Kristin Kelly

Guest writer

Kristin is a Wellington bureaucrat who maintains, to management's chagrin, that Casual Friday should span the whole week. When she's not looking for bargain clothing at second-hand stores, she's hanging out with her large and poorly behaved mutt.

Even if I could afford what I wanted, I could not buy what I was looking for. (Image: The Spinoff)

Should I buy the murder house?

Realising she can afford to buy a house, but only one that contained meth use or murder, Kristin Kelly reflects on the true value of a home.

By Kristin Kelly | 19th October, 2024

I cannot do without thinking what should be innate. (Image: The Spinoff)

The Spinoff Essay: Forcing the exhale

In breath therapy, I'm confronted by the difficulty I have in carrying out the bare minimum needed to live.

By Kristin Kelly | 24th August, 2024

Think the only people who can get ahead under the current government are the already fabulously wealthy? Think again.

Need a side hustle in these tough times? Here are your National-approved options

Getting by in a cost of living crisis is easier than you think. Just open a mine (plus five other brilliant ideas).

By Kristin Kelly | 23rd May, 2024

Image: Tina Tiller

Living across the road from Loafers Lodge

In some ways, I couldn't have been closer to the tragedy. In others, I was a whole universe away.

By Kristin Kelly | 16th May, 2024

It’s time to ditch Berhampore Golf Course

It’s time to ditch Berhampore Golf Course

The under-utilised course is a waste of space, and with a little political will, it could be turned into something better.

By Kristin Kelly | 10th May, 2024

In the greater scheme of things, this is not the answer to our planet’s woes.

Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period products

Yes, they're better for the environment. No, that's not a good enough reason for me to use them.

By Kristin Kelly | 19th April, 2024

Will pet bonds really be a win-win? I’m not holding my breath

Will pet bonds really be a win-win? I’m not holding my breath

The pet bonds policy is just one proposal in a suite of many that overwhelmingly favour landlords’ rights.

By Kristin Kelly | 16th April, 2024

Worthy, necessary, beautiful work, but I’m not the right person to do it.

No, I can’t just get a frontline job

A commentator recently suggested laid-off public servants should move into frontline work. My response: I can't.

By Kristin Kelly | 11th April, 2024

Think: I am vast and majestic. Think: a human foot washed ashore here recently. (Image: Getty)

How to cure depression

Do yoga. Call your friend. Put turmeric in your food. Do not get sucked into a jet engine.

By Kristin Kelly | 6th April, 2024