The longest commute, day four: Having a whale of a time in KaikōuraDay four of one man's foolish attempt to travel from the bottom of the country using only public transport.By Joel MacManus | 7th November, 2024Wellington editor
Photo essay: Living and learning on a busThe Rasmussens have lived on the road for over a decade.By The Spinoff | 7th November, 2024Staff writers
Every travel disaster I can think of – and how travel insurance would helpYour trip will probably go off without a hitch. But what happens if it doesn't? By Tara Ward | 5th November, 2024Staff writer
My Greatest Trip: Eloping and Nessie hunting in ScotlandA reverse honeymoon that ended with a secret wedding, and the best first wedding gift imaginable: an XXL bottle of Irn Bru.By Alex Casey | 7th November, 2024Senior writer
Democrats left reeling as Trump claims decisive victoryFew could have predicted the size and scale of his success last night.By Catherine McGregor | 7th November, 2024Contributing writer
The longest commute, day three: Joel has made it to ChristchurchDay three of one man's foolish attempt to travel from the bottom of the country using only public transport.By Joel MacManus | 6th November, 2024Wellington editor
Introducing Travel Week on The SpinoffExploring the highs and lows of travelling, from local buses to faraway elopements. By Madeleine Chapman | 4th November, 2024Editor
The morning after the night before: Trump returns to the White HouseThe 45th president will become the 47th, with Republicans winning the Senate and on track to control the House too.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 7th November, 2024The Bulletin editor
Help Me Hera: My male flatmates keep asking me out and I hate itMy flatmate asked me out. I rejected him and he moved on, so why do I feel so annoyed? By Hera Lindsay Bird | 7th November, 2024Contributing writer
OpinionThe right’s weird new obsession: SingaporeIt illustrates the extent to which, on one crucial point at least, New Zealand’s hands-off approach to the economy has failed.By Max Rashbrooke | 7th November, 2024Contributing writer
Donald Trump claims victory on ‘the day the American people regained control’Prepare for Trump presidency 2.0.By Toby Manhire & Catherine McGregor | 6th November, 2024
‘No idea I was in the presence of genius’: Sonya Wilson on her life in booksThe author and founder of Kiwi Christmas Books on unknowingly meeting a 'stone-cold genius', the book everyone should read and more.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 6th November, 2024
The great Spinoff pet review of RNZ Concert’s Guy Fawkes programmePets of The Spinoff tuned in to RNZ Concert last night to catch its special programme designed to chill them out. Did it work?By Group Think | 6th November, 2024
My Greatest Trip: My awkward high-school exchange to GermanyThe ideal candidate for a foreign exchange is personable, adventurous and charismatic enough to transcend the language barrier. I was none of these things.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 6th November, 2024
New Zealanders in London are engaging in competitive ‘overtourism’. Can we redeem the classic OE?Pressure to visit as many European destinations as possible is causing harm to local communities and the climate. Is there an alternative?By Charlotte Doyle | 6th November, 2024
Conflicts over conflicts: Why perception in politics mattersTensions over tobacco regulations hit boiling point in parliament yesterday.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 6th November, 2024
The police pullback on mental health callouts, explainedPolice say they shouldn't be first responders to mental health incidents, but is the health system ready to take over?By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 6th November, 2024
I survived a night camping with my dogA cheap tent, overnight lows in the single digits and a four-legged friend for company – what could possibly go wrong?By Alex Casey | 5th November, 2024
OpinionThe King and his god complexIncorrect comments about alcohol's effect on mental health are just the latest for Mike King and his one-man crusade against the world.By Madeleine Chapman | 31st October, 2024Editor
The 21 painful stages of a free-speech firestormAs the latest scrap over an extremist-on-tour emerges, we map out the usual shape of these things.By Toby Manhire | 31st October, 2024Editor-at-large
The true story behind New Zealand’s emporium empireBefore $2 shops and Temu, there were Arthur’s, Geoff’s and Pete’s Emporiums – and that was only the beginning. By Gabi Lardies | 31st October, 2024Staff writer
The bleak reality of working in mental health when you don’t have Mike King’s fundingOpinion: The long-time manager of the Counselling Centre in Marton shares her experience of real life in rural mental health.By Anna Sophia | 31st October, 2024Guest writer
OpinionThe impact of long Covid will be huge. So why is New Zealand doing nothing about it?'You think it won’t be you, then after your next inevitable Covid-19 reinfection, it is, and you’re left to wonder why nobody stepped up.'By Rohan Botica | 30th October, 2024Guest writer
The three-word guide to social media use for politiciansUncomplicated, evidence-based advice on what and when to post.By Toby Manhire | 30th October, 2024Editor-at-large
My number one regret? My $100,000 student loanNow 48, Megan Dunn is still paying off the huge student loan she first took out when she was 17. This is her story.By Megan Dunn | 29th October, 2024Guest writer
OpinionWindbag: Wellington City Council isn’t dysfunctional – they’re just politiciansNo one ever claims parliament is broken because National and Labour don't get along. So why is it different for the council? By Joel MacManus | 29th October, 2024Wellington editor
The complete top 100 NZ TV shows of the 21st CenturyPresenting our full top 100 countdown for your reading pleasure.By The Spinoff's Top 100 | 26th October, 2024Guest writer
Photo essay: Living and learning on a busThe Rasmussens have lived on the road for over a decade.By The Spinoff | 7th November, 2024Staff writers
My Greatest Trip: Eloping and Nessie hunting in ScotlandA reverse honeymoon that ended with a secret wedding, and the best first wedding gift imaginable: an XXL bottle of Irn Bru.By Alex Casey | 7th November, 2024
The longest commute, day four: Having a whale of a time in KaikōuraDay four of one man's foolish attempt to travel from the bottom of the country using only public transport.By Joel MacManus | 7th November, 2024
Help Me Hera: My male flatmates keep asking me out and I hate itMy flatmate asked me out. I rejected him and he moved on, so why do I feel so annoyed? By Hera Lindsay Bird | 7th November, 2024
The longest commute, day three: Joel has made it to ChristchurchDay three of one man's foolish attempt to travel from the bottom of the country using only public transport.By Joel MacManus | 6th November, 2024
My Greatest Trip: My awkward high-school exchange to GermanyThe ideal candidate for a foreign exchange is personable, adventurous and charismatic enough to transcend the language barrier. I was none of these things.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 6th November, 2024Contributing writer
New Zealanders in London are engaging in competitive ‘overtourism’. Can we redeem the classic OE?Pressure to visit as many European destinations as possible is causing harm to local communities and the climate. Is there an alternative?By Charlotte Doyle | 6th November, 2024Guest writer
The police pullback on mental health callouts, explainedPolice say they shouldn't be first responders to mental health incidents, but is the health system ready to take over?By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 6th November, 2024Staff writer
I survived a night camping with my dogA cheap tent, overnight lows in the single digits and a four-legged friend for company – what could possibly go wrong?By Alex Casey | 5th November, 2024Senior writer
Democrats left reeling as Trump claims decisive victoryFew could have predicted the size and scale of his success last night.By Catherine McGregor | 7th November, 2024Contributing writer
The morning after the night before: Trump returns to the White HouseThe 45th president will become the 47th, with Republicans winning the Senate and on track to control the House too.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 7th November, 2024
OpinionThe right’s weird new obsession: SingaporeIt illustrates the extent to which, on one crucial point at least, New Zealand’s hands-off approach to the economy has failed.By Max Rashbrooke | 7th November, 2024
Donald Trump claims victory on ‘the day the American people regained control’Prepare for Trump presidency 2.0.By Toby Manhire & Catherine McGregor | 6th November, 2024
‘I didn’t get the HRC job’: Stephen Rainbow’s Human Rights Commission appointment just got weirderExclusive: New messages released under the OIA show Rainbow acknowledged he 'didn't get the HRC job' – then suddenly he did. By Madeleine Chapman | 5th November, 2024
When will we know the US election results in New Zealand?And everything else you need to know about timings, where and what to watch in our user’s guide to the Trump v Harris big day(s).By Toby Manhire | 5th November, 2024Editor-at-large
‘Anxiety in the air’: Checking in with New Zealanders in the United StatesWith the most important election in a lifetime looming, we ask a bunch of New Zealanders in America how it's going.By Group Think | 4th November, 2024A bunch of people
What is the Nelson Tenths case and why is it important?In a landmark decision last week, the High Court found that the Crown violated its duty to the whānau and hapū of Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui.By Liam Rātana | 4th November, 2024Ātea editor
OpinionTreaty principles are clear. Why are politicians creating uncertainty?Despite decades of legal clarity around the Treaty of Waitangi, some politicians continue to argue that its principles remain undefined and unclear.By Carwyn Jones | 1st November, 2024Guest writer
The great Spinoff pet review of RNZ Concert’s Guy Fawkes programmePets of The Spinoff tuned in to RNZ Concert last night to catch its special programme designed to chill them out. Did it work?By Group Think | 6th November, 2024A bunch of people
New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekIncluding a new local murder mystery, a dating show for regular folk and the best coming-of-age film in years.By Thomas Giblin | 4th November, 2024
‘I’ve never lived it down’: The Breakfast live cross that still haunts Jack TameThe Q+A host reflects on his career in broadcasting, and the moment he realised it was all worth it.By My Life in TV | 2nd November, 2024
‘So subtle, yet so chaotic’: Wiri Donna’s perfect weekend playlist'I consider myself lucky if I’ve only managed to make the same mistake twice.'By Weekend playlist | 2nd November, 2024
This new docuseries shows us another world of learningHome Education follows six different whānau around Aotearoa who have embraced learning at home.By Tara Ward | 1st November, 2024
Explainer: What is Max, and where can I watch it? Eager viewers have been waiting for years, and now Max is finally here.By Tara Ward | 1st November, 2024Staff writer
Who are the local queens in Drag Race Down Under this year? And how many of them would choose The Briscoes Lady for an NZ Icon Snatch Game? The answer may shock you.By Alex Casey | 1st November, 2024Senior writer
Review: Scraps, shit raps and Travis ScottToo many hype men think they’re the rappers – maybe Scott is one of them.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 31st October, 2024Staff writer
What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever seen? Reader beware, you're in for a scare. By Group Think | 31st October, 2024A bunch of people
Home EducationOn the road with the RasmussensThe Rasmussens have travelled the country in a house bus for over a decade. Bridie is the ‘road-schooling’ mum to seven kids, all at different stages. On the bus near the beach, the kids design an ancient civilisation together. 5 Nov 202414:04
Home EducationAlesha & KenseyKensey was slipping behind at school due to illness, so Alesha and Damien decided to do something different – something they’d only seen on Country Calendar. Now Kensey writes books about unicorns and gathers toheroa with her whanau. 29 Oct 202415:09
Home EducationThe Fairul Izad familyIrma does not know the answer to “Does space have a bottom?” but says it’s valuable for her boys to be taught by someone who loves them. Now, her son’s love for ballet doesn’t have to feel like a secret. 22 Oct 202415:40
Home EducationRachel & FelixRachel never thought she’d be homeschooling, but Felix was having trouble fitting in at school. Now, he’s making friends at Forest School, and growing his confidence at improv theatre classes which he bounds out of happily. 15 Oct 202415:10
Home EducationJen & the Dahlia kidsThree years ago, Jen gave her kids $100 to start a business as a learning project, which has led to a thriving dahlia farm. Gracie, Milly and Lexie learn maths at the till, science while testing flower food and art when marketing their flowers. 8 Oct 202415:23
Home EducationHome Education – TrailerFrom a dahlia farm to a house bus, six families find their own ways of educating their children. Episode one of our docu-series premieres on The Spinoff Tuesday 8 October. 1 Oct 20240:44
Takeout KidsKylaKyla and her sister, Kylee, trade makeup tips in front of the mirror, using their mum’s cosmetics. In the nail salon where her mum works, Kyla shares her pepeha with customers after a long day of chatting about crushes in the playground. 17 Sep 202412:13
Takeout KidsPhitchaPhitcha bonds over shrimp noodles with her schoolmates, and watermelon and ice cream with her parents. A heart-to-heart with her dad heals the scars of separation. 10 Sep 202411:01
Takeout KidsLaurenEvenings at the Auckland night markets frying doughnuts turn into long, yawning school days for Lauren. Her family and school are encouraging her to think about the future – stay with the family business, or follow her own dreams. 3 Sep 202411:48
Takeout KidsDomDom plays basketball on the concrete outside his mum’s Thai restaurant. Keeping up with school, sport and work sometimes feel out of control, but there is one choice Dom has in his own hands: seeing, or not seeing, his father. 27 Aug 202412:38
Nobody panic, but we’re in the midst of a global chocolate crisisPrice hikes, disappearing products and sourcing struggles – could this be the new normal for the chocolate industry?By Gabi Lardies | 5th November, 2024Staff writer
How the Gen Z broccoli haircut became big business for a teen barberThree teenage barbers in Mt Albert have capitalised on a viral haircut to build businesses on Instagram. Duncan Greive gets a cut and a lesson.By Duncan Greive | 2nd November, 2024
Podcast: Giving employees what they want, when they want itGoodbye expense claims, hello customised benefits. Are we about to see a shift in how employees are rewarded?By When the Facts Change | 2nd November, 2024
The true story behind New Zealand’s emporium empireBefore $2 shops and Temu, there were Arthur’s, Geoff’s and Pete’s Emporiums – and that was only the beginning. By Gabi Lardies | 31st October, 2024
Podcast: An economic spring in our stepDo we dare have hope for a bright 2025?By When the Facts Change | 26th October, 2024
A new suspect in the case of New Zealand’s property investment obsessionCould the decline of corporate pensions have led to more people pinning their retirement hopes on a big tax-free capital gain?By Max Rashbrooke | 24th October, 2024Contributing writer
Podcast: The hidden battery in your homeCould your hot water cylinder be the key to cheaper household energy and a smaller carbon footprint?By When the Facts Change | 19th October, 2024Podcast
Barilla v Barilla, Sportify v Spotify: Two big trademark wins for two little NZ businessesWhat do a Taupō sports shop and a Dominion Road dumpling house have in common? Battling – and beating – the big guys.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 18th October, 2024Staff writer
Breaking news: Things cost moneyThe NZ Film Commission has been caught red-handed spending money.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 17th October, 2024Senior writer
Nelson’s original sinThe High Court's ruling in the Nelson Tenths case is a huge victory for Whakatū iwi – and also for my Pākehā ancestors, who were sold a horrible lie. By Joel MacManus | 4th November, 2024Wellington editor
What is the Nelson Tenths case and why is it important?In a landmark decision last week, the High Court found that the Crown violated its duty to the whānau and hapū of Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui.By Liam Rātana | 4th November, 2024
Let people respond to the haka however they wantPre-game cultural challenges like the haka have sparked ongoing debate around their reception and appropriateness. By Liam Rātana | 2nd November, 2024
OpinionTreaty principles are clear. Why are politicians creating uncertainty?Despite decades of legal clarity around the Treaty of Waitangi, some politicians continue to argue that its principles remain undefined and unclear.By Carwyn Jones | 1st November, 2024
The first official flag of Aotearoa and what it representsIt symbolises Māori sovereignty, political agency, and the nation's early steps toward self-determination, shaping New Zealand’s identity and ongoing dialogue on rangatiratanga.By Liam Rātana | 28th October, 2024
The under-the-radar Treaty clause review that could have far-reaching consequencesShane Jones has the Treaty clause in the Conservation Act in his crosshairs – and it's just one of an estimated 28 laws set for review.By Liam Rātana | 25th October, 2024Ātea editor
There’s a silent killer threatening the mauri of our moanaA new documentary explores the devastating impact of caulerpa, an invasive algae choking New Zealand's coastal ecosystems.By Liam Rātana | 23rd October, 2024Ātea editor
Hardship, healing and hope: A glimpse inside the 501s conferenceThere's a path that doesn't lead to prison.By Liam Rātana | 16th October, 2024Ātea editor
Where do our spirits go after death?Iwi in the far north take pride in being the gatekeepers to the underworld.By Liam Rātana | 14th October, 2024Ātea editor
Nobody panic, but we’re in the midst of a global chocolate crisisPrice hikes, disappearing products and sourcing struggles – could this be the new normal for the chocolate industry?By Gabi Lardies | 5th November, 2024Staff writer
Why do we make it so hard to dine outside?Outdoor dining seems like something a country with a very nice outdoors should be good at.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 1st November, 2024
I hate the sexy Grimace busIt's not just a bad ad, it's a symbol of everything rotten in our lives.By Madeleine Chapman | 29th October, 2024
David Seymour’s new school lunches, reviewedSamples of the new cost-cutting kai were served up at parliament today. So how was it?By Joel MacManus | 22nd October, 2024
The seven types of deer in New Zealand, ranked by a deer hunterFactors include: taste and difficulty of hunting.By Mike Fagan | 17th October, 2024
Five reflections on a part-reverent, part-riotous Metro Restaurant of the Year'Running a restaurant – sometimes it feels like you’re running a charity for rich people.'By Duncan Greive | 15th October, 2024Founder
Good hot chips are an art form – here’s where to find Wellington’s bestAn impassioned culinary defence of the hot chip, and a guide to some of the capital's finest examples.By Nick Iles | 11th October, 2024Guest writer
OpinionSmoking ads are banned in New Zealand. Why are junk food ads still allowed?With a health crisis driven by preventable illnesses, the government can take one big step now.By Victoria Egli | 11th October, 2024Guest writer
Olive oil costs heaps at the moment. Can local producers come to the rescue?A global shortage means imported olive oil is more costly than it’s been since the late 90s. Can local producers compete on price now? By Madeleine Holden | 9th October, 2024Senior editor
Millennial Snot will not give way to a new age of sincerity and clarityThe way online millennials speak is cringeworthy and bad, but the New Right won’t usher in better prose.By Madeleine Holden | 22nd October, 2024Senior editor
Liam Payne and the mourning of a (modern) childhood'My first memory of One Direction is holding an iPad incredibly close to my face to soak in every pixel of the five boys through the screen.'By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 19th October, 2024
Happy Niue language week: The Samoans are fighting againThe Spinoff's fake Samoan editor explains the latest poly drama.By Madeleine Chapman | 16th October, 2024
The Spinoff guide to life: How to send a text without being annoyingAnd what to do if you are very, very late to reply.By The Spinoff guide to life | 16th October, 2024
I hate CAPTCHAs, the unnecessary ritual of having to prove you’re a human beingCorrectly identifying traffic lights doesn't make you human – but feeling irritated by it just might.By Shanti Mathias | 14th October, 2024
Why young women like me are rotting in our bedroomsIt's become an internet trope, but the art of girl rotting dates back at least to the 19th century. By Maya Field | 12th October, 2024Guest writer
Hear me out: Stop saying ‘problematic’Just say what the problem is. By Madeleine Holden | 30th September, 2024Senior editor
With the deepest respect, Julianne Moore, one does not simply say ‘Goodbye’ to Meta AIBad news for everyone hoping to stop Meta in its AI tracks. By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 26th September, 2024Senior writer
If you're trying to get away with murder, don't Google 'how to get rid of a body'There is no such thing as private browsing when it comes to murder.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 25th September, 2024Contributing writer
‘No idea I was in the presence of genius’: Sonya Wilson on her life in booksThe author and founder of Kiwi Christmas Books on unknowingly meeting a 'stone-cold genius', the book everyone should read and more.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 6th November, 2024⚖️
A new novel imagines a New Zealand version of the conservative South Asian grifterThere's little to like about figures like American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, but there is a lot to learn.By Brannavan Gnanalingam | 2nd November, 2024
The Friday Poem: ‘THE THING IS’ by Johanna CosgroveA new poem by Johanna Cosgrove.By Johanna Cosgrove | 1st November, 2024
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending November 1The onward march of Intermezzo, a bundle of new releases, and Wild Robot.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 1st November, 2024
These are New Zealand’s most haunted pubsFancy some paranormal activity with your pint? Here's where to go.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 31st October, 2024
Writers pick their favourite scary stories for the spooky seasonWe asked a handful of New Zealand writers for some recommended Halloween reading. Here's what they said. By The Spinoff Review of Books | 30th October, 2024⚖️
My number one regret? My $100,000 student loanNow 48, Megan Dunn is still paying off the huge student loan she first took out when she was 17. This is her story.By Megan Dunn | 29th October, 2024Guest writer
Remembering the Waikato War, Te Riri ki Tainui'This was a defining and transformative conflict in the nation’s history … It is the story of how we got to where we are today.'By Vincent O'Malley | 28th October, 2024Guest writer
‘Observations that hit like a truck’: Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu, reviewedA debut novel that's one part family drama, one part harrowing road trip, and one of the most honest portraits of Aotearoa you're likely to find.By Sam Brooks | 26th October, 2024Contributing writer
OpinionThe Weekend: When the tide turnsMadeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 2nd November, 2024Editor
OpinionThe Weekend: What does your taste say about you?Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 26th October, 2024Editor
Revealed: The Anika Moa and Kiri Allan interview RNZ didn’t want you to hearQuestions were raised after RNZ pulled one of its own podcasts weeks before its release. Now, The Spinoff can reveal what was actually said.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 23rd October, 2024Staff writer
Is there room for conservatives in culture? NZ On Air is about to find outThe appointment of Philip Crump to NZ on Air’s board has sent a ripple of fear through the media – here's why he has them spooked.By Duncan Greive | 23rd October, 2024Founder
OpinionThe Weekend: How to get hiredMadeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 19th October, 2024Editor
Breaking news: Things cost moneyThe NZ Film Commission has been caught red-handed spending money.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 17th October, 2024Senior writer
OpinionThe Weekend: When did you stop listening to new music?Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 12th October, 2024Editor
Could a ‘Canadian compromise’ resolve the high stakes standoff between Google and NZ news media?Google's opposition to a proposed bill has three possible outcomes, some more devastating than others.By Duncan Greive | 11th October, 2024Founder
Insider Insider: inside the NZ Herald’s insider empire Our new columnist, the Insider Insider, takes a peek inside the insiderest media operation of all time. By Insider Insider | 10th October, 2024Insider
In pictures: MMT fans turn Penrose red ahead of Tonga’s thrilling winOn Saturday afternoon, Mate Ma'a Tonga (MMT) fans were on their way to watch a historic rugby league game.By Jin Fellet | 4th November, 2024Senior producer
With the World Cup won, there’s something else the White Ferns really wantAnd before the ‘oldies’ are gone.By Toby Manhire | 24th October, 2024Editor-at-large
Oh no… I think I’ve fallen for Auckland FCAn occasion so impressive it made me do something I thought I never would.By Toby Manhire | 21st October, 2024Editor-at-large
The winningest weekend for New Zealand sportHave we ever been winninger?By Toby Manhire | 21st October, 2024Editor-at-large
OpinionMike Hosking is one of the Warriors' biggest fans, and it doesn't make a lick of senseHis 'common sense' world view holds little time for losers and dreamers... with one major exception.By Pete Douglas | 4th October, 2024Guest writer
How I became the 193rd best pinballer in New ZealandA shallow dive into the deeply competitive world of pinball in Aotearoa.By Matt Casey | 28th September, 2024Contributing writer
Have the All Blacks lost their aura? Finally, a definitive answerIt's a question that's been in the headlines for years. The problem is we’ve been looking to rugby writers for answers only psychics can offer.By Hayden Donnell | 24th September, 2024Contributing writer
Limbs without limits: How New Zealand Paralympians get geared up for gloryWhether it's for strolling to the shops or sprinting for gold, the same skill, care and dedication goes into every prosthetic from this Auckland workshop.By Shanti Mathias | 6th September, 2024Staff writer
Meet the 25 athletes representing New Zealand at the Paralympic GamesThe 2024 Paralympic Games begin on Wednesday in Paris. Here's who to cheer for.By The Spinoff | 27th August, 2024Guest writer