A Moment In Crime

In March 1990, two mothers walked out of Timaru Hospital believing they were taking home their newborn daughters. But somewhere inside the hospital, the babies had been switched.

The mistake went undiscovered for five years, leaving two families to grapple with an extraordinary situation and questions about identity, motherhood, and the lives their daughters might otherwise have lived. The girls were raised by the wrong families, with the truth eventually coming to light years after their births.

For the mothers at the centre of the drama, the discovery would have life-changing consequences. What followed was not simply a matter of correcting a hospital mistake, but navigating the complicated relationships, emotions and realities created by years of believing one child was their own.

The story attracted significant public attention, bringing intense scrutiny to the families as they tried to make sense of what had happened. For Sandra, one of the mothers involved, the consequences have endured long after the initial discovery. The public attention made an already difficult situation harder, and relationships within the families changed in ways that could not simply be undone.

The case remains one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary stories, raising questions about how such a mistake could happen and the lasting impact on those involved. It was not a crime, but it left a profound mark on the lives of two families.

In the latest episode of A Moment In Crime, host Anna Leask looks back at the Timaru baby swap, exploring the circumstances surrounding the mix-up and speaking to Sandra about her recollections of the events and their aftermath.

The episode revisits a story that continues to challenge any easy understanding of family, identity and the meaning of being a mother.

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 more than 20 years.

This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.

Episodes of A Moment In Crime are usually released monthly.

Leask has covered more than 70 cases, including the murders of Grace Millane, Scott Guy, Austin Hemmings, Carmen Thomas, Karen Aim; the deaths of the Kahui twins; the Christchurch mosque attack and the historical Heavenly Creatures murder; the case of Lauren Dickason, who was jailed for murdering her three young daughters soon after emigrating to New Zealand, and the massacres at Raurimu and Aramoana.

This year, Leask also revealed the full story of Nicola Flint, the Christchurch woman accused of faking cancer for years and ripping off a rugby club and her former employer to the tune of more than $180,000. The two-part special is available now.

Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has been downloaded more than 2 million times by listeners in more than 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.

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

If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020, Dunedin doctor Venod “Vinny” Skantha was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 19 years for murdering teenager Amber-Rose Rush. In 2018 the 16-year-old said she was going to police and the defendant’s Dunedin Hospital bosses with allegations of Skantha sexually assaulting young women and providing alcohol to minors. Skantha’s job was already in jeopardy after he had been given a final warning for serious misconduct — the new claims would likely have ended his career. To keep the teenager quiet, Skantha went to her property, entered the house and stabbed her to death in her bed. Amber-Rose was the youngest of three children and according to her mother Lisa-Ann, the “glue” that held the family together. Tragically, just months after Amber-Rose died, her mother died in a suspected suicide. In this episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime, senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at the life and death of Amber-Rose. The episode also explains the death of Skantha in prison the day after an appeal against his conviction failed.

This episode includes graphic descriptions of violent acts, which some listeners may find distressing or triggering.

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.

Episodes of A Moment In Crime are usually released monthly.

If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, baby killer Lise Turner hid in plain sight — shielded by medical uncertainty, misplaced trust and the tragedy of so-called cot death. Her crimes were only uncovered after the death of 8-month-old Michael Tinnion in Christchurch in 1984 exposed a deadly pattern authorities had missed.

Turner was later convicted of murdering three babies — including her two infant daughters, Megan and Cheney — and attempting to murder three other infants.

In the latest episode of Herald true crime podcast A Moment In Crime, senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at Turner’s offending - and those most impacted.

More than four decades later after his murder Michael’s mother Lauree Ashworth, is speaking publicly about the day her son died, the woman she trusted, and the lifelong impact of a crime that shattered her family.

“I live with it every single day,” she said.

In this powerful episode of A Moment In Crime, Lauree shares her memories of Michael, the investigation that exposed one of New Zealand’s worst serial child killers, and how her family has kept Michael’s memory alive for more than 40 years.

Listen to A Moment In Crime on the iHeart app - or wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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.