Latest news with #AnnaLeask
NZ Herald
16-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Inside Auckland's shocking RSA murders – A Moment in Crime podcast revisits triple murder
Bell left the mother of one for dead with broken arms and severe head injuries that caused a stroke. The scene of the deadly attack in Auckland. Photo / NZ Herald She lost about 80% of her blood and ambulance officers later said she came as close to dying as she could get. Bell was on parole at the time of the murders and already had 102 convictions. In this month's episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime, senior journalist Anna Leask revisits the triple murder, explaining what led to Bell's violent and callous offending and how the tragedy would never have happened if authorities had not missed a crucial opportunity to recall him to prison. Leask also tells the stories of the victims and survivor – why they were at the RSA that day and what they meant to their family and friends. Security footage of triple-murderer William Bell taken soon after he left the RSA. Photo / Supplied A Moment in Crime is available on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released monthly. The series is written and hosted by senior crime and justice reporter Anna Leask. Leask has been with NZME since 2005 and has worked as a specialist journalist focusing on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 60 episodes, and has been downloaded over 2 million times, with listeners in over 180 countries. Past cases covered include the Bain Family murders, Lauren Dickason, James Wallace, the Heavenly Creatures case, and Grace Millane. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Security for midwives bolstered at Christchurch Hospital after ‘very violent' night-time assault
'Additional security measures have been put in place after a serious assault last weekend, involving a person based in Kurawaka: Waipapa,' said the email from the Christchurch Hospital security team. 'Our security team has, as a temporary response, bolstered security in the area around this part of the hospital. 'Security escorts will temporarily be provided for Kurawaka: Waipapa staff, student nurses or midwives during the hours of darkness. This will be a priority over the coming days to provide an extra layer of security. 'Allied Security mobile patrols will focus their patrolling at the change of shifts in the central area of the hospital and Kurawaka: Waipapa.' The security team assured staff that the health and safety of Te Whatu Ora employees and others who work on the hospital campus was its top priority. The incident was described as a timely reminder about how everyone can help look after themselves and others. 'Ensuring your personal safety when leaving or arriving at the hospital involves a mix of situational awareness, planning and taking precautions,' the security team said. 'Whether within one of our campuses or travelling to and from work, please be always conscious of your security and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your property. 'Taking these precautions can help minimise risks and ensure your personal safety.' Staff with concerns were encouraged to speak to their managers. 'Other staff may have also experienced similar incidents so it's important these are raised,' the email said. 'You should also take the time to report even what you may think is a minor incident.' Until 2023, the only primary birthing unit in Christchurch was located at St George's Hospital. That unit closed – despite protest and petitions from thousands of people – when St George's maternity contract with Te Whatu Ora ended. Kurawaka: Waipapa opened in April 2024. The unit was designed to provide a more home-like and calming environment for low-risk births, with about 2000 babies expected to be delivered each year. The unit is also expected to reduce pressure on the nearby Christchurch Women's Hospital Maternity Unit. Before Kurawaka: Waipapa opened, people expecting babies in Christchurch had to travel to Rangiora, Rolleston or Ashburton to access a primary birthing unit. Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 19 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on
