Politics

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The Spinoff Members

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The prime minister promised the government would listen and change in response to abuse in state care. But the loudest words were the ones he wouldn't say.

The shadow of a boot camp hangs over parliament

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The inquiry expressed ‘concern about the faith’s overall approach to the safety of children and young people in its care’.

These are the stories the Jehovah’s Witnesses went to court to stop you reading

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Despite the many, many recommendations in today's final inquiry report, there are still some glaring omissions.

‘I’m even more concerned’: A survivor’s response to the final abuse in care report

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The 112 politicians and senior public servants who oversaw decades of harm and neglect, plus those who have been asked to apologise.

A long list of ministers and leaders found at fault for allowing abuse in care

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Kamalamania? Glimmers of inspiration for Harris from the Jacinda Ardern story 

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At least three world leaders have suddenly resigned after coming into close contact with our prime minister. Coincidence? Probably.

Is Christopher Luxon a political grim reaper? The evidence suggests yes

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The cases for and against the VP becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.

Kamala Harris the frontrunner as Biden bows out

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'It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president.'

Breaking: Joe Biden leaves the presidential race. What happens now?

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Emissions reduction plans, a mandatory part of the Zero Carbon Act, get released every five years. Here’s what we know about the next one. 

Explainer: What’s in the second emissions reduction plan – and will it work?

Lange and Douglas

The meltdown in the relationship between the key players can be charted in an extraordinary exchange of correspondence.

Bridges and betrayal: the Lange-Douglas letters

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The economy can be shaped, but it must be done right. And wearing rose-tinted glasses about the 70s doesn't help either.

What the left and right still get wrong about 1980s politics

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A special live edition of The Spinoff's politics podcast, revisiting the turbulent Lange years with special guest Kim Hill.

Gone By Lunchtime Live: A trip to 1980s New Zealand with Kim Hill

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David Seymour claims to be an ‘old-fashioned lefty’. It's an unlikely descriptor for the leader of Act, but perhaps we shouldn’t discredit his claim so quickly. Gabi Lardies investigates.

Is David Seymour who he claims to be – an ‘old-fashioned lefty’?

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New Zealanders are in agreement about what causes crime. But how to tackle it is a different question.

If poverty is a leading cause of crime, what does ‘tough on crime’ look like?

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‘Let it become an echo chamber,’ says former National minister.

Hekia Parata backs boycott of Act’s treaty principles select committee

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On the 40th anniversary of the election that swept Lange into power, his former press secretary reflects on one of the most beloved – and complex – figures in New Zealand politics.

The Sunday Essay: The Lange I knew

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Presenting a radical proposal to develop my backyard with thousands of underground shoeboxes.

Journey to the centre of the Earth: My bold plan to dig deep and solve the housing crisis

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In the mid-80s, the Labour MP led the historic bill through parliament. Today, she says, such legislation would struggle to survive online toxicity.

Homosexual law reform would likely have failed in social media age – Fran Wilde

Fran Wilde on why homosexual law reforms of 1985 would likely fail to pass in 2024

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A pickle for the party on waka jumping, and a bigger challenge to the Green kaupapa.

Gone By Lunchtime: The Green Darleen fever dream

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Having caught wind of some distressing news via social media, the Criminal Association of New Zealand issues a desperate plea.

Please don’t make crime illegal: An open letter to the police minister

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Madeleine Chapman rounds out Death Week on The Spinoff with a final recommendation.

The Weekend: If in doubt, go to the funeral

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The funeral director and star of The Traitors NZ discusses her two favourite topics: death and reality television. 

‘What a privilege’:  Whitney from The Traitors NZ on life as a funeral director

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There's not a single dud in this dazzling collection of essays, which touches on everything from weaving to seagulls to Meccano enthusiasts.

Rich and rare: Bad Archive by Flora Feltham, reviewed

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'Mainly I just love the musical frisbees he throws out into the world, and this is one of those.'

‘Possibly the best live gig I have been to’: TRiPS’ perfect weekend playlist

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The photograph is striking and beautiful, but also disturbing – a reminder that my love for John was often entangled in shame.

The Sunday Essay: Remembering my brother

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Imagine Aaron Smith yelling at forwards and that's how our dog of the month would sound chasing a ball.

Dog of the month: Babushka, who is notorious in Newtown

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If you haven’t started watching yet, we beg you to reconsider.

Why this season of The Traitors is the best reality TV NZ has ever made

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The Friday Poem: ‘The clothes of the dead’ by Fiona Kidman

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A spicy new romance series heats up the charts. 

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending July 26

Join us for live coverage of the official opening of the 54th parliament.

Commission Opening of Parliament

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Protesters took to the streets and the MPs of the 54th parliament were sworn in. Here's how it unfolded.

The Spinoff

PoliticsDecember 5, 2023

MPs sworn in as 54th parliament officially opens

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PoliticsDecember 5, 2023

MPs sworn in as 54th parliament officially opens

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