
Undercurrent

This is Undercurrent, an RNZ series on misinformation.
On this page, you’ll see and hear about the experiences of people who have been active in conspiracy theory networks.
Undercurrent is a seven-part audio documentary series. You can listen to episodes three and four, and learn more below. For episodes one and two, click here.
You can also subscribe via Spotify, Apple, iHeart or wherever you get podcasts. Undercurrent episodes also air on RNZ National at 7am each Sunday.
Episode three: Natural born skeptics
Two people share their stories about being a part of the networks of mis- and disinformation. How they got there, what they found, and what frightens them most now.
Listen to episode three by hitting play below.

Martha. Photo: Unsplash
Martha. Photo: Unsplash
Martha was previously a supporter of conspiracy theory networks
“When the pandemic first came up, I got very frightened that we could experience some sort of a social credit system where, you know, I've worried that possibly governments would do away with cash, and that our ability to earn money could possibly be taken away by us maybe not having the right to have a bank account. Basically, I could imagine all worst case scenarios happening. And I don't know if it's because I read 1984 by George Orwell in high school, or if you know, it's just my wonderful creative imagination. But yeah, I started being really fearful in lots of different directions.
“It really felt like it was only certain government sources were allowed to answer anything and everything else was blocked out. And it felt like the narrative was being really strongly controlled.”

What kept me coming back to disinformation communities














Martha. Photo: Supplied
Martha. Photo: Supplied
Fiona was previously a supporter of conspiracy theory networks. Photo: Supplied
Fiona was previously a supporter of conspiracy theory networks. Photo: Supplied

Episode four: Husbands, brothers, friends
The people who live with, love – and sometimes fear – the angriest voices in the disinformation community.
Listen to episode four by hitting play below
Sarah's long-time friend changed to become an extreme conspiracy theorist. Photo: Unsplash
Sarah's long-time friend changed to become an extreme conspiracy theorist. Photo: Unsplash
Chris has a family member who espouses abhorrent anti-social views.
“In hindsight, as a family member, I do wonder if there's a moral obligation there for me to have said something. Not that I think it would have changed his mind, but to at least draw the line and say, like, you can have your views, that's fine. But here we are as a family, this is not okay. And I didn't do that. And I regret it.”









Linda has a family member who subscribes to an extremist ideology. Photo: Supplied
Linda has a family member who subscribes to an extremist ideology. Photo: Supplied

More from Undercurrent

Episodes 1 and 2
The scale and shape of misinformation in Aotearoa.

Episodes 5, 6 and 7
What misinformation is doing to mainstream politics, how to recognise it, and what to do about it.

Bonus episode: Ballot box
How misinformation collided with the 2023 election campaign.

National’s anti-fluoride, anti-mandate MP-in-waiting
A National Party candidate favoured to win election questioned Covid death statistics and said "lower socio economics fill their tap water with raro".
Resources
Netsafe
https://netsafe.org.nz/
CERT – Computer Emergency Response Team
https://www.cert.govt.nz/
Tauiwi Tautoko
https://www.tauiwitautoko.com/
The Dangerous Speech Project
https://dangerousspeech.org/
Credits
Created, produced and presented by
Susie Ferguson
Written by Susie Ferguson and John Hartevelt
Voice actors Vivien Bell, Richard Chapman, Francesca Emms and Carmel McGlone
Production help from Duncan Smith and
Justin Gregory
Engineered and mixed by William Saunders, Marc Chesterman and Phil Benge
Visuals and design by RNZ
Executive editor John Hartevelt
Special thanks to the experts and ordinary people who shared their experience and knowledge for this project.