Episode 6
6: Under Surveillance with Private Investigator Tim McKinnel
That's Just Criminal is sponsored by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ .
In this episode of 'That's Just Criminal,' hosts Sumudu Thode and Annabel Cresswell are joined by New Zealand's renowned private investigator, Tim McKinnel. The discussion sheds light on the often misunderstood role of a private investigator in the criminal justice system. Tim shares his journey from a police officer to a private investigator, his involvement in high-profile miscarriage of justice cases, and the complex nature of his work which is far from the glamorized TV portrayal. The conversation touches on the ethics of surveillance, the impact of technology, and the emotional toll of pursuing justice. Tim also delves into international investigative work, including a fascinating stint with Greenpeace, and emphasises the importance of addressing systemic issues like poverty to combat crime effectively.
About Tim:
Tim is a leading New Zealand investigator specialising in complex and sensitive investigations. He has worked for Zavést since 2008. A former New Zealand police detective, Tim has a particular interest in criminal, human rights and environmental investigations.
He has led a number of successful and high-profile investigations into wrongful convictions, including those of Teina Pora, wrongfully convicted of rape and murder and released in 2015, and Alan Hall, wrongfully convicted of murder and released in 2022. Tim also led the investigation into the wrongful convictions of Gail Maney, Stephen Stone, Mark Henriksen and Colin Maney, the Larnoch Road four, who had their convictions relating to two murders quashed in 2024. His wrongful conviction work has seen his clients compensated more than $8.5 million, and counting.
Tim also led several human rights and environmental investigations in South East Asia, West Africa and the Pacific, as well as New Zealand, in recent years.
Links:
Elon’s Spies podcast: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/elons-spies
Crime: Need vs Greed: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/crime-need-vs-greed
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests.
Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice.
Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67
