All the things Christopher Luxon getsOut of touch? Don’t think so.By Toby Manhire | 16th October, 2024Editor-at-large
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, 2024Contributor
Will the Wellington Council survive until the next election?The government is seeking advice on whether it could – or should – intervene.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 16th October, 2024The Bulletin editor
Why last-minute changes to the Hauraki Gulf protection bill are stirring up a stinkAn unexpected amendment will allow some commercial fishing in protected areas. Details are scant, but people are angry.By Gabi Lardies | 16th October, 2024Staff writer
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
Art, time and money: The true cost of creativity For those in power to really understand that the arts matter to New Zealanders, they need to hear our stories.By Sam Brooks | 10th October, 2024Contributing writer
Munchies and mania: surviving a 24-hour movie marathon10.53am: Our next film is a British 60s flick about a bunch of little kids. Their tiny British accents are adorable, but I don’t care about their sad little lives. What about mine?By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 15th October, 2024Staff writer
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
OpinionThe losers, losers and other losers in the one-year-on pollingOK, there were a couple of winners if you looked really hard. By Toby Manhire | 15th October, 2024Editor-at-large
Two decades after decriminalisation, the stigma around sex work persistsWhile much has changed for the better, New Zealand now risks falling behind.By Lynzi Armstrong | 15th October, 2024Guest writer
The cost of being: A retired teacher who’s ‘secure but anxious’ about what lies ahead'Five words to describe my financial personality? Prudent, thoughtful and careful tightarse.'By The Cost of Being | 15th October, 2024
Coalition aligned on push to attract foreign investmentBut can Winston Peters win his cabinet colleagues over with his 'future fund'?By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 15th October, 2024
Cover StoryGoodbye to the classroom: Where and how home-educated students learnOver 10,000 school students in New Zealand learn outside of school, but that doesn’t mean they’re always at home.By Gabi Lardies | 15th October, 2024
Windbag: The compelling, conflicting drama around Wellington Airport and te TiritiHow a debate about asset sales became a fascinating real-time case study in co-governance and what it means to uphold te Tiriti.By Joel MacManus | 15th October, 2024
Home Education: Rachel and FelixRachel taps into Felix's passion for history as the means to inspire deeper engagement in his learning.By The Spinoff | 15th October, 2024
Controversial human rights commissioners weren’t recommended by hiring panelDocuments reveal Stephen Rainbow was appointed chief human rights commissioner despite failing to make the shortlist of candidates recommended by the hiring panel. By Madeleine Chapman | 14th October, 2024
Rewatching Heavenly Creatures, three decades onHappy 30th birthday to one of the most ambitious, bizarre, beautiful and brutal films New Zealand has ever produced. By Alex Casey | 14th October, 2024
New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekIncluding a new local property show, a heartwarming cooking show and a teen dramedy set in mid-2000s Gore.By Thomas Giblin | 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
How did a chronic shortage of nurses become ‘too many’?Te Whatu Ora has blamed a forecast $1.7bn deficit on ‘over-recruiting’ of nursing staff. Here's a timeline of how it unfolded.By Alice Neville | 10th October, 2024Deputy editor
What has The Warehouse done to my favourite song? Ladies and gentlemen… this is really, really bad.By Alex Casey | 10th October, 2024Senior writer
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
What I learned (and didn’t learn) from four years of home educationReflections on homeschooling, 15 years later.By Shanti Mathias | 10th October, 2024Staff writer
The fight for the toheroa of Te Oneroa-a-TōheToheroa were so good, we ate them all. But one group is working hard to restore them along one of Aotearoa's most famous beaches.By Liam Rātana | 10th October, 2024Ātea editor
Let’s play Tour of New Zealand: Fast Track EditionCan you make your way around the country via expedited transport, housing, energy and mining projects?By Toby Manhire | 9th October, 2024Editor-at-large
When the flood came for South Dunedin, this time it was readyLast week's deluge wasn't as bad as it could have been – but hard decisions still lie ahead.By Shanti Mathias | 9th October, 2024Staff writer
Breaking: Ferry crosses the Cook Strait without crashing into anythingNormally ferries crash into at least one thing. This time it was different.By Hayden Donnell | 8th October, 2024Contributing writer
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
Two decades after decriminalisation, the stigma around sex work persistsWhile much has changed for the better, New Zealand now risks falling behind.By Lynzi Armstrong | 15th October, 2024
The cost of being: A retired teacher who’s ‘secure but anxious’ about what lies ahead'Five words to describe my financial personality? Prudent, thoughtful and careful tightarse.'By The Cost of Being | 15th October, 2024
Cover StoryGoodbye to the classroom: Where and how home-educated students learnOver 10,000 school students in New Zealand learn outside of school, but that doesn’t mean they’re always at home.By Gabi Lardies | 15th October, 2024
Hot new hobby alert: Robot fightingKnives strapped to soft toys, upside down circular saws and a bulletproof arena.By Gabi Lardies | 14th 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, 2024Staff writer
What I learned (and didn’t learn) from four years of home educationReflections on homeschooling, 15 years later.By Shanti Mathias | 10th October, 2024Staff writer
Help me Hera: I’m so apologetic I’m annoying everyone around meI'm sorry, but I can't stop apologising. By Hera Lindsay Bird | 10th October, 2024Contributing writer
Review: John Campbell, true crime and a taste of TVNZ’s new eraJohn Campbell doesn’t solve a crime in his new series – instead he uncovers how long you can ask a question before someone finally listens to you.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 9th October, 2024Staff writer
All the things Christopher Luxon getsOut of touch? Don’t think so.By Toby Manhire | 16th October, 2024Editor-at-large
Why last-minute changes to the Hauraki Gulf protection bill are stirring up a stinkAn unexpected amendment will allow some commercial fishing in protected areas. Details are scant, but people are angry.By Gabi Lardies | 16th October, 2024
OpinionThe losers, losers and other losers in the one-year-on pollingOK, there were a couple of winners if you looked really hard. By Toby Manhire | 15th October, 2024
Windbag: The compelling, conflicting drama around Wellington Airport and te TiritiHow a debate about asset sales became a fascinating real-time case study in co-governance and what it means to uphold te Tiriti.By Joel MacManus | 15th October, 2024
Controversial human rights commissioners weren’t recommended by hiring panelDocuments reveal Stephen Rainbow was appointed chief human rights commissioner despite failing to make the shortlist of candidates recommended by the hiring panel. By Madeleine Chapman | 14th October, 2024
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
How did a chronic shortage of nurses become ‘too many’?Te Whatu Ora has blamed a forecast $1.7bn deficit on ‘over-recruiting’ of nursing staff. Here's a timeline of how it unfolded.By Alice Neville | 10th October, 2024Deputy editor
The Auckland election on right now that almost nobody can be arsed withLast time, not even 10% of voters could be bothered.By Toby Manhire | 10th October, 2024Editor-at-large
OpinionThe slow drift towards ‘user pays’ risks turning New Zealand into a two-tier societyFrom healthcare to schools to roads, are core public services becoming the preserve of those who can afford them?By Max Rashbrooke | 10th October, 2024Contributing writer
Munchies and mania: surviving a 24-hour movie marathon10.53am: Our next film is a British 60s flick about a bunch of little kids. Their tiny British accents are adorable, but I don’t care about their sad little lives. What about mine?By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 15th October, 2024Staff writer
Rewatching Heavenly Creatures, three decades onHappy 30th birthday to one of the most ambitious, bizarre, beautiful and brutal films New Zealand has ever produced. By Alex Casey | 14th October, 2024
New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekIncluding a new local property show, a heartwarming cooking show and a teen dramedy set in mid-2000s Gore.By Thomas Giblin | 14th October, 2024
Talkback radio is hell. Can this man save it?All 20 hours of Matt Heath's first week co-hosting ZB Afternoons, reviewed.By Pete Douglas | 14th October, 2024
How my collection of Funko Pops ended up in Te PapaSomewhere in the national museum's vast storage facility sit 13 bug-eyed plastic figurines. This is how they got there.By Ben Fagan | 12th October, 2024
‘Party in the sky’ over Waiheke: The documentary maker and the UFO encounter'It was huge, about three times bigger than any big international aircraft, and it was completely silent.' By Alex Casey | 12th October, 2024Senior writer
‘You’ll love it, but you’ll hate it’: Christian Cullen on becoming CTI’s most unlikely star'I like the home comforts: the food, the bed, the couches, the Sky TV...'By My Life in TV | 12th October, 2024Guest 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
‘A balm for the brokenhearted’: Kirsten Morrell’s perfect weekend playlist'You gotta laugh a little at yourself … especially now, when there’s so much fake news and wars going on.'By Weekend playlist | 12th October, 2024💿
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
Takeout KidsPriyanPriyan takes on the weight of starting his first week of school while manning the counter at his family’s dairy. He’d rather stock the shelves and play cricket with his dad than practise his ABCs. 20 Aug 202410:39
Takeout KidsTakeout Kids – season two trailerFive young people balance school and relationships while growing up in their family shops. Episode one premieres on The Spinoff on Tuesday August 20. 13 Aug 20240:38
Checkered FlagThe last days of motorsport at Pukekohe Park RacewayIn the final months of the Pukekohe Park Racecourse, the father and daughter duo managing the grassroots racecourse want to give everyone one last chance to go fast. 16 Apr 202427:29
Podcast: The price we pay for cutting costsThe government is proud to be slashing spending, but what is it doing to NZ’s economic growth? Bernard Hickey asks Nicola Willis to explain her thinking.By When the Facts Change | 12th October, 2024Podcast
The Auckland election on right now that almost nobody can be arsed withLast time, not even 10% of voters could be bothered.By Toby Manhire | 10th October, 2024
Podcast: Is our retirement system unsustainable?If we want to keep universal super in place, some tough decisions need to be made – and soon, says Treasury's chief economic adviser.By When the Facts Change | 5th October, 2024
OpinionThe construction sector is disoriented and depleted – and the path to recovery unclearA series of seemingly separate government decisions have left the industry hurting.By Mat Brown | 3rd October, 2024
Windbag: Return-to-office won’t save Wellington hospo. Here’s what couldA few levers the council could pull to boost cafes and bars during an economic downturn.By Joel MacManus | 1st October, 2024
Can we find an economist who backs Nicola Willis’s CGT stance? Not easily, noThe finance minister reckons a capital gains tax would discourage business investment. We went in search of someone who would back her innovative take.By Hayden Donnell | 1st October, 2024Contributing writer
Podcast: The road cone paradoxWe love to hate them, but what if road cones are actually a sign we're getting things right?By When the Facts Change | 28th September, 2024Podcast
The Wahs have a bar now. Is it any good?A venue near Eden Park is now an outpost of the Warriors’ burgeoning empire. Here's what it was like on opening night.By Duncan Greive | 26th September, 2024Founder
OpinionDebunking some capital gains tax mythsThe CGT debate is back in the news – and it’s been met with the same tired old arguments.By Simon Percival | 23rd September, 2024Guest writer
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, 2024
The iwi and hapū-led projects on the fast track for MāoriDevelopments in housing, aquaculture and the environment may be on the cards for iwi across Aotearoa with fast track projects.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 14th October, 2024
The fight for the toheroa of Te Oneroa-a-TōheToheroa were so good, we ate them all. But one group is working hard to restore them along one of Aotearoa's most famous beaches.By Liam Rātana | 10th October, 2024
Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Live analysis of the Seymour-Modlik debateLive analysis and updates of the debate between David Seymour and Helmut Modlik on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty Principles Bill.By Liam Rātana & Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 8th October, 2024
OpinionThe real reason behind Act’s push to redefine the Treaty principlesIt's a calculated move to remove a significant barrier to the party's privatisation and deregulation agenda.By Rupert O'Brien | 30th September, 2024Guest writer
What’s behind the rise in smaller iwi?Increasing numbers of Māori are affiliating with tribal groups of under 1,000 members. What does it mean for Māoridom?By Liam Rātana | 30th September, 2024Ātea editor
Not Even is probably the realest reflection of life as a Gen Z in AotearoaThe show's second season picks up the drama where it left off – in a flat where, if walls could talk, they’d have a lot of shit to say.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 27th September, 2024Staff writer
Review: Ngā Rorirori dazzles but falls shortThe production impresses with its visuals and performances, but the lack of emotional depth and cohesion leaves much to be desired.By Liam Rātana | 24th September, 2024Ātea editor
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, 2024
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, 2024
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, 2024
Why free school lunches matter – and what one group of students is doing to save themFor this Year 11 social studies class, the cuts to Ka Ora, Ka Ako funding hit close to home.By Lucinda Bennett | 4th October, 2024
The meat lover’s guide to eating a more climate-friendly dietA lot of carnivores can't stomach the idea of a vegan diet. Are there alternatives?By Madeleine Holden | 2nd October, 2024Senior editor
New World’s $10 lunch deal, reviewedIs your boss dragging you back into the office? At least there’s a local meal deal now. But how good is it? By Fran Barclay | 30th September, 2024Guest writer
A tasting tour of Wellington’s best piesFlaky pastry, rich gravy and slow-cooked meat that falls apart in your mouth. A search for the capital's best pie. By Preyanka Gothanayagi | 27th September, 2024Contributor
The Wahs have a bar now. Is it any good?A venue near Eden Park is now an outpost of the Warriors’ burgeoning empire. Here's what it was like on opening night.By Duncan Greive | 26th September, 2024Founder
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, 2024Contributor
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, 2024
Hear me out: Stop saying ‘problematic’Just say what the problem is. By Madeleine Holden | 30th September, 2024
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, 2024
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
It’s the most common type of crime. But the government isn’t doing much about itBeing ‘tough’ on crime on the streets is one thing. But what about when it happens on the internet?By Shanti Mathias | 25th September, 2024Staff writer
The social media app you forgot about is on every kid’s phoneWith the next generation of netizens wanting to retreat into privacy while still using social media, the future once again has dog ears.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 17th September, 2024Staff writer
A soul-destroying attempt to report scam Facebook adsThey're filling Facebook feeds, sucking people in and ripping them off. So why won't Meta do anything about it?By Dylan Reeve | 21st August, 2024Contributing writer
Populists, populism and the 2023 electionWhich political party benefitted most from the parliament protests in 2022?By Luke Oldfield | 14th October, 2024Guest writer
Is celebrity book culture… good, actually?Reese Witherspoon is co-writing a thriller. At first this annoyed books editor Claire Mabey, but then she did a full 180. Here's why.By Claire Mabey | 12th October, 2024
The Friday Poem: ‘the dancer’ by Zephyr ZhangA new poem by Zephyr Zhang.By Zephyr Zhang | 11th October, 2024
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending October 11A whole new world of October releases hits the chart. By The Spinoff Review of Books | 11th October, 2024
An ode to the indie bookshopBookshops are community spaces, sanctuaries and loneliness antidotes, and on Saturday, we celebrate them. By Claire Mabey | 11th October, 2024
The Unity Books children’s book review roundup for springUnity Books staff review some of the best new children’s and YA books, plus the spring bestseller lists.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 8th October, 2024⚖️
The breath out: Kataraina by Becky Manawatu, reviewedA review of one of the most anticipated novels of the year. By Jenna Todd | 5th October, 2024Guest writer
The Friday Poem: ‘cabbage rolls’ by Jiaqiao LiuA new poem by by Jiaqiao Liu.By Jiaqiao Liu | 4th October, 2024Guest writer
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending October 4Becky Manawatu's second novel gives Sally Rooney a serious run for her money. By The Spinoff Review of Books | 4th October, 2024⚖️
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
OpinionWhy TVNZ is right to shut down 1news.co.nz (with one major caveat)It’s possible to view shutting its news website as a retrenchment from digital. In fact, it’s the opposite.By Duncan Greive | 7th October, 2024Founder
OpinionThe Weekend: Is Wellington really ‘gayer’ than Auckland?Anna Rawhiti-Connell reflects on the week that was.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 5th October, 2024Senior writer
Exclusive: John Key has a hobby ThreeNews spent almost seven minutes focused on the former PM and his very relatable passion: helicopters.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 2nd October, 2024The Bulletin editor
OpinionThe Weekend: You don’t have to write about the free pizzaGabi Lardies reflects on the places journalists go for stories.By Gabi Lardies | 28th September, 2024Staff writer
How a $1.50 coffee became a priceless lesson in ethical journalismA cautionary tale of how writing a quick news banger can leave you with a guilty conscience.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 26th September, 2024Staff writer
Why were gambling ads running during RNZ podcasts?RNZ is supposed to be commercial-free, so how did advertisements for a TAB subsidiary appear on its podcasts? By Shanti Mathias | 26th September, 2024Staff writer
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
A postcard from the Paris OlympicsBrannavan Gnanalingam on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine his two favourite things: mooching around Paris and watching the Olympics.By Brannavan Gnanalingam | 15th August, 2024Guest writer
TVNZ’s 11-strong Olympics reporting team drops to just one for the ParalympicsWith New Zealand’s press leaving Paris, ‘unparalleled’ Paralympics coverage falls on one reporter.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 13th August, 2024Staff writer
A glorious and historic Olympics campaign comes to an endNew Zealand's medal haul crept up by two overnight as the Paris games close.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 12th August, 2024The Bulletin editor
How was Maddi Wesche’s final shot put throw not over 20m? A Spinoff investigationWas it a false measurement, a full-blown conspiracy or just some mild incompetence? By Madeleine Chapman | 10th August, 2024Editor
