Sam Hurley
Deputy Head of Print Content
Sam Hurley is an award-winning journalist and Deputy Head of Print Content for the New Zealand Herald in Auckland.
Sam joined the Herald in 2017 and has worked in a variety of roles, including as a court and business reporter. He has covered some of New Zealand’s biggest court cases, including the murder of Grace Millane, and led multi-year Herald investigations into the crimes of millionaire arts philanthropist James Wallace and New Lynn terrorist Ahamed Samsudeen. He was the Templeton Scholar in Parliament's Press Gallery in 2016 and also reported on the US presidential election while in America that year. Sam has covered several general and local elections and the Serious Fraud Office cases involving political donations to the Labour, National and NZ First parties. He started his career as a reporter at Hawke’s Bay Today in 2013 and has also worked at TVNZ for 1News. After graduating from the University of Waikato with a degree in political science, specialising in international relations and defence studies, Sam obtained a post-graduate diploma in journalism from the Auckland University of Technology. Sam sits as a member of NZME on the District Court Media Committee, which discusses issues raised by the media, judiciary and Ministry of Justice. He is also a keen sports fan and travelled to watch the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. You can contact Sam at sam.hurley@nzme.co.nz.
Check out Sam’s latest content
'I want to see justice': Emails show concern at delay by PM's Office to strip James Wallace's knighthood
'I would have expected this to have been stripped as he has preyed upon young artists.'
New Lynn terror attack hearing: Lawyer asks why were police outside in carpark?
The Islamic State supporter stabbed several shoppers at an Auckland supermarket in 2021.
Watch: Tearful AM hosts open show after shock Newshub decision
Up to 300 jobs at the media company are expected to be lost by the end of June.
'Not the story we thought we would be covering': Newshub reports its own demise
New Zealand's political leaders also say it is a sad day for NZ's democracy.
'Tough love': Luxon paints 'rough' economic picture amid massive infrastructure deficit
The Prime Minister said he was willing to make some 'tough choices'.
Disgraced arts patron James Wallace to leave jail today - what he can and can't do on parole
The millionaire sex offender must abide by certain rules.
Auditor-General to conduct review after Herald investigation finds voting errors
The review is also likely to involve tabling a report in Parliament.
'A denier': James Wallace barred from inviting guests to home
A psychologist said the philanthropist was a low risk of sexual reoffending.
Victims react to news millionaire sex offender James Wallace to be freed from prison
The philanthropist was stripped of his knighthood earlier this year.
NZ to receive surprise royal visit next week
Prince Edward will visit New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Indonesia.
15 voting places with ‘data entry errors’ found after Herald investigation
One of the errors was at Pukekohe Intermediate voting station in Port Waikato electorate.
King's College historical sexual offending allegations investigated by police
Detectives have already spoken to several former students of the Auckland private school.
Even Barack Obama moved to Chicago from NYC - it's that good
A city with history, blues, comedy, big food, big buildings and hotdog-loving presidents.
Direct to Chicago: How does Air NZ's business premier stack up?
What it's like to fly direct to the Windy City (the other one) in business premier.
'Terrifying': Kiwis fear for family and friends in Israel after surprise attack
There are 87 New Zealanders registered as being in Israel.
'I won’t be alive': James Wallace refused parole, continues to deny offending
The philanthropist was stripped of his knighthood last month.
Top court orders Mainzeal directors, including ex PM, to pay $40m plus interest
Construction company directors used 'rob Peter to pay Paul' strategies, says liquidator.
James Wallace case: King Charles strips disgraced arts patron of knighthood
“He can no longer use the title of ‘Sir’,” the Prime Minister told journalists.
Roading subcontractor who gave bribes for work sentenced to home detention
Three others have pleaded not guilty and are due to stand trial next year.
Anger, secrecy and James Wallace's cruel power: Victim speaks out on disgraced patron
'I still don’t forgive him. I don’t believe I owe him that.'
Sir James Wallace case: Epsom house manager who tried to bribe victim named
He was an employee of Wallace and lived at Rannoch.
Sir James Wallace: The stars who wrote 'letters of support' for disgraced patron
The court received 89 letters for the rich lister's sentencing.
Sir James Wallace victim says NZ arts community enabled offending
One of the arts patron's victims described the rich-lister as a "predator".
Sir James Wallace case: Top institutions distance themselves from sex offender
Organisations scramble to remove links to disgraced former rich-lister and philanthropist.
Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal
His frail figure gives no indication of the money and influence he holds over people.
Philanthropist to predator: Sir James Wallace faces being stripped of knighthood
The Government has begun the process of stripping Wallace of his knighthood.
Govt moves to strip Sir James Wallace of knighthood, artworks to remain on display
'The Acting Prime Minister has initiated the process for honours forfeiture.'
Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecent assault; Govt moves to strip knighthood
Former rich-lister finally unmasked more than five years after first charged.
Commerce Commission inquiry into bank profits slated to launch tomorrow
It follows calls from the National and Green parties and the Reserve Bank for an inquiry.
Today FM lawsuits tipped, expert believes shutdown may have been a 'sham'
Staff at the talkback radio station were gutted and brought to tears.
Rejected: Grace Millane's killer loses appeal over sex attacks on two other women
Jesse Kempson's bid to have his convictions and sentences quashed has failed.
Prominent businessman returns to prison after appeals dismissed
The former rich-lister, however, can still not be named and is seeking another appeal.
Live: Supply helicopters grounded as storm tracks down NZ; tornado hits Waihi Beach; wild weather wreaks havoc
If the rain continued overnight, then the timing may feel a bit like déjà vu for some.
Digging in: Hawke’s Bay prepares for another deluge
With the area still saturated, many are concerned about further slips and flooding.
'Everything the water touched': Residents begin dumping flood-contaminated possessions
In the trash, a world globe that was once vibrant blue and green, now stained dirty brown.
Cyclone Gabrielle: 1000 displaced in Hawke's Bay, Wairoa goes dark
Dramatic aerial photos also show the devastation to the region.
'We’re on one knee now': Coromandel swamped by surging seas, road network 'totally compromised'
Vital roads in the area are also underwater or are blocked by debris.
Live: Tauranga house 'in the middle of road'; up to four dead in Auckland; more thunderstorms loom; Waitomo declares state of emergency
Auckland is under a state of emergency following record rainfall and widespread damage.
Live: Up to 4 dead; aerial images reveal homes on the brink; PM lands; Watch: Bus floats down road
Auckland is under a state of emergency following record rainfall and widespread damage.
Ardern looks forward to Neve's first day at school
Last month, Ardern said the only thing she thinks consistently about is being a mum.
'The environment has changed': Preferred candidate for AT's top job says thanks, but no thanks
Super City Mayor Wayne Brown has been heavily critical of the council's transport arm.
US court halts imports of fish caught in Māui dolphin habitat
Recent estimates show just 48 to 64 individual dolphins over the age of one remain.
Suitcase murder case: Suspect in police custody, due in court tomorrow
Three NZ police officers travelled to South Korea to transport her back to Auckland.
'Not well aligned with some of the new leadership': Another AT board member resigns
Mayor Wayne Brown has been scathing with his criticism of the council's transport agency.
Watch: 'Firm and fact-based' - Ardern denies Govt is soft on crime
Many dairies across the country will shut their stores today for two hours in protest.
Former National Party president named as political figure in prominent businessman’s trial
Michelle Boag was today revealed as the political figure named in the high-profile case.
Media firm Stuff proposes changes to newsrooms but won't say if jobs will be lost
Stuff is seeking feedback from staff about future changes.
Pushpay insider trading case: Accused argues for anonymity
The case is the largest such proceeding in NZ history by the value of shares traded.
Labour and National donations trial: Jami-Lee Ross cleared, split verdicts for others
The SFO prosecution involved seven people, including a NZ Order of Merit recipient.
Auckland man found not guilty of sexually violating Kiwi musician
Jurors acquit Auckland man of sexually violating a musician at accused's home in 2013.
'I felt like a lamb to slaughter': Kiwi musician questioned about sexual violation claims
The accused's defence lawyer suggested the musician consented to any sexual activity.
Kiwi musician alleges they were sexually violated and 'potentially drugged'
Musician says they were sexually violated in an Auckland man's home in 2013.
Spy allegations and 'stellar' reputation cited as reasons for accused's secrecy
The start of the joint trial was delayed because of a positive Covid-19.
Winston Peters lashes out at 'spurious allegations' after NZ First Foundation acquittals
Two men were accused by the SFO of attempting to conceal nearly $750,000 in donations.
NZ First Foundation case: Accused pair not guilty of donations fraud
The pair were charged by the SFO just before the 2020 general election.
NZ First Foundation case: Identities of accused pair permanently suppressed
A group of media companies has for years argued the duo should be identified.
'Promise I'm not flying to Wanaka': Another Auckland lawyer guilty of lockdown jaunt
Lawyer convicted for busting out of Covid-19 lockdown last year and boasting about jaunt.
'We're failing now': ED wait times the longest in a decade, Nats claim
The latest data shows average ED wait times are a little under five hours.
NZ First Foundation case: Accused argues elections at risk if named
Verdicts in the case are expected to be delivered in the coming week.
Political figure takes suppression battle to Supreme Court
The political figure's lawyer says their client was dragged into an 'awful conspiracy'.
'I was behind them all': Brian Tamaki seemingly admits organising anti-mandate protests
The Destiny Church leader is facing court action for his alleged involvement in protests.
Covid wage subsidy fraud: Govt targets seven more for prosecution
MSD targets more for prosecution while the SFO continues to investigate the big fish.
Country Calendar uproar: Lake Hawea Station's Geoff Ross hits back at critics
Geoff Ross says trialling alternative methods is 'how sectors advance'.
Political figure loses suppression appeal but may seek Supreme Court date
The Herald is arguing for identifying political figure named during high-profile case.
Malaysian government prevents football fraud accused from returning to NZ
The charges are over the construction and funding of a $17m football complex in Auckland.
Former staffer lifts curtain on NZ First funding issues
The SFO accuses two men of deception over nearly $750,000 in political donations.
Public kept 'in the dark' over NZ First donations, says prosecutor
The long-awaited political donations trial began in Auckland today.
Pair of roading company directors named in bribery case
The SFO charged six people this year over what a judge has called an 'elaborate scheme'.
Strike-off sought for former Russell McVeagh partner
The case became fundamental to starting New Zealand's #MeToo movement.
Political figure fights for suppression in former rich-lister's case
The political figure's lawyer said they had been dragged into an 'awful conspiracy'.
'I was terrified of him': Survivor of serial teen rapist speaks out about 'calculating predator' at school
Victims confront serial teen sex offender who changed the trajectory of many young lives.
Former employee admits taking bribes for contracts in roading corruption case
The alleged scheme saw millions of dollars in bribes and contracts exchange hands.
SFO closes investigation into Auckland mayor Phil Goff
The investigation focused on fundraising donations that were made in 2016 and 2019.
Political figure seeks further bid to keep suppression in former rich-lister's case
The ongoing legal battle centres around the crimes of a wealthy businessman.
Former ADHB employee accused of taking bribe for medical supplies
The ex-worker also allegedly disclosed confidential information to an IT firm.
Political figure loses suppression bid v media firms but still can't be named
High Court sides with media and says the public should know the identity of the person.
Banker behind Ponzi scheme became painter behind bars
The 72-year-old once handled millions of dollars but now dabbles as an artist.
Labour Party art auctions: Charged businessmen also accused in National donations case
The donations involved art auctions and a Chinese imperial robe at a Labour Party event.
Political figure fights for secrecy in corrupt wealthy businessman's case
The political character refutes any involvement in the former rich-lister's conspiracy.
Former East Wind manager facing SFO charges over alleged Ponzi scheme
After the company's director died, more than 200 creditors claimed to be owed $45m.