DELVE

A book blows the case wide open and reveals the power and politics behind the case.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top cop at the centre of the case admits to multiple affairs with complainant mothers and a social worker.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An up close and personal look at what remains one of New Zealand’s most notorious High Court trials.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Police raid the suburban homes of four women creche workers, convinced they are part of an organised child abuse ring. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Panic spreads through the families - a frenzy being led by therapists and police.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Police are convinced Ellis is not acting alone, and the fear and paranoia go through the roof.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In early 1990s Christchurch a young gay childcare worker faces bizarre accusations of child abuse. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve interviewed dozens of people about their experiences with ‘Chris the Kiwi’ Ashenden, his billion-dollar company, and his market-leading AG1. They have questions stemming from his history of criminal dishonesty, from the job losses as he quietly cut production costs, and from his scientific claims today that stretch credibility. To find him, we’ve come all the way across the Pacific, from NZ to Chilé to Colombia…and now we discover Chris has flown out to Mexico.  This is the final episode of our podcast, Powder Keg – and we’re going to do it. We’re flying into a blistering Mexico heatwave, and a scorching encounter with Chris on the streets of Playa del Carmen. Because, as we discover, Chris won’t be happy to see us.Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve come 12,000 kilometres from Auckland to Medellín, on the trail of Chris Ashenden, the chief executive of AG1. We don’t have his number or his address, but we think he lives here. Today’s Medellín is a vibrant city that’s attracting new investment and faces from around the world – but the legacy of drug lord Pablo Escobar and the paramilitaries still echoes in violence on the streets. You might expect us to pack Kevlar body armour for our visit. Instead, we pack our gym gear – because one thing we do know about Chris the Kiwi, is where he works out.Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Food and Drug Administration reveals it’s received 118 adverse event complaints from AG1 users – this year alone. In particular, there are 30-plus reports of liver harm in 2023 and 2024.  The billion dollar company dismisses the liver harm complaints as “extremely rare”, saying it can be caused by a range of things such as alcoholic liver injury, viral hepatitis and autoimmune disease. The FDA hasn’t investigated the complaints to confirm whether they are indeed caused by AG1 – but some consumers and scientists are calling for an official investigation into this glamour product championed by superstar influencers.Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to people like Andy and Lisa who’ve used AG1 – and they’re not happy. They want to know what’s in the green powder supplement, in what quantities – and whether there’s any scientific evidence it has any health benefits. That’s a good question. So we bring in four world-leading university nutritionists and toxicologists to critique the research. They’re concerned there’s no gold standard large-scale clinical trial – and most of AG1’s published research is in a few controversial pay-to-play journals. The professors warn consumers can have little confidence there’s any credible science underpinning this expensive daily supplement.Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, AG1 has boasted of being ‘Made in New Zealand’. But where is its mystery factory? We track down a little-known contract manufacturing company in the sunny city of Nelson – and discover a much darker story. Despite trading off New Zealand’s clean, green brand, AG1 has been quietly shifting its production to America. In the past year, this has cost nearly 180 New Zealanders their jobs – and piqued the interest of the country’s commerce regulator. If AG1’s 700,000 customers can’t trust the ‘Made in New Zealand’ claim – how can they trust the other claims on the label? Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Rogan is one of the world’s wealthiest influencers – and we’re told AG1 is one of his best clients, paying him about $10 million a year to promote its popular green powder. Scientist Dr Andrew Huberman gets about $2 million. Gwyneth Paltrow, Formula 1’s Sir Lewis Hamilton, Olympic champion Allyson Felix … the list goes on. AG1 is the OG of influencer marketing; it spends more on audio than just about any other company in the world. But are the company and its well-paid ambassadors being upfront? Some customers say they’ve been persuaded to drink a supplement that they now believe has impacted their health. The Food and Drug Administration has had 118 reports of harm from AG1 users and their doctors, this year alone. Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A leaked recording reveals the Kiwi founder of billion-dollar supplements firm AG1 misrepresented his criminal history in public statements and in a meeting with the company’s president and staff, just this year. Chris Ashenden’s high-powered American lawyer claimed he had never been charged with a crime, or convicted of a crime, or been the subject of an arrest warrant – but none of those things was correct.  We listen to the recording alongside Anita Mika, who lost her home in Chris’s property scheme. Her sister also lost her home – but she died without seeing justice done. ‘We can forgive, but we never forget,’ Anita says. Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travelling to New Zealand’s southernmost city, with a chill wind that feels like it’s blowing off Antarctica, we discover it was a woman named Dee Chisholm who first blew the whistle on Chris the Kiwi’s criminal property schemes.  But tracking her down won’t be easy…until we drive out to a small remote mining village called Nightcaps. Everyone has secrets. And in this episode, we finally meet the protagonists – some might call them antagonists – who faced off in former police officer Chris Ashenden’s first clash with the law. It won’t be his last…the story of AG1, the world’s favourite green powder supplement, is blowing up big. Each episode is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We track down families who lost their homes in 'Chris the Kiwi’ Ashenden’s property dealings. And what happens next is what Powder Keg, the podcast, is all about – Ashenden, his unorthodox billion-dollar business and his magical mystery powder.  All we know is that his company AG1 is headquartered at an address in Carson City, Nevada. If it comes to the crunch and he doesn’t front, we’ll need to go there to talk with the company’s founder. What we didn’t know is the story of criminal offending that will emerge – a story that Chris the Kiwi didn’t want told. Listen to the first 3 episodes now. Episode 4 is available first to subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When investigative journalist Jonathan Milne started slugging back an expensive, vivid green AG1 shake every morning to get in shape for his 50th birthday, he knew what the company’s chief science officer said – that the green powder product would make him healthier. What he didn’t know about were the adverse reports to the Food and Drug Administration of liver damage, nor of the scrutiny by the courts, and now of a national regulator. Episodes 1 and 2 of Powder Keg are live now, with Episode 3 also available for subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Ashenden and Jonathan Milne are both Kiwi blokes in their late 40s. Chris has an unrelenting personal ambition – it’s served him well. The business leader’s quest wasn’t for the Holy Grail, it was for a holy green drink. Jonathan is an investigative journalist. What’s served him well is his doggedness. And when Chris wouldn’t front for an interview about the success of his green powder shake and his US$1.2 billion company, Jonathan began asking questions.  At first, Chris’s AG1 supplement had been targeted at sportspeople and gym freaks – but by last year, we reveal he’d rebranded to target the widest possible market of middle-America…desk-bound 30- or 40-something mums and dads, anxious to get back in shape. Episodes 1 and 2 of Powder Keg are live now, with Episode 3 also available for subscribers to DELVE+. To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some stories grow from a green shoot; some explode like a powder keg. The global supplement market is worth $200 billion a year, and Chris Ashenden is a rock star of the industry. Yet in his home country of New Zealand, nobody had heard of him. Investigative journalist Jonathan Milne wanted to tell his story – but when Chris proved elusive, alarm bells began to ring. In the latest electrifying podcast from DELVE, we investigate the superstar endorsements, the science and the safety of the world’s favourite green powder, AG1. Listen to a story that will entangle the biggest names in audio, from Joe Rogan to Andrew Huberman to Gwyneth Paltrow. We follow the money, dig into the crimes and commission our own lab analysis. From the chill of the Southern Ocean to a record Mexican heatwave, from Colombia to the Caribbean, we chase down AG1’s founder to tell the story he didn’t want told.  Episodes 1 and 2 launch Thursday, October 31, with Episode 3 also available for subscribers to DELVE+ To listen early and ad-free to this show, to our bonus episodes, and to award-winning podcast The Boy in the Water and Melanie Reid’s latest investigation, Fractured, sign up to DELVE+.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our final episode in this season coincides with world headlines about a man facing execution for the same diagnosis that imprisoned Zita. Shaken baby syndrome is being called “junk science” in the US, but it has upended the life Zita had hoped for in New Zealand. Now out of jail, she is battling her impending deportation with Immigration NZ, all while continuing to maintain her innocence. Will she get to see her daughter? Will the international experts come through in time? And why won’t Starship Hospital front up on this case? Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things really start to wind up when Melanie and Bonnie have a major breakthrough and track down a UK paediatric pathologist who was at forefront of overturning murder charges in a high profile London case. She throws a whole new light on our case and will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz*Listen to the first eight episodes free. If you want to support our work and hear today’s Episode 9 right away, become a subscriber to DELVE+. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.*Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did moving to live in the dream country of New Zealand end up like this? Prison, divorce and a baby in the custody of the state.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz*Listen to the first seven episodes free. If you want to support our work and hear today’s Episode 8 right away, become a subscriber to DELVE+. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.*Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zita continues to maintain her innocence as the courtroom drama concludes with the judge delivering a sentence Zita is totally unprepared for. In jail, she is put in an isolation wing after inmates call her a baby killer.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did some of Baby K’s fractures occur while on 24 hour watch in the hospital? What about the traumatic birth? “Doctors sometimes can and do get it wrong”…all this and more in the final address of Zita’s lawyer.  *Listen to the first five episodes free. If you want to support our work and hear today’s Episode 6 right away, become a subscriber to DELVE+. DELVE+ subscribers get Early Release, Ad Free listening.*Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to be charged with child abuse in a foreign country? Zita finds out as she faces the might of Starship Hospital at her criminal trial.*Listen to the first four episodes free. If you want to hear today's Episode 5 right away, become a subscriber to DELVE+. DELVE+ subscribers get Early Release, Ad Free listening.*Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NZ police investigation ramps up and, with their child taken, the couple have their house bugged, their phones tapped and just as they think it can’t get any worse…it does.*Listen to the first three episodes free. If you want to hear today’s Episode 4 right away, become a subscriber to DELVE+. DELVE+ subscribers get Early Release, Ad Free listening.*Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melanie and Bonnie meet the young couple at the centre of this case and they begin to unravel the complex cascade of events that led to a young mother being accused, convicted and jailed for two and a half years - and the daunting fight that lies ahead.*If you want to hear Episode 3 as soon as it's released, become a subscriber to DELVE+*Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the dream country, New Zealand, becomes a living hell? The Boy in the Water creator, multi-award-winning journalist Melanie Reid, is in the middle of another story when she receives an email that causes her to drop everything and get on a plane. After a year of extensive investigations, we now bring you that case.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DELVE presents the new in-depth podcast from Melanie Reid Investigates about a controversial medical diagnosis from a New Zealand hospital and the cascade of events that followed.  A baby taken, a mother jailed, a couple forced apart and facing deportation without their daughter.  Crushed by the weight of multiple government departments working in lockstep, what happens when the dream of a new country becomes an unimaginable nightmare?  In this new investigation, Melanie Reid and her team take the x-rays that were used to convict a young mother and put them before international experts, who tell us this case is just the tip of the iceberg of a factitious medical phenomenon leading to injustice around the globe. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all three seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, all ad-free.Fractured is presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final day of the coronial inquest into the death of three-year-old Lachie Jones, his mother has a statement read out in court, Lachie’s father addresses the Coroner and throws more shade on the police investigations - and the lawyers play their final cards for and against an accidental drowning.We also introduce our scorching, brand new podcast investigation on DELVE, coming very soon!Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan appears via videolink from his new home in Australia to respond to allegations he threw his little brother Lachie in the pond, and the young man at the centre of the Facebook messages gets riled up during cross examination.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things get heated in court when the young woman at the centre of the messages that allege Lachie’s brother threw him in the pond testifies at the inquest - and she fires back at attempts to question her motive and undermine her evidence.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A doctor from Starship Children’s Hospital is questioned on all the big mysteries in the case including that Lachie was found face up, had no water in his lungs and had no external injuries.You can see an image of a cross section of the pond on our Facebook page and our Instagram page. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the line-up of experts continues, we go on a crash course on the inner workings of the Gore sewerage ponds, and we hear yet another opinion on whether Lachie could have made it all the way out there by himself.You can see an image of a cross section of the pond on our Facebook page and our Instagram page. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, The Depot, three months after giving evidence in the first phase of the inquest, Michelle Officer presents a new sworn statement that changes her account of her movements at the depot that afternoon, but a contractor who works from the same depot says Lachie and his mother weren’t there.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin Bates, lawyer for the police, goes into full Crown prosecutor mode, as he tries to dent the findings, methodology and conclusion in former forensic detective Karen Smith’s report.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin Bates, the lawyer representing the police, goes head to head with former forensic detective Karen Smith.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Staged As An Accident, Karen Smith details timelines, distances, witness statements and the 111 call, and explains how she reached her conclusion that Lachie’s death was staged to look like an accident. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Smith lays out the system failures, biases and exactly what went wrong with the investigation into Lachie’s death - and questions why the NZ police are so obstinate in this case.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A forensic pathologist and a retired forensic detective, both Americans, give evidence in the Invercargill courtroom and fiercely defend their views – one emphatic Lachie drowned, the other who says his death was staged.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The controversy steps up a notch when a Wellington based forensic pathologist enters the frame and is intractable on Lachie’s cause of death. Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speculation and hypothetical scenarios are thrown around the courtroom, as the absence of a forensic autopsy limits options.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Martin Sage, the man who says he could have and should have done the forensic autopsy on Lachie, takes the stand. He gives a rare window into the reality of forensic autopsies and we find out what he believes may or may not have happened to Lachie.Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melanie Reid and her team make their way south for the second phase of the inquest, and on the first day a police dog expert is asked that if Lachie walked out to the ponds, why did the police dog not pick up his scent until 30 metres out?Sign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a tip-off, Melanie Reid heads south and gets the Facebook messages, the phone and the explosive interview.The Boy in the Water is now part of our new investigative podcast channel, DELVE. Melanie Reid Investigates will be releasing gripping, in-depth podcasts on DELVE throughout the year. If you would like to support our work:Sign up to DELVE+ here for Android and Spotify listeners to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free. Check your email for sign-up instructions.For Apple Podcasts listeners, sign up to DELVE+ by simply clicking the subscribe banner on the DELVE page and follow the prompts. Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US-based Andrea Zaferes, who has investigated thousands of ‘body found in water’ cases, tells Melanie Reid what stacks up and what doesn’t when investigating suspected drownings. You can also watch a short video of Andrea explaining the positions bodies are commonly found in when they are in water, on our Facebook page and our Instagram page. Sign up to DELVE+ here for Android and Spotify listeners to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.For Apple Podcasts listeners, sign up to DELVE+ by simply clicking the subscribe banner on the DELVE page and follow the prompts.Discover more from Melanie Reid Investigates at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the last day of phase one of the inquest, Detective Inspector Stu Harvey is cross examined about witness statements that weren’t taken, the reliability of eyewitness identifications, and any lessons he gleaned from the reinvestigation. Coroner Ho then wraps up the inquest for now. Sign up to DELVE+ here for Android and Spotify listeners to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.For Apple Podcasts listeners, sign up to DELVE+ by simply clicking the subscribe banner on the DELVE page and follow the prompts.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final witness to appear for this first phase of the inquest is the man who was in charge of the reinvestigation into Lachie’s death, Detective Inspector Stu Harvey.Sign up to DELVE+ here for Android and Spotify listeners to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.For Apple Podcasts listeners, sign up to DELVE+ by simply clicking the subscribe banner on the DELVE page and follow the prompts.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The police dog handler who found Lachie with his dog Gee gives his evidence in closed court.Sign up to DELVE+ here for Android and Spotify listeners to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.For Apple Podcasts listeners, sign up to DELVE+ by simply clicking the subscribe banner on the DELVE page and follow the prompts.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bill Little, who’s been in the job for more than 30 years, sets the record straight about process, protocol and who is responsible for what. Sign up to DELVE+ here for Android and Spotify listeners to get early access to new episodes and receive exclusive bonus material, all ad-free.For Apple Podcasts listeners, sign up to DELVE+ by simply clicking the subscribe banner on the DELVE page and follow the prompts.Presented by award-winning investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nzSign up to DELVE+ to get early access to new episodes and listen to all four seasons of our award-winning The Boy in the Water podcast, both seasons of Fractured, the explosive Powder Keg and Satanic Panic: Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me, all ad-free. Presented by investigations editor Melanie Reid. Discover more at Newsroom.co.nz and search for Melanie Reid Investigates on Facebook and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.