Tracy Neal is a courts and tribunals reporter based in Nelson for the New Zealand Herald. She works as a court reporter covering Nelson and Blenheim courts and tribunal decisions nationwide.
Tracy Neal is one of the Open Justice reporting team covering courts and justice for the New Zealand Herald, and its regional partner in Nelson-Marlborough, Top South Media. She began her career as a cadet reporter for the Nelson Evening Mail in the mid-1980s, did her OE, freelanced, worked as a travel writer for trade press in Auckland on her return to NZ, then returned to Nelson and her old desk back at the Mail. Tracy was RNZ's regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough for six years, where she learned the fine art of cutting and compiling audio for radio. She also prepared court news from her patch for NZME's Newstalk ZB news network. Over the years Tracy has covered everything from this region, from crime to courts to local government, plus natural disasters and some large civil defence emergencies. You can contact Tracy at tracy.neal@nzme.co.nz.
![‘I hope he haunts you’: He died chasing his stolen Merc, thief left him entombed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘I hope he haunts you’: He died chasing his stolen Merc, thief left him entombed
Allister Christie's body was found the next day, still trapped in his submerged car.
![Man gave partner Valentine's Day slap, covered her mouth then pinned her down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man gave partner Valentine's Day slap, covered her mouth then pinned her down
'The common thread was his destructive use of methamphetamine.'
![Homestead burned to the ground in 'revenge' blaze started by ex-partner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Homestead burned to the ground in 'revenge' blaze started by ex-partner
Hamish Ray hung his head and cried as the consequences of his actions sunk in.
![Man refused alcohol threatens supermarket worker: 'Stab a knife in your fat gut'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man refused alcohol threatens supermarket worker: 'Stab a knife in your fat gut'
He arrived dragging a road cone under his car and left without the alcohol he wanted.
!['Failure in system' led to swab being left in woman after hysterectomy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Failure in system' led to swab being left in woman after hysterectomy
But it remains unclear how the South Auckland surgical error happened.
![Pantry was empty, kids were hungry - so woman stole $8k worth of grocery items](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pantry was empty, kids were hungry - so woman stole $8k worth of grocery items
The Nelson woman's lawyer says she's trying to be a productive member of society now.
![Leaky garage: 'Inaccurate' statement comes back to bite seller three years later](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leaky garage: 'Inaccurate' statement comes back to bite seller three years later
Former owner liable for $29k repair costs because of what he said when he owned it.
![Man collected 1.2m child exploitation images over 20 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man collected 1.2m child exploitation images over 20 years
'They were real victims and their suffering was recorded for the world to see.'
!['I'll kill you:' Man attacks victims with a bike seat, later kills pet bunny](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I'll kill you:' Man attacks victims with a bike seat, later kills pet bunny
A few days later he threw a pet bunny against the wall, killing it instantly.
![Former mayor confronts intruder, who had a nail gun, trying to 'claim' her house](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former mayor confronts intruder, who had a nail gun, trying to 'claim' her house
'He was screaming and ranting at me, and I just thought, ‘I have to protect myself''.
![Cancer, bankruptcy and a long legal battle: One estranged couple's fight for a family home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cancer, bankruptcy and a long legal battle: One estranged couple's fight for a family home
The man argued it wasn't relationship property because he had inherited the house.
![Worker loses four fingers after his hand is caught in pizza dough machine](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Worker loses four fingers after his hand is caught in pizza dough machine
The Momma's Foods worker had to have his fingers amputated.
!['My first kiss will always be with a predator:' Man sentenced for sex offending against teen in park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'My first kiss will always be with a predator:' Man sentenced for sex offending against teen in park
'I realised I was strong enough to do something, and now, we are here.'
![$27,000 break-up: Woman takes man to tribunal over takeaways bill after fallout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$27,000 break-up: Woman takes man to tribunal over takeaways bill after fallout
She says he didn't pay her back for things like takeaways, medicine and a loan for a car.
!['The stuff of nightmares': Seasonal worker jailed after raping child at train station](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The stuff of nightmares': Seasonal worker jailed after raping child at train station
Crown prosecutor Jackson Webber said it was 'an appalling rape of a vulnerable girl'.
!['Excessive self-defence:' Woman hit man in head with fire poker after social media scrap](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Excessive self-defence:' Woman hit man in head with fire poker after social media scrap
The man turned up carrying a large knife and “asking for a fight”.
![Victim's mother remains haunted by son's 'senseless death'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Victim's mother remains haunted by son's 'senseless death'
Robert Taylor fled the scene leaving one mate dying and three others injured.
![Botched holiday: Couple lose $6k when booking site refused to budge over 'mistake'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Botched holiday: Couple lose $6k when booking site refused to budge over 'mistake'
'There are plenty of last-minute deal seekers who may have chanced upon this availability'
!['I need to change my attitude': Furious 11-time drink driver storms out on judge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I need to change my attitude': Furious 11-time drink driver storms out on judge
'You have no insight into the harm you could cause to others,' the judge said.
![Oops, he did it again: Repeat drink driver caught a week shy of finishing sentence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Oops, he did it again: Repeat drink driver caught a week shy of finishing sentence
He was driving drunk in a vehicle without a court-imposed interlock device.
![501 with more than 60 convictions thanks judge as he's sent to prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
501 with more than 60 convictions thanks judge as he's sent to prison
'Thank you judge - thank you for your understanding," the patched Comanchero said.
![Family lawyer brutally attacked in court lift played dead in hope of survival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Family lawyer brutally attacked in court lift played dead in hope of survival
'I remember waking on the floor, yelling for help and being in real fear for my life.'
![Teen gets $20k payout after being sexually harassed by boss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen gets $20k payout after being sexually harassed by boss
The 14-year-old's boss says it was normal for him to call staff “baby” and “honey”.
![Teen's 'bully boy' attack left victim with concussion, broken bones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen's 'bully boy' attack left victim with concussion, broken bones
Judge: 'If you went to prison, I don’t know you would come out a better person.'
![Officer assaulted by woman as he stopped her from walking into rescue chopper's blades](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Officer assaulted by woman as he stopped her from walking into rescue chopper's blades
She responded by kicking and punching him before trying to bite the officer's arm.
![Busted: Cleaner springs guests who booked beachside motel to make fake money](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Busted: Cleaner springs guests who booked beachside motel to make fake money
Couple checked in carrying a guillotine, printer and multiple laptop bags.
!['It’s your fault I got fired': Woman attacks colleague she blamed for job loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It’s your fault I got fired': Woman attacks colleague she blamed for job loss
Three weeks later she punched a woman stocking Easter products at The Warehouse.
![Supreme Court: Minister was wrong to cancel woman’s passport based on terrorism fears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supreme Court: Minister was wrong to cancel woman’s passport based on terrorism fears
'The briefing paper was not fair, accurate and adequate.'
!['Deeply disheartened': Govt puts aside $3.6m to fight Nelson Tenths decision before it’s landed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Deeply disheartened': Govt puts aside $3.6m to fight Nelson Tenths decision before it’s landed
'Planning an appeal before the decision is released risks undermining the process.'
![Retired man's life savings gone after sleeping skipper grounds fishing boat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Retired man's life savings gone after sleeping skipper grounds fishing boat
'I have nothing left, thanks to Simon's stupidity.'
![He parked, didn't pay and got pinged by wardens. Now he's won the case in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He parked, didn't pay and got pinged by wardens. Now he's won the case in court
Lawyer ended a long-running career with a win in court.
![Identity of man who took pics of naked children at rec centres finally revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Identity of man who took pics of naked children at rec centres finally revealed
'We are relieved the public now knows who he is' - a parent of one of the victims.
![Tākaka builder $12k out of pocket after planned gold dig in national park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tākaka builder $12k out of pocket after planned gold dig in national park
He reported his mining equipment as stolen and was then arrested.
![Teen says his life was 'turned inside out' by sexual violation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen says his life was 'turned inside out' by sexual violation
The 15-year-old said the trial then 'broke me in ways that are hard to describe'.
!['Ripped off': Kebab staff worked without pay before dinner shifts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Ripped off': Kebab staff worked without pay before dinner shifts
Workers only paid for lunch and dinner service, not the hours worked in between.
![Trainee doctor started medical procedure without anaesthetic: 'Most horrific pain'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trainee doctor started medical procedure without anaesthetic: 'Most horrific pain'
The woman screamed as she felt the electrically surging wire “cut through her cervix”.
![Husband watched wife die while waiting for ambulance after six calls to 111](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Husband watched wife die while waiting for ambulance after six calls to 111
After she collapsed in their lounge, he was told help may take 'up to several hours'.
![Russian women to get full NZ pension after overseas ones stopped by invasion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Russian women to get full NZ pension after overseas ones stopped by invasion
One of the women said the pension reduction was having an acute effect on her household.
!['Utterly inexplicable:' Prominent Kiwi winegrower fined $15k for smuggling vine cuttings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Utterly inexplicable:' Prominent Kiwi winegrower fined $15k for smuggling vine cuttings
'His knowledge of the risk would have been far greater than the average New Zealander.'
![Former homeowner ordered to cough up $5k for broken pump two years after sale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former homeowner ordered to cough up $5k for broken pump two years after sale
A plumber found it had been fouled by wet wipes.
![Guilty: Car thief caused death of Mercedes owner in high-speed crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Guilty: Car thief caused death of Mercedes owner in high-speed crash
The verdict has helped to bring closure to Allister Christie's family.
![Tribunal says real estate firm's 'numerous breaches' put public at risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tribunal says real estate firm's 'numerous breaches' put public at risk
The real estate firm says the failures were due to human error and faulty systems.
![Police Conduct Authority: Use of police dog van to knock down offender 'justified'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police Conduct Authority: Use of police dog van to knock down offender 'justified'
The offender claimed it wasn’t justified because he had surrendered before being struck.
![UK man ordered to leave NZ after raping woman he met on dating app](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
UK man ordered to leave NZ after raping woman he met on dating app
Once he's finished his sentence, he has three months to pack up and leave.
!['Crime against the community': Furniture-maker's $695k tax fraud](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Crime against the community': Furniture-maker's $695k tax fraud
Inland Revenue says his actions meant staff missed out on their KiwiSaver contributions.
![Worker mistakenly overpaid $9k quits, reneges on repayment deal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Worker mistakenly overpaid $9k quits, reneges on repayment deal
He's now resumed repayments after the Employment Relations Authority got involved.
![Stolen Mercedes trial: Who's really to blame for fatal crash?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stolen Mercedes trial: Who's really to blame for fatal crash?
The Crown says ‘it takes two’, while the defence says only one person is culpable.
!['I gunned it': Fleeing Merc thief's interview after 70yo owner died in watery crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I gunned it': Fleeing Merc thief's interview after 70yo owner died in watery crash
'I was knocked out and bleeding - I thought I was dead,' Kyle Clarke told police.
!['The car ran over itself': Final moments of fatal high-speed crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The car ran over itself': Final moments of fatal high-speed crash
A debris field was found 51 metres from where Allister Christie's car became airborne.
![70-year-old died in watery crash after chasing man driving his stolen Mercedes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
70-year-old died in watery crash after chasing man driving his stolen Mercedes
Now the car thief is on trial, accused of causing Allister Christie's death in chase.
![Struck out: Couple invoiced council for time spent responding to rates lawsuit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Struck out: Couple invoiced council for time spent responding to rates lawsuit
'It doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t constitute a defence:' Judge Tony Zohrab.
![Dented rental car: Woman's credit card charged for damage she didn't cause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dented rental car: Woman's credit card charged for damage she didn't cause
Company claimed the door wouldn't open so took money off her credit card without asking.
![Man jailed for photographing young naked children in rec centre changing rooms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man jailed for photographing young naked children in rec centre changing rooms
Crown says public need to be protected from man's 'terrifying escalation' in offending.
![Former council boss loses $271k he won in swimming pool compliance case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former council boss loses $271k he won in swimming pool compliance case
He was told feature complied with rules around the fencing of pools. Then it didn't.
![Reality check: Man cut down radio station billboard then punched the man who put it back up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Reality check: Man cut down radio station billboard then punched the man who put it back up
He told police he punched the victim because 'he asked for it'.
![Masseuse badly beaten after refusing client refund for $600 massage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Masseuse badly beaten after refusing client refund for $600 massage
She eventually pulled one of his hands off her neck and whispered 'take the money'.
![Dodgy drawings: Draftsman's ‘negligent; substandard’ work done in spare time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dodgy drawings: Draftsman's ‘negligent; substandard’ work done in spare time
The building designer said he'd learned from mistakes made 'at a difficult time'.
![Disgraced horse trainer gambled $2m before filing for bankruptcy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Disgraced horse trainer gambled $2m before filing for bankruptcy
Mitchell Kerr is now on home detention after collecting almost $10k in wage subsidies.
!['Safer at home'? Dad who went to rest home for respite care died after a fall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Safer at home'? Dad who went to rest home for respite care died after a fall
Family: 'We have suffered a lot over the past four and a half years, blaming ourselves'.
!['Hurtful comment' about unborn child prompts man to punch woman unconscious](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Hurtful comment' about unborn child prompts man to punch woman unconscious
The victim was left with facial injuries and a cut to the back of her head.
![Deadly decision: Driver saw motorcyclist coming but pulled out in front of him anyway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deadly decision: Driver saw motorcyclist coming but pulled out in front of him anyway
Anthony Keen died at the scene after hitting Chapman's car as she turned in front of him.
![‘Vulnerable’ drug mule spent more on airfares than what he earned transporting meth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Vulnerable’ drug mule spent more on airfares than what he earned transporting meth
The cost of the airfare exceeded what Natia Tupai was paid to carry the drugs.
![Estate wars: Woman goes to court after partner leaves $2m estate to his son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Estate wars: Woman goes to court after partner leaves $2m estate to his son
Karen Christiansen claimed she hadn't been adequately provided for.
![‘Perverse sexual gratification’: NZ gym coach jailed for hundreds of offences against young athletes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Perverse sexual gratification’: NZ gym coach jailed for hundreds of offences against young athletes
Gregory Pask committed more than 250 offences against the five victims identified.
![Thieving dental clinic worker claims she had a medical condition that 'made her steal'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thieving dental clinic worker claims she had a medical condition that 'made her steal'
Roxanne Arsi altered invoices sent by the clinic so the money went into her account.
![Man bashed elderly dog with mallet to 'put it out of its misery'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man bashed elderly dog with mallet to 'put it out of its misery'
Instead, Lance Tengu left the dog badly injured and it had to be put down by a vet.
!['A man who loved life': Mountain biker's fatal crash on homeward leg of track ridden many times](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A man who loved life': Mountain biker's fatal crash on homeward leg of track ridden many times
'He died doing what he loved, with the people he loved.'
![Woman awarded $1345 a week from her ex, two years after they split](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman awarded $1345 a week from her ex, two years after they split
Woman claimed she was defamed by her ex's 'vicious rumours', forced to start over.
![Supermarket thief says she's shared stolen items with others who were 'equally as desperate'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supermarket thief says she's shared stolen items with others who were 'equally as desperate'
Ebony Rapana says she was desperate, living in emergency housing and 'just did it'.
![Sovereign citizen's shoulder blade broken while resisting arrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sovereign citizen's shoulder blade broken while resisting arrest
Judge says it was a shame Megan Gordon was injured during arrest but it was no surprise.
![Man set ex-partner's home alight out of suspicion she was having an affair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man set ex-partner's home alight out of suspicion she was having an affair
Hamish Ray had earlier sent a barrage of abusive messages to his ex via social media.
![Drug dealer turned recycled goods dealer gets second chance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Drug dealer turned recycled goods dealer gets second chance
'I didn't want a criminal record - I just wanted a way out for my son.'
!['Blowing up': Car repair business blame young woman's driving for engine failure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Blowing up': Car repair business blame young woman's driving for engine failure
The courtesy car suffered 'catastrophic engine failure'.
![Woman going through break-up attended life coach's $9k programme 'under duress'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman going through break-up attended life coach's $9k programme 'under duress'
After she didn't pay, the life coach took the woman to the Disputes Tribunal.
![Unpaid rent: One tenant was $33k behind in rent; another lay dead in their council flat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Unpaid rent: One tenant was $33k behind in rent; another lay dead in their council flat
A long-term landlord says bad management is behind tenants getting so far behind in rent.
!['Rock n roll judge' on being easily triggered - and the death of his son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Rock n roll judge' on being easily triggered - and the death of his son
'I am easily triggered, unfortunately.'
![Former Air NZ worker wins fight for compo after getting Covid-19 on the job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former Air NZ worker wins fight for compo after getting Covid-19 on the job
Former cabin crew member says Air NZ 'abused its privilege' in fight over compo.
![Man jailed after paying women in Asia to see their children dance naked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man jailed after paying women in Asia to see their children dance naked
He was caught with thousands of images and videos of child exploitation material.