👁 Paul Goldsmith. One MP, One Pint: Paul Goldsmith on being a victim of Tova O’BrienThe justice minister reflects on the highs and lows of five terms in parliament, and considers buying The Spinoff.👁 avatarBy Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 18th June, 2026Politics reporter
Dating Files: A 45-year-old who’s never made it to a third dateA 45-year-old IT specialist has given up on dating entirely.👁 avatarBy Dating Files | 18th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 A landscape shot of the top of a mountain covered in dense trees. three people can be seen from a distance walking to the summitBeyond the beach: Fiji’s best hiking adventuresNew Zealanders know their way around a great walk – and as it turns out, so does Fiji.👁 avatarBy Ellen Rykers | 18th June, 2026Climate writer
Maps reveal where conservation land could be sold off after government reformsWith approximately 4,000 species threatened, one conservationist says New Zealand's biodiversity is being 'smashed'.👁 avatarBy Farah Hancock of RNZ | 18th June, 2026Guest writer
Help Me Hera: Should I make amends with my former MFA cohort?👁 avatarBy Hera Lindsay Bird | 18th June, 2026Contributing writer
👁 Erica Stanford (Photo: RNZ/Mark Papalii) Fury and threats over ministerial arse-covering at Immigration NZThe election finally kicked off yesterday.👁 avatarBy Henry Oliver | 18th June, 2026Bulletin editor
👁 Image by Tina Tiller Why I’ve broken up with Trade MeIt's been a beautiful relationship, but there's no denying we've drifted apart. 👁 avatarBy Alex Casey | 18th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 Polynesian Pride sells a lot of stuff. Where does it come from? The mysterious online store selling (and maybe stealing) Māori designsAt first glance, Polynesian Pride appears to be proudly Polynesian. Māori designers suspect otherwise.👁 avatarBy Emma Gleason | 18th June, 2026Staff writer
👁 Former prime minister Jenny Shipley is the new chair of the Waitangi National Trust. (Design: The Spinoff) Jenny Shipley says Waitangi Day has become ‘too political’The new chair of the Waitangi National Trust says she wants to rethink how politics intersects with the Treaty Grounds.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 18th June, 2026Ātea editor
👁 Kane Williamson departs the scene (Photo: Getty Images) An honest engine: Kane Williamson’s many defining Black Caps momentsHe retires with more runs, more centuries and a higher average than any other New Zealand batsman. But the stats only tell us so much.👁 avatarBy James Borrowdale | 17th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 Playwright Sam Brooks is the curator and producer of a free play reading series, Firing the Canon. ‘There really is no book like it’: Sam Brooks’ most memorable reading experience'I read it in a day with a couple of wines.'👁 avatarBy The Spinoff Review of Books | 17th June, 2026
👁 The cast of Celebrity Escape unlock a clue. Image: Supplied Review: Celebrity Escape is a confusing puzzle unto itself If you like watching people’s backs, Three’s new gameshow is the perfect escape for you.👁 avatarBy Alex Casey | 17th June, 2026
👁 Erica Stanford (Photo: RNZ/Mark Papalii) 'Jesus!' Inside the room where Erica Stanford levelled accusations at Immigration NZ and MBIE👁 avatarBy Jo Moir of RNZ | 17th June, 2026
👁 “It was only by talking amongst themselves as they scrubbed clothes together in the communal laundry or organised social events in the dining hall, that they could form a clearer picture of their world and its dangers.” In defence of gossip and its potential to save livesGossip can be salacious, yes, but it can also be life-saving.👁 avatarBy Eleanor Black | 17th June, 2026
👁 We finally have a national infrastructure plan – and both sides of the house actually agree on itWe finally have a national infrastructure plan – and both sides of the house actually agree on itWe finally have a national infrastructure plan.👁 avatarBy Henry Oliver | 17th June, 2026
👁 A new analysis from Timothy Welch shows lower speed limits likely saved lives. Simeon Brown deemed speed limit cuts ‘anti-car ideology’ – a new analysis shows they saved livesThe National-led government has raised speed limits. New data reveals the potential human cost of that move.👁 avatarBy Hayden Donnell | 17th June, 2026
👁 Remember back when you were proud to be a New Zealander?OpinionRemember back when you were proud to be a New Zealander?It feels like we have lost our bravery and our heart.👁 avatarBy Kate Langdon | 17th June, 2026
👁 Tim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, rankedTim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, rankedAn exclusively Tim Payne-focused breakdown of the All Whites' draw with Iran in their opening match of the Fifa World Cup.👁 avatarBy Joel MacManus | 16th June, 2026
👁 The supreme court judges acknowledged that Mike Smith’s claim faces serious obstacles. But they thought it deserved a trial (Image: The Spinoff) OpinionWhy the supreme court was not ‘totally out of line’ in its climate case rulingThe judges acknowledged that Mike Smith’s claim faced serious obstacles. But they thought it deserved a trial.👁 avatarBy Steven Price | 11th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 Mike Lee, left, claimed tall buildings contributed to global warming and Wayne Brown saw red. Photos: The Spinoff) A battle over the bare minimum at Auckland CouncilOne councillor said tall buildings contribute to global warming. Another said Auckland doesn’t have a housing crisis. 👁 avatarBy Hayden Donnell | 10th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 Treasury has already warned that superannuation isn’t sustainable in the long run. How do we fix it? What should we do about New Zealand’s soaring superannuation bill?Raise the retirement age, institute means testing, or just leave things be?👁 avatarBy Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 9th June, 2026Politics reporter
👁 Pay cuts for some, generous expense claims for others. OpinionAusterity is for poor people, not politiciansBelt-tightening, as it turns out, is location-specific. It affects you if you’re in a state house. It doesn't if you’re in the house of representatives.👁 avatarBy Hayden Donnell | 8th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 Is this a pavlova or a schaum torte? Image: Tina Tiller Pavlova was invented in Dunedin. Or maybe Germany. But definitely not AustraliaThe origins of the beloved dessert are more complicated than you think.👁 avatarBy Joel MacManus | 7th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 Let’s cut to the cheese and find out which are truly worth your money. The tasty cheese of New Zealand, ranked from worst to bestWhich block blitzed the competition? The results may surprise you.👁 avatarBy Emma Gleason | 5th June, 2026Staff writer
👁 Help Me Hera: I’m 24 and moving back in with my parentsHelp Me Hera: I’m 24 and moving back in with my parentsWhy do I feel like such a failure? 👁 avatarBy Hera Lindsay Bird | 4th June, 2026Contributing writer
👁 Dating Files: A 45-year-old who’s never made it to a third dateDating Files: A 45-year-old who’s never made it to a third dateA 45-year-old IT specialist has given up on dating entirely.👁 avatarBy Dating Files | 18th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 ImageHelp Me Hera: Should I make amends with my former MFA cohort?👁 avatarBy Hera Lindsay Bird | 18th June, 2026
Why I’ve broken up with Trade MeIt's been a beautiful relationship, but there's no denying we've drifted apart. 👁 avatarBy Alex Casey | 18th June, 2026
In defence of gossip and its potential to save livesGossip can be salacious, yes, but it can also be life-saving.👁 avatarBy Eleanor Black | 17th June, 2026
OpinionRemember back when you were proud to be a New Zealander?It feels like we have lost our bravery and our heart.👁 avatarBy Kate Langdon | 17th June, 2026
👁 Tim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, rankedTim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, rankedAn exclusively Tim Payne-focused breakdown of the All Whites' draw with Iran in their opening match of the Fifa World Cup.👁 avatarBy Joel MacManus | 16th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 The cost of reclaiming your maiden nameThe cost of reclaiming your maiden nameAfter easily taking her ex-husband's last name, divorcee Kathy Young learned just how hard it is to get your own name back.👁 avatarBy Kathy Young | 16th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 The cost of being: A CrossFit trainer with ‘gorse pockets’The cost of being: A CrossFit trainer with ‘gorse pockets’'We bought a house with my parents, so we only have a small mortgage – we're very lucky.'👁 avatarBy The Cost of Being | 16th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 Sarah and Joanne Ingham. The unforgettable Ingham twinsIt was a story that captivated a nation, a story that had it all – romance, adventure, danger, and that interview with Paul Holmes.👁 avatarBy Linda Burgess | 15th June, 2026Contributing writer
👁 Paul Goldsmith. One MP, One Pint: Paul Goldsmith on being a victim of Tova O’BrienThe justice minister reflects on the highs and lows of five terms in parliament, and considers buying The Spinoff.👁 avatarBy Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 18th June, 2026Politics reporter
👁 ImageMaps reveal where conservation land could be sold off after government reformsWith approximately 4,000 species threatened, one conservationist says New Zealand's biodiversity is being 'smashed'.👁 avatarBy Farah Hancock of RNZ | 18th June, 2026
Jenny Shipley says Waitangi Day has become ‘too political’The new chair of the Waitangi National Trust says she wants to rethink how politics intersects with the Treaty Grounds.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 18th June, 2026
'Jesus!' Inside the room where Erica Stanford levelled accusations at Immigration NZ and MBIE👁 avatarBy Jo Moir of RNZ | 17th June, 2026
Simeon Brown deemed speed limit cuts ‘anti-car ideology’ – a new analysis shows they saved livesThe National-led government has raised speed limits. New data reveals the potential human cost of that move.👁 avatarBy Hayden Donnell | 17th June, 2026
👁 Matthew Hooton (Photo: Tina Tiller / The Spinoff) ‘I’m completely squeaky clean’: An interview with Matthew HootonFrom 2019: a longform interview with one of the most fascinating – and polarising – characters in NZ politics.👁 avatarBy Toby Manhire | 16th June, 2026Editor-at-large
👁 Christopher Luxon and the sheep he considers a vertebra of New Zealand’s economy (Photo by SANKA VIDANAGAMA/AFP via Getty Images) OpinionFarming stopped being New Zealand’s economic backbone decades agoOur reality is closer to Christopher Luxon’s infamous description of a ‘wet, whiny, inward-looking country’.👁 avatarBy Dan Brunskill | 16th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 Matthew Hooton, incoming editor of The Post. Photo: Tina Tiller The greatest hits of Matthew Hooton, the new editor of The PostWho is the new editor of Wellington's newspaper? He is many, many, many things.👁 avatarBy Toby Manhire | 15th June, 2026Editor-at-large
👁 RIP. Image: The Spinoff. OpinionThe Golden Mile project deserves to die. But it must rise againWellington'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.👁 avatarBy Joel MacManus | 15th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 The cast of Celebrity Escape unlock a clue. Image: Supplied Review: Celebrity Escape is a confusing puzzle unto itself If you like watching people’s backs, Three’s new gameshow is the perfect escape for you.👁 avatarBy Alex Casey | 17th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 Laurel, Stuart and Lyra Devenie (Photo: Laurel Devenie / design: Tina Tiller) ‘This is what we do’: Three generations take to the stage in A Vaudeville of FlowersRanging in age from seven to 75, the Devenies embrace the traditions of a family acting troupe. 👁 avatarBy Tara Ward | 16th June, 2026
New To Streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekIncluding one of the best films of 2025, and an unmissable family-friendly adventure on Māori+.👁 avatarBy Thomas Giblin | 15th June, 2026
Why you can pry my VHS collection from my cold dead handsIt's the most cumbersome, fallible format available on the market – and I can't get enough. 👁 avatarBy Alex Casey | 14th June, 2026
How Michael Jackson moonwalked into the centre of pop culture againWhy is Michael Jackson back? And why is he walking the streets of Christchurch? 👁 avatarBy Alex Casey | 13th June, 2026
👁 Broadcaster Jason Gunn on the set of Celebrity Tipping Point NZ (Photo: TVNZ) Help! I can’t stop watching Celebrity Tipping Point NZThis isn’t just a game show. It’s a metaphor for life.👁 avatarBy Tara Ward | 12th June, 2026Staff writer
👁 Nī Dekkers-Reihana. (Photo: Supplied). Nī Dekkers-Reihana on why you should get off the internet'Go to live art experiences. It might be bad, but it might just be fucking brilliant and if it is, it will change your neural pathways for real.'👁 avatarBy The Spinoff | 9th June, 2026Staff writers
👁 New To Streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekNew To Streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekIncluding a bunch of New Zealand comedians trying to escape, and a new British comedy-drama starring Jemaine Clement. 👁 avatarBy Thomas Giblin | 8th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 Morgana O’Reilly as Constable Deb Brighton in Bust Up (Photo: Julie Zhu / Neon) Review: Morgana O’Reilly shines in police drama Bust UpWill its twist on the traditional cop-buddy drama be enough to make Bust Up stand out?👁 avatarBy Tara Ward | 5th June, 2026Staff writer
👁 Polynesian Pride sells a lot of stuff. Where does it come from? The mysterious online store selling (and maybe stealing) Māori designsAt first glance, Polynesian Pride appears to be proudly Polynesian. Māori designers suspect otherwise.👁 avatarBy Emma Gleason | 18th June, 2026Staff writer
👁 Two people in business suits shake hands in front of blended American and Iranian flags, symbolizing diplomacy or an agreement between the United States and Iran.Three big unanswered questions about what the Iran peace deal means for New Zealand New Zealanders responded to the prospect of Peace In Our Times with a resounding chorus of: 'So when will petrol be cheaper?'👁 avatarBy Joel MacManus | 16th June, 2026
OpinionFarming stopped being New Zealand’s economic backbone decades agoOur reality is closer to Christopher Luxon’s infamous description of a ‘wet, whiny, inward-looking country’.👁 avatarBy Dan Brunskill | 16th June, 2026
New Zealand hospitality closures: the latest numbers and what they meanWith liquidations soaring and six-figure debts making headlines, we look behind the figures.👁 avatarBy Emma Gleason | 15th June, 2026
The real-world cost of AIAnyone with an internet connection can now fire off a query to an AI agent – but what's the real-world environmental impact of the 'fourth industrial revolution'?👁 avatarBy Kate Newton of RNZ | 4th June, 2026
👁 A visual depiction of what would happen to our money if we built a nuclear power plant. New Zealand will stay nuclear free (mainly because it can’t afford not to)Keeping all things nuclear out of New Zealand may or may not make moral sense. But it almost certainly makes economic sense.👁 avatarBy Hayden Donnell | 4th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 A design for a second Waitematā Bridge proposed by Nicolas Reid and MRCagney. Privately funded second Auckland harbour bridge ‘unlikely to achieve value for money’, NZTA report warnsMajor construction firms told NZTA they would prefer to build a tunnel under Waitematā harbour, which is more expensive but less risky than a bridge.👁 avatarBy Joel MacManus | 4th June, 2026Senior writer
👁 How at risk is it? Is New Zealand-made clothing hanging on by a thread?Local fashion makers are concerned for the industry that enables our 'Made in New Zealand' pride.👁 avatarBy Emma Gleason | 3rd June, 2026Staff writer
👁 Henry Oliver Former Metro editor Henry Oliver joins The SpinoffCatherine McGregor, the outgoing Bulletin editor, has been prevented from leaving The Spinoff, despite her best attempts, and will take up a new role.👁 avatarBy The Spinoff | 26th May, 2026Staff writers
👁 Polynesian Pride sells a lot of stuff. Where does it come from? The mysterious online store selling (and maybe stealing) Māori designsAt first glance, Polynesian Pride appears to be proudly Polynesian. Māori designers suspect otherwise.👁 avatarBy Emma Gleason | 18th June, 2026Staff writer
👁 An older woman with short white hair, glasses, and a dark suit smiles while standing in front of a green landscape. Behind her, a historic handwritten document fills the sky.Jenny Shipley says Waitangi Day has become ‘too political’The new chair of the Waitangi National Trust says she wants to rethink how politics intersects with the Treaty Grounds.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 18th June, 2026
How the government plans to ‘unlock’ papakāinga on Māori landA raft of changes are being introduced with the aim of reducing cost and consent barriers to building on whenua Māori.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 16th June, 2026
The rugby league club where reo Māori is spoken firstAccessing mainstream sports competitions can be difficult for players with te reo Māori as their first language. In the depths of West Auckland, one club is going against the grain.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 15th June, 2026
New details emerge of Te Māngai Pāho’s vision for Māori newsChange is afoot for the Māori news sector.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 12th June, 2026
👁 Māori voters are being encouraged to weigh up which roll to vote on. (Image: Tina Tiller). The case for Māori switching to the general roll this electionMāori are being urged to think about whether their vote would have more impact in a general electorate this year.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 10th June, 2026Ātea editor
👁 Image: Tina Tiller Unelected members are being banned from voting on councils. What does it mean?Some are calling it a 'major win for local democracy'. Others say all it will achieve is 'silencing Māori voices'.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 8th June, 2026Ātea editor
👁 Paul Goldsmith (left) is the minister charged with leading the review, which was promised in the coalition agreement with NZ First, whose leader Winston Peters is pictured right (Design: The Spinoff) OpinionTen takeaways from the Waitangi Tribunal’s treaty clause review inquiry'The Crown’s proposals are the most damaging collection of clear and considered legislative treaty breaches that I’ve seen,' said one claimant.👁 avatarBy Liam Rātana | 4th June, 2026Ātea editor
👁 Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (Photo: Getty) Te Pāti Māori wrestles with a question at the heart of Māori politicsAt a time when many Māori feel particularly aggrieved by the government, can the party find its purpose and recapture its momentum?👁 avatarBy Jamie Tahana | 4th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 Playwright Sam Brooks is the curator and producer of a free play reading series, Firing the Canon. ‘There really is no book like it’: Sam Brooks’ most memorable reading experience'I read it in a day with a couple of wines.'👁 avatarBy The Spinoff Review of Books | 17th June, 2026⚖️
👁 A photograph of Noelle McCarthy who has black curly hair and is wearing black silk. Behind the photo is a faded image of the ruins of Whitby Abbey.‘Consider me bitten’: Stakes by Noelle McCarthy, reviewedWith Grand, McCarthy announced her talent. With Stakes, she drives it home.👁 avatarBy Claire Mabey | 13th June, 2026
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending June 12Major new Irish novel alert!👁 avatarBy The Spinoff Review of Books | 12th June, 2026
‘Before Larry David there was Ignatius J Reilly’: Nick Sceats’ favourite readsNick Sceats on the cult American novel he loves, crying to Fay Weldon, and a fantasy fight with Hemingway.👁 avatarBy The Spinoff Review of Books | 10th June, 2026
All the finalists in the 2026 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young AdultsAll the best children's books from Aotearoa, as selected by an esteemed panel of judges.👁 avatarBy Claire Mabey | 10th June, 2026
👁 Joseph Trinidad’s letter to an early crush is a beautiful thing ‘My gay awakening’: a love letterAn excerpt from Joseph Trinidad's debut collection of essays, Lucky Creatures.👁 avatarBy Joseph Trinidad | 6th June, 2026Guest writer
👁 The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending June 5The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending June 5Immerse yourself in 1930s Taiwan, 1890s Wellington, 2020s Hutt Valley and more.👁 avatarBy The Spinoff Review of Books | 5th June, 2026⚖️
👁 Kenneth Chapman’s debut children’s novel is already a bestseller. ‘I couldn’t walk properly for weeks’: Kenneth Chapman can’t resist a challenge'When I read about the positive impacts of suffering through running 100 miles in a single day, I did that.'👁 avatarBy The Spinoff Review of Books | 3rd June, 2026⚖️
👁 Jason Tiatia is the author of Sāmoan Made Simple and his here with 10 phrases to incorporate into your life. Ten Sāmoan phrases to bring into your daily lifeManuia le aso!👁 avatarBy Jason Tiatia | 1st June, 2026Guest writer