Blair Ensor
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National and in-depth editor/Investigative journalist - @NZStuff. Signal/WhatsApp: +6421800037 blair.ensor@protonmail.com
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Articles by Blair Ensor
The Waikato Times
Government agency boss asks for review of disgraced teacher's appointment
By Blair Ensor and Edward Gay of The boss of a government agency which hired a disgraced former teacher in a senior role has known his whānau for years, but had no involvement in him getting the job, the agency says. However, Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) Māori development secretary Dave Samuels acknowledges his relationship to Taurapa has "given rise to a perceived conflict of interest" and has asked the Public Service Commission to investigate the recruitment process which led to the appointment.
New police search in years-old unsolved homicide
By Blair Ensor and Ian Allen of Police investigating the suspicious disappearance of a Marlborough woman nearly five years ago are searching a rural property with a digger. Jessica Boyce, 27, was last seen on 19 March, 2019, near Renwick, west of Blenheim, in a red ute. The vehicle was located three days later in the Mount Richmond Forest Park, near Lake Chalice, but Boyce was nowhere to be found.
'Rest in peace my beautiful wife': Baby's mother killed in double fatal crash
A New Zealand woman killed in a double fatal crash in North Canterbury was the mother of a baby boy, who was pulled from the wreckage of her car uninjured. Peta Kerr, 33, was the driver of a black Volkswagon Touareg which collided head-on with a Toyota Landcruiser towing two jet skis on State Highway 1, Leithfield about 5.10pm on Sunday. The driver of the Toyota, Bryan Kerr, 51, was also killed in the crash.
The 40 year hunt for the 'Sydenham Slasher'
By Blair Ensor of In Block 19, Plot 331, a nondescript plaque marks the burial site of a man who was brutally murdered. Instead of flowers, weeds have grown through the shingle surrounding the spot Alfred Anderson shares with his wife at Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Christchurch. It doesn't appear anyone has visited in a while. While Anderson's death captured plenty of newspaper headlines in the 1980s, nothing has been written about the cold case in more than a decade.
'Morally wrong': Angela Blackmoore's fiancé questions part payment of $100k reward
Laurie Anderson’s fiancée, Angela Blackmoore, was murdered in 1995 in a targeted hit. Iain McGregor / The Press The fiancé of murder victim Angela Blackmore says it’s “morally wrong” police only paid part of a $100,000 reward to the secret informant whose tip-off helped catch her killers. “They got three convictions … what else did they [the informant] have to do?” Laurie Anderson says.
Deportee who blamed Australian Govt for his terminal cancer diagnosis dies
Deportee Shayne Forrester has died after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. ALDEN WILLIAMS / Stuff A deportee who blamed the Australian Government for his terminal cancer diagnosis has died. Shayne Forrester passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Christchurch Hospital on Friday night, a relative has confirmed. Forrester was deported to New Zealand from Australia in early 2021, after spending more than two-years in jail for supplying methamphetamine and firearms offences.
Police cut short contract with architect of controversial interviewing method Original
Former detective superintendent Tom Fitzgerald was the architect of the CIPEM interviewing method. Carys Monteath / Stuff Police have severed ties with the architect of a controversial interviewing technique – saying they’re ending his contract leading a major internal project six months early due to cost-cutting.
Informant in Blackmoore cold case not paid full reward
By Blair Ensor of The secret informant whose tip-off led to Angela Blackmoore's killers being caught received significantly less than the $100,000 reward offered by police. Stuff understands the person, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was paid about half the signposted money, despite their information proving crucial in solving the infamous cold case. Blackmoore, 21, was nine weeks pregnant when she was bludgeoned and stabbed in her home in Vancouver Cres, Christchurch in 1995.
Inside Laurie Anderson's meeting with his fiancee’s killer Original
Inside Laurie Anderson's meeting with the killer of his pregnant fiancee Angela Blackmoore Laurie Anderson had waited 25 years to meet his fiancee’s killer. He sat quietly in a nondescript room at Christchurch Men’s Prison with a burning question. If the answer wasn’t what he wanted, Anderson knew exactly what he would do. He thought Jeremy Powell looked nervous as he shuffled into the room, flanked by a prison guard, wearing grey prison slacks, and took a seat at the table.
Gloriavale investigation finds 138 potential victims, dozens of suspected offenders Original
The previously undisclosed and ongoing investigation, dubbed Operation Mathius, began in 2021, and followed another investigation that brought to light offending involving 60 people at the West Coast fundamentalist Christian community. Operation Mathius was launched after an array of serious allegations surfaced about two Gloriavale men, Timothy Disciple and Jonathan Benjamin.
Fraudster who stole $90k from her boss: 'I deserve all that is coming my way'
Covid had been tough for his business, but work was starting to pick up again, and the extra pair of hands was much needed. But within days, Perkins had received devastating news - his father had a rapid form of dementia, which meant he may have only weeks to live. When he told Duff about the terminal diagnosis and the pressure he was going to be under juggling work and caring for his dad, she sympathised, as her father had died recently with dementia.
Multimillion-dollar Queenstown home linked to international corruption scandal
A luxury Queenstown home was bought for $3.45m using money obtained from an international corruption scheme. Debbie Jamieson / Stuff A multimillion-dollar Queenstown property was bought using dirty money obtained by a man jailed for life for his role in an international corruption scandal. The luxury home with picturesque views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables has been forfeited to the Crown after police successfully argued it was acquired using the proceeds of crime.
Angry contractors chase payment from crooked ex-cop's firm
Garden City Homes leaves trail of unhappy contractors and homeowners Frustrated contractors chasing payment from a home building company connected to a crooked ex-cop have been involved in fiery exchanges, vowing not to take on any new work. Several contractors visited Garden City Homes’ headquarters in Sockburn, Christchurch last week pursuing outstanding debts, including one who left a demand notice stuck to the door.
Brawling off-duty cops should have been charged, says police watchdog
They escaped prosecution, but two men from the opposing group were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm – charges that were later dropped as the matter headed to trial. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) oversaw a police investigation into a complaint about the brawl.
The picturesque wedding that nearly ended in tragedy
Scott Redmond was drunk when he crashed a bridal car in rural Canterbury, badly injuring the newlyweds. Iain McGregor / The Press On a sunsoaked summer’s afternoon, on the grass of a fourth-generation Canterbury farm, family and friends gathered to celebrate the nuptials of Mr and Mrs Taylor.
'High speed on rims': Rampant youths in stolen cars smash their way into five shops
Social media fuels car thefts Fast food, sports goods, vapes and liquor: Rampant youth criminals have smashed their way into an array of stores in an overnight wave of youth crime in Christchurch. In one of the busiest nights in recent history for the city’s police, 10 young people, all in stolen cars, were arrested - while others managed to escape capture. Four of the youths were arrested after the vehicle they were in was spiked by police.
Publican allegedly attacked by Mongols bikie en route to national meeting
Mongols bikies rode south to Christchurch for a national meeting at the weekend. NZ Police A patched Mongols bikie allegedly punched a publican in the face as members of the gang made their way to a national meeting near Christchurch. Shocked patrons of DA’s Barn Restaurant & Bar in Picton watched as the publican was attacked about 7pm on Thursday night. The incident unfolded after two men banged on the packed restaurant's windows and knocked over a statue outside repeatedly.
Home builder run by crooked ex-cop leaves trail of debt and unhappy people
Garden City Homes leaves trail of unhappy contractors and homeowners A building company run by a crooked former police officer owes hundreds of thousands of dollars to unhappy and nervous contractors and suppliers, and is behind on completing houses. Christchurch-based Garden City Homes insists it is not in financial trouble and any delays with projects are due to issues outside its control.
Mongols bikies crash en route to national meeting near Christchurch
Mongols bikie gang members have been involved in tit-for-tat shootings and fire bombings in recent years. NZ Police Senior members of the Mongols bikie gang are riding into Christchurch for a national meeting this weekend – and police are waiting for them. North Island-based members of the infamous international motorcycle club have crossed the Cook Strait on a ferry, and have ridden south on Friday morning.
Deaths in New Zealand likely linked to Canadian poison chef
By Blair Ensor of The coroner is investigating deaths of New Zealanders who are believed to have bought lethal substances from a Canadian man accused of assisting suicides overseas. Kenneth Law, 57, from Ontario, was arrested in May and is awaiting trial on charges of counselling or aiding suicide in relation to 14 deaths in Canada.
Gone in 90 seconds: Youths compete to steal cars amid unprecedented crime wave Original
Images from social media reveal some of the youths behind the spike in car thefts in Christchurch SUPPLIED / Stuff Social media is fuelling an unprecedented spike in car thefts in Christchurch, as out of control youths compete to see who can steal the most. Recently, an 8-year-old boy was driving a car involved in a near-fatal crash – and police believe it’s a matter of time before someone is killed. Blair Ensor investigates.
How a group of women confronted the Mama Hooch rapists and took back control Original
Their accounts were all different but chillingly similar. The brothers’ offending over a three and a half year period was at a level unparalleled in New Zealand. While running their father’s now infamous central city bar, the men, aged 40 and 38, sexually assaulted and/or drugged 23 women until they were arrested in 2018 as part of a massive police investigation dubbed Operation Sinatra.
Mama Hooch rapists to be sentenced and face their victims today Original
Danny and Roberto Jaz will be sentenced for their offending on Thursday. ALDEN WILLIAMS / The Press When Jane (not her real name) walks into a Christchurch courtroom on Thursday, her heart will be pounding. The 23-year-old is terrified of coming face-to-face with the Mama Hooch rapists, particularly the man who drugged and sexually assaulted her and her friend more than five years ago.
Recipe for disaster: Fatal crash driver broke nearly every road safety rule
A deadly cocktail of factors likely contributed to the crash that killed James Heaven in December 2021. Marjorie Cook / Stuff James Heaven was breaking just about every road safety rule when he crashed on a gravel road in rural Canterbury, was thrown from his dilapidated car and died. The 50-year-old was nearly four times the legal blood alcohol limit, driving too fast, not wearing a seatbelt, and behind the wheel of an unregistered old station wagon which was not roadworthy.
Evacuations as fire burns in central Christchurch
A fire burns at a Christchurch building on Thursday. Kyle Burns / Supplied Buildings are being evacuated as a fire burns in Christchurch. Emergency services were called to the blaze at a commercial property on Buchan St, Sydenham, about 11.40am on Thursday. In a statement, a police spokesperson said officers were helping with road closures, traffic management and evacuations of the immediate area.
Evacuations as fire rages in Christchurch building
Firefighters are battling a blaze in Christchurch. (File photo) Braden Fastier / Nelson Mail Buildings are being evacuated as a fire burns in Christchurch. Emergency services were called to the blaze at a commercial property on Buchan St, Sydenham, about 11.40am on Thursday. - The Press
Suspect's car spotted near house missing real estate agent due to show buyer through
A car belonging to the man accused of kidnapping New Zealand woman Yanfei Bao was seen parked in a street near a house the missing real estate agent was due to show a potential buyer through last week, a resident says. The property in the Christchurch suburb of Hornby was cordoned off on Tuesday and a police tent and spotlights set up, as it underwent a scene examination. Forensic investigators in blue and white boiler suits could be seen inside, dusting walls and taking photographs.
'Why did you force women to lie?': Dad of Mama Hooch predators owned infamous bar
By Blair Ensor and Jake Kenny of The father of the Mama Hooch predators, who accused police of corruptly obtaining false evidence against his sons, was the owner of the infamous bar. It can also be revealed that a third Jaz brother was a member a chat group where women were objectified, and his siblings appeared to identify potential victims.
Student groomed by teacher wanted her name made public to help hold him accountable
By Blair Ensor of It has taken Helena Dray years to realise she is not to blame for the sexual relationship she had with her teacher at an elite Christchurch school. The 21-year-old says she waived her right to suppression in the high-profile case, made public this week, because she has nothing to hide.
'Shameful': Whistleblower criticises elite school's handling of complaints about teacher
By Blair Ensor of An elite Christchurch school concedes it should have stood down one of its staff as soon as concerns surfaced about his inappropriate behaviour towards a teenage girl. Instead, Taurapa, formerly Connor Taurapa Matthews, was able to continue in his role as a tutor at Christ's College in Christchurch for more than two and a half years, a decision that has been called "completely unacceptable" and "shameful". "I think the school really dropped the ball.
Dog attack victim's fight for survival using a child's toy, 'I thought I would die'
WARNING: Some people may find this story upsetting. Bridget Quartermain heard her bone crunch as she used a child's plastic trike to try to fend off a frenzied dog with its jaws locked onto her lower leg. Alone in the lounge of her friend's Christchurchhome, the 32-year-old could see her blood around the muzzle of the white dog, as she screamed for help. "I thought I was going to die," she told Stuff while fighting back tears.
New Zealand police appeal for help to find dismembered murder victim's body parts
Some readers may find this story distressing. A man was allegedly murdered, dismembered and his torso hidden in the boot of a car parked in the garage of an abandoned property, Stuff understands. Now police are appealing for help to find his missing body parts, so they can be returned to his grieving family.
Parents of Mama Hooch victims lash out at court process, 'depraved predators'
Danny and Roberto Jaz drugged and sexually assaulted patrons of Mama Hooch. Nina Weil / Stuff Furious parents of victims of the “unrepentant and depraved” Mama Hooch rapists say their children’s suffering was exacerbated by a court process that dragged on for years.
Missing man linked to unexplained death in North Canterbury
By Shannon Redstall and Blair Ensor of Police descended on a derelict North Canterbury property on Monday night after a body was found in a car in "unexplained" circumstances. The car parked in the garage of the cordoned-off Rangiora property is linked to missing man Richard Leman. The 41-year-old father of three has been missing since the night of 11 April. His family has been trying to find him, passing on any information to "under-resourced" police.
Bride and groom seriously injured in wedding night crash
Minutes after leaving their wedding reception, a bride and groom were seriously injured when their vintage bridal car plunged down a steep bank in rural Canterbury, New Zealand. Emergency services were called to a crash in Kowai Road, Springfield, shortly after midnight on Sunday local time. Stuff understands a 1965 Chevrolet Impala had plunged down a steep bank. The six occupants had recently left a wedding reception. Amongst them were the bride and groom, both of whom were seriously injured.
Person found dead, another in a serious condition in Christchurch
Stuff Police say emergency services found the dead person when they were called to an address in Eden Place about 6.20pm on Saturday night. One person is dead and another in a serious condition after an incident in Bryndwr, Christchurch. Police say emergency services found the dead person when they were called to an address in Eden Place about 6.20pm on Saturday night. A second person was taken to hospital.
Detectives still hunting suspect behind 'brutal' stabbing that left dog walker fighting for life
Police have no firm suspects in a brutal and seemingly random attack that left a man fighting for his life after he was repeatedly stabbed while out walking his dog in east Christchurch. Members of the man's family found him lying badly injured just inside the entrance to Bexley Reserve in Pages Rd, between Porchester and Farnborough streets, about 6.20am on Monday and called police. They went out looking for him after his dog, which was unharmed, returned home alone. Do you know more?
Dog walker critically injured after assault in Christchurch
A man has been critically injured in an assault in Bexley, Christchurch. The incident happened on Pages Rd, between Portchester and Farnborough streets, around 6.20am on Monday. A member of the public told Stuff the victim is a dog walker. Do you know more? reporters@press.co.nz A police dog is being used to try and track at the offender through nearby Bexley Reserve. Officers are stationed at various entrances to Bexley Park, while police cars are patrolling streets in and around the area.
University of Canterbury student died after crashing through window
By Blair Ensor, Kristie Boland and Nadine Roberts of A university student crashed through a window at his Christchurch home before his death, Stuff understands. The young man was found unconscious, about 30m from the rental property, near the intersection of Elizabeth and Matipo streets in Riccarton about 3.50am on Tuesday. Efforts to save his life were in vain. Stuff understands the man was a student at the University of Canterbury, and lived at the property with others.
New Zealand's top police detective Tom Fitzgerald quits
By Mike White and Blair Ensor of The country's top detective and architect of a controversial police interviewing technique has announced he is leaving the police force. Detective Superintendent Tom Fitzgerald, the head of the police national crime group and director of the Criminal Investigation Branch, has been involved with some of the country's most high-profile murder cases.
Infamous ship-jumping twin Joanne Ingham found dead in motel
Joanne Ingham – one of the infamous Ingham twins – has died in unexplained circumstances in a Wellington motel. Police were called to the Harbour City Motor Inn on Webb St in Te Aro at about 2.40am on Tuesday after a body was found. A scene examination is being carried out by police. The twins, Joanne and Sarah, made international headlines in 1997 when they stowed away on a Malaysian ship leaving from Tauranga. They were 18 at the time, and originally from Kaiapoi, near Christchurch.
Hero helicopter pilot praised for saving two lives in flood rescue
Major flooding has affected communities all through the Canterbury region. A dairy farmer moving cows to safety in the dark was swept more than 1 kilometre down a flooded river before he was able to grab onto a tree in the middle of the raging torrent. The man was eventually winched from the tree on Walkhams Rd, near Ashburton, several hours later by a local helicopter pilot who's been credited with saving his life, and that of another man.
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