A look back at the most-read Bulletins of the year.
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And that’s a wrap. We’ve made it to the final edition of the Bulletin for 2025, and what a year it’s been. From Treaty principles to regulatory standards, roads of national significance to regional councils, c-nt-gate to bussy galore, 2025 was chock-full of big, fascinating stories that, more often than not, made my job a breeze.
I’ve loved bringing you the news as Bulletin editor this year. To everyone who subscribes – and especially to those who take the time to click on the subject line each morning – thank you. Wherever you are, I hope you have a wonderful summer break and I’ll see you back here at 7am (or thereabouts) on Monday, January 12.
The top 10 biggest Bulletins of 2025
Why homeownership no longer guarantees a comfortable retirement
Pensioners are finding that NZ Super isn’t enough for rates, insurance and power, while more working age homeowners are facing the prospect of retiring with a mortgage still to pay. (September 1)
NZ’s growing exodus is prompting a call for a rethink on population
The large number of departing New Zealanders has become an international curiosity – but fixing our population problem will take more than just encouraging people to stay put. (November 14)
Air NZ faces new wave of anger over soaring fares
Another holiday season, another outcry over the national carrier’s soaring ticket prices – and now calls for action are getting louder. (April 28)
Ōtaki to Levin cost blowout shines a spotlight on NZ’s infrastructure woes
With a budget that has more than doubled, the road has little hope of recouping costs through tolls. (August 8)
Questions over handling of Tom Phillips case grow louder
A week on from his death, scrutiny is turning to the courts’ decision-making and whether the police tried hard enough to bring him in. (September 15)
Mounting anger over Auckland’s ‘lawless’ CBD sparks urgent calls for reform
Business owners and their customers say central Auckland feels increasingly unsafe and uninviting – and are arguing that coordinated action is needed now. (October 14)
‘Dark day for NZ women’ as pay equity regime gutted under urgency
The government has wiped 33 current pay equity claims and tightened future access – and they did it in lightning-quick time. (May 7)
Chung’s non-apology deepens storm over sexist smear campaign
He promised to make a public apology to Tory Whanau. Instead, mayoral hopeful Ray Chung last night issued a video statement in which he claimed to be the victim of a dirty tricks campaign. (July 14)
Budget 2025: A fiscal ‘time bomb’ and a ‘disrespectful’ blue dress
As the post-budget sales pitch ramps up, Investment Boost is put under the microscopic – while one fashion headline sparks an unlikely political sideshow. (May 26)
Disastrous election turnout leaves few clues about national mood
Both left and right had reasons to celebrate on Saturday – and to worry about deepening voter apathy. (October 13)
The Spinoff’s 2025 in review
Over the past couple of weeks, The Spinoff has published a range of recaps and reviews of some of the biggest moments of the year as we race towards Christmas:
- The 2025 Golden Jandals for conspicuous contributions to NZ politics
- An A to Z of The Spinoff’s best books of 2025
- The best books of 2025: The people’s choice
- The Spinoff’s favourite TV shows of 2025
- The world in 2025, in one sentence
