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 evolving

See 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 111

See 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.

Warning: this episode refers to child sex abuse and is intended for a mature audience only. 

The Christchurch Civic Creche child sex abuse scandal rocked the South Island city in the early 90s - and went on to become one of the most significant legal battles in New Zealand's history.

Childcare worker Peter Ellis was accused of bizarre and horrifying offences of satanic rituals, torture and sacrifice against preschoolers while he worked at the creche.

He was eventually convicted on 16 charges of sexually abusing pre-schoolers and jailed for 10 years. 

In 2022 - after numerous failed appeals - the Supreme Court quashed Ellis' convictions, saying the police investigation and his trial were significantly flawed. 

Sadly, Ellis died before the landmark decision. 

In this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask goes back to 1991 when Ellis was first accused of child abuse - and tells his story from there. 

You will also one of the last interviews Ellis ever gave before he died, as well as one of the child complainants who maintains she was abused by her former creche teacher. 

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Anna Leask, senior journalist at the New Zealand Herald. To find out more about her work as a specialist crime and justice reporter click here. 

To read more: 

The twists and turns of Peter Ellis' Christchurch Civic Creche sex abuse case

Peter Ellis: Convictions posthumously quashed in landmark Supreme Court decision

To hear more:

The Front Page 

The Mike Hosking Breakfast, NewstalkZB

SEXUAL HARM - Where to get help

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7: 

Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Email [email protected]

For more info or to web chat visit www.safetotalk.nz

Alternatively contact your local police station.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Youth crime is a constant issue in New Zealand – and in the last few years, stories of ram raids, violent attacks and spree offending have dominated the headlines.

Successive governments have tried to tackle the problem – introducing various policies, programs and plans and even changing legislation.

There has been some success, but for some youth offenders, it seems there is nothing anyone can say or do to stop their often terrifying and relentless behaviour.

In this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask examines the life of one of hte country's worst youth offenders - Paddy.

She also speaks with Principal Youth Court Judge Ida Malosi about the issues around young offenders, how they can be stopped and who is responsible. 

To read more about Paddy click here.

The series is written and hosted by Leask – who specialises in crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 19 years with a particular focus 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].

A Moment in Crime is available on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released monthly.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2015 a 43-year-old man was jailed for more than 15 years for the premeditated, prolonged and persistent sexual abuse of his two young daughters - filming much of the abuse of the youngest and uploading it to vile websites.

He was also convicted of sexual offending against another two little girls he met through his job at a community centre and secretly filming an adult friend having sex.

Recently he was refused parole and his daughters spoke to senior journalist Anna Leask, host of the Herald podcast A Moment In Crime about their ordeal.

SEXUAL HARM - Where to get help

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7: 

Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Email [email protected]

For more info or to web chat visit www.safetotalk.nzAlternatively contact your local police station.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.