The Lake  By  cover art

The Lake

By: Stuff Audio and Popsock Media
  • Summary

  • 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.
    Stuff Audio and Popsock Media 2021 ©
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Episodes
  • The Lake - Trailer
    Oct 17 2021
    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 events he has investigated, none is more shocking than what happened at Lake Alice. In this new seven-part podcast by Stuff and Popsock Media, Smale talks to the survivors of one of the darkest chapters of modern New Zealand history, when children were committed to an adult psychiatric institution, often on flimsy pretexts, and then subjected to “treatment” that was in fact something much more like torture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    3 mins
  • Two Little Boys | 1
    Oct 24 2021
    As Rangi Wickliffe and Tyrone Marks go through the hell of New Zealand’s state welfare system, the boys form a powerful bond of friendship. Their journey is one of neglect and mistreatment, but also adventure and skulduggery, on the road to the notorious Lake Alice Psychiatric Facility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • The National Grid | 2
    Oct 24 2021
    Rangi and Tyrone are in an institution unlike any they’ve been in before. There’s no other children, for a start, only mentally unwell and dangerous adult patients. But in 1972 they are joined by other kids, when the Lake Alice Child & Adolescent Unit officially opens its doors. Leoni McInroe is 14 when she arrives at Lake Alice, becoming one of the many kids and teenagers subject to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and chemical containment, under the direction of psychiatrist Dr Selwyn Leeks. But is it actually ECT, or is it just a form of torture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr

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