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

Meet the Monarchists

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

Mar 22, 202419 min

The Kings Arms

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 megapho...

Mar 15, 202427 min

Alleged Abuse in the Sacristy Room

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 ...

Mar 08, 202430 min

Odin and Lorazepam

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 choice...

Mar 01, 202424 min

New Zealand's screen identity

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 ...

Feb 23, 202421 min

Les Mills: The McDonald’s of Fitness

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

Feb 16, 202436 min

The reality of NZ’s nicotine addiction

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

Feb 09, 202419 min

The hidden struggles of homeless women in Aotearoa

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 Learn more about ...

Feb 02, 202425 min

A lonely death at Horseshoe Lake

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: Conn...

Jan 29, 202431 min

Death of a highway

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Jan 26, 202414 min

National treasure Kim Hill

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 Learn more ...

Jan 22, 202417 min

The Search for the Sydenham Slasher

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 edit...

Jan 19, 202418 min

Anatomy of an arrest

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

Jan 15, 202419 min

Amanda Palmer's NZ Experience

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...

Jan 13, 202415 min

Double Standard

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Jan 08, 202417 min

Not under your jurisdiction

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 Audi...

Jan 05, 202418 min

Scumlord or housing crisis hero?

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Jan 01, 202417 min

Making Tracks

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 Learn more abou...

Dec 29, 202318 min

Shipwreck, hungry ghosts, and a bitter controversy

In 1902, the SS Ventnor sank off Hokianga harbour, carrying the remains of nearly 500 Chinese goldminers being returned to their villages. The ship’s discovery in 2013 has sparked a decade of accusation, and antagonism towards those who helped find it. Now, that group’s side of the story has been told, but it’s done little to quell a controversy involving the Chinese community, iwi, top government officials, and some of the world’s most famous divers. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's ...

Dec 25, 202337 min

Justice for Angela Blackmoore

David Hawken and Rebecca Wright-Meldrum’s pasts had caught up. On December 9, 2023, the jury found the pair guilty of the murder of Angela Blackmoore in 1995. Justice for Angela Blackmoore was slow but it had finally arrived. 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: Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Dec 23, 202341 min

Axing relationship education

Advocates fear removing and replacing the relationship and sexuality education guidelines will be taking a step backwards in ending sexual violence and reversing improvements in the wellbeing of rainbow communities. Written by Hanna McCallum Read and produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 15, 202316 min

Where your food scraps go

Have you ever wondered where your food scraps go once you place your green bin on the kerbside? In Auckland, senior journalist Steve Kilgallon takes the 555km round trip in which food scraps are transformed via anaerobic digestion to create energy and fertiliser. 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 L...

Dec 09, 202318 min

I nailed Tamihere

As David Tamihere’s conviction for murdering two Swedish tourists returned to court this week, allegations of a shock confession surfaced, along with grisly revelations that body parts from one of the victims remained on display at a laboratory for more than 20 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 Mike White Produced by Jen Black Audio editing: John Ropiha Le...

Dec 01, 202319 min

How I escaped a cult

Born with no arms and legs, Jess Stewart became somewhat of a celebrity within the Exclusive Brethren. However, when it came time to leave, it had to be carefully planned. 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

Nov 25, 202325 min

Dilworth's internal memos

A survivor of sexual abuse at Dilworth School in the 1990s says memos written by senior school administrators shows they knew staff had sexually abused boys – and that it would continue. WARNING: This episode contains graphic content, references to sexual abuse and 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 Wr...

Nov 17, 202328 min

Ikea’s interior design gurus vs my home

They took photos, asked personal questions, and looked in every nook and cranny of this journalist's home. As part of their qualitative research for the new Ikea mega store coming in late 2025, Ikea's interior designers are checking out NZ homes for what storage solutions we may want and need. This story was made possible by subscribers to The Post and was first featured in this week’s edition of the Sunday Star-Times. If you want to support more beautifully-told New Zealand stories go to thepos...

Nov 11, 202316 min

The characters of public meetings

Like protests or petitions, public meetings are a cornerstone of democracy. From NIMBYs to Legal Beagles and everything in between, community reporter Jonathan Killick lifts the lid on the characters that usually go along. 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 Audio editing by John Ropiha Produced by Jen Black Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

Nov 03, 202321 min

I still have nightmares

Described as a One-man crime wave’ Prisoner Damon Exley escaped Rimutaka Prison in February 2022 disguised as a prison guard and then abducted and raped a woman. WARNING: Warning this episode contains strong language and references to rape and 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 Blai...

Oct 27, 202321 min

Kisses in the carwash

Disabled Kiwis face more dating hurdles than most, with non-disabled people often awkward or anxious around them. Olivia Shivas explores the disabled dating experience - and it’s not all about ‘those sex questions’. 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 Olivia Shivas Audio editing by Connor Scott Co-produced by Michael Wright and Jen Black Learn more about your ad ch...

Oct 20, 202313 min

The Changing State of Social Housing

These people slept on couches, in cars and on floors. For The Post, Ethan Te Ora tells the story of the diverse group of people moving into new units created by community provider, Dwell, and the politics surrounding the funding of social housing. Who are these people? How did they end up needing housing help? An perhaps most importantly, do they now have a chance of creating a community. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Ema...

Oct 13, 202319 min