
Black Sheep
The shady, controversial and sometimes downright villainous characters of NZ history. Join William Ray as he explores history through the lens of Kiwi dirtbags in NZ's most awarded podcast.
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2025 • 50min
BONUS: Kelly Tarlton's Final Treasure Hunt
We're ducking into your feed to bring you an episode of a new RNZ podcast: Kelly Tartlon's Final Treasure Hunt. This story has everything! Kidnapping, smuggling, scurvy, and imaginary islands full of Jewish gold...
Make sure to follow Kelly Tarlton's Final Treasure Hunt wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/kelly-tarltons-final-treasure-huntSpecial thanks to the Tarlton family for their support and trust in making this podcast.For more about Kelly Tarlton we recommend:Watch: Lost and Found: The Story of Cook's AnchorThrow Me the Wreck, Johnny: memories of Kelly Tarlton by Steve Locker-LampsonKelly: the Adventurous Life of Kelly Tarlton by E. V. SaleNavigators and Naturalists, By Michael LeeThe Fateful Voyage of the St Jean Baptiste, By John DunmoreThe Expedition of the St Jean Baptiste to the Pacific 1769 - 1770, Translated and edited by John DunmoreGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sep 26, 2024 • 55min
Spy Scandal: the story of Bill Sutch
Sarah Gaitanos, a historian and author known for her work on Shirley Smith, dives into the dramatic life of Bill Sutch, an economist accused of spying for the Soviets in 1974. She explores Sutch's turbulent romance with Smith, their intellectual bond, and the influence of their differing political views. The discussion sheds light on Sutch's controversial legacy, the emotional toll of espionage on his family, and the complex realities of New Zealand's Cold War intelligence operations. New evidence and evolving interpretations add further intrigue to this historical scandal.

Sep 12, 2024 • 43min
Bird Bandit: the story of Freddie Angell
Documentary-maker Andy MacDonald delves into the wild life of Freddie Angell, New Zealand's infamous wildlife smuggler. The discussion reveals Freddie's mischievous childhood antics evolving into serious wildlife crimes. Tales of his smuggling escapades, from stealing native birds to raiding museums for reptiles, paint a vivid picture of the dark underbelly of wildlife trafficking. With reflections on his dual life as a pet lover and criminal, MacDonald balances humor with urgent conservation messages, highlighting the implications of Angell's actions.

Sep 5, 2024 • 51min
Musket Missionary: the story of Thomas Kendall (Part 2)
Dive into the intriguing life of Thomas Kendall, a missionary who returned from England with the first written dictionary of Te Reo Māori alongside a controversial arsenal of muskets. Discover the linguistic advancements he inspired, sparking a surge in Māori literacy that outpaced many Europeans. Explore his conflict between Christian beliefs and Māori spirituality, and his complexities during tumultuous times, revealing a man struggling with personal and cultural upheaval while leaving an unexpected legacy in the wake of colonial interactions.

Aug 29, 2024 • 44min
Musket Missionary: the story of Thomas Kendall (Part 1)
Peter Lineham, Professor Emeritus of Religious History at Massey University, sheds light on the tumultuous life of early missionary Thomas Kendall. Kendall is known for facilitating the musket trade that fueled the bloody Musket Wars in New Zealand. This conversation navigates his conflicting identities as a missionary and arms dealer. Lineham also discusses Kendall's role in transforming Te Reo Māori into a written language and his spiritual shift from Christianity towards Māori beliefs, unveiling a complex legacy interwoven with cultural exchange.

Aug 22, 2024 • 44min
Beastly Truth: the story of George Howe
Lynette Shum, a Wellington Chinese historian, and Redmer Isker, a historian specializing in the New Zealand Truth newspaper, discuss the troubling case of George Howe, a brothel-keeper accused of sexual exploitation. They delve into the sensationalist and racist media coverage that portrayed him as 'beastly' due to his Chinese ethnicity. The conversation explores anti-Chinese racism, the historical evolution of Wellington's Chinatown, and the broader impacts of societal prejudices on immigrant communities, illuminating a dark chapter in New Zealand's past.

Aug 15, 2024 • 46min
Highwayman: the story of Robert Wallath
In 1892, a masked highwayman terrorized New Plymouth, only to be revealed as the unassuming Robert Wallath. Driven by a fascination with notorious criminals, his motives blurred between divine inspiration and literary influence. The podcast explores Wallath's tumultuous teenage years, rebellion against family, and shocking crimes that sparked both fear and amusement in the community. It also examines the artifacts from his crime spree and reflects on the shifting perceptions of crime and redemption, offering insights into youth, faith, and the complexities of human behavior.

5 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 28min
Anzac Massacre: the story of Surafend (Part 3)
Delve into the haunting legacy of the Surafend massacre, examining the motivations and moral complexities behind the soldiers' actions. The discussion unveils the psychological toll of war and the clash of cultures between ANZAC troops and Egyptian locals. Explore grim allegations of war crimes committed by ANZAC units, contrasting heroism with historical misdeeds. Insightful reflections from historians shed light on the dark side of military conduct and the importance of recognizing these complex narratives in understanding contemporary justice.

Aug 1, 2024 • 25min
Anzac Massacre: the story of Surafend (Part 2)
Terry Kinloch, a military historian and author of "Devils on Horses," dives deep into the haunting Surafend massacre of December 1918. He unpacks the dire conditions that sowed resentment among the Anzac troops leading to tragic violence. Kinloch also discusses the chilling silence surrounding the event, the motive for revenge after a comrade's death, and the brutal response to the 1919 Egyptian Revolution. His insights reveal the complexities and darker sides of military history that often go overlooked.

Jul 25, 2024 • 31min
Anzac Massacre: the story of Surafend (Part 1)
Terry Kinloch, a military historian and author, delves into the Surafend massacre involving the Anzac Mounted Division. He recounts the emotional upheaval following General Allenby's scathing remarks, igniting defiance among soldiers. Kinloch explores the harrowing events of December 1918, where troops resorted to brutal violence after a soldier's death, examining the psychological impacts of war. The complex dynamics of desert warfare and the tumultuous relations with local populations set a dark backdrop, leaving many questions of accountability and motive still unanswered.