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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

Coming soon from Stuff: 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.

Coming soon from Stuff: 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.

The Commune