The Long Read from Stuff - podcast cover

The Long Read from Stuff

Stuff Audiostuff.co.nz
The very best of Stuff's longform feature journalism, in audio form. One story, beautifully told, every week.

Episodes

How not to walk Te Araroa

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

Oct 11, 202427 min

How a horse hoof solved a murder

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

Oct 04, 202420 min

Introducing: TFN - The F#$%ing News with Paddy Gower

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

Sep 29, 202440 sec

The scars and secrets of forced adoptions

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? WARNING: This podcast contains references to sexual assault, 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@stu...

Sep 27, 202422 min

‘I wish he had hit me’

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...

Sep 20, 202419 min

Why you should care about Lucy Blakiston

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

Sep 14, 202417 min

Seditious women and other troublemakers

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...

Sep 06, 202419 min

Mums shine at the Olympics

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. Visi...

Aug 30, 202424 min

A completed life

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 po...

Aug 23, 202422 min

Breathing room

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 megapho...

Aug 17, 202419 min

The solar farms and the bird factory

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 Audi...

Aug 09, 202436 min

Inside big biscuit

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...

Aug 02, 202417 min

A murder in toy town

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? 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 John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 26, 202431 min

Slippery Sam, the highwayman and other strange NZ criminals

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/adc...

Jul 19, 202419 min

'Lord of the Manor' Noel Edmonds

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 To...

Jul 12, 202418 min

Frankton: The future Ponsonby of Hamilton

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....

Jul 05, 202424 min

NZ's dreamlike international fair

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 Conno...

Jun 28, 202424 min

The Cyclone and the Wedding

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 ...

Jun 21, 202417 min

A wife's pain

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. 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! Ema...

Jun 14, 202426 min

I thought I was going to die

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. WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health, abuse, 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 Sinead...

Jun 07, 202424 min

Nicola Willis on power, sacrifice and her mischievous streak

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 megaph...

May 31, 202416 min

Making coffins isn’t a childhood

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. WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health, abuse, 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 b...

May 24, 202426 min

A chosen end to a wonderful life

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

May 17, 202418 min

Being a funny guy is a serious business

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

May 10, 202416 min

The kiwi music act going global

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

May 03, 202426 min

Cancer care's postcode lottery

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/adch...

Apr 26, 202419 min

The power of equine therapy

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 Feedb...

Apr 19, 202420 min

Our crumbling cemeteries

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...

Apr 12, 202424 min

The Mysterious Murder of David Robinson

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 L...

Apr 05, 202424 min

NZ's baby scoop era

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. WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health, suicide, and 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 and read by Paula Penfold Produc...

Mar 29, 202429 min