Tara Shaskey is a news director and Open Justice reporter, based in Taranaki.
Tara Shaskey began her journalism career in 2014 as a motoring reporter for Stuff before taking on other rounds such as crime and justice, arts and entertainment, and Māori issues. In 2022, she joined NZME as part of the Open Justice project, a specialist team of multimedia journalists who cover a wide range of courts, tribunals, and legal issues across New Zealand. You can contact Tara at tara.shaskey@nzme.co.nz.
!['You or your mum:' Boy woke next to grave dug by dad, told to choose who was going in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'You or your mum:' Boy woke next to grave dug by dad, told to choose who was going in
More than a decade of man's 'monstrous' violence against partner and son comes to an end.
![New police investigation into infamous prison escapee and murderer Phillip John Smith](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New police investigation into infamous prison escapee and murderer Phillip John Smith
He was jailed for life in 1995 for murdering the father of a boy he sexually abused.
!['Screaming for his life': Violent home invasion after brothers booted from Halloween party](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Screaming for his life': Violent home invasion after brothers booted from Halloween party
A girl hid under her blanket on the floor after windows were smashed around her.
!['Foolish' dealer filmed himself cooking meth, couriering drugs and cash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Foolish' dealer filmed himself cooking meth, couriering drugs and cash
Now Kodee Kee-Sue has been jailed for more than 13 years.
!['Vigilante, self-help violence': Fisherman's life upended by father and son in jetty assault](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Vigilante, self-help violence': Fisherman's life upended by father and son in jetty assault
The man was beaten, knocked off the jetty and held underwater.
![Ex international sports star charged with posting 'nude images' of woman online](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex international sports star charged with posting 'nude images' of woman online
The alleged offending occurred on four separate occasions over two weeks.
!['Cruel and brutal treatment': Mother who murdered toddler claims sentence is unjust](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Cruel and brutal treatment': Mother who murdered toddler claims sentence is unjust
Southern Thompson said her difficult background and remorse warranted a greater discount.
![Man with lung condition dies 40 minutes after 'unsafe discharge' from hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man with lung condition dies 40 minutes after 'unsafe discharge' from hospital
Patient in his 80s was still struggling to breathe and had no proper care plan in place.
![Lawless rampage: What car-jacking fugitive did after dumping baby on roadside](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lawless rampage: What car-jacking fugitive did after dumping baby on roadside
Michael Smith stole a car that had a baby asleep in the backseat. Then he went on the lam.
![Gang member 'squatting' on beachside property takes eviction fight to Supreme Court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gang member 'squatting' on beachside property takes eviction fight to Supreme Court
Kevin Moore has been illegally occupying Māori coastal land for the past 11 years.
![Violent history revealed of man guilty of burning his 'soulmate' to death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Violent history revealed of man guilty of burning his 'soulmate' to death
Leigh Beer has been found guilty of murdering Emma Field. Now his history can be revealed.
![Taranaki man found guilty of murdering 'soulmate' after setting her mattress alight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki man found guilty of murdering 'soulmate' after setting her mattress alight
Emma Field was alive but likely unconscious when the blaze took hold.
![Car-jacker who left baby on roadside admits motor theft, disputes abduction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Car-jacker who left baby on roadside admits motor theft, disputes abduction
There was a baby inside the stolen vehicle who was then abandoned on a berm.
![Man accused of bedroom fire murder either a 'failed hero' or 'caught red-handed'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man accused of bedroom fire murder either a 'failed hero' or 'caught red-handed'
Emma Field was alive but likely unconscious when a fire took hold of her bedroom.
![Woman allegedly murdered in bedroom blaze was unconscious, trapped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman allegedly murdered in bedroom blaze was unconscious, trapped
Emma Field was alive when the fire took hold.
!['Shocked and mortified': TSB Bank teller stole from customers to feed gambling habit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Shocked and mortified': TSB Bank teller stole from customers to feed gambling habit
The woman picked her victims carefully - they were either elderly or had health issues.
![Kiwi got partner out of jail with forged letters claiming terminal cancer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi got partner out of jail with forged letters claiming terminal cancer
But two years later, the fraud was discovered and it all came crashing down.
![Firefighter recalls finding alleged murder victim's body in dark, burnt-out room](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Firefighter recalls finding alleged murder victim's body in dark, burnt-out room
Emma Field was alive but likely unconscious when the blaze took hold of her bedroom.
!['I didn’t do it': Ex-mobster loses his cool while giving evidence in murder trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I didn’t do it': Ex-mobster loses his cool while giving evidence in murder trial
Defence accused him of torching the place after breaking in and assaulting the woman.
![Dragged to his death: Now the woman involved is up for parole and says she's sorry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dragged to his death: Now the woman involved is up for parole and says she's sorry
Jacob Ramsay was beaten over money he owed and then chained to a car and dragged.
!['I was screaming': Murder-accused emotionally recalls trying to save partner from fatal fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I was screaming': Murder-accused emotionally recalls trying to save partner from fatal fire
But he claims he can't remember much else, including how the blaze broke out.
![Koha the roaming Staffy's life on the line after killing an 18yo sun-bathing cat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Koha the roaming Staffy's life on the line after killing an 18yo sun-bathing cat
He was impounded and facing possible destruction while his owner was taken to court.
!['Conditioned to it': Murder-accused 'disrespectful' to partner on night of fatal fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Conditioned to it': Murder-accused 'disrespectful' to partner on night of fatal fire
The 21-year-old was alive but likely unconscious when her bedroom was engulfed in flames.
!['I love you': Parents of alleged murder victim recall their daughter’s final goodbye](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I love you': Parents of alleged murder victim recall their daughter’s final goodbye
The 21 year old was alive but likely unconscious when a fire took hold and killed her.
!['Left her to burn to death': Murder-accused allegedly torched sleeping partner's bed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Left her to burn to death': Murder-accused allegedly torched sleeping partner's bed
The 21yo was alive but likely unconscious when her bedroom was engulfed in flames.
!['Extreme weather': Neighbour to pay up after scoria, foliage blocks drains amid 2023 storms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Extreme weather': Neighbour to pay up after scoria, foliage blocks drains amid 2023 storms
The affected neighbour took time off work to clean up and had to get in a drainlayer.
!['Govt sanctioned cultivation of cannabis': Judge's concern about legal scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Govt sanctioned cultivation of cannabis': Judge's concern about legal scheme
Licensed cannabis growers can currently legally obtain illicit seeds and plants.
![Police claim security worker is a Tribesmen, he says 'he surrendered his patch'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police claim security worker is a Tribesmen, he says 'he surrendered his patch'
Verner Saimasi argued he cut ties with the gang and turned his life around.
!['Highly culpable': Farmer milked cow even after 'part of her udder dropped off'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Highly culpable': Farmer milked cow even after 'part of her udder dropped off'
Some of Ray Nairn's ill-treated cows needed to be euthanised.
!['Surreal, raw and tender': Murder-accused in court after death at accommodation complex](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Surreal, raw and tender': Murder-accused in court after death at accommodation complex
Whatitiri Whakaruru, 26, died last month after being fatally stabbed in South Taranaki.
![Wanted man arrested, facing drugs and car theft charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wanted man arrested, facing drugs and car theft charges
Police made a public appeal to help locate Quaide Clements.
![Woman charged in relation to stolen car with baby inside appears in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman charged in relation to stolen car with baby inside appears in court
The baby was left on the roadside by the alleged thieves.
![Teen dies of asthma after 111 call-taker botches questions, causing 28-min wait](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen dies of asthma after 111 call-taker botches questions, causing 28-min wait
Her family say the emergency services failure has created a wound that will never heal.
![Meth ‘kingpin’ stripped of $80k in Louis Vuitton, Versace goods, gold jewellery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Meth ‘kingpin’ stripped of $80k in Louis Vuitton, Versace goods, gold jewellery
Police said the offending had unlawfully benefitted him to the tune of $191,350.
!['A poor show all-around': Drink-driver caught after hitting off-duty cop's car](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A poor show all-around': Drink-driver caught after hitting off-duty cop's car
Matters then got worse when the driver tried to punch the officer in the face.
![Gang member admits firing gun at rival in incident that shutdown Wellington Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gang member admits firing gun at rival in incident that shutdown Wellington Hospital
Tensions between the Black Power and Mongrel Mob members began earlier at a motel.
![Cheating suspicions fuel frenzied scissors attack on sleeping partner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cheating suspicions fuel frenzied scissors attack on sleeping partner
She later phoned him from prison to coax him into telling police he lied about the attack.
![Gang boss 'slighted' over stealing claim leads brutal bashing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gang boss 'slighted' over stealing claim leads brutal bashing
The victim was on his couch when three gang members walked into his home and attacked him.
![End of the road: Highest court rejects serial rapist and killer Malcolm Rewa's appeal bid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
End of the road: Highest court rejects serial rapist and killer Malcolm Rewa's appeal bid
Lawyers wanted the Supreme Court to hear his case but it has declined.
![Love rival shooter: Obsessed stalker not ready to leave jail yet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Love rival shooter: Obsessed stalker not ready to leave jail yet
Krishan Dick-Karetai shot his love interest's partner in the head.
![Much-loved pāpā and koro died after botched ED intubation procedure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Much-loved pāpā and koro died after botched ED intubation procedure
The man was starved of oxygen, causing a fatal brain injury.
!['Particularly nasty': Court rejects rapist's latest bid to avoid deportation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Particularly nasty': Court rejects rapist's latest bid to avoid deportation
The Kiribati national arrived in New Zealand in 2008. Two years later, he raped a woman.
![Gang hopeful wins Supreme Court case, manslaughter conviction to be quashed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gang hopeful wins Supreme Court case, manslaughter conviction to be quashed
Justin Burke has maintained he didn't know Shayne Heappey would be stabbed.
![Black Power veteran illegally 'squatting' on coastal land eyes another round in eviction fight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Power veteran illegally 'squatting' on coastal land eyes another round in eviction fight
Kevin Moore claims he is tangata whenua and refuses to move from the beachside property.
![Emotional, explosive scenes as whānau face killer meth driver](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Emotional, explosive scenes as whānau face killer meth driver
Jacob Greacen was on meth, fatigued and speeding when he crashed into a car, killing two.
![Black Power member illegally squatting on beachfront land for 11 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Power member illegally squatting on beachfront land for 11 years
Kevin Moore claims he is tangata whenua and refuses to move from the beachside land.
!['Vulnerable to exploitation': Owner of failed restaurant to pay $95,000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Vulnerable to exploitation': Owner of failed restaurant to pay $95,000
The order came years after Shen Yuan closed the doors to Hua Restaurant.
![Con woman who killed elderly widower with steam iron shows 'worrying' behaviour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Con woman who killed elderly widower with steam iron shows 'worrying' behaviour
Julianna Nuku's 'entitled and demanding' ways have the Parole Board concerned.
!['It takes two people': Rapist attempts to blame teen victim for harrowing sex attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It takes two people': Rapist attempts to blame teen victim for harrowing sex attack
He raped the teen three times and had his associates film part of the act.
!['Tell me I'm your boyfriend': Teen woke to armed mobster in her bedroom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Tell me I'm your boyfriend': Teen woke to armed mobster in her bedroom
Anthony Pearce, who also stabbed a man in the neck, has argued against his sentence.
!['Too fat to eat KFC': Daycare owner mistreated children, bullied staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Too fat to eat KFC': Daycare owner mistreated children, bullied staff
The woman has now been stripped of her teaching registration and ordered to pay $40k.
![Father and son attack fisherman thinking he had lured child with money](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Father and son attack fisherman thinking he had lured child with money
The man was beaten, knocked off the jetty and held underwater.
!['Under our watch': Programme for at-risk youth breaks silence after teen kills camper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Under our watch': Programme for at-risk youth breaks silence after teen kills camper
The teen was on a programme for troubled youth when he killed Adrian Humphreys.
!['Only a monster could have done that': Family of slain camper address teen killer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Only a monster could have done that': Family of slain camper address teen killer
The teen was on a programme for at-risk youth when he fatally stabbed Adrian Humphreys.
![Vulnerable man begged for his life as flatmate murdered him](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Vulnerable man begged for his life as flatmate murdered him
The 59yo victim was controlled by his killer who regularly beat the man.
![Teen pleads innocence as life term handed down for murdering camper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen pleads innocence as life term handed down for murdering camper
The teen was on a programme for at-risk youth when he fatally stabbed Adrian Humphreys.
![Woman who stabbed victim in the back has her jail term reduced](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman who stabbed victim in the back has her jail term reduced
Attacker waited for her victim to return home, then stabbed her in the back.
![Hotpot for one? Single diner takes action against restaurant over Chinese dish](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hotpot for one? Single diner takes action against restaurant over Chinese dish
A dining policy discriminated against the man's marital status - or so he claimed.
![Group buying drugs at motel launch brutal attack on 'child molester'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Group buying drugs at motel launch brutal attack on 'child molester'
The man had a knife held to his throat and was accused of being a sex offender.
![Puppies, cryptocurrency and offshore scammers: How one Kiwi became a money mule](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Puppies, cryptocurrency and offshore scammers: How one Kiwi became a money mule
He gave a mystery perpetrator his bank account to use, creating multiple victims.
!['Zero to 100': Mum with no criminal history stole $140k from relative, involved in stabbing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Zero to 100': Mum with no criminal history stole $140k from relative, involved in stabbing
Mihiata Morgan's offending history went from 'zero to 100', her lawyer said.
![Five years for answers: Grieving mum's wait for teen's crash death findings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five years for answers: Grieving mum's wait for teen's crash death findings
Olivia Keightley-Trigg was killed in 2018 by a dangerous driver.
![Officer justified in shooting at man in lengthy siege that shut down schools, highway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Officer justified in shooting at man in lengthy siege that shut down schools, highway
The armed man allegedly shot at police before the 14-hour stand-off.
![Refugee flees cartel-connected abductor bent on revenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Refugee flees cartel-connected abductor bent on revenge
The man spent time in hiding before eventually moving to New Zealand.
![Youth running coach's jailhouse confession: '140 to 150 additional victims'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Youth running coach's jailhouse confession: '140 to 150 additional victims'
Alan Rubick has been in jail for the past decade for sexual offending against boys.
![Jailed rapist claims sexsomnia made him offend, Supreme Court to hear his case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jailed rapist claims sexsomnia made him offend, Supreme Court to hear his case
He maintains he was asleep when he raped the woman and has no memory of the attack.
![Jailed Dilworth housemaster grilled on whether there are more victims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jailed Dilworth housemaster grilled on whether there are more victims
Ian Wilson was asked the questions while at his third unsuccessful parole hearing.
!['Put a nail through your skull': Builder who threatened foreman awarded $9k](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Put a nail through your skull': Builder who threatened foreman awarded $9k
The colleagues' argument began over the volume of music and the use of a pencil.
![Nurse cleared of inappropriately touching a tetraplegic patient's genitals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nurse cleared of inappropriately touching a tetraplegic patient's genitals
The nurse admitted to touching the patient's genitals but only to change his catheter.
!['I can’t explain how broken I am': Widow's grief after young dad dies in mill accident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I can’t explain how broken I am': Widow's grief after young dad dies in mill accident
Sorav Saini, a father of two, died after becoming stuck in a machine.
!['This is huge': Gail Maney granted appeal hearing to fight ‘Gone Fishing’ conviction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'This is huge': Gail Maney granted appeal hearing to fight ‘Gone Fishing’ conviction
Gail Maney spent 15 years in prison for ordering the murder of Deane Fuller-Sandys.
!['Tragic situation': Timber mill worker dies in machinery incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Tragic situation': Timber mill worker dies in machinery incident
WorkSafe is investigating following the death of the New Plymouth employee.
![How a Kiwi avoided exile after $200k burglary that allegedly involved killing pet dog 'Gucci'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How a Kiwi avoided exile after $200k burglary that allegedly involved killing pet dog 'Gucci'
The teen ransacked the family's Sydney home, making off with designer goods and jewellery.
![Notorious murderer and prison escapee Phillip John Smith takes Parole Board to court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Notorious murderer and prison escapee Phillip John Smith takes Parole Board to court
He claims the board 'misinterpreted' parts of the law when considering him for release.
![Trainee doctor avoids conviction for crash as it could jeopardise his career](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trainee doctor avoids conviction for crash as it could jeopardise his career
But he's avoided conviction after a judge ruled it could jeopardise his medical career.
!['Unhinged' businessman raped wife next to sleeping children](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unhinged' businessman raped wife next to sleeping children
It occurred amid the man's obsession with opposing the Government's Covid-19 mandates.
![Jailed serial rapist barred from contacting daughters after sending them 'provocative' drawings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jailed serial rapist barred from contacting daughters after sending them 'provocative' drawings
The artwork featured females in 'fairly provocative poses and dressed in very little'.
![Bigamy, abuse and 'human-trafficking': How a mother and son found 'sanctuary' in New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bigamy, abuse and 'human-trafficking': How a mother and son found 'sanctuary' in New Zealand
They weren't destined for New Zealand but once they landed, they instantly sought refuge.