The Commune

Stuff
  • 4.9 (311)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • COMPLETE SERIES

A 12-part documentary podcast about the notorious free-love commune, Centrepoint. There are crimes. But this isn’t a whodunnit. It’s a whydunnit ... In 2025, The Commune was chosen as an Apple Podcasts Series Essential.

  1. Open Day

    EPISODE 1

    Open Day

    A free-love commune called Centrepoint springs up in the suburbs of 1970s New Zealand, devoted in equal measure to sex, group therapy, and its guru Bert Potter. What could possibly go wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  2. Awkward Buggers

    EPISODE 2

    Awkward Buggers

    Locals are fascinated by the sights and sounds of the sex commune next door. Founding members recall the optimism and excitement of Centrepoint’s early years – and the bizarre circumstances that led to the community’s first death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  3. The Girl on the Lawn

    EPISODE 3

    The Girl on the Lawn

    Who the hell was Bert? How Centrepoint’s leader went from buttoned-up businessman to morally transgressive guru. Meanwhile Barri and “Robert” are each witness to moments that reveal the darkness lurking inside the Centrepoint dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  4. Under the Carpet

    EPISODE 4

    Under the Carpet

    Barri and “Robert” are haunted by the ugly truth about their commune, but they respond differently. Plus: a quick history of communes in Aotearoa, and the complex social forces that made Centrepoint possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  5. Invaders

    EPISODE 5

    Invaders

    The ever-expanding Centrepoint commune goes to war: with its fed-up neighbours, with the local council and, thanks to Robert’s decision to speak out, the New Zealand Police. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  6. The Centrepoint Kids

    EPISODE 6

    The Centrepoint Kids

    It’s the 1980s, and Centrepoint’s on a roll. Bert is investing in the booming stock market; and the head-count keeps rising. But some of the new arrivals at the commune have wild stories to tell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  7. Cherished Ideas

    EPISODE 7

    Cherished Ideas

    Barri finds the answer she’s been seeking but what will she do? Nate tries to raise the alarm about a new arrival. And a humiliated Bert tries chemical assistance to regain the love of his followers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
  8. Lying without Lying

    EPISODE 8

    Lying without Lying

    Ray is back on the Centrepoint case and he’s determined to arrest Bert. The community hatches a plan to cover up for their guru. Barri tries to make Bert see sense – but is it too late? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
See All (13)

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4.9
out of 5
311 Ratings

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A 12-part documentary podcast about the notorious free-love commune, Centrepoint. There are crimes. But this isn’t a whodunnit. It’s a whydunnit ... In 2025, The Commune was chosen as an Apple Podcasts Series Essential.

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