Nine To Noon Around the motu: Samantha Gee, RNZ's reporter in Nelson
May 13, 2026
Samantha Gee, RNZ reporter in Nelson and Marlborough, gives on-the-ground coverage of local stories. She walks through the trial timeline and courtroom details. She describes rising late-night youth alcohol problems and policing responses. She showcases AI underwater drones helping mussel farmers and reports on the stranded former ferry Vega and questions around its mooring.
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Courtroom Account Of The Buxton Square Crash
- Hayden Tasker's case dominated Nelson news as he admitted dangerous driving after a car struck two senior sergeants on New Year's Eve.
- Witnesses described the Honda Odyssey launching officers into the air, Lynne Fleming thrown ~20 metres, CPR at the scene and her later death.
Defence Argues Crash Was A Failed Suicide Attempt
- The defence frames the incident as a manslaughter linked to depression and intentional self-harm rather than solely criminal intent.
- Tasker admitted dangerous driving and was three times over the breath limit, with lawyers arguing a failed suicide attempt to spark a police chase.
Trial Pace Could End Sooner Than Scheduled
- The trial was set down for three weeks but may finish sooner as the jury could be sent out early next week.
- Courtroom progress moved quickly with the defence about to open and the Crown finishing witnesses mid-hearing.