‘We were as famous as Tom Cruise’: Craig Parker on 90s Shortland St fandomAs he makes a surprise return to Shortland Street, actor Craig Parker takes us through his life in television.By My Life in TV | 21st December, 2024Guest writer
‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist'I want to check in at the pearly gates and have them say, ‘theres nothing left here, he’s worn to a nub, put it in the bin’.'By Weekend playlist | 21st December, 2024💿
Christmas at the Auckland City Mission, where the greatest gift is dignityWithout an ongoing funding commitment from the government, the future of the annual Christmas celebration is up in the air.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 16th December, 2024Staff writer
The rescue dog bringing joy to Christchurch retirement homes'It’s just so lovely to see a dog again.'By Alex Casey | 21st December, 2024Senior writer
The Friday Poem: ‘Bejeweled log’ by Holly FletcherA new poem by Holly Fletcher.By Holly Fletcher | 20th December, 2024Guest writer
The one episode of Shortland Street you need to watch this yearThe 2024 Christmas cliffhanger screens on Monday, and you can expect the final episode to be bigger and badder than ever before. By Tara Ward | 20th December, 2024Staff writer
The Unity Books bestseller chart for 2024The bestselling books of the year, revealed.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 20th December, 2024⚖️
The real NZ Wrapped: Analysing the 2024 NZ Music chartsA couple of weeks after Spotify Wrapped comes a much more comprehensive survey of New Zealand’s listening.By Duncan Greive | 20th December, 2024Founder
‘Just like the pie’: Bubble tea is here to stayBubbles, pearls or boba – no matter what you call them, they've taken New Zealand by storm. By Gabi Lardies | 20th December, 2024Staff writer
A book for every year of your life: Part two, ages 31 to the graveFrom Mansfield Park to Jurassic Park, some reading inspiration for every age.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 20th December, 2024Contributing writer
The Bulletin wrapped, 2024What you were reading, what you engaged with the most, and what you might see more of next year in The Spinoff's daily news wrap.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 20th December, 2024
The boozeless bubbly of Aotearoa, reviewed and rankedThere’s plenty on offer beyond Grapetise these days – but is any of it any good?By Group Think | 20th December, 2024
How the gambling industry is using influencers to appeal to a new generationParty holes, paid partnerships and podcast appearances – it's all part of a concerted effort to attract young people to gambling.By Shanti Mathias | 20th December, 2024
A world on fire: the World Bulletin year in reviewLooking back at the events that made headlines around the globe in 2024. By Catherine McGregor | 19th December, 2024
The Spinoff’s favourite movies of 2024From singing witches to horny tennis players, here's what we loved at the movies this year.By Group Think | 19th December, 2024
Banger alert: the song of the summer is ‘Harty Māori Stylez’In February you'll be able to say you were an OG fan.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 19th December, 2024
Help Me Hera: I hate spending Christmas with my in-lawsI grew up in a family where Christmas was all about tradition and hospitality. My husband's family takes a different approach. How do I get over my resentment and have a nice day? By Hera Lindsay Bird | 19th December, 2024
The year in five news eventsThe stories that permeated across the last 12 months.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 19th December, 2024
The 2024 Golden Jandals for conspicuous contributions to NZ politicsThe return of the glitteriest rubber gongs of New Zealand politics.By Toby ManhireEditor-at-large & Ben McKay | 18th December, 2024Guest writer
The inside story of Auckland’s Korean culinary boomFrom fried chicken and franchises to fusion and fine dining, Korean cuisine has taken over Tāmaki Makaurau.By Jihee Junn | 12th December, 2024Contributing writer
Kirihimete gift guide 2024: cool stuff from Māori and Pasifika-led brandsOur legendary guide is back to help you through another silly season.By Group Think | 11th December, 2024A bunch of people
How does New Zealand produce so many successful child actors?Move over meat and dairy – these are our highest quality exports. By Alex Casey | 11th December, 2024Senior writer
The Spinoff’s best NZ books of 2024This year's best local fiction, nonfiction and poetry for adults and children, as chosen by our panel of readers. By The Spinoff Review of Books | 10th December, 2024⚖️
The small town cinemas holding on at the edge of the world‘If I didn't do it, no other bugger would.’By Alex Casey | 10th December, 2024Senior writer
Freezers, pasteurisers and funding woes: A day at a human milk bank in ChristchurchIt's supplied breast milk to thousands of newborns in need, all thanks to donors, volunteers and philanthropists.By Shanti Mathias | 10th December, 2024Staff writer
‘More than a business’: Auckland institution Geoff’s Emporium to close after 44 yearsAfter four decades, the last buttons will be counted out at Geoff’s Emporium on Dominion Road early next year.By Gabi Lardies | 10th December, 2024Staff writer
A book for every year of your life: Part one, ages 0-30From picture books to bell hooks, some reading inspiration for every age.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 9th December, 2024Contributing writer
The rescue dog bringing joy to Christchurch retirement homes'It’s just so lovely to see a dog again.'By Alex Casey | 21st December, 2024Senior writer
Help Me Hera: I hate spending Christmas with my in-lawsI grew up in a family where Christmas was all about tradition and hospitality. My husband's family takes a different approach. How do I get over my resentment and have a nice day? By Hera Lindsay Bird | 19th December, 2024
The Spinoff’s biggest stories of 2024The Spinoff takes a walk down memory lane – while also providing the best summer reading list possible.By The Spinoff | 19th December, 2024
How to not hug people you don’t want to hug this holiday seasonEvery day between now and Christmas, spend at least 10 minutes in front of a mirror, holding out a hand and saying: 'no'.By Gráinne Patterson | 18th December, 2024
The cost of being: A public servant and mum who’s saving for a house deposit'I love fashion but can’t afford the stuff I really like, so I scour Trade Me.'By The Cost of Being | 17th December, 2024
OpinionWindbag: Tear down the City to Sea BridgeWhy demolishing the bridge would create a better public space in the heart of Wellington. By Joel MacManus | 17th December, 2024Wellington editor
OpinionWhat can we learn from Australia’s version of the Marsden Fund furore?Humanities and social science research topics being tweaked rhetorically to seem airy-fairy, impractical and/or ‘woke’ is nothing new.By Joanne Wilkes | 17th December, 2024Guest writer
What is it about Holloway Road? The ghosts of Wellington’s most atmospheric streetWinding through the dense native bush of an Aro Valley gully, Holloway is haunted with histories both recent and ancient.By Claire Mabey | 16th December, 2024Books editor
I see hundreds of ads for togs so why is it so hard to find a decent pair?The struggle to find a decent pair of togs is real.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 14th December, 2024Senior writer
A world on fire: the World Bulletin year in reviewLooking back at the events that made headlines around the globe in 2024. By Catherine McGregor | 19th December, 2024Contributing writer
In six hours, everything changed: Watching Korea’s political turmoil from afarBy Rebekah Jaung | 18th December, 2024
The 2024 Golden Jandals for conspicuous contributions to NZ politicsThe return of the glitteriest rubber gongs of New Zealand politics.By Toby Manhire & Ben McKay | 18th December, 2024
Our outlandish political predictions for 2024, revisitedDid anyone make an accurate call? Let's find out.By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 18th December, 2024
All those recent political polls: a quick recapICYMI: that festive pileup of opinion polling, in one snapshot.By Toby Manhire | 13th December, 2024
OpinionWhat we should have done with Candace Owens is nothingImmigration NZ could have made any decision on the controversial speaker's visa and it would've been better than a minister intervening. By Madeleine Chapman | 12th December, 2024Editor
Gone By Lunchtime: A plan to have a plan about some ferriesReady the lifeboats: the coalition boat appears to be listing. By The Spinoff | 12th December, 2024Staff writers
The world in 2024, in one sentenceFrom 'testing' to 'tiring', there's a clear theme.By Group Think | 12th December, 2024A bunch of people
The finalised second Emissions Reduction Plan is out – what’s in it and what’s not?The government says it's a 'technology-led approach'. Critics say it's an 'abject failure'. By Shanti Mathias | 12th December, 2024Staff writer
‘We were as famous as Tom Cruise’: Craig Parker on 90s Shortland St fandomAs he makes a surprise return to Shortland Street, actor Craig Parker takes us through his life in television.By My Life in TV | 21st December, 2024Guest writer
‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist'I want to check in at the pearly gates and have them say, ‘theres nothing left here, he’s worn to a nub, put it in the bin’.'By Weekend playlist | 21st December, 2024
The one episode of Shortland Street you need to watch this yearThe 2024 Christmas cliffhanger screens on Monday, and you can expect the final episode to be bigger and badder than ever before. By Tara Ward | 20th December, 2024
The real NZ Wrapped: Analysing the 2024 NZ Music chartsA couple of weeks after Spotify Wrapped comes a much more comprehensive survey of New Zealand’s listening.By Duncan Greive | 20th December, 2024
The Spinoff’s favourite movies of 2024From singing witches to horny tennis players, here's what we loved at the movies this year.By Group Think | 19th December, 2024
Banger alert: the song of the summer is ‘Harty Māori Stylez’In February you'll be able to say you were an OG fan.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 19th December, 2024Staff writer
The Spinoff’s favourite music of 2024From Eden Park stepping up to rappers stepping each other out, we look back at the best of music this year.By Group Think | 18th December, 2024A bunch of people
The Spinoff’s favourite TV shows of 2024Jackals and Penguins and Bears, oh my!By Group Think | 17th December, 2024A bunch of people
New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekIncluding a much-anticipated new stand-up special, a documentary about a soap, and cute baby animals. By Thomas Giblin | 16th December, 2024Guest writer
Home EducationThe Baker whānauWhen a whale washed up on Tokomaru Bay, Israel and Petrina Baker decided it was important to take time out of school so that their tamariki could learn how to harvest the taonga. Truancy officers were not too pleased, so the whānau’s home education began through Te Kura. 12 Nov 202416:58
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
Ranking the Dunedin malls that are actually one mallOne mall to rule them all, one mall to find them, one mall to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them; in the Meridian where the shadows lie.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 13th December, 2024Contributing writer
Kirihimete gift guide 2024: cool stuff from Māori and Pasifika-led brandsOur legendary guide is back to help you through another silly season.By Group Think | 11th December, 2024
Stuff ‘consciously uncouples’ into two separate digital and print businessesLeaked emails and documents show that the media giant will soon break apart – opening up a range of options for owner Sinead Boucher.By Duncan Greive | 11th December, 2024
The small town cinemas holding on at the edge of the world‘If I didn't do it, no other bugger would.’By Alex Casey | 10th December, 2024
‘More than a business’: Auckland institution Geoff’s Emporium to close after 44 yearsAfter four decades, the last buttons will be counted out at Geoff’s Emporium on Dominion Road early next year.By Gabi Lardies | 10th December, 2024
All 4.8 malls in Hamilton ranked from worst to bestArtisanal upstarts, sad suburban relics and sprawling retail kingdoms: the city of the future has it all.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 6th December, 2024Senior writer
Is New Zealand – and the world – doing enough to tackle the plastic problem?There’s plastic everywhere, and efforts to reduce it are limited by the power of big oil.By Shanti Mathias | 5th December, 2024Staff writer
Meta is fighting scam ads in Australia – but has ‘no plans’ to do so in NZIt underlines the stark gap between Australia's tough approach to big tech and New Zealand's meek, deferential attitude.By Duncan Greive | 5th December, 2024Founder
One NZ has tied its future to SpaceX rockets. Will the mission succeed?The final frontier is coming to New Zealand, with profound implications for us all.By Duncan Greive | 2nd December, 2024Founder
Empty classrooms, silent language: Kōhanga reo faces a crisisAt the heart of the issue is a system struggling to balance cultural preservation with operational realities.By Liam Rātana | 17th December, 2024Ātea editor
Kirihimete gift guide 2024: cool stuff from Māori and Pasifika-led brandsOur legendary guide is back to help you through another silly season.By Group Think | 11th December, 2024
With its daily news bulletin scrapped, what’s next for Whakaata Māori?With funding stagnant since 2008, the broadcaster is racing to adapt to a digital world – but at what cost?By Liam Rātana | 11th December, 2024
Review: Ram Raid Mums provides a blueprint for breaking the cycleNew documentary gives insight into what is driving the country's youth to carry out ram raids and why prison might not be the answer.By Liam Rātana | 10th December, 2024
The Spinoff guide to life: How to attend a tangiRemain respectful, bear in mind that tikanga Māori is central to all proceedings, and you’ll be fine.By Liam Rātana | 9th December, 2024
Review: A decolonial trip through femininity in Ngahuia Murphy’s Intuitive RitualWhatever the practice, the end goal is the same: to provide connection to Māori and indigenous women in a post-colonial world.By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 7th December, 2024Staff writer
A new tool maps Aotearoa with a Māori lensA take on land ownership that challenges how we often think about property, access and our connection to the whenua.By Stephen Day | 3rd December, 2024Guest writer
OpinionArmed police at gang tangi: Who’s intimidating who?The tension between law enforcement and Māori communities came to a head last week at a gang tangi in Matapihi, sparking questions about respect, overreach and trust.By Liam Rātana | 3rd December, 2024Ātea editor
Moana 2 Reo Māori makes historyIt's the first Disney film in an indigenous language to premiere at the same time as its English equivalent – and it could be a game-changer for Aotearoa. By Liam Rātana | 28th November, 2024Ātea editor
‘Just like the pie’: Bubble tea is here to stayBubbles, pearls or boba – no matter what you call them, they've taken New Zealand by storm. By Gabi Lardies | 20th December, 2024Staff writer
The boozeless bubbly of Aotearoa, reviewed and rankedThere’s plenty on offer beyond Grapetise these days – but is any of it any good?By Group Think | 20th December, 2024
What happened to the Queenstown KFC road sign?The iconic 'No left turn except access to KFC' road sign has vanished. Joel MacManus investigates.By Joel MacManus | 18th December, 2024
The inside story of Auckland’s Korean culinary boomFrom fried chicken and franchises to fusion and fine dining, Korean cuisine has taken over Tāmaki Makaurau.By Jihee Junn | 12th December, 2024
What I ate while I grieved'Pākehā don’t have a base camp like marae, or the tradition of dedicated ringawera in the kitchen, but we improvise.'By Denise Irvine | 7th December, 2024
A beginner’s guide to yum chaHow and what to order, from tea to egg tart.By Jean Teng | 20th November, 2024Guest writer
Where does kai come from? Learning in the māraSince taking part in growing kai from seed to harvest, my appreciation for every vegetable I eat has deepened.By Lucinda Bennett | 15th November, 2024Guest writer
Who are the New Zealanders who can’t afford nourishing food?After household bills are paid, one in five in the working-age population doesn't have enough income for decent kai.By Shanti Mathias | 13th November, 2024Staff writer
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 gambling industry is using influencers to appeal to a new generationParty holes, paid partnerships and podcast appearances – it's all part of a concerted effort to attract young people to gambling.By Shanti Mathias | 20th December, 2024Staff writer
I made it to the end of 2024 without finding out what ‘hawk tuah’ meansAnd I hope I never do.By Alex Casey | 16th December, 2024
I see hundreds of ads for togs so why is it so hard to find a decent pair?The struggle to find a decent pair of togs is real.By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 14th December, 2024
Meta is fighting scam ads in Australia – but has ‘no plans’ to do so in NZIt underlines the stark gap between Australia's tough approach to big tech and New Zealand's meek, deferential attitude.By Duncan Greive | 5th December, 2024
Cover StoryBanks are grappling with a scam ‘crisis’ while Facebook profits from itThe CEOs of Westpac and Kiwibank are contemplating quitting Facebook over its inaction on scams.By Duncan Greive | 18th November, 2024
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, 2024Guest writer
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, 2024Staff writer
Happy Niue language week: The Samoans are fighting againThe Spinoff's fake Samoan editor explains the latest poly drama.By Madeleine Chapman | 16th October, 2024Editor
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
The Friday Poem: ‘Bejeweled log’ by Holly FletcherA new poem by Holly Fletcher.By Holly Fletcher | 20th December, 2024Guest writer
The Unity Books bestseller chart for 2024The bestselling books of the year, revealed.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 20th December, 2024
A book for every year of your life: Part two, ages 31 to the graveFrom Mansfield Park to Jurassic Park, some reading inspiration for every age.By Hera Lindsay Bird | 20th December, 2024
The best books of 2024: The people’s choiceThe results of our reader survey of the best books of the year.By The Spinoff Review of Books | 17th December, 2024
A love letter to my five friendsIt's all about quality over quantity.By Venetia Sherson | 14th December, 2024
Wasteland: A response to a university restructure'For its purposes we were not people, just dollar amounts representing the salary that might be returned to the university’s coffers once we no longer worked there.'By Hannah August | 14th December, 2024Guest writer
The Friday Poem: ‘Cash register ding’ by Eliana GrayA new poem by Eliana Grey.By Eliana Gray | 13th December, 2024Guest writer
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending December 13New short stories from Owen Marshall, and the finale to a sci-fi series that fans have been hanging out for. By The Spinoff Review of Books | 13th December, 2024⚖️
The Spinoff’s best NZ book covers of 2024In which we judge this year's New Zealand books by their covers, and pick the top 10.By Claire Mabey | 12th December, 2024Books editor
Ten stories that defined New Zealand’s media in 2024It was a torrid year for almost every aspect of New Zealand’s media – with one vast, existential threat lurking underneath.By Duncan Greive | 19th December, 2024Founder
Announcing the Vince Geddes In-Depth Journalism FundA new fund has been launched to provide freelance writers with grants to work on ambitious, in-depth journalism.By The Spinoff | 16th December, 2024Guest writer
To all the TV news we lost in 2024Bulletins and beloved current affairs programmes fell like flies in an agonising year for screen journalism.By Toby Manhire | 16th December, 2024Editor-at-large
The Weekend: The phrase of the year is ‘gingle malt’Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 14th December, 2024Editor
A love letter to community newspapers From mullet competitions to ram raids, if it happened in Te Awamutu, the Courier was there to cover it.By Bethany Rolston | 12th December, 2024Guest writer
Stuff ‘consciously uncouples’ into two separate digital and print businessesLeaked emails and documents show that the media giant will soon break apart – opening up a range of options for owner Sinead Boucher.By Duncan Greive | 11th December, 2024Founder
With its daily news bulletin scrapped, what’s next for Whakaata Māori?With funding stagnant since 2008, the broadcaster is racing to adapt to a digital world – but at what cost?By Liam Rātana | 11th December, 2024Ātea editor
The Weekend: Seriously, you need to wear sunscreenMadeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 7th December, 2024Editor
The Weekend: A guide to The Spinoff, for readers old and newMadeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was.By Madeleine Chapman | 30th November, 2024Editor
How the gambling industry is using influencers to appeal to a new generationParty holes, paid partnerships and podcast appearances – it's all part of a concerted effort to attract young people to gambling.By Shanti Mathias | 20th December, 2024Staff writer
A ball-by-ball analysis of backyard cricket at the prime minister’s houseA detailed summary of everything we were allowed to report from the PM's cricket party at Premier House.By Joel MacManus | 5th December, 2024Wellington editor
OpinionAll Blacks haka controversy: A bold statement or brand risk?It was his last time leading an All Blacks haka and TJ Perenara was sure it sent a message.By Liam Rātana | 26th November, 2024Ātea editor
Watch live: New Zealand vs Australia in the Trans-Tasman Scrabble ChallengeThe Bledisloe Cup of Scrabble is streaming live on YouTube all weekend. Here’s how to watch and everything else you need to know. By Calum Henderson | 15th November, 2024Production editor
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
