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.
Crash hero’s Christmas plea to Kiwi drivers: be vigilant and observant on the road
Crash heroes call on Kiwi drivers to be vigilant on the road this holiday season.
Revealed: Youth offending decreasing despite spotlight on young offenders
Youth offending is not increasing, a new Ministry of Justice report has found.
Murder in paradise: Who killed Karen White?
She was killed at her Lake Hāwea home on March 8 – but by who? Anna Leask investigates.
NZ's second-most powerful cop under investigation, on leave from police
The IPCA is investigating Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Christchurch dog walker murder: Killer jailed, but avoids life sentence
Bailey Messervy has been jailed for life for murdering Nigel Wilson.
‘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.
Capturing a killer: How murdered woman's phone led police to her shallow grave
Top cop lifts the lid on Yanfei Bao murder probe - and reveals how they got their man.
Rugby stars not instructed to seek name suppression, says RPA chief
Sevu Reece admits wilful damage charge, granted discharge; alcohol issues addressed.
'I'm embarrassed and so, so sorry': Sevu Reece sidesteps conviction after Cup Day disgrace
A sportsman who admitted taking a car can now be named after his case was determined.
'I felt sick': The harrowing content TikTok posts to 13yo girls revealed
Nadia Maxwell set up a page for a 13yo on TikTok and was shocked at the suggested content.
'I understood too late to save Helen': Dad’s 15-year fight against domestic violence
David White has republished a book about his daughter's murder and his life since then.
‘Fierce' Christchurch lawyer dies in Aussie cliff fall
Lee Lee Heah has died in Australia in a fall from a cliff while climbing.
Mama Hooch case: Appeal for rapist brothers moved to July 2025
The High Court will not hear the appeal for rapist brothers until next year.
Coroner closes case of jockey killed in horror race crash
Megan Taylor died during a horse race in 2022. There will be no inquest into her death.
A look back at murder of Connor Morris after killer appears for first parole hearing
Michael Thrift Murray appeared before the parole board yesterday.
Mosque terrorist sister's plea: 'I left him voice message telling him not to do it'
The gunman’s sister reveals to the Coroner that ‘he thought he was a sociopath’.
Cricket bat killer explains 'disgusting act' 12 years on
Man who bashed stepdad to death finally offers some insight.
Coroner probes gun licence process for Christchurch terrorist
The inquest into the March 15 mosque attacks continues with gun licence evidence.
Drunk women not 'asking for trouble': Rape trial judge debunks 'common misconceptions'
Judge in serial rape trial addresses 'common misconceptions' around sex crimes.
'He is an animal': Ex-partner of now convicted serial rapist speaks
The woman says John Hope Muchirahondo just 'took what he wanted'.
Detective's 'worst-case scenario': Serial rapist allegedly assaulted teen while under police investigation
Inside the police case that brought down a 'vile' serial rapist.
Serial rapist found guilty of 17 charges after record jury deliberations
A jury has reached a decision on whether a Chch man is guilty of a raft of rapes.
Inside some of the worst sex-offending by NZ teachers
Just how bad are New Zealand's child sex-offending teachers?
CTV building collapse: Design company owner's oversight of inexperienced engineer 'virtually non-existent'
Complaint upheld against boss of company behind design of ill-fated CTV building in Chch.
Police dog allegedly choked unconscious during 'dangerous' incident in Avondale
The man's bid to evade police ended soon after his car became stuck on train tracks.
'My life was a lie': Paedophile teacher's shocking admission
One of New Zealand's worst child sex offenders has been refused parole for a second time.
Corrections 'breakdown' contributed to woman's murder by paroled ‘psychopath’
Coroner makes extensive recommendations after 'preventable' murder of Chch woman.
'Tragically catastrophic': Teen who caused fatal crash escapes conviction, name suppressed
No conviction for Christchurch teen who killed a woman and injured four others in crash.
Christchurch rape trial: Jury retires to consider verdicts after six weeks of evidence
Former footballer denies accusations at High Court trial in Christchurch.
Was luggage to blame? Private investigation into crash that killed Korean ski champs
Thee people died in the head-on crash near Geraldine on August 14.
'They could still be here': Family of mum, son killed in house fire haunted by smoke alarm failure
Authorities now assessing fire that killed Southland mum and her 11-year-old son.
'Beautiful, cheeky' toddler died in curtain cord tragedy
Another child has been killed after becoming caught in their bedroom blind cords.
Memorial plaque honours Korean ski champs killed in Geraldine crash
Athletes and coaches travelling in convoy after training when tragedy struck.
'The shooter wanted to kill': The Winz murders and a small town's 'tsunami of shock'
Ten years on from the Ashburton Winz murders, those involved reflect on tragedy.
Turning our negative into a positive: Why Grace Millane's mum is trekking Mt Everest
Mother of murdered backpacker is set to climb another mountain in a bid to help women.
Diary of an abused wife: Victim reveals why she can't just leave
Their relationship started well - but then his controlling behaviour kicked in.
Former cops, prosecutor due in court as police investigate Alan Hall miscarriage of justice
Police investigating wrongful conviction of Alan Hall summons three people to court.
Korean ski team including Olympian involved in triple-fatal Canterbury crash
'Losing so many lives at once is shocking and our hearts go out to those involved.'
Female Auckland teacher facing multiple sex charges after alleged violation of teen student
An Auckland teacher is accused of sexually abusing one of her students.
Coroner hears from last person to speak with young Gloriavale man before his sudden death
The inquest into Gloriavale man Sincere Standtrue's death continues.
Rape by stealth: The disturbing crime trend on the rise in New Zealand
Police reveal details of rape by stealth prosecutions in New Zealand.
The Feelers' lead singer sentenced after third drink-driving conviction
James Reid has been sentenced for refusing a blood test.
'He was having sex with me but I wasn’t awake': The first four women testify at serial rape trial
Former footballer denies accusations at High Court trial in Christchurch.
'A year of hell': Teen victim and dad speak after Christchurch youth sex offender trial
A teenage girl who was sexually assaulted has shared her story - and an important message.
Trial ends for Christchurch schoolboy accused of multiple rapes
Teen did not deny offending against schoolgirls after four days of Youth Court trial.
The Dickason Family Tragedy: Herald podcast revisits Timaru triple murder
Herald podcast A Moment In Crime looks back at the murder of the Dickason children.
Triple murderer Lauren Dickason appeals convictions
Will she be deported once released from prison?
'The work does not stop': Govt vows to continue terrorism prevention work in wake of Chch mosque attacks
The announcement was made in Christchurch this morning.
Man who laughed as he murdered sex worker too dangerous for prison release
Peter Waihape murdered the young mother in 2005 and was sentenced to life in prison.
'Oh God, he raped me': Woman's 111 call played for jury at Christchurch serial rape trial
Christchurch man is facing more than 30 charges of sexually assaulting women.
Christchurch man to defend accusations he raped or violated 15 women over 12 years
John Muchirahondo is facing more than 30 charges of sexually assaulting women.
Christchurch man to defend accusations he raped or violated 15 women
John Muchirahondo is facing more than 30 charges of sexually assaulting women.
'No justice': Timaru teen sentenced to home detention for 'depraved' child sexual offending
Blake Ivan Miller admitted 'extremely serious' sex offending but has avoided jail.
Coroner probes death of Kaikōura toddler at after-hours clinic revealing 'systemic failures'
Everly Dunfoy, 3, died in April 2019 and a Coroner has revealed how and why.
'I slipped through the cracks': Parole Board repeatedly botches rape victim notification
Parole Board apologises after sex offender released on parole without victim’s knowledge.
Grocery shopping today? Here's what you need to know about supermarkets after IT outage
However some self-serve kiosks are still down.
Parole refused for one of NZ's most dangerous killers
The Herald reveals more information about NZ's most dangerous killers.
'Sick, dirty, dehumanised': Man jailed for ‘stealthing’ rape of sex worker
Peter Stevens was jailed for almost 6 years for raping a sex worker by stealth.
'I'll never forgive you': Mum's powerful words to baby killer Michael Topp
Christchurch man who abused, murdered his 3-month-old daughter jailed for life.
Third-generation gang child on reporting her rapist to police
Bruce Wayne Hintz is facing up to 20 years in prison for child sex abuse.
'Unable to escape': Man given 19 years jail for sexual, violent abuse of his seven kids
The man was jailed for 19 years and must serve half before parole can be considered.
Top pathologist on death, diagnosis – and why Mark Lundy is guilty
Kiwi pathologist speaks on Herald podcast A Moment In Crime about his new book.
'I am sorry': Mental health worker accused of paying patient for sex
The man says his family have been deeply impacted by the situation.
Teddy Swims loves Christchurch - and delivers the most beautiful set of the year so far
For those not already on Team Teddy, here’s what you need to know.
'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.
Woman fatally stabbed partner in head - tried to argue the 12cm wound was self-inflicted
A woman was sentenced for the manslaughter of her partner in Ashburton in 2019.
'Inadequate, flawed' safety and protection before injured toddler killed by father
Coroner criticises child welfare agency for 'flawed' abuse response.
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.
'Erratic' driver was five times over legal alcohol limit during 300km journey
The woman was tracked down by police after members of the public reported her.
'A win': Supporters post 'message from Dickason' about triple murder sentence
Lauren Dickason pens new note for supporters about her 'fair' sentence.
Details of Dickason triple murder to be probed by coroner
The murders of the Dickason children will be probed by a Coroner - as early as next month
Details of triple murderer Lauren Dickason's possible release
Will she be deported once released from prison?
'I failed them': Killer mum apologises after being sentenced to 18 years in mental health unit
Lauren Dickason had no reaction in court when sentence was delivered.
Killer mum Lauren Dickason sentenced today for murdering her three daughters
A judge will decide whether Lauren Dickason is sent to prison or a mental health unit.
Ex-top cop accused of 'insidious’ bullying, intimidation, 'unacceptable behaviour'
Staff allegations came months before John Price retired from police.
Parole for mum who used 5-year-old as ‘sexual plaything’ after 4 years in prison
The woman will be released having served three years and 11 months behind bars.
Too old? Too snobby? Forget what you thought you knew about staying in a hostel
This new upmarket Christchurch hostel/hotel-in-one is challenging the status quo.
Unaddressed trauma and grief: Why teen stabbed a heavily pregnant woman
Court told the 19yo had lured the woman to an address under false pretences.
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.