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PoliticsAugust 31, 2018

Good Week, Bad Week: 31 August

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Spinoff editor Toby Manhire is back to hand out the bouquets and brickbats from the week in New Zealand news.

The Spinoff’s political coverage is powered by the generous support of our members. If you value what we do and believe in the importance of independent and freely accessible journalism – tautoko mai, donate today.

What makes me plastic? (Image: Supplied)

18th August, 2022

What does it mean to be ‘plastic’?

Inspired by their own shared experience of being 'plastic', four AUT design students set out to explore why so many feel this way.

By Sela Jane Hopgood

Pacific communities editor

Image: Tina Tiller

18th August, 2022

Whittaker’s Miraka Kirīmi chocolate is just the tip of the iceberg

You won't believe how many other foods with non-English names there are in our supermarkets.

A bunch of people

Ian Foster and Mark Robinson debrief (Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images)

18th August, 2022

A debrief of the All Blacks coaching debrief

Improbably, yet somehow also inevitably, Foster remains in charge.

By Dylan Cleaver

Contributing writer

& Scotty Stevenson

Senior sports writer

Image: Getty Images. Additional fedora Bunnings design by Tina Tiller

18th August, 2022

Please welcome our new unruly tourist

A visitor to New Zealand hasn't generated this many headlines in years. Finally, nature is healing.

An image used in a 2019 Spinoff story on firefighters being at crisis point (Image: Getty)

18th August, 2022

Firefighters to take historic strike action

It’s never happened before and is the low-point of ongoing conflict between FENZ and the union.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell

Bulletin editor

Image: Tina Tiller

18th August, 2022

There is no abortion in South Auckland

South Auckland remains a difficult place to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, though a proposed new clinic may be on the horizon.

By Sylvia Giles

Every Covid lockdown ranked from worst to least worst

18th August, 2022

Every Covid lockdown ranked from worst to least worst

They were all bad, but some were less bad than others.

By Madeleine Chapman

(Photo: Dylan Cook/ Additional design: Tina Tiller)

17th August, 2022

The promoters using RATs to help protect the dance floor

Want to go to some of Auckland’s best parties? First you’ll need a negative Covid test.

By Charlotte Muru-Lanning

Christopher Luxon wants disabled people working – but it will take more than threats

17th August, 2022

Christopher Luxon wants disabled people working – but it will take more than threats

'You don’t imagine us as your bus drivers, butchers or lawyers, because you’re taught to minimise us.'

By Jonathan Mosen

Mad Chapman, Editor

Aotearoa continues to adapt to a new reality and The Spinoff is right there, sorting fact from fiction to bring you the latest updates and biggest stories. Help us continue this coverage, and so much more, by supporting The Spinoff Members.Madeleine Chapman, EditorJoin Members

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Image: Madeleine Chapman

11th August, 2022

Private schooling and the expectation of success

When everything is working in your favour, it's near impossible to fail.

By Madeleine Chapman

National MP for Tauranga Sam Uffindell (Photo: supplied, design by Tina Tiller)

10th August, 2022

The Sam Uffindell saga and cream rising to the top

If National had really sorted its selection problems, the MP for Tauranga today would be Tania Tapsell.

By Toby Manhire

Editor-at-large

Christopher Luxon has suspended MP Sam Uffindell from caucus (Photos: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone, RNZ / Angus Dreaver)

10th August, 2022

Sam Uffindell stood down

Following further allegations of bullying the National MP has been suspended from caucus pending an investigation.

By Anna Rawhiti-Connell

Bulletin editor

At the 2019 local elections, 235 people won seats unopposed. Image: Tina Tiller

10th August, 2022

Uncontested: Not enough people are standing in local elections

Across 572 elections three years ago, 235 candidates were elected unopposed. This year could be even worse.

By Toby Manhire

Editor-at-large

Image: Archi Banal

9th August, 2022

Bernard Hickey: The fundamental problem with Three Waters

The driest of reports from the unlikeliest of places has exposed the major flaw in the government's plan.

By Bernard Hickey

Contributing podcaster