The New Zealand Herald presents Desert Pirates. This is the story of Kiwi soldiers who made history in North Africa during World War II as part of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), the forerunners to the NZSAS. Operating behind enemy lines, they navigated vast deserts by sun and stars, carrying out daring raids and reconnaissance missions under extreme conditions.
But beyond the legend lies the reality. This series explores the brutal, often untold human cost of desert warfare, and the life or death decisions these men faced as individuals and as a unit.
The series draws on extraordinary recordings made during wartime by the NZ Broadcast Unit on site in North Africa, combined with compelling narration by John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy and featuring interviews with historians and those close to the men of the LRDG.
Desert Pirates is a NZ Herald collaboration with Bird of Paradise Productions, made with support from NZ on Air.
More than 50 years later, LRDG veteran Ian Judge’s memories of the ill-fated campaign in the Greek Islands emphasize the real life impact of political decisions. New Zealand SAS acknowledge the legacy of the LRDG and former Defence Minister Judith Collins reveals the impact of New Zealand special forces units today.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
23 Apr 2026
Ghost Patrols
German commander Erwin Rommel seems to have the upper hand, pushing the Allies back into Egypt. But the LRDG – often working hand in hand with the SAS – help strike a series of crucial blows.
SHORT FILM
Watch the short film featuring footage shot by members of the LRDG here: www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates)
Desert Pirates is a Bird of Paradise and NZ Herald production.
Made with support from NZ On Air
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
22 Apr 2026
Into the Blue
A successful operation deep in Italian territory brings the LRDG and Free French forces in Chad together. Getting home is tricky though – a man from Taihape makes an extraordinary barefoot journey over hundreds of miles in the desert.
SHORT FILM
Watch the short film featuring footage shot by members of the LRDG here: www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates)
Desert Pirates is a Bird of Paradise and NZ Herald production.
Made with support from NZ On Air
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
22 Apr 2026
Bearded Ruffians
Cairo, July 1940: British desert explorer Ralph Bagnold sets up a unit to raid and gather intelligence behind enemy lines. Ninety New Zealand soldiers from farming and mechanical backgrounds are selected to serve under four British officers.
SHORT FILM
Watch the short film featuring footage shot by members of the LRDG here: www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates)
Desert Pirates is a Bird of Paradise and NZ Herald production.
Made with support from NZ On Air
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Contact Desert Pirates
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
