The Long Read from Stuff

You definitely won’t recognise her. You probably won’t even know her name. But from her bedroom in Blenheim, Lucy Blakiston has become a big deal on the internet. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Bridget Jones Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Zealand has had so many high-profile female firsts ‒ then there are the everyday women who also made a difference. Hear the stories of the unapologetic abortionist, the first suffragist, the seditious woman, and the house of ill repute. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Deborah Morris Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mothers can do anything, and sports organizations are finally catching up. This was highlighted by Kiwi rowers Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis, who won gold in the double sculls at the Paris Olympics this month. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Richard Walker Read by Laura Heathcote Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aubrey Welsh is 69, and will not see his 70th birthday. In September, he will voluntarily stop eating and drinking with the goal of ending his life. He does not have a terminal illness, is not mentally unwell, and does not live in pain. He simply believes he's done everything he's wanted to do - his life is "complete". WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Mariné Lourens Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cameron Leslie is one of our most successful athletes, dominating the pool for almost 20 years. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Leslie explains why this time his biggest test isn’t in the water - it’s in the air. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Bridget Jones Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solar farms are about to spread across New Zealand amid surging demand for renewable energy. Where some see opportunity, others see a threat; no more so than in the Mackenzie Basin, where solar farms and one of the world’s rarest birds will share what remains of a transformed landscape. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Charlie Mitchell Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how Big Biscuit comes up with new product flavours? Or why the dough mixture gets X-rayed? Senior Reporter Steve Kilgallon takes you inside Griffin’s bake room to uncover the truth - and meet a biscuit-maker who doesn’t have a taste for the sweet things in life. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Steve Kilgallon Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There have been other attempts to get the Parker-Hulme story on screen besides Heavenly Creatures. Why does this story still fascinate so many of us? Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Philip Matthews Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by John Ropiha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Criminals can be high-profile, tragic or horrifying. And then once in a while, they are bizarre, hilarious or amazing. This episode of The Long Read looks at some fascinating ones from New Zealand’s history. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Deborah Morris Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a mega-wealthy celebrity buys large chunks of a small community and starts throwing his weight around? In 2022, British TV star Noel Edmonds' moved to Ngātīmoti buying a vineyard and cafe called Dunbar Estates. The response to his $30m property buyout has divided the South Island area. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Tony Wall and Amy Ridout Read by Tony Wall Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apartments are going up, new residents are arriving and Hamilton’s inner-city suburb Frankton is having a moment. Some even go as far as to say Frankton is on its way to be the Ponsonby of Hamilton. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Richard Walker Read by Philippa Tolley Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For six months in the early 20th century, a magnificent palace was built in Hagley Park for the largest event held in the city, Christchurch's international fair.  The International Exhibition of 1906, held in Christchurch, was scarcely believable in scale and ambition. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Charlie Mitchell Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 13, Hawke’s Bay couple Michaela Tait and Mackenzie Wiig were gearing up for the biggest day of their lives. Then Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed their home and their plans. After nine months of treading water, the couple took one step towards reclaiming their future. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Nikki Macdonald Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joanne* was convicted of inciting her husband's suicide after she encouraged him to harm himself in text messages. This story reveals how a government department broke the couple and helped to tip a desperate father over the edge. WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Nadine Roberts Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A spate of gay-bashings in Christchurch has resurfaced old fears that the city isn’t safe for rainbow people, and the mayor admits urgent action is needed. WARNING: This podcast contains references to mental health, abuse, and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written and read by Sinead Gill Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices