In January 2020 Rena Joyce walked into a Christchurch police station and made a startling confession. 

She told officers she had killed her partner Martin Berry and that his body was buried in the compost heap at his home. 

Following a trial in March 2022 Joyce - who had previous convictions for assaulting her partner - was found guilty of murdering Berry and in May she was sentenced to life in prison. 

In this bonus episode of A Moment In Crime, Herald senior journalist Anna Leask goes inside the trial - and the sentencing. 

 

For more on this case visit:

Rena Joyce sentenced to life in prison for murdering partner, dumping body in compost

Murdered and buried in his own garden - family speak about 'horrendous' death of Christchurch victim Martin Berry

 

Do you need help or advice around domestic violence:
Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz

If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

In January 2020 Rena Joyce walked into a Christchurch police station and made a startling confession.&nbsp;
She told officers she had killed her partner Martin Berry and that his body was buried in the compost heap at his home.&nbsp;
Following a trial in March 2022 Joyce - who had previous convictions for assaulting her partner - was found guilty of murdering Berry and in May she was sentenced to life in prison.&nbsp;
In this bonus episode of A Moment In Crime, Herald senior journalist Anna Leask goes inside the trial - and the sentencing.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
For more on this case visit:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rena-joyce-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-murdering-partner-dumping-body-in-compost/4PTAG2VG6PBZ6V5CQMDETRPTFU/">Rena Joyce sentenced to life in prison for murdering partner, dumping body in compost</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/murdered-and-buried-in-his-own-garden-family-speak-about-horrendous-death-of-christchurch-victim-martin-berry/YPMFXAACQRMQBZDEPR6OLAQ3B4/">Murdered and buried in his own garden - family speak about 'horrendous' death of Christchurch victim Martin Berry</a>
&nbsp;
Do you need help or advice around domestic violence:
<ul>
<li>Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633&nbsp;<a href="http://www.2shine.org.nz/">www.2shine.org.nz</a></li>
<li>Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843&nbsp;<a href="http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz/">www.womensrefuge.org.nz</a></li>
<li>Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584</li>
<li>It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450&nbsp;<a href="http://www.areyouok.org.nz/">www.areyouok.org.nz</a></li>
</ul>
If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

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

The body in the compost: The awful murder of Martin Berry

This episode includes graphic descriptions of violent acts, which some listeners may find distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, support is available. Scroll down for a list of support services. And please consider your well-being before listening.

In 2025, a man with a lengthy history of stalking and attacking women was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for murdering his ex-partner, Chantal McDonald, in front of her children at their Christchurch home.

But violent serial offender Nathan Boulter refused to stand in court in front of his victim’s family – including her teenage daughter who spoke for the first time about witnessing the murder – appearing by audio-visual link from another room in the court precinct instead.

The Herald has been reporting on Boulter’s horrifying offending since 2011 – after his high-profile stalking, kidnapping and assault of his ex-girlfriend on Great Barrier Island.

Since then, he has been jailed repeatedly for violent offending against women.

In this episode of A Moment Of Crime senior journalist Anna Leask unravels Boulter's life of offending. 

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.

If there is a case you want to hear more about email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

 

READ MORE HERE: Violent serial offender Nathan Boulter jailed for murder of Christchurch mum - but refuses to face victims in court

 

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - HOW TO GET HELP

 If you're in danger now:
Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.

Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)

If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.

 

 

 

 

This episode includes graphic descriptions of violent acts, which some listeners may find distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, support is available. Scroll down for a list of support services. And please consider your well-being before listening.
In 2025, a man with a lengthy history of stalking and attacking women was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for murdering his ex-partner, Chantal McDonald, in front of her children at their Christchurch home.
But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch-man-nathan-boulter-pleads-guilty-to-parklands-murder/7EUV2OEEUVBPBAGZIUTG4CMYF4/">violent serial offender Nathan Boulter</a>&nbsp;refused to stand in court in front of his victim&rsquo;s family &ndash; including her teenage daughter who spoke for the first time about witnessing the murder &ndash; appearing by audio-visual link from another room in the court precinct instead.
The&nbsp;Herald&nbsp;has been reporting on Boulter&rsquo;s horrifying offending since 2011 &ndash; after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kidnap-victims-will-to-live-amazes-police/EGIQOCXO6ODRCJMFRXRGG4MT2I/">his high-profile stalking, kidnapping and assault&nbsp;</a>of his ex-girlfriend on Great Barrier Island.
Since then, he has been&nbsp;<a href="https://google.com/search?q=nathan+boulter+anna+leask&amp;rlz=1C1CHZN_enNZ1113NZ1113&amp;oq=nathan+boulter+anna+leask+&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRiPAjIHCAYQIRiPAtIBCDM4MTRqMGo5qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">jailed repeatedly</a>&nbsp;for violent offending against women.
In this episode of A Moment Of Crime senior journalist Anna Leask unravels Boulter's life of offending.&nbsp;
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.
If there is a case you want to hear more about email <a href="mailto:anna.leask@nzme.co.nz">anna.leask@nzme.co.nz</a>
&nbsp;
READ MORE HERE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/violent-serial-offender-nathan-boulter-jailed-for-murder-of-christchurch-mum-but-refuses-to-face-victims-in-court/OKR6PYMCOJDO5IFDUPWRJIUZMU/">Violent serial offender Nathan Boulter jailed for murder of Christchurch mum - but refuses to face victims in court</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - HOW TO GET HELP
&nbsp;If you're in danger now:
<ul>
<li>Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.</li>
<li>Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.</li>
<li>Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.</li>
</ul>
Where to go for help or more information: &bull;&nbsp;<a href="https://womensrefuge.org.nz/">Women's Refuge</a>: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7) &bull;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.2shine.nz/">Shine</a>: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7) &bull;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.areyouok.org.nz/">It's Not Ok</a>: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450 &bull;&nbsp;<a href="https://shaktiinternational.org/">Shakti</a>: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

From violent stalker to killer: Nathan Boulter's 'brazen' crimes

This is the second part 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 there is no evidence of any cancer diagnosis – and behind Flint's narrative, 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 her long-running cancer stories. 

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 the second part 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 there is no evidence of any cancer diagnosis &ndash; and behind Flint's narrative, 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 her long-running cancer stories.&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.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

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

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.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The body in the compost: The awful murder of Martin Berry

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