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.
'She panicked': Mum feared OT uplift after brothers' brutal fight over Lego
The children needed medical assistance but the parents failed to take them.
Driver in police-shooting chase admits he's 'too old' to be appearing in court
Jason Barton didn't stop driving despite the tyres being spiked and police following him.
Trainer kicks horse in genitals - avoids conviction, name suppressed
The judge wants further information before convicting him on child assault charges.
Alleged Coromandel shooter named as victim's family come together to grieve
Stuart Edmondson made a brief appearance in the High Court this morning.
'This ain’t a joke': Judge warns smirking robber
The 20-year-old was not long out of jail when he robbed a bottle store.
Man stole people's identities to hire car and equipment he never returned
One of Bobby Moana's victims has forgiven him and wants to meet.
Bodybuilding industry buff jailed for 'lucrative' steroids, cocaine enterprise
Harvey deposited almost $250k into a UK account then packages of cocaine were intercepted.
Man ran down teen the same day he was in court for running down elderly woman
He suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries and was left fighting for his life.
'Thought he was going to kill me': Victim's fear after gang kidnapping, attack
It took about 18 months for the victim to no longer feel afraid about going out.
'I'm gonna blow': Police swoop on man who called Parliament threatening murder
He said he planned to harm children because his family was being taken advantage of.
'Lost the plot': Judge slams teen's retaliation of comatose man
“Whatever the victim had done ...(there) was utterly no justification for your behaviour.”
Court a 'sad occasion' for woman pleading to crash that killed sister
The group had travelled to Wānaka that morning for a day of sightseeing.
Locum midwife fails labouring mother, baby dies during birth after shoulder gets trapped
The Health and Disability Commissioner found several failures by the midwife.
How $20 and two cannabis roaches got two men locked up for three years
'Clearly, it was a stupid thing to do', a judge pointed out.
'Very agitated': Man stormed mosque armed with a knife, asking members for a fight
About 20 members were inside at the time and many were on their knees praying.
Meter reader critically injured as thieves looking for drug money steal his work car
Jason Wharekura maintains he doesn't know his co-offenders, despite his guilty plea.
'Gratuitous violence': Man jailed after stabbing rival gang members
Marty Te Rangi says he is remorseful and wants to become a better person.
Victims traumatised: Teen robber on e-bail robs petrol station, twice
One of the staff members was injured after being kicked in the face.
'That's the way love goes': Man tells police after beating partner so viciously he needed breaks
Dalton Taylor's city centre attack lasted more than seven minutes.
Man jailed after running over Kiwi Olympian at roadworks site, nearly kills him
Dave Rodger's injuries were so severe, police prepared for a homicide investigation.
'Holy s***, call 111:' Learner driver feels 'terrible' for airborne crash that injured four
Craig Foliola's teen passenger spent a month in hospital but he's avoided a conviction.
Tourist suffered head injury after falling from French partner's car during quarrel
The victim supported her former partner's discharge without conviction.
Prisoner launched shank attack on fellow inmate in exercise yard
He then hid the shank inside a milk carton in a rubbish bin.
Whānau of slain grandfather devastated by killer's 'ridiculous' sentence
Chit Ko Ko was an undiagnosed schizophrenic when he fatally stabbed his neighbour.
'I had nothing to go on': Firearms officer on why she didn't investigate concerns about shooter who was later killed by police
Joel Buckley fired at police when they arrived at his home.
'Very capable of harming people': Firearms boss not made aware of colleague's alarming concerns
Joel Buckley was later killed by AOS after firing at officers when they visited his home.
'I guessed it would be him': Officer's immediate reaction to news police had shot Hamilton man
Joel Buckley was shot dead by police in an exchange of shots in 2021.
Mixed verdicts in mass trial of eight Mongrel Mob members accused of murder
The jury's marathon deliberations ran for two weeks.
'Significant commercial operation': Couple in their 60s jailed for peddling meth during lockdown
Their dealing continued even when they caught the virus.
'Should I kill him now?': Drunk man burns down ex's home, threatens new partner
The judge wasn't impressed with a request for a 70% discount saying it was 'unrealistic'.
'I'm still scared': Hospitalised bottle store worker still fearful after violent burglary
'It’s been nearly a year and I still feel uncomfortable. I want to forget about it all.'
Trio who allegedly left man for dead on the side of Waikato road can be named
The fourth accused has two weeks to decide whether his name will be kept secret.
'F*** off:' Meth mum's sentencing delayed after she arrived at court in 'drug-fuelled state'
Lilly Quigley reappeared this week with a judge noting she looked better than last time.
'It broke me and our kids': Jealous ex burns down home of partner, children
Sean Anthony Carroll's arson caused around $550,000 in damage.
Pensioner built homemade bomb with destructive blast radius of 1km
"Death would have been immediate."
'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.
'He's a robber, that's what he does': Teen hits dairies after being released from jail
The now 19-year-old was today jailed for three years and eight months.
Prisoner's hunger strike enters 89th day, court rules no medical help to be given
Corrections and Health NZ won't be prosecuted if Francis Shaw's health deteriorates.
Man paid scammer $68k for fake Rolex watch worth $250
Nicholas O’Loughlin scammed two people, now he's on home detention.
Trail of blood leads to body of stabbed Mongrel Mob member
Te Reo Wickliffe-Heta was killed by a woman after he turned up at her home.
Former St Peter’s teacher guilty of historical offending including naked piggyback rides
Judge Tini Clark: "Their silence does not mean they forgot".
Former St Peter's student recalls ‘strange’ piggyback rides with naked teacher at hot pools
But Geoffrey Coker's lawyer claims the allegations are 'conflated rumours' and fake.
'Creep': Former St Peter's School teacher on trial for historic indecent assaults
The offending is alleged to have occurred nearly 50 years ago and involved boys aged 9-12.
Under-fire police boss to take up 'temporary opportunity' after bullying ruling
The IPCA said Bruce Bird's management style was 'no longer acceptable' for the police.
'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.
'Taken aback': Woman grabs policeman's genitals in strip club
Then, two months later Passion Vailea viciously attacked a woman at the supermarket.
'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.
'I am not a criminal:' Couple accused of migrant rort want compensation after winning appeal
The court process destroyed their marriage and reputation - they want compensation.
'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.
Waikato electrician's descent into child exploitation
Authorities identified one of Daniel Raynes' victims as a 10-year-old girl in America.
'He's done it again': Anger as crash victims learn driver has now killed another person
1982 crash victim's sister: “It’s just like, ‘you bastard, you brought it all up again’.
'What a waste of my life': Gang member says he's ready to change after kidnapping mate
Tane Milne wants to be a role model and show 'the young fullas this ain’t the life'.
‘Dangerous’ drug dealer busted in traffic stop
A partially hidden knife was enough to prompt police to search Nepia Taonui's car.
'Hard to see how you could have been worse': Man jailed for violence, rapes
Hokowai George Rotorangi inflicted physical and sexual violence on the woman.
'Predatory attack': Woman followed home after trying to buy coffee with $100 bill
Taonui Cooper kicked and punched the woman as he demanded she hand over the money.
Man angry about wheelie bin contract ploughed into road worker with kids in his car
Finn Higgins admitted six charges in the High Court at Hamilton today.
Man blackmails Tinder victim: Pay up or I tell your family
Kavinesh Lal received $1300 in exchange for not revealing the victim was gay.
'Dig his own hole': Kidnapped, beaten and shot at – drive-by victim seeks retribution on wrong man
Valley Harrison told the man he'd snap his fingers, shoot him and make him dig his grave.
Foster mum of seven children jailed for $221k benefit fraud
'She has taken advantage of the benefit system for her own personal gain.'
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.
Defence say dad's 'magic carpet ride' caused Waikato toddler's fatal injuries
But, the Crown says it was Harlee-Rose's stepmum who snapped and killed the 2-year-old.
'I live in constant fear of death': Fatal crash victim's sister describes ongoing trauma
The repeat drink-driver who killed her brother has now been sent to jail.
Man jailed for violence against toddler who suffered injuries 'worse than some fatalities'
'It’s pure luck and good fortune that (she) was able to survive the multiple attacks'.
'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.
'She snapped': Teen stepmum allegedly stomped on toddler causing fatal injuries
The injuries were so bad Harlee-Rose Niven's pancreas was split in two.
Top cop under fire again after bullying senior officer
The IPCA finds Bruce Bird's management style is 'no longer acceptable for NZ Police'.
'Drunken, stupid error': Drunk DHB worker poked cop's bottom at pub
Police said there was 'an application of force' which left the officer feeling violated.
Schizophrenic arsonist wanted to 'burn down' DHB's mental health unit
Hoturoa Flanangan also set fire to a vehicle, garage and punched a police officer.
'It was my friend': Wanted man tells police after he's found hiding under house
Drew Hansen fled after being stopped in a stolen car but a police dog quickly found him.
'Hard loss to bear': Burglar stole family heirlooms to pay $13k drug debt
Jamie Downard, who has nearly 80 burglary convictions, broke into seven homes.
'Nearly died': Inmate allowed out for tangi returned with a bag of meth which burst inside him
Judge tells Huata Irving, who was hospitalised, he's the “author of his own misfortune".
'Misguided loyalty': Parents pay the price after coercing victim to change her statement
Henry and Deborah Dalley's son was in custody after assaulting a woman.
Driver high on cannabis drifted into oncoming lane before killing Raglan mum
Cannabis-affected driver Darren Lahood crashed into an oncoming car.