While we’re on our summer break, The Front Page is taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast this year.  

New Year’s Day, 2024 will mark 26 years since Ben Smart and Olivia Hope disappeared. 

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, 1998, the two accepted an offer to stay aboard a man’s yacht while staying in the Marlborough Sounds. They were never seen again.

Their disappearances and presumed deaths have been pegged on Scott Watson for over two decades, but despite still being behind bars, Watson has always maintained his innocence.

The case has long divided the country between those who are convinced of Watson’s guilt, and those who don’t think justice was served.

Last year, broadcaster Paul Henry wrote a powerful piece for the Herald, revealing his beliefs that – even if Watson is guilty – there has been a miscarriage of justice.  

New episodes return January 15th.

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