Blake Benny is a Christchurch-based reporter with a focus on tourism and social issues, along with general news.
Blake joined Newstalk ZB in 2022, having previously studied Broadcast Journalism at the New Zealand Broadcasting School. You can contact Blake at blake.benny@nzme.co.nz.
![‘Right a historic wrong’: Old school site of child sex abuse renamed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
‘Right a historic wrong’: Old school site of child sex abuse renamed
Dozens of boys were abused at Marylands School in Christchurch over decades.
![Popular camping ground facing closure gets possible lifeline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Popular camping ground facing closure gets possible lifeline
The beachside spot was given notice it would be closing down by July.
![Future of popular holiday park 'in limbo', residents want answers from iwi owners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Future of popular holiday park 'in limbo', residents want answers from iwi owners
Ngāi Tahu, owner of the land, hasn't revealed its plan for the future of the site.
![Fears of rise in anti-transgender and queer-phobic rhetoric](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Fears of rise in anti-transgender and queer-phobic rhetoric
There are fears a rise in anti-trans and queer-phobic rhetoric is driving a wave of hate.
!['Will you marry us?': Celebrant numbers soar as couples ask friends to officiate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
'Will you marry us?': Celebrant numbers soar as couples ask friends to officiate
NZ citizens can become legal independent celebrants without having to undergo training.
![Parent in 'utter disbelief' as preschool emails conspiracy theories](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Parent in 'utter disbelief' as preschool emails conspiracy theories
The centre's weekly update encourages parents to view a video on BitChute.