The Best Of

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When he died, my friend Doug got no media obituary. Hardly anyone outside his tiny rural community knew him. But everyone inside that community did.

A life story

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I watched all 46 of Tom Cruise's films over the past 12 months. The question on everyone's lips: why?

‘The mission is clearly possible’: On watching every single Tom Cruise movie ever made

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A dark and stormy night of mushrooms and murder, sorbet and suspicion, and more fedoras than you've ever seen in your life. 

I survived five hours on Christchurch’s first murder mystery train ride

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Told in one crucial moment from every year, by The Spinoff’s founder Duncan Greive.

The epic inside story of The Spinoff’s first 10 years

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Joy Cowley reveals her enthralling life story, from a difficult childhood, to getting drunk with Roald Dahl, to encountering an Arctic polar bear.

Finding Joy: The fascinating and painful life of Aotearoa’s most prolific writer

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Was it a false measurement, a full-blown conspiracy or just some mild incompetence? 

How was Maddi Wesche’s final shot put throw not over 20m? A Spinoff investigation

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I was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here's exactly how it played out.

What it’s like to be made redundant by the Ministry of Education

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How is it so important that it's mentioned in every safety video?

Why can’t I pick up my own dropped phone on a plane?

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Why do those Lange-Douglas years cast such a long shadow 40 years on?

Juggernaut: The ghosts of 1984

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As he makes a surprise return to Shortland Street, actor Craig Parker takes us through his life in television.

‘We were as famous as Tom Cruise’: Craig Parker on 90s Shortland St fandom

Ben McKay

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The return of the glitteriest rubber gongs of New Zealand politics.

The 2024 Golden Jandals for conspicuous contributions to NZ politics

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

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

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Move over meat and dairy – these are our highest quality exports. 

How does New Zealand produce so many successful child actors?

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This year's best local fiction, nonfiction and poetry for adults and children, as chosen by our panel of readers. 

The Spinoff’s best NZ books of 2024

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‘If I didn't do it, no other bugger would.’

The small town cinemas holding on at the edge of the world

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It's supplied breast milk to thousands of newborns in need, all thanks to donors, volunteers and philanthropists.

Freezers, pasteurisers and funding woes: A day at a human milk bank in Christchurch

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After four decades, the last buttons will be counted out at Geoff’s Emporium on Dominion Road early next year.

‘More than a business’: Auckland institution Geoff’s Emporium to close after 44 years

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From picture books to bell hooks, some reading inspiration for every age.

A book for every year of your life: Part one, ages 0-30

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According to a Wellington urban legend, the notorious Ngāti Toa chief used to pull his waka onshore to drink at the city’s oldest pub. Is it true?

Windbag: Did Te Rauparaha really drink at the Thistle Inn?

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'For blokes, it's probably the child they never knew about. And for women, it’s probably the child they’ve never spoken about.'

‘One hell of a shock’: Why not everyone wants flowers from David Lomas

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Megan Dunn on the the question of what it means to be more true to your dreams than your fears.

What I write about when I write about mermaids

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The groundbreaking show has had mixed reviews over the past two decades. 

Reviewing the very first episode of bro’Town, 20 years on

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'Everything reminded me of the comfort of TV, the promise of a story.'

Can NYC ever live up to the hype? 

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An essential guide to all the holes you can drive through in this country.

All 29 road tunnels in New Zealand ranked from worst to best

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How a little jar of seawater ends up as a red cross that ruins your day-at-the-beach plans – but keeps you safe from swimming in sewage.

A trip to the beach with the poo detectives

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After two decades of promised redevelopment, Johnsonville Shopping Centre remains neglected and half empty. 

Who killed the Johnsonville mall?

The Side Eye is a monthly non-fiction comic by Toby Morris, supported by NZ On Air. Read more comics 

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Sohail Din of the University of Auckland's Muslim Student Association talks to Toby Morris about Friday prayers and life after the Christchurch terrorist attacks for Muslim New Zealanders.

The Spinoff

The Best OfApril 2, 2019

The Side Eye: Who sets up the speakers?

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The Best OfApril 2, 2019

The Side Eye: Who sets up the speakers?

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