Author Archive
Māori politics – “don’t believe the hype”
Written By: - Date published: 8:42 am, January 24th, 2017 - 81 comments
Totally unexpected in an election year, but Te Ururoa Flavell is making a play for the Māori seats. Morgan Godfery has some thoughts on the hype.
Starting out with an obvious lie
Written By: - Date published: 7:02 am, January 23rd, 2017 - 195 comments
The Trump / Spicer claim that the inauguration crowds were “the largest audience ever to witness and inauguration, period” are such an obvious lie that it seems unhinged. But there could be method to the madness.
(Update: Apparently in Trump speak these are “alternative facts”.)
Predator free NZ – how are we doing?
Written By: - Date published: 12:00 pm, January 20th, 2017 - 30 comments
It has been 6 months since the announcement that New Zealand would be predator free by 2050. But is sounds like nothing concrete has happened yet.
Dodgy foreign trusts – will English take action?
Written By: - Date published: 9:43 am, January 19th, 2017 - 24 comments
Matt Nippert continued his excellent work on foreign trusts yesterday in The Herald. Will Bill English clean up the mess that John Key was determined to ignore?
How do we increase voter participation?
Written By: - Date published: 7:02 am, January 17th, 2017 - 218 comments
Fewer people, particularly young people, are voting. How do we turn this around?
Oxfam on wealth inequality in NZ
Written By: - Date published: 11:32 am, January 16th, 2017 - 36 comments
Oxfam’s report on wealth inequality in NZ has some staggering headline numbers.
Spinning ‘social investment’
Written By: - Date published: 8:32 am, January 14th, 2017 - 54 comments
Bill English has co-opted the old term “social investment” to replace another old term “targeted welfare”. Simon Wilson (writing at The Spinoff) has bought into the spin and written a deeply confused piece about it.
100% Pure takes another hit
Written By: - Date published: 11:22 am, December 18th, 2016 - 85 comments
Stuff this morning: “Lord of the Rings actor says NZ tourists shocked by polluted ‘sewer’ Middle-earth”
What Paula is proud of
Written By: - Date published: 8:36 am, December 17th, 2016 - 76 comments
Apparently it’s “getting homeless people into homes”. Given the ongoing explosion of homelessness, just think how much scope she has to make herself proud next year…
“Social bonds” fail – blame the officials!
Written By: - Date published: 3:09 pm, December 16th, 2016 - 31 comments
A scapegoat for the failure of the Nats’ first “social bonds” programme has been found. Turns out it was the fault of government officials! Shocker!
Taxing multinationals
Written By: - Date published: 9:58 am, December 15th, 2016 - 53 comments
In March the Nats were still rejecting the idea of a crackdown on multinational companies’ tax avoidance. But there has been – in large part due to the work of Matt Nippert in The Herald – a partial back-down. Another Labour policy adopted!
This pattern of Kiwi’s exploiting migrants is shameful
Written By: - Date published: 8:17 am, December 14th, 2016 - 88 comments
A depressing feature in The Herald this morning explores the exploitation of migrant workers. The same pattern as the private sector’s treatment of foreign students. This paints a shameful picture of New Zealand. Greed has made us forget who we were.
Govt response to poverty report will tell us all we need to know about Bill English
Written By: - Date published: 8:04 am, December 13th, 2016 - 264 comments
The 2016 Child Poverty Monitor Technical Report is out today. As usual it paints a bleak picture. What will Bill English’s government do about poverty – evasions, words, or actions? Update: Bill fails.
Time for cross party accord on super
Written By: - Date published: 1:24 pm, December 12th, 2016 - 87 comments
English is not making the same stupid pledge as Key, to let superannuation consume the future. Time for a cross party accord. Take it off the table as a political football and solve the damn problem.
Out with the old – in with the old
Written By: - Date published: 10:18 am, December 12th, 2016 - 110 comments
Bye John, out with the old. And in with the old. Shortly the Nats will anoint the chosen one, Bill English. A pre-failed leader. Mr 21%. The greedy double dipper. The boring, conservative choice for a boring conservative party.
Hickey on surpluses and Key’s bullshit
Written By: - Date published: 9:17 am, December 4th, 2016 - 36 comments
Bernard Hickey: “It is extraordinary for the Prime Minister to call the Treasury’s short and long term forecasts a “load of nonsense” and yet rely on the medium term ones to promise all manner of riches to voters on the eve of an election.”
Labour landslide – media roundup
Written By: - Date published: 6:12 am, December 4th, 2016 - 169 comments
Audrey Young: “The Labour leader has described the win as ‘a bloody nose for National’. It is more like a bloody nose, a black eye and broken jaw.”
Update: As of 11am not a single story on Mt Roskill appears on the online front pages of either The Herald or Stuff. What a surprise!
Labour sticks to the high road
Written By: - Date published: 8:44 am, December 3rd, 2016 - 128 comments
As the confused media pile-on to Labour continues, it’s good to hear that the party is planning to stick to the high road.
Labour moving “too far to the left” – Andrew Little responds
Written By: - Date published: 9:02 am, December 2nd, 2016 - 264 comments
According some Legget guy that no one has ever heard of, Labour is moving “too far to the left”. Andrew Little responds, in the kind of unguarded human moment that we seldom see from our politicians.
Dire warnings of the bleeding obvious
Written By: - Date published: 7:57 am, December 1st, 2016 - 14 comments
Warnings from the government and the Reserve Bank that first home buyers are taking on too much debt. Prices are too high, wages are too low, interest rates are rising. These warnings are effectively telling the average first home buyer to give up.
Everyone has advice for Labour!
Written By: - Date published: 8:17 am, November 30th, 2016 - 148 comments
In which pundit r0b has a wee rant about media pundits. Yeah I know…
Housing “affordability” blowout
Written By: - Date published: 11:31 am, November 29th, 2016 - 9 comments
Andrew Little was on RNZ this morning talking housing affordability. “The amount people are having to borrow for their first home has increased 43 percent in the last two years.”
Child abuse and poverty – still with us
Written By: - Date published: 11:32 am, November 28th, 2016 - 33 comments
As topics like Trump and the quakes take the limelight, the slow tragedies unfolding in NZ carry on in the background.
Why no leftie fake news?
Written By: - Date published: 10:11 am, November 28th, 2016 - 161 comments
Fake stories were widely shared by Trump fans before the election. Why is leftie / liberal fake news much rarer? A fake news writer explains.
Treasury predictions – not good
Written By: - Date published: 8:08 am, November 27th, 2016 - 66 comments
Brian Fallow in The Herald summarises the take-home messages from the latest Treasury report. National have us on track to disaster.
Audrey Young on resurgent unions
Written By: - Date published: 8:39 am, November 26th, 2016 - 13 comments
Audrey Young writes on growing union numbers, strengths, and wins for their members. Excellent!
National better late than never on pay equity
Written By: - Date published: 8:04 am, November 26th, 2016 - 5 comments
A 2015 court decision forced National’s hand on pay equity. This week the equity working group reported back. To its credit National is accepting the recommendations, and unions are hailing a big win. But the final form of any law is not yet clear.
What skills do we need in the age of fake news?
Written By: - Date published: 8:19 am, November 23rd, 2016 - 131 comments
Revelations surrounding the role of fake news in the American election have been stunning. And the critical thinking skills that democracy needs to survive this trend are under attack in our education system.
More fossil awards for NZ
Written By: - Date published: 11:35 am, November 21st, 2016 - 12 comments
With two more Fossil awards to add to its collection, New Zealand is called out yet again for its lack of action on climate change.
The eternal tax-cut mirage
Written By: - Date published: 8:15 am, November 21st, 2016 - 94 comments
Despite the unknown cost of the quakes, and the host of other urgent needs, Key is once again talking up election-bribe tax cuts.
Move the capital?
Written By: - Date published: 7:26 am, November 18th, 2016 - 116 comments
Recent events have highlighted Wellington’s geographical vulnerabilities. There is some chatter about the possibility of moving the capital.
- The Spinoff guide to life: How to be a good camper
Summer’s coming. It’s time to brush the dried grass out of your tent, and more importantly, brush up on your campsite manners. Ah, the joys of sleeping in a nylon dome. No ventilation, no insulation and no soundproofing. That little rock that wiggles its way through your long sponge masquerading ...1 week ago - A survival guide for holidaying with your horrible children
Travelling with kids can test even the most patient of parents, but go in armed with these tried-and-true tips and you might just come out of it unscathed. When you become a parent, all manner of pleasant activities you once took for granted become distant memories: weekend sleep-ins, leisurely cafe brunches, ...1 week ago
- Stage set for Treaty Principles Bill showdown
The controversial proposed legislation has been introduced to parliament just a week out from its first reading, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...1 week ago
- The longest commute, day five: The long train to Auckland
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: the longest single trip on his journey. The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by ...1 week ago
- Elemeno P just released a song for the first time in 13 years – but is it real?
On Wednesday, kiwi legends Elemeno P dropped a new song. ‘Shiver’ either marks a huge change in direction, unfettered use of AI, copyright infringement or an upload error. Gabi Lardies investigates. “Woah this build up is crazy.” I’m watching my colleague listen to a song I’ve been replaying all morning. ...1 week ago
- What’s up with the curious resurrection of a beloved Wellington bookstore?
Vic Books closed down in January 2023, but its website and Twitter handle have risen from the dead. What’s going on? On October 10 this year, the dormant Vic Books Twitter handle rose like Lazarus with the following message: “Vic Books will be returning soon – your beloved bookstore now ...1 week ago
- Last living member of the 28th Māori Battalion, Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Nairn Gillies, dies
Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Nairn Gillies has passed away at 99 years old. He was the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion, the most-decorated New Zealand battalion from World War II. Bom Gillies (Te Arawa – Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Kahungunu) was known for his humility, strength, and his deep ...2 weeks ago
- Interim Financial Statements Of The Government Of New Zealand For The Three Months Ended 30 Septembe...
The September results are reported against forecasts based on the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (BEFU 2024), published on 30 May 2024, and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...2 weeks ago - Commission Report Released On Domestic Contribution To The Second Nationally Determined Contribution
Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts today released the Commission’s report on the domestic emissions reductions that Aotearoa New Zealand could achieve as part of the country's second nationally determined contribution (NDC2). ...2 weeks ago
- Cleaners Left In Limbo After Contract Change At Auckland Transport Sites
After MMS lost its contract to provide cleaning services for Auckland Transport sites to City Cleaning, cleaners’ pay and conditions should have been transferred to the new contractor under Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. ...2 weeks ago
- Social Housing Cutbacks Confirmed As Govt Axes Another 310 Kāinga Ora Workers
This makes a total of 551 roles lost since April 2024, or one in six workers across the country. A third of the workforce is in Auckland. ...2 weeks ago
- Local cult classic horror Black Sheep confirmed for a sequel
New Zealand’s scariest flock of sheep are back, baby. Rattle your dags, sharpen your shears and somebody check on Oliver Driver, because it has just been confirmed that a sequel for the local horror comedy Black Sheep will start production next year, nearly two decades after the original film ...2 weeks ago
- Have Your Say On The Oversight Of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill
The bill seeks to enhance oversight and monitoring of the Oranga Tamariki system by making structural changes to the Independent Children’s Monitor and the Children and Young People’s Commission. ...2 weeks ago
- The ultimate holiday reads: An alphabetical guide
An A to Z of iconic books matched with iconic holiday locations. Whether you’re an ultralight traveller armed with only a Kindle, or you’re a romantic who loves to schlepp your travel-worn paperbacks (lightly battered and eventually swapped with a stranger in a train station for their charmingly worn Dostoyevsky), ...2 weeks ago
- The longest commute, day four: Cruisin’ on the Interislander
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: can he finally leave Te Waipounamu? The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. ...2 weeks ago
- Photo essay: Living and learning on a bus
The Rasmussens have lived on the road for over a decade. Documentary series Home Education joined the ‘road-schooling’ family in their house bus. Bridie Rasmussen’s seven kids learn through collaborative family based projects – about everything from geography, history and politics through designing their own ancient civilisation. Their resourceful mum ...2 weeks ago
- Has Simon Watts Forgotten Who The Minister Is?
Does he not realise that he is the Minister in charge of the people who perpetrated this travesty? The people who have been affected need to see action, instead of the Minister’s ‘disappointment’. ...2 weeks ago
- More Than 18,400 Kiwis Call On Select Committee To Front Up On MPs’ Expenses
“Why should MPs not be held to the same standards as Ministers? If you’re spending taxpayers’ money, the public need to see the receipts” said James Ross, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union. ...2 weeks ago
- My Greatest Trip: Eloping and Nessie hunting in Scotland
Alex Casey recounts a reverse honeymoon that ended with a secret wedding. It was a sighting almost as rare as Nessie herself. Steve Feltham, aka The Nessie Hunter, who has been parked up Loch-side looking for the mythical monster for the last three decades, cautiously peeked out of his iconic ...2 weeks ago
- Democrats left reeling as Trump claims decisive victory
Few could have predicted the size and scale of his success last night. This is an excerpt from The World Bulletin, our weekly global current affairs newsletter exclusively for Spinoff Members. Sign up here. A red wave It was around 8.30pm NZT when Donald Trump came out to address his ...2 weeks ago
- Introduction Of The Treaty Principles Bill
The existence and introduction of the Bill is extremely disappointing, has created angst amongst our people and further fuels the divisiveness created by Hon David Seymour and the Act Party. ...2 weeks ago
- Help Me Hera: My male flatmates keep asking me out and I hate it
My flatmate asked me out. I rejected him and he moved on, so why do I feel so annoyed? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera, I live in a large, social flat which I absolutely love. Recently one of my flatmates, Alister, asked me out, and I had to ...2 weeks ago
- The morning after the night before: Trump returns to the White House
The 45th president will become the 47th, with Republicans winning the Senate and on track to control the House too, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s edition of The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...2 weeks ago
- The longest commute, day four: Joel finally gets to ride a train
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: can he finally leave Te Waipounamu? The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. ...2 weeks ago
- The right’s weird new obsession: Singapore
The rightwing enthusiasm for authoritarian Singapore illustrates the extent to which, on one crucial point at least, New Zealand’s hands-off approach to the economy has failed, argues Max Rashbrooke. In years gone by, New Zealand’s right-wingers had predictable heroes. They looked to tax-cutting, regulation-shredding leaders like Margaret Thatcher, and their ...2 weeks ago
- Live: Donald Trump claims victory on ‘the day the American people regained control’
It’s done. Trump is going back to the White House. ...2 weeks ago
- Treaty Principles Bill Is Deliberately Divisive
...2 weeks ago
- Parihaka: Remembering A Legacy Of Peaceful Resistance
This small papakāinga, now a powerful symbol of passive resistance, was the site of Aotearoa's first recorded non-violent stand against colonial violence and land confiscation. ...2 weeks ago
- Cook Islands Leader Insists New Passports Won’t Affect Ties With New Zealand
The Cook Islands leader says new passport proposal will not impact ties with Aotearoa, but a New Zealand Foreign Affairs spokesperson says it "would have implications". ...2 weeks ago
- The Treaty Principles Bill Is Advanced Without Us And In Spite Of Us
“The Bill is an attack on our rangatiratanga and the move to bring it forward is yet another tactic to distract us from the real issues facing New Zealanders. This Bill is being advanced without us and in spite of us. ...2 weeks ago
- Unemployment Rising Shows The Need For A Plan
Wages are also reflecting the softer labour market, with 37% of all workers seeing no pay rise, and 50% of workers seeing an annual pay rise less than the 3.8% increase in household costs reported yesterday. With the minimum wage rising by less than ...2 weeks ago
- The longest commute, day three: Joel has made it to Christchurch
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: can he finally leave Te Waipounamu? The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘No idea I was in the presence of genius’: Sonya Wilson on her life in books
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Sonya Wilson, author and founder and executive director of Kiwi Christmas Books, which gifts books to families in need every Christmas. The book I wish I’d written I ...2 weeks ago
- The great Spinoff pet review of RNZ Concert’s Guy Fawkes programme
Pets of The Spinoff tuned in to RNZ Concert last night to catch its special programme for animals. Here’s what they thought. We deeply and unreservedly apologise for not having photos of all the pets. Molly (cat) Molly mostly just wanted her second dinner. She did go scratch on ...2 weeks ago
- Unemployment Rate At 4.8 Percent
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, as measured by the Household Labour Force Survey, was 4.8 percent in the September 2024 quarter, compared with 4.6 percent in the previous quarter. ...2 weeks ago
- IRD Have Lied To New Zealanders, Heads Must Roll
...2 weeks ago
- My Greatest Trip: My awkward high-school exchange to Germany
Hera Lindsay Bird on her Bildungsroman. I would never have gone to Germany if it wasn’t for the bee sting. At primary school, I belonged to an evil quartet of girls. It feels imprecise to call them friends. They were more like coworkers, in the great open-plan office of primary ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealanders in London are engaging in competitive ‘overtourism’. Can we redeem the classic OE...
Pressure to visit as many European destinations as possible is causing harm to local communities and the climate. Is there an alternative? If any feature of London showcases its scale of possibilities to a new arrival from Aotearoa, it’s the city’s six airports. Six. Each with their own trainline, Pret ...2 weeks ago
- Conflicts over conflicts: Why perception in politics matters
Tensions over tobacco regulations hit boiling point in parliament yesterday, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...2 weeks ago
- The longest commute, day three: Joel is crawling to Christchurch
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: can he finally leave Te Waipounamu? The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. ...2 weeks ago
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