Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island

Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island

For 24 hours, Australia had four French intelligence agents involved in the bombing of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior yacht in custody on Norfolk Island…then let them go just as New Zealand police were gathering evidence to lay charges. On the 40th anniversary of the bombing that shook the world, award winning journalist Richard Baker travels to Norfolk Island to talk to the locals involved about what happened, and ultimately uncover why Australia would have made it so hard for the Kiwis.

I Smell A Rat

A small yacht moored off Norfolk Island and its crew of four mysterious, hard-partying Frenchmen suddenly become of interest to New Zealand police. The detectives are investigating the fatal bombing of Greenpeace’s flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, more than 1000 kilometres away in Auckland Harbour. 40 years on from the bombing, journalist Richard Baker flies to Norfolk Island to find out what really happened - because he’s got a hunch there’s more to this case than the public have ever known.

Kicking Down Doors

As they await the arrival of a plane load of Kiwi detectives, Norfolk island’s three police officers are warned about the dangerous secret agents in their midst. A game of cat and mouse begins as police and locals shadow the Frenchmen around the tiny island.

Clock's Ticking

A midnight raid is launched to capture the French spies. But Kiwi detectives get a shock when the Australian Government sets them an impossible deadline to gather evidence. Richard learns of Australia’s manipulation of nuclear policies in the Pacific and hears of the real physical and emotional fallout of the testing, direct from the Pacific Island community.

Damage Containment

A monumental cover-up is underway in Paris. Meanwhile in Canberra, politicians and officials get their story straight about the events on Norfolk Island as journalists start to dig. And global pressure beats down on Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific as nuclear-armed powers exert their influence.