NZH Presents - Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History

This episode includes graphic descriptions of violent acts, which some listeners may find distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, support is available. Scroll down for a list of support services. And please consider your well-being before listening. In 2025, a man with a lengthy history of stalking and attacking women was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for murdering his ex-partner, Chantal McDonald, in front of her children at their Christchurch home. But violent serial offender Nathan Boulter refused to stand in court in front of his victim’s family – including her teenage daughter who spoke for the first time about witnessing the murder – appearing by audio-visual link from another room in the court precinct instead. The Herald has been reporting on Boulter’s horrifying offending since 2011 – after his high-profile stalking, kidnapping and assault of his ex-girlfriend on Great Barrier Island. Since then, he has been jailed repeatedly for violent offending against women. In this episode of A Moment Of Crime senior journalist Anna Leask unravels Boulter's life of offending.  A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards. If there is a case you want to hear more about email [email protected]   READ MORE HERE: Violent serial offender Nathan Boulter jailed for murder of Christchurch mum - but refuses to face victims in court     DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - HOW TO GET HELP  If you're in danger now: Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you. Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else. Where to go for help or more information:• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7) If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second part of a two-part A Moment In Crime special. Christchurch woman Nicola Flint told friends she was dying, even showing them the spot where her ashes would be scattered.  They grieved and gave thousands to help her fight cancer. But police say there is no evidence of any cancer diagnosis – and behind Flint's narrative, a web of forged medical letters, bank payouts and theft from a rugby club – fraud totalling more than $180,000.  Now, as Flint hides out in Wales from the fallout of her elaborate tales, Herald senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask looks inside the alleged fraud and speaks to those hurt the most by her long-running cancer stories.  If you have information about Nicola Flint, contact [email protected] READ MORE: Inside alleged Christchurch fraudster Nicola Flint’s elaborate, years-long cancer con Christchurch cancer fraud: Friend of Nicola Flint speaks out on lies A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part one of a two-part A Moment In Crime special. Christchurch woman Nicola Flint told friends she was dying, even showing them the spot where her ashes would be scattered.  They grieved and gave thousands to help her fight cancer. But police say the terminal diagnosis was all a lie – and behind it, a web of forged medical letters, bank payouts and theft from a rugby club – fraud totalling more than $180,000.  Now, as Flint hides out in Wales from the fallout of her elaborate tales, Herald senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask looks inside the alleged fraud and speaks to those hurt the most by the fake cancer.  If you have information about Nicola Flint, contact [email protected] READ MORE: Inside alleged Christchurch fraudster Nicola Flint’s elaborate, years-long cancer con Christchurch cancer fraud: Friend of Nicola Flint speaks out on lies A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, 77-year-old pensioner Brian Hilton was found on the floor of his Ōpōtiki home — brutally beaten, barely conscious, and covered in blood. He died five days later. Police launched a major homicide investigation, first zeroing in on one local man before turning their attention to another: Harry Matchitt. A beer bottle found in Hilton’s lounge carried Matchitt’s DNA, and after a series of police interviews, the lifelong Mongrel Mob member made a hazy admission — saying he was “pissed” and may have “pushed and kicked” the elderly man. In 2021, a jury found him guilty of manslaughter. But two years later, the Court of Appeal ruled his conviction unsafe. The judges found his statements to police likely inadmissible, meaning a miscarriage of justice had occurred. The conviction was quashed — and Matchitt walked free. In this episode of A Moment in Crime, senior journalists Anna Leask and Jared Savage revisit the violent death of Brian Hilton, the conviction that fell apart, and what became of Matchitt after the case collapsed. Savage also reflects on two decades covering crime and justice, and his work investigating New Zealand’s gang world. A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.   READ MORE: Harry Matchitt’s conviction for manslaughter of Brian Hilton in Ōpōtiki cold case quashed, case thrown out after ‘false confession’ to police Justice after 21 years in jail: Teina Pora 'set up for new life' after Privy Council quashes convictions for Susan Burdett murder Rex Haig dies before second bid for compensation made Real Life: Jared Savage on how gangs, crime and drug activity in NZ are evolvingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Contains strong language and references to violence and sexual assault.) In 1991, Bronwyn Warwick crossed a line that would define her forever. The transgender former sex worker murdered a  Ponsonby pensioner during a botched antiques robbery. But the story didn’t end with her arrest. Decades later, Warwick’s life took even darker and more tragic turns: years behind bars, living as a woman in mens prisons, release and relapse, and finally, a debilitating diagnosis. In this gripping conclusion to A Moment in Crime: Diary of A Killer senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask unpacks the murder and Warwick's long road of remorse, addiction, and survival. Through exclusive access to her writings and interviews, this episode reveals the woman behind the headlines. READ MORE: A killer’s prison diary: Murderer Bronwyn Warwick on her life and times A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Contains strong language and references to violence and sexual assault.) Before she was a convicted killer, Bronwyn Warwick was a child who never stood a chance. Growing up in a family that didn't understand or accept her and facing violence, addiction, and rejection, Warwick’s early years set the stage for a life defined by crime and chaos. In the first of two episodes about Warwick's life A Moment in Crime: Diary of a Killer senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask delves into her complex past — from petty offending and time in youth facilities to the moments that shaped her identity as a transgender woman navigating an unforgiving system. Drawing from rare interviews, court records, and Warwick’s own prison diaries, this is the story of a person living on the margins, constantly running from pain and punishment. Before the world knew her name, Warwick was already fighting a losing battle — with herself, the law, and the world around her. READ MORE: A killer’s prison diary: Murderer Bronwyn Warwick on her life and times A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May 1992 Brian Schlaepfer shot or stabbed six members of his family to death at their South Auckland farm. The 64-year-old murdered his wife, three sons, daughter in law and grandson.  His nine-year-old granddaughter, Linda, was the sole survivor, having hidden in a wardrobe and providing crucial information to the police during the ordeal. The massacre began after a domestic argument and ended when Brian took his own life. The case remains one of New Zealand’s worst family tragedies. In this episode of A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask explains the case and reveals the harrowing 111 call between young Linda Schlaepfer and Stuck. Where to get help: Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) – lifeline.co.nz Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) – lifeline.org.nz Youth services: (06) 3555 906 Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 – youthline.co.nz What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) – whatsup.co.nz Depression Helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) – depression.org.nz Helpline (Need to talk?): Call or text 1737 Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call or text 1737 – aoaketera.org.nz If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 2001, William Bell stormed into the Mt Wellington-Panmure Returned Services Association premises and brutally attacked four innocent people. Club president Bill Absolum, club member Wayne Johnson and cleaner Mary Hobson died. Susan Couch survived - just. Bell left the mother-of-one for dead with broken arms and severe head injuries that caused a stroke. She lost about 80 per cent of her blood and ambulance officers later said she came as close to dying as she could get. Bell was on parole at the time of the murders and already had 102 convictions. He was convicted of attempted murder, aggravated robbery and three counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 30 years. He is not eligible for parole December 2031. His getaway driver was a Darnell Tupe. He was convicted of manslaughter and aggravated robbery and sntenced to 12 years' with a seven-year minimum non-parole period. He is currently at large in the community after being released on parole.  In this month’s episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask revisists the triple murder - explaining what led to Bell’s violent and callous offending and how the tragedy would never have happened if authorities had not missed a crucial opportunity to recall him to prison. chance to recall him to prison Leask also tells the stories of the victims and surivor - why they were at the RSA that awful day and what they meant to their family and friends. A Moment in Crime is available on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released monthly. The series is written and hosted by senior crime and justice reporter Anna Leask. Leask has been with NZME since 2005 and has worked as a specialist journalist focussing on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected]. Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced almost 70 episodes, and has been downloaded over 2 million times, with listeners in over 180 countries. Past cases covered include the Bain Family murders, Lauren Dickason, James Wallace, the Heavenly Creatures case, and Grace Millane. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40 years ago, two bombs went off in Auckland's harbour when French agents targeted a Greenpeace ship. It was meant to be a warning against anti-nuclear protests, but the death of a photographer on board sparked a major police and political response.  From the NZ Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions, this six-part series re-examines the bombing, the events leading up to it, the investigation that followed, and the ongoing fallout from this case and the French nuclear testing.  Search for 'A Forgotten History' on your preferred podcast app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 13, Chinese national Tingjun Cao was jailed for life for the murder of Christchurch real estate agent and mother Yanfei Bao. Bao, 44, was stabbed to death in July 2023 and buried in a shallow grave on a farm outside Christchurch. She was not found for more than a year. The crime shocked New Zealand and this month on Herald podcast A Moment In Crime senior journalist and host Anna Leask tells the story of Yanfei and her killer. In this episode Leask goes inside the courtroom to Cao’s sentencing and you will hear from the detective who led the investigation into his awful offending. It is graphic in parts and may be upsetting. This podcast explores crime not for shock value, but for clarity — to understand what happened, why, and what it means. True crime is not entertainment — it's a responsibility. I tell crime stories with one goal in mind: to centre the victims, uncover the full story, and examine how justice is pursued — or denied. This episode was produced by Leask, NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes and Ethan Sills. READ MORE: Yanfei Bao murder: Capturing a killer and the 375-day hunt for missing Christchurch real estate agent Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao’s murderer sentenced after disruptive, angry court outbursts  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.