News
The government is betting on AI. Has it done the maths?
6+ hour, 3+ min ago (438+ words) The Spinoff The Bulletinabout 14 hours ago The government is betting on AI. Has it done the maths? The response to the government's pre-Budget announcement has not been warm. Finance minister Nicola Willis set out plans last week to cut 8, 700 public…...
Our politicians are really fired up on immigration. But what about voters?
8+ hour, 16+ min ago (563+ words) Polling shows voters may have a different view of immigration than recent political rhetoric would suggest. The early laps of a long 2026 election campaign have seen immigration pop up again and again. New Zealand First, seizing on the free-trade agreement…...
Maternity care in New Zealand has many problems. Wokeness isn't one of them
8+ hour, 16+ min ago (190+ words) Politicians backing a bill to define the terms "woman" and "man" in law reckon they"re doing it to support new mothers. Alice Neville isn"t so sure." When finally a ward midwife blustered into the room looking extremely stressed,…...
Love, actually: "There are times when we can't stand the sight of each other'
1+ day, 8+ hour ago (453+ words) A septuagenarian estranged from her children reflects on her "chalk and cheese" relationship. Want to be part of Love, actually? Fill out the questionnaire here. Ethnicity: Nga Tiriti Pakeha Occupation: Sort of retired. I run an Air Bn B. How we…...
The Spinoff wins at media awards
4+ day, 7+ hour ago (888+ words) It's official: you are visiting 2026's best news, current affairs or specialist publication. The Spinoff has won best news, current affairs or specialist publication at the 2026 New Zealand Media Awards. The judges said: "The Spinoff distinguishes itself as New Zealand's…...
Introducing Democrasee, the political board game tested by MPs
2+ day, 3+ hour ago (521+ words) A new board game seeks to teach young people the power of politics, without all the boring stuff. And it's already approved by parliamentarians. Would you make a good politician? Do you have what it takes to gain influence, pass…...
Mind-bending, impressionistic, genius: The Black Monk by Charlotte Grimshaw, reviewed
2+ day, 8+ hour ago (608+ words) Rachael King reviews Charlotte Grimshaw's latest novel. There's a video currently going around the internet where a guy called Baron Ryan takes on the role of both an interviewer and a writer. Interviewer Baron pesters writer Baron to confess that…...
Is the Afghan biscuit racist or just misunderstood?
2+ day, 8+ hour ago (810+ words) Afghan biscuits have attracted controversy over claims the name has racist origins. The real history is more complicated. The Afghan biscuit is one of New Zealand's greatest sweet treats. A chocolate and cornflake biscuit that is simultaneously crunchy and incredibly…...
Where to eat in downtown Auckland " an insider's guide
2+ day, 8+ hour ago (868+ words) Hospitality stalwart Geeling Ching's favourite downtown Auckland bites include wonton soup inside a mall and freshly shucked oysters in the ferry building. "I have lived in the central city for over 20 years. I've seen places come and go, the influence…...
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 22
2+ day, 15+ hour ago (577+ words) The top 10 sales lists recorded every week at Unity Books" stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. First there was Olive Kitteridge, then there was Lucy Barton, now there is Artie Dam. 2 One Last Question, Prime Minister by…...