Ric Stevens is a Multimedia Journalist specialising in Open Justice reporting at Hawke's Bay Today.
I have worked in journalism for about 40 years, including as a political reporter at Parliament and in senior roles at a number of daily newspapers. In the course of my career I have met 10 prime ministers and covered topics as diverse as riots, earthquakes and murder trials, among many other things. I stepped aside from daily journalism for a while in 2016 to complete a master's degree and then found myself working for four years on the front line of the criminal justice system, as a probation officer. This has helped inform my current reporting on crime and justice. I was delighted to be able to come back to journalism as a member of NZME's Open Justice team in 2022.
Victim's $60k nest egg locked in money-laundering battle
Min Hu is one of 14 legitimate and innocent investors who are owed nearly $1.5m.
'Have a good life': Grieving father forgives Ariki Rigby's killer
Murdered woman's family and supporters turn out in force for Napier court sentencing.
'Serial and prolific:' Woman who stole $25k worth of goods has 150 dishonesty convictions
Now she's appealed her two years, six months jail term saying it's manifestly excessive.
'Gone forever': Beloved rugby stalwart killed by careless driver
The judge said cars are 'deadly machines' and motorists need to drive safely.
Mexican ‘tourist’ busted with $360k in cash and almost 14kg of meth
Man on three-month visa now faces years in NZ prison. The Crown has also taken his cash.
Parents oppose girl’s cancer treatment, try to leave NZ as govt agencies intervene
The mother said she wanted to treat the girl with 'natural and spiritual' methods.
Police made unlawful arrests and used ‘excessive’ force on men who filmed them
A charge of common assault was laid against one officer, but later dropped.
Man arrested in cannabis raid claims $77k was from window-washing
Charges against Aucklander Metuakore Paruru were withdrawn, but his cash was taken anyway.
‘I am deeply sorry’: Man developed terminal cancer after experts missed signs for five years
'Several different clinicians involved in [his] care failed to identify the abnormality.'
‘Incompetence’: How a simple injection led to infection, blood clots and 17 days in hospital
Health NZ has apologised to the single mother as it conducts an internal review.
Stink of cannabis at traffic stop leads to convictions and confiscation of $57k
A judge found police failed to follow proper procedures in holding on to the money.
Driver in horror crash that claimed four lives only had three hours sleep
One passenger even gave him a neck massage to try and keep him awake while driving.
Woman dies after three-day delay for surgery to fix her broken leg
The 74-year-old's leg was broken after she was knocked over in a park by a dog.
‘Driven by the gang code’: Mobster smiles during jailing for assault, extortion and kidnapping
The 25yo was sentenced for seven years for crimes that including aggravated robbery.
Ill gotten gains? The case of the shoebox with $164,080 inside
Terry Weston said the cash was from work, ACC payouts, a bike sale and gambling.
Driver wanted after $50,000 heist and police chase tried to hide in a woodshed
Hendrix John Haerewa rammed two police cars before fleeing on foot.
‘Dirty money’: $200k in flash cars, cash & drugs seized from Akl drug ring money launderer
Police found 44kg of meth during Operation Worthington, half of it hidden in a bathtub.
Man dies from sepsis in Auckland hospital despite daughter being told ‘he would come right’
Health NZ says it has apologised 'unreservedly' to the man's family.
Police search uncovers meth, $100,000 cash and an e-bike stolen in 2023
Armed officers stopped the alleged 'known offender' while driving in Tikokino on Friday.
Name suppression lifted for man accused of murdering Hastings father
Keith Pati had arrived in New Zealand in 2024 to find a future for his family.
‘Defect of character’: Why a would-be NZ lawyer was denied entry to the profession
Lawyer denied domestic violence history, but made complaints about people who opposed him.
'She deserved better': Ariki Rigby was murdered for wearing Mongrel Mob T-shirt
Family say they will make a 'whole lot of noise' at sentencing of murderer Jimmy Heremaia.
Murdered girl’s mother has died but her fight with killer over his $15k compo continues
Sam Te Hei was one of two men who murdered Colleen Burrows in 1987.
Electrocuted orchard worker warned of power lines moments before his death
'Yes, I know,' he responded when told to 'watch out for the wires'.
Man wants $2.7m arson conviction wiped because he can't get a job
Arsonist asked 'Does this light fires?' as he bought a bottle of meths at service station.
Migrant workers in visa scam each paid $16k for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery jobs that did not exist
The eight men arrived in New Zealand to find the jobs did not exist.
Supreme Court blocks disgraced lawyer Davina Reid's bid for reinstatement
Davina Reid (nee Murray) smuggled contraband into prison for a prisoner she later married.
Watchdog slams ‘grossly inadequate’ ruling on cop who used belt to ‘reset’ his kids
The officer said he used the belt when other methods of discipline failed.
'He's a monster:' Victim fights for prolific Dilworth paedophile to stay behind bars
Ian Wilson has appeared before the Parole Board for the fifth time since he was jailed.
‘Easy money:’ How string of life setbacks led man to become meth courier
Tony Looker was eventually stopped by police who found $113,000 in cash and 44g of meth.
'I made her look like that:' Man who beat woman for a month boasts about her injuries
Ford Tutaki beat and tortured the woman for a month before help arrived.
Police pose as 13-year-old girl, lure sex offender to the library
He wanted to have sex with the fake girl even after she told him her age.
‘More than just a meal’: Woman fights for kai costs to be covered at husband’s tangi
Authority rules in her favour saying kai is an 'ordinary and integral' part of a tangi.
'Overly harsh punishment': Real estate agent loses court battle over Māori course requirement
Hobson's Choice lobby group calls court decision "outrageous".
Four plead not guilty to murder of Boy Taylor in Napier CBD
Name suppression lifts for three of four defendants accused over homeless man's death.
Man admits involvement in arson of a car which was later found with woman's body in it
Ariki Rigby’s body was found in a car parked near Havelock North in September 2022.
Christian counsellor told abused teen she had 'soul ties' to her rapist
Multiple criticisms made of faith-based residential facility with oppressive rules.
‘Highly preventable:’ Man killed on highway warned not to hitchhike two hours earlier
Christopher Connell's last words to police before he died were that he 'loved life'.
Name revealed of boy convicted of murder at age 14
The killer is currently in prison for fatally stabbing the victim during a night out.
Therapist told to apologise and get mentor after woman’s distressing massage
He touched the woman inappropriately and asked her personal questions.
Former airwoman abused by her boss fails in bid for compensation from RNZAF
Court sympathises with abuse victim, but says exemplary damages claim cannot be justified.
'High public interest': Coroner prioritises hearings on 18 flood, cyclone deaths
The inquiry is likely to examine warnings, weather forecasts, landslide and flood risks.
Two teens among four charged with Napier murder
Street dweller Boy Taylor was known in the Napier CBD as friendly and sometimes talkative.
501 deportee loophole: Sex offender rejoins NZ community with no oversight
The man spent 15 months in an Australian prison before starting a 'suspended sentence'.
'We dug up graves': Kiwi lawyer on the cases that will always stay with him
Satchie Govender: 'They were having a barbecue while she was digging her own grave'.
Bullied prisoner slashes another inmate's face with razor from eye to chin
Reihana Cooper tied makeshift weapons to his hands before the attack.
‘Driver error’ the cause of a car crash that killed three people
A couple from Hamilton and a man from Auckland died in the 2022 crash.
'You will regret it': Kidnapper's sinister words to woman who thought she would die
The woman was kidnapped, strangled, and robbed by her ex-partner.
Police seize $413k from baggage handler in meth import case
The syndicate's 'logistics organiser' stored large amounts of cash at his sister's house.
Killer may have been acting out TV show scene when he stomped victim to death
New evidence, including the anime show, has been shown to Supreme Court justices.
Young murderers: The cycle of violence and neglect revealed
Murderers shared common backgrounds of abuse and violence.
New Zealand’s only convicted saboteur released from prison but will still be monitored
Taupō man served full prison sentence of three years and one month.
Man with 11 children, 163 convictions loses bid for early jail release
David Bagley already had his sentence reduced for his treatment in state care as a child.
'Please stay': Stabbing victim foresaw 'frenzied' knife attack
She was stabbed repeatedly in the face, upper torso and abdomen by a man in her home.
Tug-of-love: Court rules on whether kids stay in NZ with dad or move to Spain with mum
The Court of Appeal has taken the siblings' wishes into account in making its decision.
Pilot died after propeller fell off home-built plane during flight
He had installed a new propeller two hours before the accident.
Child rapist wants court order lifted now that she's a woman
Parsons abducted and raped a 12-year-old before taking her clothes for cross-dressing.
High-stakes saga: Mother, son lose $2.2m, including a Maserati, in asset forfeiture
They were convicted under anti-money-laundering law for moving $53m for a businessman.
Man, 27, paid 13-year-old girl $100 for sex acts
He has been jailed again and will remain on the sex offender register for life.
Fateful call: Skipper told sandbar decision 'the one you regret the most'
Kevin McQuire pleaded guilty earlier this year over Clarks Beach boating tragedy.
Kiwi nurse's relationship with baby's dad was 'too soon' but not misconduct
The High Court has overturned the nurse's professional misconduct finding.
'An engaged parent': Why drug-dealing artist's prison sentence was overturned for home detention
Dali Susanto's ex wanted him to have a “full and active role” in his children’s lives.
'Crime pays all day': The life and times of a self-proclaimed 'real gangsta' and now convicted rapist
'I just want to get out of here and go back to prison,' he once yelled at the judge.
'Two horrendous days of hell:' Girl's bravery leads to 15 years for kidnapper and rapist
Police say the victim showed 'courage and tenacity' in coming forward.
Police seize Hastings homes, cars and $68k in Louis Vuitton handbag linked to meth ring
Police say encrypted messages found indicated the distribution of meth worth $1.54m.
Father raped and beat his children, then left his $700k in assets to another family
Now the siblings have turned to the country's final court of appeal for access.
'Ugly and racist': Man's abusive TikTok posts after Salvation Army shop assault
Judge: 'Colourful is a polite description. It’s not colourful. It’s abusive.'
From art galleries to prison: Artist’s fall from grace after drugs conviction
Susanto took police to where magic mushrooms grew wild.
Meth dealer loses $37,000 in 'tainted' cash after suspicious Airbnb owners called cops on him
Now police have now gained a High Court order to confiscate nearly $37,000.
Logging firm in receivership ordered to pay $330k for worker's death - but can't afford a fine
Jake William Duncan died on a Hawke's Bay forestry site in 2021.
Tourist who spent time in Navy drowned after sinking below Lake Wānaka's surface without warning
Jinwoo Park was a strong swimmer and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Three people are believed to have taken their own lives in wake of Cyclone Gabrielle
Coronial inquest: The deaths are among 18 linked to the Auckland floods and Gabrielle.
'Only chance of survival': Deportee wants $32k seized by police back for cancer treatment
NZ police seized Collin Ezeala's money in 2010 before he was jailed for importing drugs.
Young cannabis seller turns over $500,000 in sales in nine weeks
The 23-year-old appealed his sentence saying jail would hinder his ability to be a dad.
'Unacceptable': Man dies after hospital keeps him sitting in ED for hours, loses notes, fails to order scan
The doctor felt 'very overwhelmed' during an exceptionally busy night in ED.
Police move to seize land and cash related to alleged $2m Winz fraud
The men, who are linked to an Auckland furniture company, haven't been arrested.
Inmates claim prison gang assault was 'utu', sentences should be reduced under Māori lore
Seven Black Power members attacked a Nomad inmate after 'an unwanted sexual advance'.
Man accused of murdering Hawke's Bay teenager Ariki Rigby loses suppression
Jimmy Heremaia is being held at his own request in the segregation unit of a prison.
'Pervasive deficits': Oranga Tamariki's practice under the microscope in baby's death
Oranga Tamariki staff incorrectly handled concerns reported to them, a coroner found.
Terrified woman jumped naked from upper-storey window to escape brutal attack
Part of the ordeal, carried out by other women, was filmed and posted on social media.