The Long Read from Stuff

After receiving some unfortunate health news, Senior reporter Martin van Beynen planned an adventure that would test his superb tramping skills. What could go wrong? Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Martin van Beynen Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every murder case has an “aha” moment. It can be anything from a smoking gun to a confession, and sometimes even a hoof print can provide a breakthrough. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Deborah Morris Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The F#$%ing News flips the script on the news - short, upbeat, inspirational and f%$#ing good fun journalism with the nation's favourite everyman reporter, Paddy Gower. TFN sees Paddy talking to Kiwis who are the good, the great and the brains of our nation. This podcast is hosted by Paddy Gower and Executive Produced by Jon Bridges. It's made in partnership between Stuff and Believer Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A stolen baby, a student, and the cracking of a 70-year secret. A forced adoption led to scars and secrets. But, thanks to a DNA detective, Di Hill now has the answer to a question she's been asking forever: Who am I?  Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Paula Penfold Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1980 Hague Convention was meant to protect against children being abducted by a parent. Today, it is frequently used by abusive parents to force their partners into an unenviable choice: lose their child or live within reach of their abusers. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Maddy Croad Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You definitely won't recognise her. You probably won't even know her name. But from her bedroom in Blenheim, Lucy Blakiston has become a big deal on the internet. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Bridget Jones Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Zealand has had so many high-profile female firsts ‒ then there are the everyday women who also made a difference. Hear the stories of the unapologetic abortionist, the first suffragist, the seditious woman, and the house of ill repute. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Deborah Morris Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mothers can do anything, and sports organizations are finally catching up. This was highlighted by Kiwi rowers Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis, who won gold in the double sculls at the Paris Olympics this month. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Richard Walker Read by Laura Heathcote Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aubrey Welsh is 69, and will not see his 70th birthday. In September, he will voluntarily stop eating and drinking with the goal of ending his life. He does not have a terminal illness, is not mentally unwell, and does not live in pain. He simply believes he's done everything he's wanted to do - his life is "complete". WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Mariné Lourens Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cameron Leslie is one of our most successful athletes, dominating the pool for almost 20 years. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Leslie explains why this time his biggest test isn't in the water - it's in the air. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Bridget Jones Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solar farms are about to spread across New Zealand amid surging demand for renewable energy. Where some see opportunity, others see a threat; no more so than in the Mackenzie Basin, where solar farms and one of the world's rarest birds will share what remains of a transformed landscape. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Charlie Mitchell Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Easter Monday 2021, police were called to the home of a successful professional couple in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera. They found the body of Pauline Hanna. In his emergency call, her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, said she killed herself. Sixteen months later he was charged with her murder. As this podcast is released, he's currently on trial at the High Court in Auckland. Stuff's groundbreaking series returns to take you inside the Polkinghorne trial: Hear the witnesses, follow the evidence, wait for the verdict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how Big Biscuit comes up with new product flavours? Or why the dough mixture gets X-rayed? Senior Reporter Steve Kilgallon takes you inside Griffin's bake room to uncover the truth - and meet a biscuit-maker who doesn't have a taste for the sweet things in life. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Steve Kilgallon Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season two of Stuff's multi-award winning podcast The Trial is coming very soon. Police are called to the multi-million dollar home of a successful couple to find the body of Pauline Hanna, also known as Pauline Polkinghorne. A year and a half later, eye surgeon Philip John Polkinghorne is charged with murdering his wife, a charge he denies. The Trial, season two, available soon wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple or Spotify to be the first to hear new episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There have been other attempts to get the Parker-Hulme story on screen besides Heavenly Creatures. Why does this story still fascinate so many of us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Criminals can be high-profile, tragic or horrifying. And then once in a while, they are bizarre, hilarious or amazing. This episode of The Long Read looks at some fascinating ones from New Zealand's history. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Deborah Morris Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a mega-wealthy celebrity buys large chunks of a small community and starts throwing his weight around? In 2022, British TV star Noel Edmonds' moved to Ngātīmoti buying a vineyard and cafe called Dunbar Estates. The response to his $30m property buyout has divided the South Island area. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Tony Wall and Amy Ridout Read by Tony Wall Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apartments are going up, new residents are arriving and Hamilton's inner-city suburb Frankton is having a moment. Some even go as far as to say Frankton is on its way to be the Ponsonby of Hamilton. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Richard Walker Read by Philippa Tolley Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For six months in the early 20th century, a magnificent palace was built in Hagley Park for the largest event held in the city, Christchurch's international fair.  The International Exhibition of 1906, held in Christchurch, was scarcely believable in scale and ambition. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Charlie Mitchell Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 13, Hawke's Bay couple Michaela Tait and Mackenzie Wiig were gearing up for the biggest day of their lives. Then Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed their home and their plans. After nine months of treading water, the couple took one step towards reclaiming their future. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Nikki Macdonald Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joanne* was convicted of inciting her husband's suicide after she encouraged him to harm himself in text messages. This story reveals how a government department broke the couple and helped to tip a desperate father over the edge. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Nadine Roberts Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A spate of gay-bashings in Christchurch has resurfaced old fears that the city isn't safe for rainbow people, and the mayor admits urgent action is needed. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Sinead Gill Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We think we know our country's leaders. But do we really? Ahead of her first budget day as finance minister, Tova O'Brien met up with Nicola Willis to talk superstitions, power, and the naughtiest thing she's ever done. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Tova O'Brien Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Tribes Mission wanted to ‘plant' churches in far flung communities. But missionary kids, including Kiwis, were subject to abuse. Colin Mee was one of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tracy Hickman has lived her life “pedal to the floor” - just existing has never been an option. That's why she's decided she'll have an assisted death. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Mariné Lourens Produced and read by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guy Montgomery landed on being a comedian as being funny is something he seemed to be the best at, but being a funny guy is a serious business. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Tyson Beckett Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Combining dance bangers with a full orchestra, Synthony promises Gen X nostalgics their best night out in years. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Steve Kilgallon Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A postcode lottery means some people are more likely to survive cancer than others. People in the likes of Invercargill or Rotorua are given less access to healthcare than those in Auckland or Christchurch. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Kristie Boland Produced and read by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Szembrener, a Massey University researcher, believes current approaches to treating eating disorders are simply not working for some people. Therapy with horses teaches patients to be present and to reconnect with their bodies. WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health, suicide, and eating disorders, which may be distressing for some listeners. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Hanna McCallum Produced and read by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cemeteries across Christchurch have faced neglect, vandalism, and damage over time. But whose job is it to look after cemeteries? Is it worth the time and money, when the city's living have their own urgent needs? Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Philip Matthews Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1998, David Robinson, a drifter and petty criminal, was found dead on a West Coast beach. With few clues about how he died, or why, the investigation petered out. But now, police have what every cold case craves – a new suspect. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Sam Sherwood and Michael Wright Read by Michael Wright Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NZ's baby scoop era marks a dark time in our country's history, where children were stolen from their mothers under a state-know-best policy. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Paula Penfold Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Northland to the Catlins, thousands of Kiwis give up their homes, gardens, and time to help the Danaus plexippus butterfly, more commonly known as the monarch butterfly. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Nikki Macdonald Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kings Arms became a hub of metal, punk, indie, and reggae scenes throughout its 198 years in Newton, Auckland. There hasn't been a venue to fill its hole in the music scene since it closed in 2018. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Steve Kilgallon Read by Elmo Johnstone Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Damian Carlile was sent to Aotearoa after he was accused of sexual abuse in Gabon, Africa. But then allegations about altar boys in Whanganui arose in the early 2000s. WARNING: This podcast discusses abuse, which may be distressing for some listeners. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Federico Magrin Read by Aaron Dahmen Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charmaine Wolmarans is a self-described animal rescue vigilante whose carefully crafted public image suggests she does it for the love of the pets she takes in. But why does she have so many “haters”?  Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Tony Wall and Caroline Williams Read by Caroline Williams Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand's screen industry has flourished, spotlighting its breathtaking landscapes and talented workforce. Challenges may remain for the industry, like the need for stable rebates for screen productions, but the future looks bright for the next generation of workers. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by André Chumko Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One trainer calls it the McDonald's of fitness. He's not being insulting. What he means is wherever you go in the world, the quarter pounder with cheese is the same. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Steve Kilgallon Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A surge in the popularity of vaping nicotine, especially among young Kiwis, has left a cloud over Aotearoa's smokefree ambitions. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Jonathan Killick Produced by Philippa Tolley Audio editing: Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for your new favourite politics pod? Look no further! Tova is back for 2024. In this weeks episode, Tova brings you the full story of one of the most significant Waitangi weekends for many years. Like what you're hearing? Follow on Apple or Spotify to make sure you don't miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women make up over 50% of Aotearoa's homeless population. And yet they are often overlooked - because they aren't seen. Advocates say unless gendered issues are specifically addressed, women will continue to fall through the gaps. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Hanna McCallum Read by Imogen Wells Produced by Philippa Tolley Audio editing: Connor Scott

Frances Rawling lived in the ruins of an abandoned suburb in east Christchurch. When she passed, her body remained undiscovered in the red zone for weeks. The mystery of her life - and why she stayed living in the ruins of an abandoned suburb - are still being unravelled.  Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and Read by Charlie Mitchell Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

SH25A connects one side of the Coromandel peninsula to the other and was closed after extensive cyclone damage. For 10 months communities were isolated and businesses struggled while repair work was completed on SH25A. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Annemarie Quill Read by Sam Smith Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

Kim Hill is well known for her many years of service at RNZ and her fearless interview style. She left her Saturday Morning slot in November 2023 after 21 years in the role. Senior Journalist Adam Dudding reflects on Hill's career and discusses her legacy. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and Read by Adam Dudding Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

On the face of it, there appeared little reason why anyone would want the pensioner, Alfred Anderson, dead. Although police have a possible DNA profile of the 64-year-old's killer - once dubbed the “Savage Sydenham Slasher” - a suspect has died, and his family has refused to cooperate. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and Read by Blair Ensor Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

Previously described as an officer who served with distinction, former cop Reece Marshall says he wouldn't change anything about the actions that saw him prosecuted. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Marty Sharpe Read by Elmo Johnstone Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: John Ropiha

In the vacuum of Covid, stranded US musician Amanda Palmer found community and controversy in New Zealand. She explains how she got through those days of personal and public turmoil to become an accidental semi-Kiwi. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Adam Dudding Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

The medicinal cannabis industry is booming globally, while in New Zealand, industry figures and users alike struggle with intense regulations, high costs and other barriers, relegating most people to the black market.  Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Keiller MacDuff Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: John Ropiha

The phenomenon known as 'psuedolaw' is clogging up courts around New Zealand. Researchers describe it as a parallel legal system with rules and practices that vaguely represent the actual legal system, except no legal practitioner would recognise it as legally authoritative.  Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Charlie Mitchell Read by Aaron Dahmen Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

Christchurch Landlord Lee Bennett has been called a "Scumlord" for his unhealthy and damaged rentals. However, he says he's just doing his best for the suburb others abandoned after the earthquakes by providing affordable rentals. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Sinead Gill Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott

Jonah Franke-Bowell is now a journalist but for months amid the pandemic he was working on New Zealand's railway, learning how to lay tracks, finding the best provincial sandwich, and making friends along the way. This is his story. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Jonah Franke-Bowell Read by Karanama Ruru Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: Connor Scott