This is part one of a two-part A Moment In Crime special.

Christchurch woman Nicola Flint told friends she was dying, even showing them the spot where her ashes would be scattered. 

They grieved and gave thousands to help her fight cancer.

But police say the terminal diagnosis was all a lie – and behind it, a web of forged medical letters, bank payouts and theft from a rugby club – fraud totalling more than $180,000. 

Now, as Flint hides out in Wales from the fallout of her elaborate tales, Herald senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask looks inside the alleged fraud and speaks to those hurt the most by the fake cancer. 

If you have information about Nicola Flint, contact anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

READ MORE:

Inside alleged Christchurch fraudster Nicola Flint’s elaborate, years-long cancer con

Christchurch cancer fraud: Friend of Nicola Flint speaks out on lies

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.

If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.

 

 

 

This is part one of a two-part A Moment In Crime special.
Christchurch woman Nicola Flint told friends she was dying, even showing them the spot where her ashes would be scattered.&nbsp;
They grieved and gave thousands to help her fight cancer.
But police say the terminal diagnosis was all a lie &ndash; and behind it, a web of forged medical letters, bank payouts and theft from a rugby club &ndash; fraud totalling more than $180,000.&nbsp;
Now, as Flint hides out in Wales from the fallout of her elaborate tales, Herald senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask looks inside the alleged fraud and speaks to those hurt the most by the fake cancer.&nbsp;
If you have information about Nicola Flint, contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:anna.leask@nzme.co.nz">anna.leask@nzme.co.nz</a>
READ MORE:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/terminal-lies-inside-alleged-christchurch-fraudster-nicola-flints-elaborate-years-long-cancer-con/543K7WP6QZB6ROZE2RFYKGZSBE/">Inside alleged Christchurch fraudster Nicola Flint&rsquo;s elaborate, years-long cancer con</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch-cancer-fraud-friend-of-nicola-flint-speaks-out-on-lies/EYH4B3LPM5EVNCMWPZHUPCM3OQ/">Christchurch cancer fraud: Friend of Nicola Flint speaks out on lies</a>
A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask &mdash; who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.
If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz
Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.
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From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases.

Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade.

Each month she'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high profile trials and events to show you what’s really happening in your backyard.

From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases. Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade. Each month she'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high profile trials and events to show you what’s really happening in your backyard.

From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases.

Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade.

Each month she'll take you inside some of our...

A Moment In Crime

Diagnosis? Deception (part one): Inside Nicola Flint's fake cancer fraud 

In 2016, 77-year-old pensioner Brian Hilton was found on the floor of his Ōpōtiki home — brutally beaten, barely conscious, and covered in blood. He died five days later. Police launched a major homicide investigation, first zeroing in on one local man before turning their attention to another: Harry Matchitt.

A beer bottle found in Hilton’s lounge carried Matchitt’s DNA, and after a series of police interviews, the lifelong Mongrel Mob member made a hazy admission — saying he was “pissed” and may have “pushed and kicked” the elderly man. In 2021, a jury found him guilty of manslaughter.

But two years later, the Court of Appeal ruled his conviction unsafe. The judges found his statements to police likely inadmissible, meaning a miscarriage of justice had occurred. The conviction was quashed — and Matchitt walked free.

In this episode of A Moment in Crime, senior journalists Anna Leask and Jared Savage revisit the violent death of Brian Hilton, the conviction that fell apart, and what became of Matchitt after the case collapsed. Savage also reflects on two decades covering crime and justice, and his work investigating New Zealand’s gang world.

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.

If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.

 

READ MORE:

Harry Matchitt’s conviction for manslaughter of Brian Hilton in Ōpōtiki cold case quashed, case thrown out after ‘false confession’ to police

Justice after 21 years in jail: Teina Pora 'set up for new life' after Privy Council quashes convictions for Susan Burdett murder

Rex Haig dies before second bid for compensation made

Real Life: Jared Savage on how gangs, crime and drug activity in NZ are evolving

In 2016, 77-year-old pensioner Brian Hilton was found on the floor of his Ōpōtiki home &mdash; brutally beaten, barely conscious, and covered in blood. He died five days later. Police launched a major homicide investigation, first zeroing in on one local man before turning their attention to another: Harry Matchitt.
A beer bottle found in Hilton&rsquo;s lounge carried Matchitt&rsquo;s DNA, and after a series of police interviews, the lifelong Mongrel Mob member made a hazy admission &mdash; saying he was &ldquo;pissed&rdquo; and may have &ldquo;pushed and kicked&rdquo; the elderly man. In 2021, a jury found him guilty of manslaughter.
But two years later, the Court of Appeal ruled his conviction unsafe. The judges found his statements to police likely inadmissible, meaning a miscarriage of justice had occurred. The conviction was quashed &mdash; and Matchitt walked free.
In this episode of A Moment in Crime, senior journalists Anna Leask and Jared Savage revisit the violent death of Brian Hilton, the conviction that fell apart, and what became of Matchitt after the case collapsed. Savage also reflects on two decades covering crime and justice, and his work investigating New Zealand&rsquo;s gang world.
A Moment In Crime&nbsp;is written and hosted by Leask &mdash; who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.
If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz
Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.
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READ MORE:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/harry-matchitts-conviction-for-manslaughter-of-brian-hilton-in-opotiki-cold-case-quashed-case-thrown-out-after-false-confession-to-police/FZEGEKXKA5ASTJT2PLDJ4PIGWU/">Harry Matchitt&rsquo;s conviction for manslaughter of Brian Hilton in Ōpōtiki cold case quashed, case thrown out after &lsquo;false confession&rsquo; to police</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/justice-after-21-years-in-jail-teina-pora-set-up-for-new-life-after-privy-council-quashes-convictions-for-susan-burdett-murder/BV66LBTCOUHCBD2F36EWBDVFSY/">Justice after 21 years in jail: Teina Pora 'set up for new life' after Privy Council quashes convictions for Susan Burdett murder</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rex-haig-dies-before-second-bid-for-compensation-made/6WVQWOOSA5E5466KT7NCQVVDAM/">Rex Haig dies before second bid for compensation made</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/real-life-jared-savage-on-how-gangs-crime-and-drug-activity-in-nz-are-evolving/HS7OBNUITBGB3HQXQM7Y25QHBA/">Real Life: Jared Savage on how gangs, crime and drug activity in NZ are evolving</a>

Justice in doubt: The killing of Brian Hilton 

(Contains strong language and references to violence and sexual assault.)

In 1991, Bronwyn Warwick crossed a line that would define her forever. The transgender former sex worker murdered a  Ponsonby pensioner during a botched antiques robbery. But the story didn’t end with her arrest. Decades later, Warwick’s life took even darker and more tragic turns: years behind bars, living as a woman in mens prisons, release and relapse, and finally, a debilitating diagnosis.

In this gripping conclusion to A Moment in Crime: Diary of A Killer senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask unpacks the murder and Warwick's long road of remorse, addiction, and survival. Through exclusive access to her writings and interviews, this episode reveals the woman behind the headlines.

READ MORE:

A killer’s prison diary: Murderer Bronwyn Warwick on her life and times

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.

If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.

 

 

 

(Contains strong language and references to violence and sexual assault.)
In 1991, Bronwyn Warwick crossed a line that would define her forever. The transgender former sex worker murdered a&nbsp; Ponsonby pensioner during a botched antiques robbery. But the story didn&rsquo;t end with her arrest. Decades later, Warwick&rsquo;s life took even darker and more tragic turns: years behind bars, living as a woman in mens prisons, release and relapse, and finally, a debilitating diagnosis.
In this gripping conclusion to A Moment in Crime: Diary of A Killer&nbsp;senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask&nbsp;unpacks the murder and Warwick's long road of remorse, addiction, and survival. Through exclusive access to her writings and interviews, this episode reveals the woman behind the headlines.
READ MORE:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-killers-prison-diary-gangster-granny-bronwyn-warwick-on-her-life-and-times/4ZIWBCXIFBH37LJ7WFRLQJIPYA/">A killer&rsquo;s prison diary: Murderer Bronwyn Warwick on her life and times</a>
A Moment In Crime&nbsp;is written and hosted by Leask &mdash; who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.
If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz
Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.
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Diary of a Killer (part two): Murder, prison and the 'gangster granny'

(Contains strong language and references to violence and sexual assault.)

Before she was a convicted killer, Bronwyn Warwick was a child who never stood a chance. Growing up in a family that didn't understand or accept her and facing violence, addiction, and rejection, Warwick’s early years set the stage for a life defined by crime and chaos.

In the first of two episodes about Warwick's life A Moment in Crime: Diary of a Killer senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask delves into her complex past — from petty offending and time in youth facilities to the moments that shaped her identity as a transgender woman navigating an unforgiving system. Drawing from rare interviews, court records, and Warwick’s own prison diaries, this is the story of a person living on the margins, constantly running from pain and punishment. Before the world knew her name, Warwick was already fighting a losing battle — with herself, the law, and the world around her.

READ MORE:

A killer’s prison diary: Murderer Bronwyn Warwick on her life and times

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Leask — who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.

If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.

 

 

 

(Contains strong language and references to violence and sexual assault.)
Before she was a convicted killer, Bronwyn Warwick was a child who never stood a chance. Growing up in a family that didn't understand or accept her and facing violence, addiction, and rejection, Warwick&rsquo;s early years set the stage for a life defined by crime and chaos.
In the first of two episodes about Warwick's life A Moment in Crime: Diary of a Killer senior crime and justice journalist Anna Leask delves into her complex past &mdash; from petty offending and time in youth facilities to the moments that shaped her identity as a transgender woman navigating an unforgiving system. Drawing from rare interviews, court records, and Warwick&rsquo;s own prison diaries, this is the story of a person living on the margins, constantly running from pain and punishment. Before the world knew her name, Warwick was already fighting a losing battle &mdash; with herself, the law, and the world around her.
READ MORE:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-killers-prison-diary-gangster-granny-bronwyn-warwick-on-her-life-and-times/4ZIWBCXIFBH37LJ7WFRLQJIPYA/">A killer&rsquo;s prison diary: Murderer Bronwyn Warwick on her life and times</a>
A Moment In Crime&nbsp;is written and hosted by Leask &mdash; who specialises in crime and justice reporting. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years. This episode was produced by Leask and NZME audio engineer Alastair Boyes.
If you have a crime or case you would like to hear more about, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz
Since 2019, A Moment in Crime has produced over 55 episodes and has been downloaded over 1 million times, with listeners in over 170 countries. It was nominated for Best True Crime Podcast at the 2024 Radio and Podcast Awards.
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&nbsp;

Diagnosis? Deception (part one): Inside Nicola Flint's fake cancer fraud

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