Anna Rawhiti-Connell

Contributing writer

Anna Rawhiti-Connell is a former head of audience, senior writer and editor of The Bulletin at The Spinoff.

Man of the year (Image: Anna Rawhiti-Connell)

The Spinoff Essay: Becoming my own man of the year

Sometimes, to become someone more like yourself, you've just got to wear the pants.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 1st January, 2026

Contributing writer

Rock on forever, Metallica fans

Happy Metallica-in-Auckland day to all who celebrate, especially my husband

A tribute to the fans who go all-in.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 19th November, 2025

Contributing writer

We’re going to need a bigger adjective to describe YouTube’s popularity.

YouTube killed the TV star: What new NZ On Air stats tell us about media’s last decade

Back in 2015 YouTube was 'extremely popular' with NZ children. Today, we’re going to need a bigger adjective.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 11th November, 2025

Contributing writer

Jilly Cooper at home (Photo: Allan Warren)

Thank you for the ‘bonkbusters’: Dame Jilly Cooper, 1937–2025

The author of more than 18 novels celebrating and skewering desire and wealth has died.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 7th October, 2025

Contributing writer

Maybe it’s better to pursue a defined audience than fellow kids yourself into decline. (Image: Anna Rawhiti-Connell)

Is it OK for RNZ National to target less than 25% of the population?

A recent review by its former news boss says yes, RNZ National must focus on a target audience of listeners between the ages of 50 and 69.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 19th August, 2025

Contributing writer

I love the smell of oil and gas exploration in the morning.

That wasn’t an emergency alert, it was a wake-up call for dropkicks

Were you awake at 6.30am this morning when your phone screamed at you? No? Well, you fucken should have been.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 31st July, 2025

Contributing writer

I don’t care about any of these people except Wojak (Image: Anna Rawhiti-Connell)

And just like that, the Sex and the City spinoff has done the unimaginable

Death by Peloton bike would be a sweet release.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 23rd July, 2025

Contributing writer

Now You Know Robbie Nicol is our new video journalist (Image: Tina Tiller)

Why The Spinoff is explaining the news on TikTok, explained

Our new video series aims to create reliable and relevant news explainers for young people.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 16th July, 2025

Contributing writer

Rihanna and Installation image of DIVA at Auckland Museum 2025. Photo: Auckland War Memorial Museum

The top 20 moments from the DIVA exhibition at Auckland Museum, ranked

Featuring Rihanna as Pope, Prince's feet and our very own diva.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 12th July, 2025

Contributing writer

A small selection of WWIII memes

World War III’s a meme now, but is it a useful way to talk about escalating global conflict?

Two experts explain why it might not be a useful reference in today's world.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell | 26th June, 2025

Contributing writer