For more than five years, New Zealand investigative journalist Aaron Smale has been digging into the injustices - and crimes - of the state welfare system of Aotearoa New Zealand. Of all the unbelievable stories he has investigated, none is more shocking than what happened to children and adolescents at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital in the 1970s under the supervision of head psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks. This podcast contains descriptions of physical, sexual and psychological abuse perpetrated against children, as well as swearing, and frank discussions about mental health and suicide. Take care when and where you listen.
The Lake
Claim This Podcastby Stuff Audio and Popsock Media
4.9(21 reviews)
10 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇳🇿
Podcast Overview
For more than five years, New Zealand investigative journalist Aaron Smale has been digging into the injustices - and crimes - of the state welfare system of Aotearoa New Zealand. Of all the unbelievable stories he has investigated, none is more shocking than what happened to children and adolescents at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital in the 1970s under the supervision of head psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks. This podcast contains descriptions of physical, sexual and psychological abuse perpetrated against children, as well as swearing, and frank discussions about mental health and suicide. Take care when and where you listen.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/17/2021
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Recent Episodes
March 3, 2026
Trailer: Quarantine Nation
A lethal virus. A drastic lockdown. A nation turned upside down. From the makers of acclaimed podcasts The Commune, True Story and Witi Underwater, this eight-part narrative series revisits the Covid-19 pandemic with the benefit of hindsight and powerful interviews. Adam Dudding and Eugene Bingham delve into what really happened – and what it taught us about ourselves. Subscribe to "Quarantine Nation" wherever you get your podcasts, or follow the links here: Quarantine Nation Player Links, Made with the support of NZ on Air for Stuff by Te Pūrongo Productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
December 17, 2021
Charges Laid | 8
Bonus episode: The police have made a decision about whether charges will be laid over what happened at Lake Alice - there's good news and bad news. And the Royal Commission releases findings which finally vindicate what the kids have been saying for decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 24, 2021
The State Is A Psychopath | 7
Finally the kids of Lake Alice will have their chance to be heard at the Royal Commission of Inquiry. We follow the survivors to Auckland, where they reunite with old friends and take their truth to the stand. Will the Crown take accountability for harm perpetrated to children in its care? Will Dr Selwyn Leeks show? Expect emotional testimony, damning witness statements and shocking disclosures. Plus one final catchup with Tyrone and Rangi - mates through everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The Lake?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Information about guest appearances is not available.
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