Politics

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The Spinoff Members

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From 'testing' to 'tiring', there's a clear theme.

The world in 2024, in one sentence

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The government says it's a 'technology-led approach'. Critics say it's an 'abject failure'. 

The finalised second Emissions Reduction Plan is out – what’s in it and what’s not?

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Believe it or not, this is not a joke headline.

Auckland Council opposes new housing because motorists won’t be able to see a hill

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The roadmap for a peaceful transition to a democratic future in Syria already exists and it’s ready to be actioned.

The Al-Assad dynasty is over and a new day dawns in Syria

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The rising star MP on chairing the committee that will attract untold heat, his own path to politics, and whether haka are welcome at the hearings. 

Meet James Meager, the man left holding the treaty principles bill

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What are Marsden grants, and why have this week's changes to them caused such a stir?

The changes to research funding in Aotearoa, explained

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There’s plastic everywhere, and efforts to reduce it are limited by the power of big oil.

Is New Zealand – and the world – doing enough to tackle the plastic problem?

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Public consultation is currently open on further restricting the use of puberty blockers in young people experiencing gender dysphoria. Jennifer Shields argues why the process has been flawed from the beginning.

Gender-affirming care affects a small minority – so why the public consultation?

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A declassified conversation with George Bush shows Jim Bolger 'wanted' to remove the nuclear ban in 1991. But he couldn't.

Labour’s long win on defence policy

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Act had disproportionate influence in year one, says David Seymour. Is he right? 

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In a Q+A interview on Sunday, the prime minister said 'what I say to you is' 26 times in 30 minutes. 

A journey through the 26 times Luxon said ‘what I say to you is’ on Q+A

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Wellington's Golden Mile upgrade has survived yet another concerted cancellation attempt. Surely now we can just build the damn thing?

Windbag: Can we finally just get on with the Golden Mile?

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Hundreds more counselling sessions will need to be delivered every month if the charity wants to access all of its $24m funding.

Can Gumboot Friday provide $24m worth of counselling sessions in four years?

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Spend $20 on public transport each week? Next year that could be $34.

The government wants public transport fares to go up. Why?

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As councillors clashed with the mayor and put their relationship with mana whenua at risk, the outcome was still anyone's guess.

Privatisation lost: Inside the final vote for the future of Wellington Airport

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Lockdowns, mandates and MIQ were all scrutinised in the commission's first report.

Covid-19 Royal Commission releases first report – what you need to know

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Everything we know about how to submit, when hearings will be held, and the rest. 

How will the select committee process on the Treaty principles bill play out?

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In the second instalment of a three-part series, Oliver Neas explores the dramatic conflict and behind-the-scenes dealmaking that shaped the Wellington Airport saga. 

Privatisation lost: the Green Party vs the Green Party

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One hīkoi, two haka, and the first year of the three-party coalition. 

Gone By Lunchtime: Christopher Luxon’s big first birthday boil-up

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In the first instalment of a three-part series, Oliver Neas investigates the dramatic showdown between councillors and activists over Wellington Airport.

Privatisation lost: How the Wellington Airport saga split the left

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In which we judge this year's New Zealand books by their covers, and pick the top 10.

The Spinoff’s best NZ book covers of 2024

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From Holmes to Sheeran, a look back at some of the more memorable visitors Ferndale has ever seen.

A brief history of celebrity cameos on Shortland Street

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The selfishness of this city's drivers never fails to ruin my day. How do I get from A to B without wishing retribution on my fellow motorists?

Help Me Hera: How do I navigate Auckland traffic without going insane?

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The long-awaited drama about the new Interislander ferries reaches a pivotal moment.

An ‘announcement of an announcement’ of two new boats

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From fried chicken and franchises to fusion and fine dining, Korean cuisine has taken over Tāmaki Makaurau.

The inside story of Auckland’s Korean culinary boom

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The writer and professor shares some of his favourite books – and the one he'd purge from his memory if he could.

‘A sick wish fulfilment fantasy, so badly written’: Harry Ricketts’ biggest book regret

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Our legendary guide is back to help you through another silly season.

Kirihimete gift guide 2024: cool stuff from Māori and Pasifika-led brands

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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