Justin Giovannetti

Contributing writer

Justin Giovannetti is a freelance writer, previously The Spinoff's political editor and writer of the daily Bulletin newsletter. A Canadian in Wellington for the past two years, he is set to relocate to Montreal in the near future.

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Lifesaver or ‘asset grab’? The Three Waters programme, explained

Everyone agrees that our water systems are no longer fit for purpose. But is Three Waters the best solution?

By Justin Giovannetti | 30th April, 2022

Contributing writer

As a kid, inflation is about balloons. As an adult, it’s somewhat less fun (Image: Tina Tiller/Getty)

Inflation is a global problem, but there’s still plenty the Beehive could do to help

Just because the whole world is feeling the crunch doesn't mean politicians here can shrug their shoulders.

By Justin Giovannetti | 22nd April, 2022

Contributing writer

Watching the sun rise over Tāmaki Makaurau. (Image: Leonie Hayden)

Build back better

After two years of pandemic, it's time to plan for a better future.

By Justin Giovannetti | 14th April, 2022

Contributing writer

Dairy cows on a farm in the Taranaki region. (Getty Images)

The future of the GMO ban

New Zealand’s genetic engineering laws face a tough challenge from new technology.

By Justin Giovannetti | 13th April, 2022

Contributing writer

From wastewater tests to warnings from ER doctors, High Alert is watching the country’s illegal drug supply. (Image: RNZ/123RF)

High Alert for drugs

The country's drug early warning system is working and has likely saved numerous lives in recent years.

By Justin Giovannetti | 12th April, 2022

Contributing writer

New Zealand’s showing in a Unicef survey of national childcare policies isn’t flattering. (Getty Images)

Paying for parental leave

Businesses are providing increasingly generous leave, going above some of the rich world’s stingiest childcare laws.

By Justin Giovannetti | 8th April, 2022

Contributing writer

The government says the bill has the potential to improve the lives of working New Zealanders. (Image RNZ/123F)

A radical overhaul of labour laws

The government says its fair pay agreements will stop a 30 year race to the bottom for workers.

By Justin Giovannetti | 7th April, 2022

Contributing writer

XE is raising alarms. What’s to know about the newest variant. (Getty Images/Tina Tiller)

What is Covid XE?

The new variant is highly transmissible, but experts caution little is yet known about XE.

By Justin Giovannetti | 6th April, 2022

Contributing writer

Residents of Bucha reported the indiscriminately killing of civilians during the Russian occupation. (Image: RNZ/AFP)

Russian war crimes in Ukraine

Global horror as mass graves, hundreds of civilians left dead by retreating Russian troops.

By Justin Giovannetti | 5th April, 2022

Contributing writer

Should we follow the US senate and stop the change. (Image: Flickr / Jernej Furman)

The argument over daylight saving

Spring Ahead? Fall Back? Do nothing? Parliament shows little enthusiasm to stop changing the clocks.

By Justin Giovannetti | 4th April, 2022

Contributing writer