Shannon Pitman is an Open Justice court reporter based in Whangārei covering the Northland Courts.
With a keen interest in unravelling the intricacies of legal proceedings, Shannon is committed to ensuring transparency and accessibility in the justice system. Shannon holds whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai, and Ngāti Pūkenga, grounding her work in a deep understanding of the local community and its values. This connection to her roots fosters a sense of responsibility in her reporting, ensuring that stories are told with cultural sensitivity and respect. Her focus on crime and justice reporting stems from a genuine belief in the importance of holding institutions accountable and giving a voice to those affected by legal processes. Through her work, Shannon strives to bridge the gap between the legal system and the public, demystifying complex legal proceedings and fostering a greater understanding of the issues at hand. As an Open Justice court reporter, her commitment to excellence in reporting, coupled with her cultural awareness and digital media expertise, sets her apart as a valuable contributor to the field of crime and justice journalism in Te Tai Tokerau. You can contact Shannon at shannon.pitman@nzme.co.nz.
Jail for two offenders who continue to flout court orders
The men were hoping for one last chance to adjourn their sentencings but failed.
‘This is unusual': Parent flip-flops on drowsy daughter’s condition in attempted murder trial
The parent came home to find their partner overdosed on drugs and slumped over in a chair.
Whangārei woman on vigilante mission likened to Mike Tyson for ear-biting assault
The woman launched a vicious attack on a man after hearing allegations about him.
Brain injury battle: Court overturns ACC decision cutting payments
Despite numerous practitioners advising he was unfit for work, ACC disagreed.
Midwife claimed $82k for 172 babies - despite not providing full care
The midwife attributed discrepancies in paperwork to sabotage by her ex-husband.
Suspicious girlfriend unearths man's 20 years of sexual offending
The woman went through his phone and discovered explicit images and recordings.
'Who’s he remorseful to? Himself?': Boss didn't pay staff Kiwisaver, super, loan deducations
William Eskdale admitted 28 charges totalling more than $150K of unpaid taxes.
Controversial subdivision signed off - but homeowners won't be allowed cats or dogs
119 homes will be built on a sprawling piece of land within a kiwi habitat.
Notorious meth dealer: 'I wanted to be a dealer with a heart'
Serenity Grace Tebbutt was visibly shocked as she was jailed for supply drugs.
Skipper fined $131k for Russell ferry crash that paralysed captain
'The message for other skippers is, it is your responsibility to stay alert.'
Smash and grabs, ram raids, stolen cars: More than 120 teens arrested
An 11-year-old was caught after allegedly breaking into a vape store on a school night.
'You are going to jail': Only one outcome for violent teen in jewellery store robbery
He herded employees into the back of the store and attacked one with a crowbar.
'Moment of stupidity': Honoured citizen pulled rifle on boy racers
But now he has been discharged without conviction for his actions.
Employment dispute at Northland Fire HQ involves Kaipara's deputy mayor
Jonathan Larsen refused to take other offers from the station unless they were permanent.
'Unwilling to comply': $15,000 added to luxury resort's mounting debt
Carrington Resort paid court-ordered $14,000 only when a bailiff showed up.
Police misuse of database sparks disciplinary action against Counties Manukau officers
The officer used the database 'out of curiosity', comparing it to browsing social media.
Three courts rule conviction remains for man who attempted to rape friend
The man took his case all the way to the Supreme Court... and lost.
Woman dies from stage four cancer after DHB's systemic failures
The post-menopausal woman had been bleeding on and off for five years.
'It was like herding cats': Dad accused of abuse describes challenges of raising five boys
The father allegedly threatened to execute his sons after the Aramoana massacre.
'When are you going to grow up?' Judge blasts dad who punched man at kids' rugby
Lindon Matthews claims he was offended at the way another dad looked at him.
Asian cuisine expert paid $116k for visa - then worked 14hr days for fractional pay
Chef Jian Zhang endured long shifts exceeding 70 hours per week at Panda Restaurant.
Principal withdrew $30k from school funds at pubs, restaurants and casinos
The principal made 117 unauthorised transactions over two years.
'Say goodbye to each other': Dad allegedly threatened sons after Aramoana massacre
The man is facing 38 historical charges of abuse on his children.
'You can't tame the ocean': Lawyers close their case for Enchanter tragedy
Judge Philip Rzepecky will decide whether the skipper risked his customers' lives.
Restaurant owners who extorted staff, paid them less than $8 an hour, to pay $99K
The staff were told they had to give their employers $30,000 or risk deportation.
'I can still hear the alarms going off': Workers' terrifying ordeal in Michael Hill robbery
A remorseful 19-year-old is now behind bars for his role in the aggravated robbery.
Coroner rules Dunedin man’s death from Covid vax may have been prevented
HDC finds failing to provide information was a prima facie breach of the health code.
Man's 20-year battle: Council still liable to pay millions after losing resource consent
The Court of Appeal has ruled and the council must still pay.
Former lawyer jailed for sharing child sex abuse images
His offending was discovered after Customs received a tip from a US agency.
'The most indiscreet name imaginable': Man imports $5.5m of meth as 'Quade Cooper'
He created fake IDs using aliases', including one of the Australian rugby star.
Expert believes Enchanter boat should have stayed put amid 'gnarly and confused' weather
The Enchanter skipper continues to stand trial following the deaths of five men.
'Now I drown': Enchanter skipper on being trapped under upturned boat
Goodhew survived by finding a pocket of air and thought 'I'm going to die'.
'Rough as s***': Evidence given about weather on day of Enchanter tragedy, discrepancies arise
'It was horrendous, I wouldn’t put my workers through that': cray boat skipper.
'Like a freight train': Survivor's harrowing account of wave that destroyed Enchanter
'The hull was upside down, propellers were spinning, and there was smoke in the air.'
Enchanter survivor describes massive wave flipping boat in an ‘instant’
The three-week trial of skipper Lance Goodhew has started in the Whangārei District Court.
Enchanter fishing boat tragedy: Five deaths, several charges, one upcoming trial
The three-week trial starts on Monday in Whangārei. Here's what you need to know.
'A self-destructive cycle': Jealousy and meth blamed for man's violence
He subjected his partner to a series of violent acts, including strangulation.
Security guards attack teen caught tagging at Viaduct
The guards resorted to violence, then lied to the police about what happened.
'I was stuck for a year and a half': Stepdad allegedly abused girl for 18 months
The man claims it's untrue and the allegations stem from a custody dispute with her mum.
'It will be prison': Bus driver, 71, put 'on notice' after kissing boy
The man groomed the boy through their mutual interest in toy cars.
‘Better sleep with one eye open’: Ex-partner jailed for vicious campsite hammer attack
Michael Bracey texted his ex saying her new partner should 'sleep with one eye open'.
Onerahi man who allowed meth to be cooked in his home sentenced
The Whangārei man is the fourth person to be sentenced who was involved in the syndicate.
'Frivolous and vexatious proceedings': Māori land court judge condemns pointless litigation
The judge was not impressed with the man pointlessly wasting Māori Land Court time.
Name suppression lapses for Far North murder accused
A homicide inquiry was started after a woman died at Houhora Heads Holiday Park.
Man avoids jail for several assaults, including bat attack at Whangārei petrol station
The 21-year-old man violently assaulted three people within a few months.
Our system was hacked: Security boss's excuse for not paying employee
Red Guard Security has been ordered to pay the employee more than $9000.
Man charged with rape of 13-year-old claims she wanted sex lesson
The man took the stand and pointed the finger at his wife, claiming she set him up.
'Police officers should be able to go to work without being assaulted': Judge
A man has been found guilty of assaulting two police officers - but he plans to appeal.
Man pleads not guilty in fatal Panguru dog mauling case
Neville Thomson died after a pack of dogs attacked him at his property.
Text from man’s phone allegedly admitted to rape - but who sent it?
'I did rape a girl. 12 years old' - the alleged message said.
'Anyone can consent, whatever their age': Defence for man accused of raping 13yo niece
The man was babysitting his niece while her mother went to play the pokies.
Prisoner held 33 days longer than his sentence loses $11k compensation
Court of Appeal issues decision after deputy registrar and judge make mistake.
Shot down: Gun City told to stop making 'world's largest gun store' claim
Advertising complaint board members unanimous that ad is misleading
'The monster who wears a mask': Judo champ jailed for 33 years of child sex abuse
Barry Madden preyed on three children for more than three decades.
Driver called to get teens home safely was high on meth
Jacinda Sione-Lauaki was killed when Duanne Towgood lost control on a corner and crashed.
Police investigation into homicide continues, men linked to case sentenced
Teina Pickering was found dead on a Ruakākā road in October last year.
Drink-driving learner kills best mate in high-speed crash
A judge says the tragedy was characterised by impulsiveness and recklessness.
'Why would anyone throw a hot pie at a kid?' Judge questions aunt's disturbing behaviour
The woman threw a hot pie in the face of a child.
'Fear and Nightmares': Man in trusted position sexually abused young girl
The man manipulated sleeping arrangements to ensure he was always next to the child.
Man charged with murder spends time in dock making heart shapes, waving at co-accused
The man, woman and a third person have been charged with the murder of Euan Mackey.
'Forgive me': Man distracted by noise from his Hilux kills 85yo beside life partner
Rikki Gordon crossed the centreline, killing an elderly man who was in an oncoming car.
'Despicable legacy': Dad drugged, violated daughter then shared videos of it on Twitter
Crown: 'She will suffer this harm until the day she dies'.
Northland man charged with murder of Palmerston North man
Damon O'Rourke was shot in January this year and died from his injuries.
'Who owns the trailer?': The question that left council lawyers floundering in court
The council ticketed the man for parking a car and trailer over a driveway.
'The courage it took to escape': Man kidnapped by armed Rebels, bound, thrown in boot
The victim didn't know whether he would live or die.
'I felt half my face, my jaw drop': Man disfigured by gangster yelling 'Killer Beez'
He was left with a 10cm scar after being cut from his ear to his mouth.
'They didn’t tell me I was under arrest, they just grabbed me'
Daniel Bond claimed in court he was arrested after seeking an officer’s identification.
Concrete company fined for discharging contaminants into harbour
The water contained slurry and flowed into nearby culverts and reaching mangroves.
Troubled tenant stabbed landlord multiple times before locking herself in her room
'She violently attacked her landlords, who had twice welcomed her into their home.'
Man denies assaulting police during arrest, claims excessive force used
The man claimed a sergeant used excessive force during the arrest.
'No way did I consent': Woman given mesh treatment instead of hysterectomy
It was four months before she found out what type of surgery she'd had.
'Landless, foodless, cultureless but not hopeless': Hapū gives evidence in landmark MACA case
Te Parawhau hapū members were the first to give evidence in the hearing.
Man killed in crash by Fulton Hogan worker - brother attacks road crew with meat cleaver
Only months prior, Nicholas Pukeroa lost his brother.
Man admits causing crash at intersection - but was it dangerous or careless driving?
Witnesses gave evidence John Reti was passing cars on the inside lane.
'It hit me like a bomb': Mum describes moment daughter disclosed alleged abuse
Family friend accused of raping the then 9-year-old, who thought he wanted to marry her.
Dog owner's charge upgraded to manslaughter after fatal mauling incident
The charge was upgraded after concerns from a judge at his last court hearing.
Underfed, emaciated: Dairy farmers failed to give cows enough food
One cow was so thin and unsteady on its feet that a vet recommended it be euthanised.
Retire or get help: Elderly farmer fined for neglect of cows that were euthanised
A neighbour reported a cow lying in the yard was "barely alive".