NZOwnership & classification
Founded: 2014
Ownership
The Spinoff is an independent New Zealand digital magazine founded in 2014 by Duncan Greive, who remains its publisher. It is privately owned by Greive and his family rather than by a large media group, having grown without major external investors.
Funding
It is financed mainly through commercial brand partnerships and sponsored content, plus member/reader donations and subscriptions, and has at times received project grants from public bodies such as Creative New Zealand and NZ On Air. No party or state owns it.
Affiliation & stance
The Spinoff is a small, founder-owned commercial publisher with a centre-left, culturally progressive editorial voice but no party, union or state control. Its private independent ownership makes it INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 145
79/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
196
Articles
196
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Love, actually, at 25: ‘We actually only just recently started to have sex’
The article features a personal account from a 25-year-old man detailing his romantic relationship with a woman he met through a language exchange app. They have been in a committed relationship for two years, planning for children within a decade. The couple discusses their approach to financial responsibilities, household chores, and communication styles, highlighting their efforts to maintain balance and mutual support. They acknowledge differences in perspectives on social media and personal space, while expressing appreciation for each other's qualities and the growth of their relationship since moving in together.
From wanting to be seen as white to finding his way back to te reo Māori
Nathan Grey, a Māori man from New Zealand, recounts his journey of rediscovering his cultural identity and reconnecting with the Māori language, te reo Māori. Growing up, he was discouraged from embracing his Māori heritage and instead encouraged to assimilate into European culture, leading him to identify as 'white' during his teenage years. His brother's decision to immerse himself in te reo Māori inspired Grey to embark on a similar path, enrolling in a full-immersion program at Te Wānanga Takiura. This process brought up painful emotions related to historical suppression of Māori identity, which he had previously suppressed. Grey now teaches te reo Māori and credits the experience with opening new opportunities in his life, emphasizing that reclaiming his language was not just about words but about reconnecting with his true self.
‘Don’t talk to artists’: Confessions of a concert security guard
Darryl Butler, a former concert security guard in New Zealand, recounts his 15-year career working at venues such as Vector Arena, where he guarded high-profile events including a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert and a visit by the Dalai Lama. He describes the intense environment of concert security, emphasizing the need to avoid interacting with performers and managing chaotic crowds. Butler highlights moments like witnessing the Dalai Lama's visit, which required heightened security measures due to potential threats, and shares personal experiences such as assisting with medical emergencies during events. His account provides insight into the behind-the-scenes challenges and responsibilities of concert security personnel.
Wake me up: I tested 15 coffee alternatives so you don’t have to
The article explores alternatives to coffee for starting the day, inspired by rising coffee prices in New Zealand. Coffee prices have surged due to global market factors, with a 250g bag of premium coffee costing over $19.50, while instant coffee reached $50 a jar. The author tests alternatives such as chicory-based 'coffee essence,' which offers a lower caffeine content and cost-effectiveness, and tea, noting its historical significance and cultural role. The piece also references other morning rituals, like bathing, highlighting different approaches to daily routines.
I was a door-to-door salesman for a ‘devilcorp’
Ben Fagan recounts his experience as a door-to-door salesman for a company that claimed to sell charity pins, but he remained unclear about where the proceeds went. The job, described as a 'sales' position in Wellington, involved selling pins featuring a well-known charitable cause, with the implication that purchases supported the cause. However, Fagan notes that the company's financial structure was opaque, with unclear commissions and hidden deductions. The company, an offshoot of an international firm facing allegations of worker exploitation and bullying, operated with a highly motivated team led by a trainer named Johnny, who used various personas to engage customers. Despite the apparent enthusiasm and professionalism, the lack of transparency regarding compensation and the ethical implications of fundraising practices raised concerns.
Where to eat in Sandringham, Auckland – an insider’s guide
This article provides an insider's guide to the best places to eat in Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand, based on the recommendations of local winemaker Holly Girven Russell. The piece highlights the diverse and flavorful food scene in the area, influenced by the South Asian community that has become prominent since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Girven Russell shares personal insights into her favorite dishes, such as samosa chaat from Shubh, and discusses her preferences and opinions on local cuisine. She also mentions her involvement in a winemaking project called Three Fates and offers a glimpse into the evolving culinary landscape of Sandringham.
Waka Aroha: Hēmi Kelly rāua ko Atakohu Middleton kōrero
The article features an interview between Hēmi Kelly and Atakohu Middleton discussing her new book 'Waka Aroha: He Kohinga Pakipoto,' which is her first collection of short stories written in te reo Māori. Atakohu shares her journey into writing, highlighting her transition from journalism to creative writing. She discusses the themes of the book, including personal stories, family narratives, and youth perspectives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in the Māori language. Atakohu reflects on her decision to write in Māori, driven by her desire to contribute to the revitalization of the language and support Māori writers. She mentions publishing some of her earlier stories in the 2017 Pikihuia anthology and includes praise for Tākuta Darryn Joseph, who edited her work. The interview highlights the challenges of writing in Māori, including the extensive process of writing over 60,000 words and the careful crafting of each story.
Gone By Lunchtime: 50 days out, the campaign ignites
The article discusses the recent political developments in New Zealand, focusing on the National Party's unexpected announcement to break up the Foodstuffs group, which includes Pak’n’Save, New World, and Four Square. This move by National Party leader Nicola Willis contrasts with the previous expectation of a low-key election, sparking debate over its potential impact on businesses and public opinion. The piece also references a political podcast where analysts discuss the implications of this strategy, questioning whether it will resonate with voters despite opposition from some sectors. Additionally, the article mentions the release of a report on the four-year ordeal of the Phillips children, raising concerns about accountability within child welfare agencies and law enforcement. It further touches on the ongoing debate regarding the role and future of the Waitangi Tribunal.
Echo Chamber: I think I’m gonna die in this House
This article describes the chaotic and often humorous atmosphere in New Zealand's Parliament during its penultimate sitting week. MPs, including Gerry Brownlee and his assistant speakers, faced criticism for their behavior, such as laughter during serious moments and attempts to disrupt proceedings. The article highlights specific incidents, like Labour MP Ginny Andersen being ejected for inappropriate behavior and Act Party leader David Seymour confronting the speaker. It also mentions the debate on the India Free Trade Agreement, where NZ First attempted to filibuster its own coalition, and the eventual passage of the bill by National, Labour, and Act. Additionally, it notes the departure of Minister Chris Bishop after he heckled another MP and references past tensions between Pugh and a former colleague.
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending September 18
This article from The Spinoff presents the top 10 bestselling books at Unity Books' stores in Auckland and Wellington during the week ending September 18. In Auckland, 'Green Sea: Lost in the New Zealand Bush' by John Summers leads the list, followed by 'Cold Sunset' by William Boyd, 'Cauldron: Making of the Modern Middle East' by Simon Montefiore, 'Facing Up To Our Futures: Challenges and Choices for New Zealand' by Peter Davis, 'Oceanic Architectural Routes: The Photographic Archive of Mike Austin' edited by Albert L. Refiti, and 'That Woman: A Memoir' by Sylvia Cartwright. In Wellington, 'Front Row Seat: How Science Can (and Can’t) Shape Public Decision Making' by Juliet A. Gerrard is the top seller. The article includes brief descriptions of each book, highlighting their themes and significance, particularly focusing on 'That Woman: A Memoir' which recounts Sylvia Cartwright's influential career and the impact of her 1988 Cervical Cancer Inquiry.
Tuku whenua: A day Aucklanders can come to know and share
The article reflects on the historical significance of 'tuku whenua', the giving of land by Ngāti Whātua to establish Auckland in 1840, and its ongoing relevance to contemporary Māori identity and reconciliation. It highlights the complex legacy of this event, acknowledging both the initial act of generosity and the subsequent loss of land by Ngāti Whātua. The author shares personal experiences growing up in Auckland as a member of Ngāti Whātua, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving Māori history and connection to the land. The piece calls for collective remembrance and engagement with Māori heritage, culminating in a community gathering during the Poumatua Festival. While the focus is on cultural and historical reflection, the article implicitly addresses broader themes of colonization, indigenous rights, and the need for acknowledgment of past injustices.
‘Something to be ashamed of’: Aidee Walker is not a fan of billionaires
Aidee Walker, a New Zealand actor known for roles in TV series like 'Good Bones,' discusses her views on current global issues. She expresses concern over humanitarian, climate, and refugee crises, criticizing the focus on AI development amid global suffering. Walker highlights the inequality and delusional priorities of the powerful while acknowledging the efforts of those working for justice and human rights. She values empathy as a key human quality and considers being a billionaire overrated.
Better than nothing: GDP up 0.2%
New Zealand's economy grew by 0.2% in the June quarter, slightly exceeding the Reserve Bank's forecast of zero growth. This followed a 0.9% rise in the March quarter, bringing the economy 2.6% above its level from a year earlier. Construction was the main driver of growth, with a 2.7% increase, the largest since June 2023, due to strong residential building activity. Other contributors included public administration, safety, manufacturing, and wholesale sectors. However, sectors affected by high fuel prices, such as transport, retail, and accommodation, experienced declines. Fuel import costs surged 63.8% compared to the previous quarter, significantly impacting household spending. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the resilience of the construction and export sectors during challenging economic conditions. Meanwhile, opposition Labour Party criticized the current government, stating that average GDP per person has decreased since they left office.