The worst kind of villain in New Zealand history was... an Auckland property speculator.

In this week's episode, we learn about the worst kind of villain in New Zealand history... an Auckland property speculator.

Historian and author Vincent O'Malley tells the story of Thomas Russell and his victims, both Māori and Pakeha.

Today these baby boomer 'bastards' are accused of driving house prices through the roof but in the past they helped start and push along the Waikato War, one of the most unjust conflicts in our history.

Chief among this cabal was Russell, the founder of BNZ and many other important Auckland businesses.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details