Tommy de Silva

Staff Writer

Tommy (Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua) is a former Spinoff staff writer who is now writing in a freelance capacity while working in the public service.

Renting in Auckland sucks, but it doesn’t have to

Renting in Auckland sucks, but it doesn’t have to

A brand new community exclusively for renters aims to usher in a new, better renting experience in our nation’s biggest city.

By Tommy de Silva | 3rd July, 2024

Painting: Christopher Dews.

Auckland 2074: a daydream of a future city

A 23-year-old dreams up a hopeful, sustainable future for the city he calls home.

By Tommy de Silva | 4th April, 2024

How a dead rat on the cycleway represents everything I love about biking

How a dead rat on the cycleway represents everything I love about biking

Rain or shine, we're fully immersed in our surroundings.

By Tommy de Silva | 3rd April, 2024

Rachel House with the three Tamariki stars of her directorial debut “The Mountain”. Behind them is the film’s real star, Taranaki Mounga. (Photos: Supplied. Additional design: The Spinoff)

Rachel House on first-time directing and the power of mounga

Despite starring three 11-year-olds, House says her movie is for anyone who wants to remember how they saw the world as kids.

By Tommy de Silva | 27th March, 2024

A kapa haka team from Te Whānau a Apanui, including Rawiri Waititi, compete at February’s Mātaatua regional competition. (Photo: Te Matatini. Additional design: The Spinoff)

Inside the intensive kapa haka training in preparation for Te Matatini 2025

Some familiar names, like Rawiri Waititi, will be competing next February. But what all is involved?

By Tommy de Silva | 23rd March, 2024

(Design: The Spinoff. Photo: Supplied/Kirsty Griffin)

Review: The Convert is a must-watch for local history nerds

How does Lee Tamahori's 1830s-set saga stack up against other Aotearoa period pieces?

By Tommy de Silva | 21st March, 2024

Photos: Getty Images / Design: Tina Tiller

What do macadamia nuts have to do with kaitiakitanga?

Tōrere Macadamias have turned this Australian nut into a vehicle for Māori sustainability.

By Tommy de Silva | 20th March, 2024

Image: Getty Images. Design: Archi Banal.

What every Aucklander needs to know about the long-term plan

Would you rather have better services or pay lower rates?

By Tommy de Silva | 18th March, 2024

The scenes at 2024’s Cross Street Music Festival. (Photo: Nik Brinkman)

Karanga-a-Hape’s unique beauty was on full display over the weekend

The Cross Street Music Festival represented the best of Karangahape Road.

By Tommy de Silva | 12th March, 2024

Jacinta Ruru (Image: Sharron Bennett; additional design: Tina Tiller)

Aotearoa’s first ever Māori law professor is making history once again

Professor Jacinta Ruru is set to become Otago University's inaugural deputy vice chancellor Māori. What does she hope to achieve in the position?

By Tommy de Silva | 11th March, 2024