Explore every episode of the podcast Motive: Conviction

You've reached the final episode of Nark, but it's far from the end of the story. Mike Wesley-Smith looks at all the pieces uncovered during his investigation, all the bits still missing and discovers the hopes Suzanne Young and Julie Appelgren hold for resolution.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

For years after the trials of Ross Appelgren, Ernie* had lived a quiet and crime-free life in Australia. But his domestic bliss didn’t last and the fallout resulted in a trans-Tasman diplomatic row. In this episode, Ernie* answers some of Mike’s lingering questions.

*Names have been changed as they have name suppression or to protect their identity

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

In return for his testimony Ernie* was moved from a cell to motel room, and promised money, relocation and early release from his sentence. His witness protection would become the most intricate covert police operation of its kind in New Zealand history.

*Names have been changed as they have name suppression or to protect their identity

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Ernie’s* journey from suspect to eye-witness is shrouded in secrecy and controversy. We look at how police came to place their entire case on Ernie’s* shoulders. And for the first time, Ernie* himself describes his role in the case against Ross Appelgren, and the terror of being in prison and labelled a Nark.

*Names have been changed as they have name suppression or to protect their identity

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Let’s properly meet the two main characters in this story. Ross, the accused. A car thief and bank robber who’d spent a third of his life behind bars. And Ernie* the accuser. A fraudster whose arrest culminated in a police chase and with Ernie* dangling off Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. One would end up behind bars while the other became the Crown’s star witness.

*Names have been changed as they have name suppression or to protect their identity

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

The investigation into the murder of Darcy Te Hira kicks off in earnest, but the police are stymied by the prisoner code of silence and a lack of forensic evidence at the murder scene. That is until a mystery note that leads them to a broken kitchen paddle.

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Sometimes, where a murder happens can be just as important a factor in its investigation as who did it and why. This episode looks at life behind the bars of Mt Eden. The drugs, violence and the code of silence.

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Darcy Te Hira’s murder in Mt Eden prison is one shrouded in controversy. The only prison guard on duty saw and heard nothing. Initially, Darcy was treated as if he was ill when he had no history of seizures and by the time the alarm was raised, the kitchen had been cleaned. Was there a cover up?

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

On 6 January 1985, Tony “Darcy” Te Hira was murdered in Mt Eden Prison. Fellow inmate Ross Appelgren was twice convicted of the killing but maintained his innocence, saying the prosecution case was based on a string of lies from inmates prepared to “nark” in return for money and early release. For decades the case has remained dormant. But now, an unheard appeal is being resurrected and two women who lost the men they love are looking for answers.

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Listen here for a taste of what's to come in RNZ's latest true crime podcast - Nark. The pursuit of justice has never sounded so good.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any information about this case, send an email to nark@rnz.co.nz

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

A prison murder, an unlikely love story and a cast of colourful characters. RNZ's new true crime podcast is not to be missed.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any information about this case, send an email to nark@rnz.co.nz

Further reading:

• See images and more details about the series here

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

Five years after the death of Darcy Te Hira, two prison guards are quietly minding their own business when an inmate drops a bombshell. A confession that puts Ross Appelgren’s guilty verdict back in question.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Mike Wesley-Smith puts Ross Appelgren’s claims of innocence under the microscope in this episode. While much of what Mike’s uncovered so far puts question marks over Ross’ guilt, there are bits of the story that point to him being the killer.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Ernie*, who had been living in Australia while Ross fought for his freedom, is back in court for the retrial. But as you’ll discover, he didn’t exactly come easily. And if you think you know how the story of Ross’ retrial ends – you’re in for a surprise.

*Names have been changed as they have name suppression or to protect their identity

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Ross Appelgren’s conviction is quashed, he begins rebuilding his life cementing a new future with his love – Julie. But his trials are not over – literally. In this episode we return to court for Ross’ retrial and hear the gobsmacking story of the inmate who flipped.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Just as all hope appears gone, Ross Appelgren discovers further information that had been withheld from his defence team. And an unlikely ally appears – one who will become his staunchest supporter.

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Ross Appelgren takes drastic measures to clear his name. In a nail-biting episode we relive his unsanctioned bid for freedom and his attempt to bring national attention to his case by going live on talkback radio.

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

While Ross Appelgren is reeling from the murder conviction for a crime he said he didn’t commit, his lawyer launches an appeal. But Ross isn’t prepared to wait and Ernie’s* struggles with his bail conditions – put both men on a crash-course with the law – again.

*Names have been changed as they have name suppression or to protect their identity

Read more stories and see images from Nark on the RNZ website

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Leaks from Mt Eden force police to move on their main suspect for the murder of Darcy Te Hira and Ross Appelgren finds himself in the dock for the crime. This episode you’ll hear what the jury did – and all the bits they didn’t.

See images and read more about the series at www.rnz.co.nz/nark

Special thanks to everyone who helped bring this podcast to life, especially Julie Appelgren and Suzanne Young.

And thanks to Ngā Taonga and Mediaworks for some of the archival audio.

AI was used to recreate the voice of Ross Appelgren. The only words used were those he wrote or said during his lifetime.

If you have any further information on this case, please email nark@rnz.co.nz

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

Peter Ellis is arrested and charged with child sexual abuse. Creche parents are panicked and horrified. But what has really been happening at the creche?

This series was first released on 2 October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the RNZ website here.

The day Peter turns 34 his house is searched for incriminating material to corroborate the accusations of paedophilia and when he's arrested, all the rumours are front page news.

A leading child sexual abuse expert reassures the public that there are processes in place to protect the children who are victims, but not all the parents buy into the accusations and seek to distance themselves and their children from the on-going investigation.

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

As more and more children came forward with claims of sexual abuse, we ask whether international events were influencing the case in Christchurch.

This series was first released on 29 September 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the RNZ website here.

As in similar cases a few years earlier in the US and Australia, rumours of ritual satanic abuse emerge amidst a rising tide of moral panic swirling around the beleaguered creche.

A second child makes an accusation and police activity amps up interviewing parents and engaging an expert to interview children. No one speaks to Peter - withdrawn, now unemployed and stunned by the accusations.

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

There's fear and confusion after a child says 'I don't like Peter's black penis'. A second accusation causes the investigation to be ramped up.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the website here.

A child's comment to his mother that he 'doesn't like Peter's black penis' leads to Peter being suspended by his shocked supervisor and sets off the first depth charge beneath the community surrounding the creche

Were children being sexually abused there, could anxious parents get accurate information from their sons and daughters, and who might be responsible?

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

Who was Peter Ellis, the childcare worker at the centre of the accusations and how did he come to work there? Meet people with many different connections to what was to become New Zealand's most notorious child sexual abuse case.

This series was first released on 29 September 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the website here.

Who was Peter Ellis, the childcare worker at the centre of the accusations and how did he come to work there?

To set the scene, we meet people with many different connections to what was to become the most notorious child sexual abuse case in this country's history.

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

What really happened at the Christchurch Civic Creche in the late 1980s and early 1990s? Was Peter Ellis wrongly convicted or should we believe the children. Listen to RNZ's new podcast and make up your own mind.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the website here.

In the early 1990's Aotearoa's garden city Christchurch was torn apart by accusations of child sexual abuse at a creche owned by the City Council.

The story begins when a four year old boy makes the comment "I don't like Peter's black penis".

This comment would propel 30-year-old childcare worker Peter Ellis into a nightmare which saw him spend seven years in prison for crimes he says he did not commit.

Yet the children and families who accused Ellis are adamant he committed the crimes and that the results of his actions will be with them forever.

Both sides of this story are convinced of their version of events. But three decades on the ripples from this case are still being felt right across New Zealand.

This 12-part podcast has all the details from one of New Zealand's most controversial child abuse cases, from the people who were there.

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

While it's the end of Nark, it's not the end of RNZ's true crime podcasts - welcome to RNZ's latest super feed called Motive. Dedicated to all things true crime, keep following this podcast feed to get episodes every Tuesday from RNZ's true crime back catalogue, as well as brand new shows as they get released. Listen out for award winning series like Conviction, Gone Fishing, Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big and more right here in this podcast feed.

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

As more and more children come forward with accounts of abuse, we look at what the role the parents, police and expert child interviewers may have played.

This series was first released on 3 October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the RNZ website here.

What's happening for the 3 to 5 year old children at the centre of the investigation, some of whom are put through hours of questioning by professionals feeling their way in a relatively new field?

How could happy, healthy, innocent kids come up with such distressing, and at times wildly fantastical stories? Memory specialists and child psychologists discuss the merits of children's testimony.

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

The children's stories get more and more bizarre and suddenly, others are in the frame too.

This series was first released on 4 October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the RNZ website here.

By October 1992, 119 children have been interviewed and their allegations range from violent nude dancing to rape and murder.

Expert opinion varies on why children would make up such claims, but the parents couldn't imagine where the ideas would come from, unless the children had experienced horrific abuse.

And more disclosures mean more suspects - four other creche teachers and Peter Ellis' mother are accused of being involved.

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

As the divisions in the community intensify, one year on from those first allegations, the preliminary court hearing against Peter Ellis and the four women begins.

This series was first released on October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the RNZ website here.

Together the five child care workers face 60 charges of sexual offending against 20 children.

Over 11 weeks, dozens of people give evidence, from the children and their families to police, other creche teachers and various experts.

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

Four female creche workers are arrested in a series of raids on their homes. A damning report into the creche culture is release and the child care centre is abruptly closed.

This series was first released on October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the website here.

By late 1992, four female creche workers had also been accused of abuse and arrested by police.

Debbie Gillespie and Marie Keys describe the day the police knocked on their doors and all the woman talk about the impact of their arrests.

Then, out of the blue, the creche is closed leaving many creche staff wondering if they'll be next.

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

The High Court trial into child abuse at the Christchurch Civic Creche begins on Monday, 26 April, 1993. Peter Ellis is charged with 28 counts against 13 children.

This series was first released on October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, vist the RNZ website here.

Peter Ellis's friends rally round to help him scrub up his image and the trial begins.

As the High Court trial opens, Peter Ellis finds himself before a conservative Catholic judge and a compromised jury with personal connections to some of the complainants.

The tension and divisions this case has engendered has serious consequences.

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

Tensions run high as the High Court trial of Peter Ellis reaches its conclusion.

This series was first released on October 2023.

To see more images and details about Peter Ellis and the series, visit the RNZ website here.

The trial grinds on, loyalties are tested, and a sense of exhaustion sets in.

Are there, as Ellis and his supporters claim, abuses of power by key witnesses such as leading child psychologist Karen Zelas, key members of the police team, and some of the complainant parents? Is there medical evidence of the abuse? And will Rob Harrison, the defence lawyer, call Peter Ellis to the stand?

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