Society

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Christmas is often lonely, hard and full of unreasonable expectations. Here's how to make it easier on yourself. 

Survive to 25 (December, that is)

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'It’s just so lovely to see a dog again.'

The rescue dog bringing joy to Christchurch retirement homes

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I grew up in a family where Christmas was all about tradition and hospitality. My husband's family takes a different approach. How do I get over my resentment and have a nice day? 

Help Me Hera: I hate spending Christmas with my in-laws

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The Spinoff takes a walk down memory lane – while also providing the best summer reading list possible.

The Spinoff’s biggest stories of 2024

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Every day between now and Christmas, spend at least 10 minutes in front of a mirror, holding out a hand and saying: 'no'.

How to not hug people you don’t want to hug this holiday season

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'I love fashion but can’t afford the stuff I really like, so I scour Trade Me.'

The cost of being: A public servant and mum who’s saving for a house deposit

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Why demolishing the bridge would create a better public space in the heart of Wellington. 

Windbag: Tear down the City to Sea Bridge

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Humanities and social science research topics being tweaked rhetorically to seem airy-fairy, impractical and/or ‘woke’ is nothing new.

What can we learn from Australia’s version of the Marsden Fund furore?

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Winding through the dense native bush of an Aro Valley gully, Holloway is haunted with histories both recent and ancient.

What is it about Holloway Road? The ghosts of Wellington’s most atmospheric street

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The struggle to find a decent pair of togs is real.

I see hundreds of ads for togs so why is it so hard to find a decent pair?

Shanti Mathias

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Gifts can be a source of joy this Christmas even if you hate capitalism.

A gift guide for people who really don’t want to buy shit

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'Squirrel the small stuff, splash on something big.'

The cost of being: A 30-something dad with a mortgage and a bike

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The selfishness of this city's drivers never fails to ruin my day. How do I get from A to B without wishing retribution on my fellow motorists?

Help Me Hera: How do I navigate Auckland traffic without going insane?

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A much maligned old friend is reborn as a field of dreams. 

How Mt Smart turned into the most electrifying Auckland destination of 2024

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'If there's a way I can get a bargain, I'll choose that option nearly every time.'

The cost of being: A thrifty apprentice who’s saving up to travel

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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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Remain respectful, bear in mind that tikanga Māori is central to all proceedings, and you’ll be fine.

The Spinoff guide to life: How to attend a tangi

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From today, liquor stores will have to close at 9pm. 

When can I buy alcohol in Auckland?

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For a long time, New Zealanders have focused on the issue of cold homes. But for at least a couple of decades, the opposite problem has been appearing in townhouses and apartments.

Too hot to handle: How climate-friendly housing is becoming unliveable

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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?

Madeleine Chapman

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Our reviewers debate a new novel about a grieving copyeditor in London.

A hater and an enthusiast review The Royal Free by Carl Shuker

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It would be a more wonderful time of year if I knew there was no exploitation under the Christmas tree.

All I want for Christmas is modern day slavery legislation

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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

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'I want to check in at the pearly gates and have them say, ‘theres nothing left here, he’s worn to a nub, put it in the bin’.'

‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist

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The Friday Poem: ‘Bejeweled log’ by Holly Fletcher

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The 2024 Christmas cliffhanger screens on Monday, and you can expect the final episode to be bigger and badder than ever before. 

The one episode of Shortland Street you need to watch this year

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The bestselling books of the year, revealed.

The Unity Books bestseller chart for 2024

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A couple of weeks after Spotify Wrapped comes a much more comprehensive survey of New Zealand’s listening.

The real NZ Wrapped: Analysing the 2024 NZ Music charts

Months after Cyclone Gabrielle smashed Tairāwhiti, locals are still cleaning up the damage. The Side Eye travels to the erosion-prone region to meet the people asking hard questions about a plan for the future.

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

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After Cyclone Gabrielle, Tairāwhiti faces a universal question: when it comes to the environment, have we got the guts to choose long-term solutions over short-term fixes?<br />
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The Spinoff

SocietyJuly 28, 2023

The Side Eye: Deeper roots

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