonby shooting: Police 'well advanced' on planning, monitoring for gunman's funeral
Hone Kay-Selwyn's funeral is coming up and will likely be attended by gang members.
Wife killer released on parole to 'oceanfront luxury' home
The Matamata horse breeder Greg Meads' release has shocked one local who lives nearby.
Police investigating alleged assault at greyhound race meeting
Police called after trainer and official allegedly assaulted at greyhound racing track.
Men arrested after leading police on ‘dangerous’ pursuit in car loaded with weapons, ammo
Two men due in Hamilton court after fleeing police and leading officers on wild chase
Caught with phone in prison: Parole refused again for killer of Scottish tourist
Scottish tourist Karen Aim's killer reveals he thought violence towards women 'normal'.
Matamata murderer Greg Meads denied parole again
Horse breeder who murdered his wife in Matamata makes new claims at Parole Board hearing
Watch: Police release footage of 'cowardly' Hamilton superette robbery
The offenders stole cash from the till and fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.
Cold case twist: Fresh search underway for body of mum missing for 20 years
Killer never revealed location of girlfriend's body
All Waikato police carrying guns as hunt for offender continues
A general arming order has been made for Waikato police hunting an alleged offender.
Crash that killed 13yo girl, injured four other children still under investigation
Police are refusing to comment on the crash that killed a 13yo girl in Matamata.
Gun-wielding man interrupts arrest, helps woman escape police car
Dramatic escape after man pulls pistol on cops arresting woman in Hamilton.
Couple at centre of Raglan Covid-19 outbreak slam gang, drug rumours
'We are not gangsters, neither have we been in contact with any gang members.'
Whangamatā teen riot: $6000 of stock stolen, Blackies Cafe roof damaged
Mayor slams 'self-indulgent brats' for the trouble.
The Chase: 'No quick fix' for pursuits and calls for ban on chases
Police Association has welcomed a major review into pursuits.
Police pursuits: Review wants study into why drivers flee
A major review of the police pursuits policy has been released today
Prison breaks: On the run
Sixteen prisoners have broken out of NZ prisons in the last eight years, and a further 50 have done some kind of runner while in custody.
Toddler dies in house fire
Police praise group of men who smashed into burning house to save mother and her two boys. But the fire in Hamilton claimed the life of a three-year-old.