Opinion

How New Zealand could (and why we should) co-host a Fifa Men’s World Cup

How New Zealand could (and why we should) co-host a Fifa Men’s World Cup

A bold and beautiful vision for 2038.

By Michael Burton Smith | 17th July, 2026

There have been so many stories about Paul Henry.

New Zealand’s media has been gripped by Paul Henry mania

The Herald carried an op-ed from Paul Henry on why he was running for parliament before saying 'screw it' and running at least 15 more stories on why Paul Henry is running for parliament.

By Hayden Donnell | 17th July, 2026

Photos: Lachlan Woods Davidson; design: The Spinoff

The Michelin man should’ve made more room at the table

If spring rolls piled high on paper plates can win Bib Gourmands abroad, why not butter chicken pies stuffed into white paper bags here?

By Lachlan Woods-Davidson | 15th July, 2026

Chris Bishop has been saddled with the task of restoring economic reality. (Image: Tina Tiller)

Who could have predicted this? National can’t afford its roads

It was easy to figure out Simeon Brown’s roading promises were a fantasy from the start. He still got an easy ride from much of our media.

By Hayden Donnell | 15th July, 2026

Countless New Zealand musicians have had their songs taken without consent for AI training

My music was stolen by AI – how NZ responds will define our creative future

An impassioned plea from a concerned creative.

By Vera Ellen | 14th July, 2026

Contributing writer

Voting isn’t a privilege; it’s our foundational democratic right.

Idea: We should let people vote

Winston Peters called voting a 'privilege' that should be reserved for citizens. Counterpoint: it’s actually our foundational democratic right.

By Hayden Donnell | 8th July, 2026

Left: Gay Liberation Movement demonstrates in Wellington in 1974 (Evening Post/Alexander Turnbull Library). Right: Transgender rights rally, Wellington, 2021 (Getty)

From anti-gay to anti-trans: rhetoric’s the same, 40 years after homosexual law reform

It's 40 years since gay sex was decriminalised, but the scare tactics used in the 1980s are still being deployed now.

By Quentin Allan | 7th July, 2026

Helen Clark is part of a progressive-coded campaign against apartments.

The supposedly progressive campaign to restrict housing in posh suburbs

Helen Clark and the Waitematā Local Board want to dump Auckland’s growth on west and south Auckland, but in a nice, left-wing way.

By Hayden Donnell | 3rd July, 2026

Unity, though not necessarily the kind she wanted. (Image: Tina Tiller)

Unity at last: the Opportunity Party is being hated on by both left and right

Qiulae Wong has called on our political parties to stop bickering and pursue common goals. It’s happened, but maybe not in the way she envisaged.

By Hayden Donnell | 1st July, 2026

Winston Peters appears to have been cursed. (Image: Tina Tiller)

Political curse: Winston Peters keeps voting for legislation he hates

There’s a common thread linking Winston Peters’ least favourite bits of recent legislation: NZ First voted them into law.

By Hayden Donnell | 30th June, 2026

The seven political party leaders and deputy leaders are the most ever in New Zealand’s history. (Design: Tina Tiller).

Nicole McKee’s new Act leadership role means record Māori party leaders – but no one Māori voice

It may expose a deeper argument over identity, authenticity and who gets to speak for Māori.

By Liam Rātana | 30th June, 2026

A non-scientific graph about science research perceptions

The problem with treating science like a startup

Few New Zealanders spend much time thinking about volcanic monitoring but when a volcano erupts, we expect expertise to exist immediately.

By Ruben Miller | 29th June, 2026

Dove and Watchful Stedfast in Devotion: The Gloriavale Story (Photo: Three)

Julie Christie’s new Gloriavale documentary plays it dangerously neutral

Three’s new docuseries wants viewers to decide for themselves about Gloriavale – but is that fair?

By Tara Ward | 29th June, 2026

Armchair selectors scout the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup (Photo: Getty Images)

Attention armchair selectors: these are the mistakes you’re making

Think you could pick a better All Blacks squad than Dave Rennie and co?

By Paul Thomas | 28th June, 2026

Chris Bishop, the minister for nearly everything. (Photo: The Spinoff)

Chris Bishop moves fast. It’s his super power and Achilles heel

He’s powerful and polarising and he would really like his mic to work.

By Joel MacManus | 26th June, 2026

Quotes from the IPCA report ‘Issue of police safety order on protection order applicant not justified’

When women are ignored and disbelieved every day, what options do we have left?

A disturbing incident detailed in a newly released IPCA report is part of a pattern that goes back years, across the criminal justice system.

By Michelle Duff | 26th June, 2026

Outgoing Tū Ātea CEO Antony Royal (Design: Tina Tiller).

Who gets to decide what happens to assets held on behalf of all Māori?

Charles Royal has dedicated the best part of three decades advancing Māori interests in spectrum.

By Liam Rātana | 25th June, 2026

This evidence is overwhelming.

The Greens need to commit more crimes

The polling evidence is becoming more clear by the day. Steve Abel must rob a store.

By Hayden Donnell | 25th June, 2026

Former Wellington mayor Tory Whanau at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cambridge Terrace improvements. Image: The Spinoff

Why Wellington can’t build

The Golden Mile, the housing crisis, and the problem with progressive cities.

By Joel MacManus | 24th June, 2026

New Zealand has largely fixed its original sin, which caused home-buying mania. (Design:The Spinoff)

NZ still seems to think house prices will rise. Good luck with that

New Zealand has largely fixed its original sin, which caused home-buying mania.

By Dan Brunskill | 24th June, 2026