The Spinoff

The Spinoff is a digital magazine from New Zealand that focuses on topics like politics, pop culture, and social issues. We also offer a specialized editorial team that crafts engaging and shareable content tailored for brands.

National

English

Online/Digital

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#42399

New Zealand

#143

News and Media

#18

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Press secretary case raises questions for police and officials

2 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Catherine McGregor

The disturbing allegations have sparked a review of vetting processes and questions about the adequacy of our laws, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here.
The group that wants to make Christchurch denser, more connected and more fun

2 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Shanti Mathias

Aiming to be an urbanist voice for Christchurch, Greater Ōtautahi formed last year to advocate for more public transport and affordable housing. Shanti Mathias attends a meet-up. It’s a sunny afternoon in the new Christchurch, and the third spaces are bustling. People cross Cathedral Square, passing all the scaffolding. Someone walks past with an immaculately groomed poodle, skirting around three greyhounds on leashes going in the other direction.
What was Chris Bishop thinking? An earnest attempt to figure it out

2 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Duncan Greive

It’s an objectively crazy way to behave. But I kind of get it, writes Duncan Greive. This time last week, Chris Bishop was having an awesome day. A massive NZ music fan, heading to the big awards show – a great night ahead of him. I saw him there, standing alongside his colleague Paul Goldsmith, next to the bar during the intermission. Bishop looked like he was having an excellent time, though to be fair everyone did – the awards are huge and informal and a great night out.
NZ Post under scrutiny as ministers demand better returns from SOEs

3 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Catherine McGregor

The government is quietly laying the groundwork for a future conversation about selling state assets, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Government warns SOEs to lift performanceA suite of letters sent to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has brought simmering privatisation tensions to the fore, reports the Herald’s Jamie Ensor (paywalled).
Changing our methane standards could set a ‘dangerous precedent’, scientists warn

3 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Shanti Mathias

A group of scientists from around the world is urging the New Zealand government to ignore a methane report it commissioned that ‘redefines the goal of climate action’. Shanti Mathias explains. I hear there’s an open letter. What’s that about? Twenty-six climate scientists have signed an open letter urging the government not to adopt a standard that would limit the amount of methane reduction New Zealand needs to achieve to reach its climate target.
Why is Trade Me buying into Stuff? Explaining the stakes of an era-defining media deal

3 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Duncan Greive

Two decades ago, when news organisations were global business titans able to buy fast-growing tech businesses, Stuff acquired Trade Me. This week’s transaction flips the script. Yesterday was a landmark day in the history of New Zealand’s news media, with each of our largest news publishers undergoing major shakeups in ownership, governance or both.
Jacinda Ardern steps back into the global spotlight

5 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Catherine McGregor

As the former PM’s memoir hits shelves, Penguin is hoping her enduring star power can turn A Different Kind of Power into a bestseller, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A different kind of memoirJacinda Ardern’s long-anticipated autobiography, A Different Kind of Power, is officially released today.
Review: La Boheme is intimate but inert

6 days ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Sam Brooks

NZ Opera’s production of Puccini’s masterpiece looks and sounds lovely, but would it work better in a different space? Operas come with their own assumed cultural cache. Even if the general public – if such a thing exists anymore – isn’t familiar with specific pieces, they at least know that certain operas exist, and that if they’re still being performed they must at least be a little good. The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville, and a few other Mozarts have this level of recognition.
Watch live: the 2025 NZ Scrabble Nationals

1 week ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Calum Henderson

The biggest event on the New Zealand Scrabble calendar brings players of all ages and experience levels together over three days this King’s Birthday weekend. Day one – Saturday (stream starts 9am)Click here for live results and standings. What’s all this then? Nationals is the biggest tournament on the New Zealand Scrabble calendar – this year 69 players are competing over 24 rounds across three days. This is the 45th edition of the tournament, and the first one that’s being live streamed.
Bloody crocs, vomit socks: The best moments from the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards

1 week ago | thespinoff.co.nz | Alex Casey

Alex Casey recaps the highlights of the 60th Aotearoa Music Awards. Last night the Viaduct Event Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau hosted the 60th Aotearoa Music Awards, a celebration of our best and brightest musicians and an annual opportunity to see just how many outfit changes Jesse Mulligan and Kara Rickard can pack into one awards night (I counted just four this year, but we are in tough times).