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Duncan Greive

Founder

Duncan Greive is the founder of The Spinoff, and writes with a focus on business, pop culture and media. He also hosts The Fold, a podcast which features interviews and analysis about the media sphere in New Zealand.

Jim Grenon (left), Barbara Chapman and Michael Wood have exchanged words

A close read of the ‘Grenon letter’ – a billionaire’s vision for the future of the NZ Herald

Duncan Greive analyses the 11-page letter that sent shockwaves through media giant NZME.

By Duncan Greive | 25th March, 2025

Image: The Spinoff

Shareholder mutiny brewing at owner of Herald and Newstalk ZB

It's driven by a Canadian billionaire with seemingly strong views on trans rights, vaccines and te Tiriti.

By Duncan Greive | 6th March, 2025

Charli XCX says no 16 or 17-year-olds

Inside the decision to ban under-18s from Laneway

Sports events and other gigs allow for alcohol and young people to be in the same vicinity, so why not Laneway?

By Duncan Greive | 5th February, 2025

Photo: Getty Images / Tweet: Ted Cruz

How the Ted Cruz tweet-storm encapsulates our strange new ‘information space’

The decay of institutional media and immense power of social media combine to open a window into the complex communications world we’re living in.

By Duncan Greive | 4th February, 2025

Banks are grappling with a scam ‘crisis’ while Facebook profits from it

Banks are grappling with a scam ‘crisis’ while Facebook profits from it

The CEOs of Westpac and Kiwibank are contemplating quitting Facebook over its inaction on scams.

By Duncan Greive | 8th January, 2025

Rest in peace, Young George. (Photos supplied, additional design by Tina Tiller)

Remembering Young George, the barber who cut Auckland’s hair forever

He earned 5c for his first cut in 1955, and $35 for his last in March. Duncan Greive recalls the life of his beloved late barber.

By Duncan Greive | 4th January, 2025

Ali Barber. (Photo: Jin Fellet)

How the Gen Z broccoli haircut became big business for a teen barber

Three 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 | 31st December, 2024

The epic inside story of The Spinoff’s first 10 years

The epic inside story of The Spinoff’s first 10 years

Told in one crucial moment from every year, by The Spinoff’s founder Duncan Greive.

By Duncan Greive | 25th December, 2024

The real NZ Wrapped: Analysing the 2024 NZ Music charts

The real NZ Wrapped: Analysing the 2024 NZ Music charts

A couple of weeks after Spotify Wrapped comes a much more comprehensive survey of New Zealand’s listening.

By Duncan Greive | 20th December, 2024

Image: Gabi Lardies

Ten stories that defined New Zealand’s media in 2024

It 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, 2024