SocietyJune 14, 2022

The Side Eye: We destroyed mountains

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We wouldn’t just dig up a mountain… would we? A new Side Eye comic about Tāmaki Makaurau’s volcanoes and reckoning with the past.

The Side Eye is a monthly non-fiction comic by Toby Morris, supported by NZ On Air. Read the rest of the series here.

Love reliving my childhood at 35. Image: Tina Tiller

How did we get stuck in this millennial franchise hell loop?

We simply can't keep going back – or can we?

By Alex Casey | 11th July, 2026

Kasey and Kārena Bird (Photo: Supplied)

Where to eat in the Bay of Plenty – an insider’s guide

Where to find the best pizza, kina, bánh mì, Māori-Japanese fusion ramen and more in the Bay of Plenty.

By Charlotte Muru-Lanning | 11th July, 2026

Contributing writer

Heartstopper fans unite!

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending July 10

All hail the return of Heartstopper!

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 10th July, 2026

Vera Ellen (Photo: Supplied)

Vera Ellen on what it feels like when AI takes your music

Deeply personal music about painful experiences have been scraped for parts.

By Chris Schulz | 10th July, 2026

Design: Tina Tiller

What to watch this Matariki weekend

From historical docudramas to heartwarming family films, these are our viewing picks for Matariki 2026.

By Tara Ward | 10th July, 2026

The fascinating story of Hinemihi is told in the new Whakaata Māori documentary. (Design: The Spinoff)

Why you should watch Hinemihi: The House with Golden Eyes

A story of survival, loss and belonging.

By Liam Rātana | 10th July, 2026

Puanga is a marker of the new year for many Māori around the country. (Design: The Spinoff).

How Puanga is helping me to grieve te reo Māori

The revival of tātai arorangi provides an opportunity to connect with our whakapapa and reo.

By Te Rina Ruka-Triponel | 10th July, 2026

Six starry books to celebrate with over Matariki.

The pick of the Matariki picture books

A selection of Matariki-themed books to share with friends and whānau – updated for 2026.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 10th July, 2026

Mike Munro, former journalist, press secretary, chief of staff and government relations guy,

A view from the junction of media and politics

Mike Munro’s career spans gallery journalist in the time of Muldoon and Lange, spin doctor to Helen Clark and chief of staff for Jacinda Ardern.

By Toby Manhire | 9th July, 2026

Editor-at-large

Society

(Image: Supplied / Design: Tina Tiller)

‘It can happen to absolutely anyone’: A day in the life of a Pet Refuge caseworker

Every day, pets are being removed from domestic violence situations around the country. We talk to one of the workers on the front line.

By Alex Casey | 6th July, 2026

a fake ID card showing a woman in a relationship of 51 years with seven grandchildren and no resentments

Love, actually, at 70: ‘We fell in love really fast. I was 17, he was 20’

A woman who's been married 51 years explains what has made it work.

By Love actually | 5th July, 2026

We’re anti-war and our son has joined the army

We tried to talk him out of it, but off he went to military camp.

By Kate Langdon | 4th July, 2026

What a ‘super El Niño’ could unleash on New Zealand

The rainfall and temperature prognosis for your region.

By Toby Manhire | 2nd July, 2026

Help Me Hera: Should I befriend the office slacker?

Or will this tank my professional reputation?

By Hera Lindsay Bird | 2nd July, 2026