The Service

4.4 (200)
History
Complete Series

The day John Daniell turned 10, his mum told him she had been a spy. Now, he and Guyon Espiner are investigating a family story that could reveal New Zealand's biggest Cold War secret.

Trailer

Introducing: The Service

Just before he died, John Daniell's step-dad told him a secret from his time as a spy. A secret that was possibly New Zealand's biggest of the Cold War and that has never been revealed. Until now. To see more images and details about the series, vist the website here. In the midst of the Cold War, first John Daniell's mum and then his step-dad worked for New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service (SIS). Spies stayed in the spare bedroom. His step-dad went out on missions. And John kept secrets. Over five episodes, John Daniell and his friend, RNZ journalist Guyon Espiner, search for the truth behind a family story that might just be one of New Zealand's biggest Cold War secrets. For nearly a year John and Guyon have been investigating this closely guarded secret. Having spoken to former Prime Ministers, senior officials, experts on intelligence services and even former spies themselves, they can now reveal this never-before-told story. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

4.4

out of 5

200 Ratings

Excellent podcast

09/03/2025

UniOtago

Excellent podcast as always from RNZ – does start slow, but ends up telling a really cracking story. Definitely recommend.
Simon Drought

03/09/2021

Simon sauce

Great work guys. You make a good double act. This content is important. These secrets should not be taken to the grave.
Rubbish

03/11/2021

ScrapMusic101

I wouldn’t trust Espiner to report where the sun rises in the morning. Complete waste of time
Well paced and interesting

15/08/2021

Youie66

A great podcast with the right balance between personal, national and international perspectives. Brilliant, thanks. Well presented by two fine voices too.

The day John Daniell turned 10, his mum told him she had been a spy. Now, he and Guyon Espiner are investigating a family story that could reveal New Zealand's biggest Cold War secret.

Channel

RNZ Originals
Creator

RNZ
Episodes

9
Seasons

1
Rating

Clean
Show Website

The Service

Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Complete Series
Documentary

Documentary

Complete Series
Science

Science

Complete Series
History

History

Complete Series
Business

Business

Updated Weekly
Fiction

Fiction

Updated 14/03/2021
Science

Science

Complete Series

The Service

Trailer

Introducing: The Service

Excellent podcast

Simon Drought

Rubbish

Well paced and interesting

About

Information

More From RNZ Originals

The Service

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information

More From RNZ Originals