A Forgotten History

Mar 11 2025 14 ep. 38 mins 110

A Forgotten History Podcast artwork

Each season of A Forgotten History explores a key story from New Zealand's past with fresh perspective on what happened at the time, and the lasting impacts of the moment.

Season 2: Mr Asia

In the 1970s, the Mr Asia drug syndicate was one of the largest sellers of heroin in the world. The group began in New Zealand, with two men at its centre: Marty Johnstone and Terry Clark.

As the syndicate spread around the world, for a few years, they were living the high life. And then, they started killing each other.

Hosted by John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy. Presented by NZ Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions.

Season 1: Tangiwai.

Christmas Eve, 1953. A historic year for New Zealand ended tragically, when 151 people died in the country's worst ever rail disaster. 70 years on, with only a handful of survivors still alive, did New Zealand learn the lessons of this horrific accident - or have we forgotten this tragedy?

Hosted by Hamish Williams. Produced by the Motuihe Group for the New Zealand Herald.

Both seasons made with funding from NZ on Air.

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The Long Shadow

Mar 11 2025 54 mins

By the time Terry Clark is sentenced to jail in 1981, the Mr Asia syndicate is nearing its end, its best years fading into memory. But while it may have run for only a few years, its impact continues to be felt today. For a full cast list, never before seen photos, and an extended interview with Detective Superintendent Greg Williams visit nzherald.co.nz/mrasia Written and presente

Lady Justice

Mar 04 2025 47 mins

Mr Asia - Marty Johnstone - is dead. The justice system comes for Terry Clark and Andy Maher, and the syndicate is brought down by women. For a full cast list and never before seen photos, visit nzherald.co.nz/mrasia Written and presented: John Daniell and Noelle McCarthySound design and mix: Marc ChestermanExecutive producers: Ethan Sills and Andrew LaxonMusic: Human I

The End of the Party

Feb 25 2025 54 mins

Late 1978: Halloween sees Terry Clark face the courts, Christmas Day sees the gang's couriers cross paths with the police, and the clock is ticking for Marty Johnstone. For a full cast list and never before seen photos, visit nzherald.co.nz/mrasia Written and presented: John Daniell and Noelle McCarthySound design and mix: Marc ChestermanExecutive producers: Ethan Sills

High Time

Feb 18 2025 56 mins

The Mr Asia syndicate expands, and the Australian market goes to the next level. But as the gang lives the high life, the murders begin - and has Terry Clark’s luck run out? For a full cast list and never before seen photos, visit nzherald.co.nz/mrasia Written and presented: John Daniell and Noelle McCarthySound design and mix: Marc ChestermanExecutive producers: Ethan

Seven Months in a Leaky Boat

Feb 18 2025 52 mins

In 1975, a massive shipment of marijuana and a chaotic trip to Thailand lays the groundwork for Marty Johnstone and his gang to move into heroin - and sees them cross paths with the journalist who would dub them Mr Asia. For a full cast list and never before seen photos, visit nzherald.co.nz/mrasia Written and presented: John Daniell and Noelle McCarthySound design and mix: M

When Terry Met Marty

Feb 18 2025 48 mins

In 1974, when Marty Johnstone and Terry Clark met for the first time, there was no knowing then how big their enterprise would become. Or how violently their partnership would end. For a full cast list and never before seen photos, visit nzherald.co.nz/mrasia Written and presented: John Daniell and Noelle McCarthySound design and mix: Marc ChestermanExecutive producers: Ethan

Season 2: Mr Asia - A Forgotten History

Feb 04 2025 2 mins

In the 1970s, the Mr Asia drug syndicate was one of the largest sellers of heroin in the world. The group began in New Zealand, with two men at its centre: Marty Johnstone and Terry Clark. As the syndicate spread around the world, for a few years, they were living the high life. And then, they started killing each other. In the new season of A Forgotten History, from the New

Memorials and Memories

Jan 31 2024 35 mins

In this bonus episode of Tangiwai: A Forgotten History, we head back to the scene of the accident as the 70th anniversary is marked in an official ceremony. And, in the weeks after the series was released, dozens of people have contacted us with their own stories from December 24th, 1953, and we share those stories here.Our thanks to all those involved in organising the memorial an

Never Again

Dec 18 2023 45 mins

70 years since Tangiwai, in a year where natural disasters once again exposed our poor investments in infrastructure, we ask experts if the country truly remembered the lessons of the Tangiwai disaster. Guests:Nick LeggettDr Samaneh MadanianGail PachecoLiam WotherspoonMax Rashbrooke Presenter and producer: Hamish WilliamsSound engineer: Shaun D WilsonResearcher: Neesha BremnerProd

What If?

Dec 15 2023 42 mins

With the information we've learned from authorities and locals, Hamish looks at what would happen if the Tangiwai disaster was to happen today, and how quickly - or not - people would respond. Guests:Chris CarterAndrew ChambersColonel Trevor WalkerBrad ScottMatt CareySenior Constable Conrad SmithKyle MacDonald Presenter and producer: Hamish WilliamsResearcher: Neesha BremnerSound e