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Dr Claire Achmad leaves her post as children’s commissioner on Friday.

Children’s commissioner on her early exit: ‘I have a lot more left to give’

Claire Achmad has laid down a wero for her successor: 'Continue to hold decision-makers, including the government, to account.'
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 28th July, 2026
Politics reporter
Pint is more a colloquial than a measurement in NZ’s bars.

Why doesn’t New Zealand have a standard size for a pint of beer?

In the UK and Canada, it's 568ml. In Australia, about the same. In New Zealand? Well, it's more of a vibe than a measurement.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 18th July, 2026
Politics reporter
Ngatiapa Street (Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone)

'So depressing': The Wellington street full of ghost houses

'You could turn down there and feel like you're in some kind of dystopian, post-apocalypse movie.'
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By Ellen O'Dwyer of RNZ | 16th July, 2026
Guest writer
Andrew Little, Dean Silvester and Ray Chung.

Police denied making a complaint about Ray Chung. So, what’s this text?

The Spinoff tried to get details about concerns police raised with Wellington’s mayor. Three months later we’ve finally found out what happened.
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By Joel MacManus | 3rd July, 2026
Senior writer
Don Brash and Matthew Hooton.

‘Relentless attack’ or ‘fuel on the fire’? Brash v Hooton in the court of appeal  

Lawyers for Don Brash say he was defamed by Matthew Hooton’s suggestion he was dishonest.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 30th June, 2026
Politics reporter
The interior of XO Book CO, a romance bookstore that just opened on Willis St in Wellington. (Photo: Bayleigh Gibson)

A reading renaissance: Wellington welcomes two new indie bookshops 

Willis St will soon be home to not one, not two, but three indie bookstores.
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By Claire Mabey | 29th June, 2026
Books editor
Chris Hipkins speaking to Labour supporters in Wellington (Photo: Lyric Waiwiri-Smith)

Labour’s hype train has finally arrived in Wellington

If there’s anything a Labour Party event can do well, it’s emulating the vibe of a church youth conference.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 29th June, 2026
Politics reporter
Simon Sherlock, beloved local artist.

The inside story of Simon the sign guy, Wellington’s favourite street artist

From a traumatic cliff fall to a stint in a Thai prison, Simon Sherlock has been to some dark places. Now he just wants to spread the love.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 27th June, 2026
Politics reporter
Freya Daly Sadgrove, author of the poetry collection Head Girl, in her beloved Wellington.

Freya Daly Sadgrove on turning poetry into TV show Head Girl

What's it like to see one of the darkest periods of your life come alive on the screen?
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By Claire Mabey
Books editor
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 & Freya Daly Sadgrove | 27th June, 2026
Guest writer
Former Wellington mayor Tory Whanau at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cambridge Terrace improvements. Image: The Spinoff
Opinion

Why Wellington can’t build

The Golden Mile, the housing crisis, and the problem with progressive cities.
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By Joel MacManus | 24th June, 2026
Senior writer
RIP. Image: The Spinoff.
Opinion

The Golden Mile project deserves to die. But it must rise again

Wellington's decade-long failure to upgrade a street is a damning indictment on the council and the city itself. What Andrew Little does next could define his mayoralty.
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By Joel MacManus | 15th June, 2026
Senior writer
Review: Te Ara Tupua is the road Wellington always deserved

Review: Te Ara Tupua is the road Wellington always deserved

Smell the sea salt, feel the looming hills: it’s your typical ride to Wellington, but in 3D.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 13th June, 2026
Politics reporter
Bolton Street Cemetery (Photo: Ben Fagan)

The past haunts Wellington’s Mount Victoria tunnel, but it also stalks the urban motorway

We toot in the tunnel, but what of the ghosts of Bolton Street Cemetery?
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By Ben Fagan | 8th June, 2026
Memberships Lead
Glou Glou on Allen Street (Photos: Supplied)

New and approved: Glou Glou, Wellington

First up in our new series highlighting fresh hospo offerings: a city cafe that now morphs into a wine bar at night.
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By Jean Teng | 2nd June, 2026
Guest writer
NZ First MP Andy Foster claimed a taxpayer subsidy on his Karori home. (Graphic: The Spinoff)

NZ First MP Andy Foster claims $36k top-up to stay in home he’s owned for 26 years

The former Wellington mayor says he claims the accommodation subsidy because 'the cost of owning a home in Wellington is not cheap'.
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By Joel MacManus | 27th May, 2026
Senior writer
Long live the cinemas of Wellington.

The movie theatres of Wellington, ranked and reviewed

The capital has a passionate relationship with the movies, and a small but mighty collection of cinemas to match.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 15th May, 2026
Politics reporter
Lan Pham.

One MP, One Pint: Green MP Lan Pham on being freshwater’s biggest fan

The Green MP on her pick for fish of the year, and the National minister she'd like to say 'girl, are you OK?' to.
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 29th April, 2026
Politics reporter
Muthuvelu Supramaniam owns Macha, Job Tapau! and loves finding new foods in Te Aro

Where to eat in Te Aro, Wellington – an insider’s guide

From hidden whiskey bars to standout gluten-free cheese scones, Macha, Jom Tapau!'s iconic chef shares his top spots.
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By Charlotte Muru-Lanning | 25th April, 2026
Contributing writer
Flooding near a Wellington Palmers Garden Centre on Saturday. (Photo: Krystal Gibbens/RNZ)

Wellington faces another dangerous day as red warning stays in place

After one of the worst flooding events in the region's recent history, forecasters warn even short bursts of rain could cause fresh havoc.
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By Catherine McGregor | 21st April, 2026
Commercial editor
A slip blocking Liardet Street in Vogeltown Wellington, on April 20, 2026 (Photo: Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald via Getty Images)

Wellington region state of emergency: what you need to know

Evacuations are under way as severe weather intensifies.
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By Alice Neville | 20th April, 2026
Deputy editor

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