Reporter, NZ Herald
George Block is an Auckland-based reporter covering mostly crime but also police, the courts, prisons and sometimes defence. He joined the Herald in 2022 and has previously worked at Stuff in Auckland and the Otago Daily Times in Dunedin. He can be reached on george.block@nzherald.co.nz or securely via Whatsapp / Signal on +64273041775.
![Accused Head Hunters boss seeks release of $200,000 for legal bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Accused Head Hunters boss seeks release of $200,000 for legal bill
The alleged boss of the Head Hunters returns to court asking to unfreeze restrained money.
![Mt Wellington homicide: Alleged accessory to murder arrested, gunman at large after killing of Texas Doctor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mt Wellington homicide: Alleged accessory to murder arrested, gunman at large after killing of Texas Doctor
Police say they are still hunting for the killer of the 22-year-old Rebel.
![Man admits ramming car of radio host Harnek Singh amid bungled assassination plot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man admits ramming car of radio host Harnek Singh amid bungled assassination plot
Three others have been found guilty of or pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
![Clinton Hepi appears in court after allegedly killing woman in North Shore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Clinton Hepi appears in court after allegedly killing woman in North Shore
The victim was rushed to hospital late last month but could not be saved.
![Mt Wellington shooting victim was patched Rebels MC member](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mt Wellington shooting victim was patched Rebels MC member
His dad joined the gang to protect his kids. Now his son has been shot dead in a car.
![David Tamihere intending Supreme Court bid as murder convictions upheld: 'I’ll keep at it'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
David Tamihere intending Supreme Court bid as murder convictions upheld: 'I’ll keep at it'
'You've got to grab them by the short and curlies,' a defiant Tamihere says.
![Screwdriver and torch allegedly used to assault elderly woman in West Auckland home invasion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Screwdriver and torch allegedly used to assault elderly woman in West Auckland home invasion
The 36-year-old is due to appear in the Waitākere District Court today.
![He tried to kill and threatened to decapitate his ex to stop her giving evidence - it didn't work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He tried to kill and threatened to decapitate his ex to stop her giving evidence - it didn't work
Kevin Marshall attacked the woman with a hunting knife in a failed bid to avoid prison.
![Man repeatedly slashed wife's throat at McDonald's amid bitter divorce](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man repeatedly slashed wife's throat at McDonald's amid bitter divorce
Mitesh Kumar said he wanted his wife to accept a lower divorce settlement offer.
![Mum expresses no anger towards man who killed their son as he is jailed for life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum expresses no anger towards man who killed their son as he is jailed for life
In May a jury took less than three hours to find Tipene Te Ahuru guilty of murder.
![Home detention for woman who helped Queen St murder accused evade arrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Home detention for woman who helped Queen St murder accused evade arrest
'Bro get the f*** on the scooters now let’s go,' Boon-Harris said after the shooting.
![Guilty verdicts in Auckland Airport meth import case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Guilty verdicts in Auckland Airport meth import case
Authorities said the alleged kingpin's syndicate was at first extremely successful.
![Alleged killers of Auckland woman Patricia McKay eligible for death penalty in California](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Alleged killers of Auckland woman Patricia McKay eligible for death penalty in California
The beloved Remuera woman's body will soon be repatriated, her family say.
![Judge skewers burger restaurant after cockroach infestation revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge skewers burger restaurant after cockroach infestation revealed
The judge did not mince words when describing the state of the smash burger joint.
![Gulf Harbour body in bag: Police raid home, arrest two people - but no murder charge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gulf Harbour body in bag: Police raid home, arrest two people - but no murder charge
Police have now stopped pursuing a sweeping suppression order on the case.
![Police mistakenly issue update on major investigation in Auckland then seek suppression of details](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police mistakenly issue update on major investigation in Auckland then seek suppression of details
If you're wondering where a story went, you're not alone.
![Alleged Auckland imposter dentist accused of endangering life and safety](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Alleged Auckland imposter dentist accused of endangering life and safety
Health authorities say Narayan Prasad misrepresented himself as a dentist for years.
![Ponsonby shooting: Police probe if revolver found in lake was murder weapon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ponsonby shooting: Police probe if revolver found in lake was murder weapon
They are cut-down Alfa Carbines, which have fast become the favoured gun for gang members.
![Missing Auckland man was charged in money laundering case, altercation revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Missing Auckland man was charged in money laundering case, altercation revealed
More than six weeks after he was last seen, police have issued a fresh appeal.
!['They have betrayed us': massive Auckland protest against contentious fast-track bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They have betrayed us': massive Auckland protest against contentious fast-track bill
Opponents fear environmental impact of Government's proposed law change.
![Police accused of incompetence as driver fined for double-fatal street race](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police accused of incompetence as driver fined for double-fatal street race
'Mum died on a cold road surrounded by the people who killed her.'
![Posie Parker assault case: Tomato juice protester Eliana Golberstein pleads guilty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Posie Parker assault case: Tomato juice protester Eliana Golberstein pleads guilty
Her lawyer says he will be seeking a discharge without conviction.
![Wealthy property investor on gun charge arrested after Ferrari incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wealthy property investor on gun charge arrested after Ferrari incident
The man is also on domestic violence charges, Herald inquiries reveal.
!['Devil in the detail' of 500 new cops pledge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Devil in the detail' of 500 new cops pledge
Will 500 new cops actually mean 500 new officers on the beat? The jury is out.
![Auckland cop charged with causing death of fleeing motorcyclist, heading to trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland cop charged with causing death of fleeing motorcyclist, heading to trial
Levi Proctor crashed after an officer turned on his lights and sirens.
![Auckland CBD shootings: How police believe gunman Matu Reid got a firearm without a licence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland CBD shootings: How police believe gunman Matu Reid got a firearm without a licence
Police investigation traces shotgun to legal sale just nine months before fatal shootings.
![Watch: Footage emerges of Liz Gunn's dramatic arrest at Auckland Airport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Footage emerges of Liz Gunn's dramatic arrest at Auckland Airport
It comes after Gunn was found guilty of assault in the Manukau District Court today.
![Judge finds Liz Gunn guilty of assault, describes her as 'arrogant, rude, overbearing'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge finds Liz Gunn guilty of assault, describes her as 'arrogant, rude, overbearing'
Gunn will appear for sentencing later this year.
![Two escape 'rough landing' as helicopter comes down on beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two escape 'rough landing' as helicopter comes down on beach
Police received report at 12.15pm of a helicopter going down.
![New NZ Navy helicopters: Three contenders emerge as defence lobbying ramps up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New NZ Navy helicopters: Three contenders emerge as defence lobbying ramps up
Airbus has thrown its hat in the ring and is offering the maritime version of the NH-90s.
![Auckland police officer accused of perjury named as Constable James Cox](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland police officer accused of perjury named as Constable James Cox
The prosecution alleges he falsely claimed to be qualified to use a radar gun.
![82-year-old man charged with obstructing Auckland murder investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
82-year-old man charged with obstructing Auckland murder investigation
The Armourguard patrolman was found dead in a West Auckland reserve last year.
![Psychotic Mt Albert killer detained as special patient as family remember student victim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Psychotic Mt Albert killer detained as special patient as family remember student victim
Friends and family of Tom Coombes told the killer of their anguish at a hearing today.
![Jury takes under three hours to find father guilty of murdering baby son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jury takes under three hours to find father guilty of murdering baby son
A jury took less than three hours to find him guilty of murdering 3-month-old Amaziah.
![Young Auckland couple's grim life no excuse for dad killing child: Crown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Young Auckland couple's grim life no excuse for dad killing child: Crown
A jury will soon weigh whether Amaziah Te Ahuru's death was a murder or a tragic accident.
![Judge reserves decision in Liz Gunn assault case after day of colourful evidence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge reserves decision in Liz Gunn assault case after day of colourful evidence
The trial of the alternative media personality is expected to end today.
![Ponsonby shooting inside story: Why gunman was refused entry to bar and what happened next](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ponsonby shooting inside story: Why gunman was refused entry to bar and what happened next
'He had the glassy eyes... it was like he wasn’t all there.'
![Judge dismisses trespass charge against Liz Gunn, assault charge remains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge dismisses trespass charge against Liz Gunn, assault charge remains
The anti-vaccination activist allegedly asked the security worker about her nationality.
![Hunt on for 'extremely dangerous' man after Ponsonby Rd shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hunt on for 'extremely dangerous' man after Ponsonby Rd shooting
'This violence is shocking and it has no place here.' Scene blessed as hunt continues.
![Auckland baby murder trial - mum describes moment she realised something was wrong](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland baby murder trial - mum describes moment she realised something was wrong
'When I grabbed him he was freezing cold,' mum tells court.
!['Screaming and shouting' on Ponsonby Rd after man gunned down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Screaming and shouting' on Ponsonby Rd after man gunned down
All traffic, including buses, is being diverted from the scene.
![Hundreds of Auckland young offenders escaping custody - and the document OT didn’t want you to see](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hundreds of Auckland young offenders escaping custody - and the document OT didn’t want you to see
Half of Auckland young offenders fled community homes, Herald inquiries reveal.
![Auckland police officer accused of perjury loses bid for name suppression until trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland police officer accused of perjury loses bid for name suppression until trial
He is accused of lying in the witness box – and will shortly find himself in the dock.
![Bail granted after Leo Molloy confronts alleged pistol-waving 'cowboy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bail granted after Leo Molloy confronts alleged pistol-waving 'cowboy'
The man allegeldy wielded a revolver in the bar and assaulted persons unknown.
![Police raid Head Hunters' North Shore gang pad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police raid Head Hunters' North Shore gang pad
Neighbours heard loud bangs as the armed police raided the industrial unit.
![Inside Auckland police operation targeting the gang behind seven jewellery heists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside Auckland police operation targeting the gang behind seven jewellery heists
Who is behind the heists and how are they fencing the loot? A top detective speaks out.
![How Albany axe attacker ended up in NZ and why he can’t be deported](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How Albany axe attacker ended up in NZ and why he can’t be deported
The inside story of the Albany axe attacker and why he can't be sent home to China.
![Defence boss calls Navy 'extremely fragile', three of nine ships out of action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Defence boss calls Navy 'extremely fragile', three of nine ships out of action
Like the Navy, the Army and Air Force are also in troubled waters, new briefings reveal.
![Leo Molloy confronts gun-toting ‘lunatic’ in night of mayhem](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leo Molloy confronts gun-toting ‘lunatic’ in night of mayhem
"I just saw the gun and thought f*** that, I’m tired of cowboys running this town."
![Beach Haven kidnapping accused pleads not guilty as police hunt accomplice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Beach Haven kidnapping accused pleads not guilty as police hunt accomplice
His accomplice, who was shot during the kidnapping, remains at large.
![Exclusive: Brothel manager tampered with evidence after gang boss shot in back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: Brothel manager tampered with evidence after gang boss shot in back
The untold story of how a gang leader came close to death at an Auckland Gentleman's club.
![Albany axe attacker named, to be detained in psychiatric care after acquittal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Albany axe attacker named, to be detained in psychiatric care after acquittal
The man was acquitted of responsibility for the attacks at Chinese restaurants.
![Pukekohe Court locked down after BB gun flashed, two arrested after helicopter pursuit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pukekohe Court locked down after BB gun flashed, two arrested after helicopter pursuit
The court was plunged into lockdown and the police Eagle chopper deployed.
![Department of Corrections spent over $400k on overseas travel in a year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Department of Corrections spent over $400k on overseas travel in a year
On one $40k trip to London, managers enjoyed a plush member's club in Piccadilly.
![Auckland body in bag: Interpol 'black notice' issued over mystery remains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland body in bag: Interpol 'black notice' issued over mystery remains
Police are looking around the globe for answers to the enduring mystery.
![Suppression lapses for second man accused of Auckland couple's murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Suppression lapses for second man accused of Auckland couple's murder
He has also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to murder a third person.
![Identity of Auckland kidnapping-accused revealed as police hunt accomplice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Identity of Auckland kidnapping-accused revealed as police hunt accomplice
The man sought name suppression so he could first inform his mother of his situation.
![Plush new Auckland rooftop bar to open at site of fatal shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Plush new Auckland rooftop bar to open at site of fatal shooting
The bar will be atop One Queen St, where a man killed two construction workers last year.
![Man accused of Auckland kidnapping appears in court after dramatic waterfront arrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man accused of Auckland kidnapping appears in court after dramatic waterfront arrest
The man has name suppression so he can tell his mum what has happened.
![Exclusive: Inside the hunt for New Zealand's next Naval helicopter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: Inside the hunt for New Zealand's next Naval helicopter
New Zealand is eyeing up new Naval choppers - and the lobbying has already begun.
![Alleged West Auckland imposter dentist unmasked after years of practice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Alleged West Auckland imposter dentist unmasked after years of practice
The man allegedly performed dental procedures for years without qualifications.
![Corrections asked to find $100m+ of savings after Govt promise not to cut front-line staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Corrections asked to find $100m+ of savings after Govt promise not to cut front-line staff
The Government says the frontline won't be affected in its $100m Corrections savings push.
![Air Force crisis: You thought our jets were bad? Check out our choppers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Air Force crisis: You thought our jets were bad? Check out our choppers
The Air Force's NH90 choppers had a mission-readiness of just 34 per cent in January.
![Police officers charged with attempting to pervert course of justice in sex case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police officers charged with attempting to pervert course of justice in sex case
The charges come after a court determined a miscarriage of justice had occurred.
![Man accused of killing Auckland couple can now be named](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man accused of killing Auckland couple can now be named
He is also accused alongside a younger man of conspiracy to kill a woman.
!['Insulting’: Frustrated cops slam latest pay offer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Insulting’: Frustrated cops slam latest pay offer
Feedback will be sought by the Police Association over the coming days.
![Pair accused of murdering Auckland couple fight to keep name secret amid new charge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pair accused of murdering Auckland couple fight to keep name secret amid new charge
The pair is now accused of conspiracy to murder a third person.
![HMNZS Aotearoa: Contaminated diesel fuel required multi-million dollar fix](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
HMNZS Aotearoa: Contaminated diesel fuel required multi-million dollar fix
The Navy has launched an inquiry as to how the dodgy diesel caused so much damage.
![Deadly love triangle: Auckland man jailed for killing former friend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deadly love triangle: Auckland man jailed for killing former friend
'You will always be labelled as Sean Hayde, murderer,' Arapo's mum said.
!['Cowardly, barbaric': Mother shares grief after man shot partner in front of their son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Cowardly, barbaric': Mother shares grief after man shot partner in front of their son
Their 10yo son watched his father gun down his mum in a 'torturous and cruel' act.
![Fourth shoplifting charge against ex-Green MP involves new store](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fourth shoplifting charge against ex-Green MP involves new store
Police say the fourth shoplifting charge occurred in Newmarket.
![Ex-Green MP Golriz Ghahraman facing new fourth charge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex-Green MP Golriz Ghahraman facing new fourth charge
The former MP's court date has now been pushed back twice.
![Christchurch chemist robbery: Gunman barricaded in terrified staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christchurch chemist robbery: Gunman barricaded in terrified staff
The robber "smelled like hell" according to a witness.
!['Vendetta' - Cameron Slater ordered to pay $475,000 to Matthew Blomfield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Vendetta' - Cameron Slater ordered to pay $475,000 to Matthew Blomfield
Compensatory damages award comes after former Whale Oil blogger lost a defamation case.
![Ellerslie double murder accused facing new charge of conspiracy to murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ellerslie double murder accused facing new charge of conspiracy to murder
The pair are now facing a new charge of conspiracy to murder a woman.
![Man denies attempting to murder family member at Auckland McDonald's](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man denies attempting to murder family member at Auckland McDonald's
The man allegedly attacked a family member on January 11.
![Helensville homicide: Trio accused of killing Samuel Curle plead not guilty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Helensville homicide: Trio accused of killing Samuel Curle plead not guilty
Five men in total stand accused of Curle's murder — three were in court today.
![Mfat spent $43k sending staff to IT conference in Rome](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mfat spent $43k sending staff to IT conference in Rome
Staff accepted freebies from the vendor, who was submitting on a ministry tender.