Anna Leask, specialist in crime and justice reporting for the New Zealand Herald, has covered some of New Zealand’s biggest events, incidents, tragedies and disasters.
Anna Leask is a senior journalist and crime and justice specialist for the New Zealand Herald. From a young age, Anna was an avid storyteller and writer so it was no surprise to anyone when she chose journalism as a career. Anna studied Mass Communications and Sociology at Canterbury University before completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism in 2005. This led her to her first job at The Star in Christchurch. She spent two years there covering all things crime and court and then made the move to the Herald on Sunday. In 2010, Anna became a police reporter, a role that soon came to be much more about broader crime and justice issues, particularly the people involved. Anna has covered some of the most high-profile crimes and events New Zealand has seen. To name a few, the Pike River mine disaster; the Christchurch quakes; and the unprecedented four-day sentencing of the gunman responsible for the 2019 terror attack. Alongside her daily reporting Anna writes, hosts and produces monthly episodes for the chart-topping podcast 'A Moment In Crime' which won a silver award in the true crime category at the inaugural New Zealand Podcast Awards in 2021. You can contact Anna at anna.leask@nzme.co.nz.
Pensioner held hostage, violently assaulted before alleged offender shoots at police
A man is in custody after a firearm was discharged at police in the Bay of Plenty.
Wife killer released on parole to 'oceanfront luxury' home
The Matamata horse breeder Greg Meads' release has shocked one local who lives nearby.
Great - and terrible - escapes: How Kiwi inmates breached the perimeter
High-profile crim Arthur Taylor reflects on his bolt from prison to a millionaire's bach.
Tauranga man killed in Mid Canterbury crash - cause of fatal collision still under investigation
The man who died in a crash in Mid Canterbury at the weekend was from Tauranga.
Watch: Police probe Brian Tamaki's alleged threat to destroy vax clinics
Tamaki made the alleged threat during a sermon yesterday.
Man facing raft of charges after gunpoint car theft and AOS callout near Taupō
Dramatic arrest in the bush near Taupō after alleged gunpoint car theft.
Rugby star Sean Wainui's death investigated as 'suspected suicide': Coroner
Death of rugby star Sean Wainui is being treated as suspected suicide, says Coroner.
Head Hunter posed as courier, breached lockdown for gang funeral
Gang member caught out via social media post after allegedly lying to cross border
Arrest after Covid-positive man's escape from MIQ, hours in the community
The man has Covid-19 and was in isolation at the facility.
Fast food provides comfort in troubled times
Experts explain why Kiwis raced out to queue for fast fried food and coffee as L3 dawned.
'Threedom' south of Auckland; police - good compliance at checkpoints, some cars turned away
The latest on New Zealand's Delta outbreak and the fight against Covid-19.
Police cop $24.3m repair bill to 9000 cars over 6 years
Police have spent more than $24 million on repairs to damaged cars since 2015.
Prince Philip funeral details revealed; Prince Charles' tribute to 'my dear Papa'
Funeral details are revealed for Prince Philip's funeral, but it won't be a state affair.
Wanted: 'Dangerous' Mongols gang member on the run from authorities
Police renew appeal for 'dangerous' Mongols gang member.
Christmas killing: Family speak after alleged murder of father-of-five
Wipatene Mason died after a violent incident on Christmas Eve, 'traumatising' his family.
Vanished: The missing people of New Zealand
Inside: The cases of missing people in New Zealand in the past few decades.
'Hooked': Louise Nicholas' daughter on meth battle; mugshot shows addiction reality
Weighing 45kg, face covered in sores, teeth fallen out, she was at the peak of addiction.
Whangamatā teen riot: $6000 of stock stolen, Blackies Cafe roof damaged
Mayor slams 'self-indulgent brats' for the trouble.
Wicked, cruel, pitiless mass murderer jailed indefinitely
The man behind the Christchurch terror attack will never be released from prison.
Cruel, depraved 'monster': Mosque gunman will never be released from jail
Christchurch mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant will never be released from jail.
Grace Millane murder: Accused's actions 'inexcusable' but trial process 'miscarried'
The man who murdered British backpacker Grace Millane is appealing his sentence.
Grace Millane's killer appeals conviction and 17-year minimum jail sentence
The man who murdered Grace Millane appeals his conviction and sentence
Tauranga man jailed for sharing footage of Christchurch terror attack
Man jailed for sharing footage of the Christchurch terror attack with eight people.
St Johns shooting: Second murder charge likely, trial date set for charged pair
The man charged with murdering Clifford Umuhuri has appeared in court today
Teen murderer escaped more than an hour before Oranga Tamariki staff noticed
More details emerge on how a teen killer escaped from a youth justice residence.
Killer on the run: Teen murderer missing from Youth Justice facility
Teen jailed for brutal murder escaped from a Youth Justice facility on Friday.
Up and Running: Campaign offering small businesses free billboard ads 'overwhelming' success
Praise for free advertising scheme for small businesses affected by lockdown.
Wanted: 'Dangerous' Mongols gang member wanted by police
Police are appealing for help to track down a "dangerous" Mongols gang member from Oz
Billboards to feature small business in free initiative to boost post-lockdown restart
Free ads with no strings attached for small businesses bouncing back from lockdown.
Licences, WoFs and regos extended under lockdown
They will stay valid for six months due to the Covid-19 shutdown.
White Island tour guide survivor Jake Milbank out of hospital, into isolation
White Island explosion survivor Jake Milbank has been discharged from hospital.
Covid 19 coronavirus: Confusing stay-home message clarified
Stay home means just that, say authorities as beach & cycling trips ruled out in lockdown.
Coronavirus: Retired cops may be back on the beat to bolster under-pressure frontline
Former cops may be called back to help in the fight against Covid-19.
West Auckland double death: Six children left without a mother, family reeling
Family of dead Auckland mum and newborn fundraising to support six surviving children.
Two deaths in four days leaves Waihi Beach community rattled
A second person has died at Waihi Beach this week following a violent incident.
White Island eruption: Defence boss' fears for recovery heroes
Defence boss speaks about heroic soldiers and their battle to bring Whakaari victims home.
'Come home Tip': Victims' families left on the shore to stare out to sea
To anyone who didn't know, the space would be postcard perfect, writes Anna Leask.
'We will return': Police vow to recover lost loved ones from White Island tragedy
The question is when, with the risk of another eruption having increased.
'Nothing less than a hero': Skipper risked life to save others
Details emerged of how Paul Kingi put his own life in danger to save others.
Grace Millane murder trial begins today: The key people and what to expect
Everything you need to know about the trial for the man accused of murdering Grace Millane
McLaren Falls death: Offender has jail term quashed
Woman jailed in relation to gang killing has sentence quashed due to unfair court report.
Blessie Gotingco's killer loses bid to overthrow convictions - again
Man who stabbed Blessie Gotingco to death rejected by NZ's highest court.
No deal: Notorious criminal to stay behind bars
Parole Board rules 70-year-old needs more insight into his 'pro-offending attitudes'.
Gangbusters: Patches on the rise as NZ gang scene 'revitalised'
Bay of Plenty is the district with the most gang members, with 1359 on the list.
Winter isn't coming New Zealand - it's here, and it's cold, brace yourselves
Temperatures dipped below zero overnight as snow blanketed parts of New Zealand.
Police reveal how they caught alleged Christchurch gunman
Police who dragged alleged gunman from car following shooting refuse to be called heroes.
The Chase: 'No quick fix' for pursuits and calls for ban on chases
Police Association has welcomed a major review into pursuits.
Police pursuits: Review wants study into why drivers flee
A major review of the police pursuits policy has been released today
The Chase: major review of police pursuits to be released today
A joint review of the police pursuits policy is set to be released today.
The Chase: Son urges drivers not to flee cops
Today the "Herald" launches "The Chase" - a four-day series about police pursuits.
The Chase: 'I'm not at peace' - pursuit death haunts cop
'I thought "Jesus Christ this is my fault, this is my fault, this is really bad".'
Man pushed into an open fire dragged himself to creek
A man suffered serious and extensive burns after he was pushed into an open fire on Jan 1
Judge tells Grace Millane's family 'your grief must be desperate'
New details about the man accused of murdering Grace Millane can now be revealed.
Under fire top cop pulls out of speaking gig
Embattled deputy police commissioner Wally Haumaha will no longer speak at conference
Revealed: The 10 Kiwi crims with the longest prison stints
The Herald can reveal who the longest serving inmates in NZ prisons are.
Killer who pretended victim was alive to be released
James Cooper, who killed his flatmate and hid the body parts, will be released in July.
Budget 2018: $300m boost for police 'commended'
Funding was a key election promise and part of Labour's coalition agreement with NZ First.
Youth justice funding as age increases to 17
The justice system is in crisis and failing children and families, says the Government.
Kiwis escape burning bus at Gallipoli
The tourists were heading to Anzac Day commemorations when their coach caught fire.
Other side of crime: Tragedy of Veronique
When Neil left work early to see his family, he had no idea it had already been destroyed.
Exclusive: Inside notorious NZ killer's great prison escape
High profile criminal Dean Wickliffe's new book A Life Behind Bars is now available to buy
Cops launch hilarious video to lure recruits
Police have launched a new video in a bid to attract 'hundreds' of new recruits
Parole Board won't recall Dean Wickliffe
Career criminal Dean Wickliffe let down by sober driver when he got behind wheel.
Notorious criminal Dean Wickliffe pens book
Infamous criminal Dean Wickliffe speaks to the Weekend Herald about his new book.
The life and times of NZ's most 'notorious' crim
EXCLUSIVE: Dean Wickliffe has spent more time in prison than any other Kiwi, bar one.
High profile criminal may be recalled to prison
Dean Wickliffe has been released and recalled to prison five times between 1987 and 2011.
Sex assault survivor: 'I never wanted name suppression'
A teenage sex assault survivor has spoken out about her case to help other young people.
Cash, special cops to thwart robberies
Exclusive: Rewards, special taskforce launched in new police war against armed robbers.
High-profile criminal granted parole
Dean Wickliffe is one of the country's longest-serving prison inmates.
Moko killers' appeal fails, sentence stands
The Court said the killers of Moko Rangitoheriri should count themselves "fortunate" they were not jailed for life.
Hollie Smith's song for family violence
Kiwi songstress Hollie Smith has penned a new single aimed at creating awareness around family violence, with all proceed going to this year's White Ribbon appeal. The song "Please" is released today.
Man who murdered backpacker denied parole
A man who murdered a British backpacker in 1989 denied parole because he is "at serious risk of criminal behaviour".
Moko's killers' 100 previous convictions
The couple jailed for killing 3-year-old Moko Rangitoheriri have more than 100 previous convictions between them, the Herald can now reveal.
Blessie's family fight for justice
Blessie Gotingco's family are considering filing a civil case against the Department of Corrections for wrongful death - and are calling on all New Zealanders to help them.
Appeal dismissed for 'Bonnie-and-Clyde' criminal
A man jailed after a seven-month crime spree which ended after he fired shots at police while fleeing at 160km/h has had an appeal against his sentence rejected.
Blessie's killer launches appeal
The Herald has learned that Tony Douglas Robertson will appear before the Court of Appeal on February 3 to appeal against his life sentence.
Car thefts costing family hundreds
An Auckland family have had their Mazda Familia stolen three times in two years have spent hundreds of dollars on impound and repair fees.