Emma Gleason

Contributing writer

Emma Gleason is a writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau with a specialty for cataloguing and critiquing culture, tastes and changing habits. She does this every Friday in her newsletter Crust, and contributes to titles like The Spinoff, Ensemble, RNZ, Metro and more.

You’ll find them across the nation. (Images: Trade Me, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections Map 9797)

Finally, something we can all agree on: Canterbury shorts are great

In praise of our national uniform.

By Emma Gleason | 3rd December, 2025

Contributing writer

Is everyone really leaving?
(Image: Mad Max Fury Road)

New Zealand’s Aussie exodus, by the numbers

It seems like everyone's leaving for Australia, and these numbers point to why.

By Emma Gleason | 3rd December, 2025

Contributing writer

The beep test in action (Image: DefenceCareers YouTube)

The beep test: ‘Ritual humiliation’ or efficient fitness appraisal?

You probably did it at high school. Your kid probably did too. But why?

By Emma Gleason | 2nd December, 2025

Contributing writer

Dating app despair can make alternatives an attractive proposition.

Are matchmaking services the answer to scams, scumbags and situationships?

Boyfriends are embarrassing and dating apps are dying. What’s the alternative?

By Emma Gleason | 25th November, 2025

Contributing writer

So old, so empty. (Images: Vinnie Paunovic)

A mystery tour of Auckland Central’s empty(ish) buildings

Welcome to the boulevards of broken dreams and ‘festering holes’. Follow me!

By Emma Gleason | 22nd November, 2025

Contributing writer

Department stores have a past, but do they have a future? (Images: Faradays, Smith & Caughey’s in 1910, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1934-071; Ballantynes Department Store 2011 by David Ayling, Canterbury Stories; Milne & Choyce Ltd in the 1890s, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 5-2603)

Department stores aren’t dead yet

With Faradays moving to Auckland's Milne & Choyce building, is this retail format seeing a new lease on life?

By Emma Gleason | 17th November, 2025

Contributing writer

Churchward Roundsquare was chosen for Bugonia. (Images: Universal, Amazon, City Gallery)

The Samoan-New Zealand typographer behind the beloved Bugonia font

The late Joseph Churchward designed more than 600 fonts, many of which can be seen all over New Zealand life.

By Emma Gleason | 15th November, 2025

Contributing writer

There’s just too much stuff to tidy up.

Digital clutter is driving me mad

Housekeeping my hoarding and learning to let go.

By Emma Gleason | 8th November, 2025

Contributing writer

Is the government really considering a ban on rough sleeping? And what would that even look like if they did it? (Photo: Getty Images, additional design by Tina Tiller)

Is the government going to ban homelessness in CBDs?

'Move-on orders' are being considered as a way to deal with rough sleepers. Here’s what you need to know.

By Emma Gleason | 7th November, 2025

Contributing writer

Angus Muir, light artist and designer (Image: Sophie Miya-Smith)

Nocturnalists: Angus Muir shines a light on what he loves about Auckland

Food courts, meal deals and the best spots to watch the world go by after dark.

By Emma Gleason | 6th November, 2025

Contributing writer