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 Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 98
88/100
Factual
82/100
Objective
192
Articles
192
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Grey power politics
The top tidbits and takeaways from New Zealand’s first Michelin ceremony
'Crying out to be heard': How the manosphere is hurting Kiwi boys
Tim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, ranked
Our health system is falling apart
Political curse: Winston Peters keeps voting for legislation he hates
Eleven moments that defined the Black Caps’ series win over England
One of NZ’s worst miscarriages of justice goes to trial
(Re)introducing Act’s new deputy leader, Nicole McKee
Recent coverage
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending July 3
This article from The Spinoff presents the top-selling books at Unity Books' stores in Auckland and Wellington for the week ending July 3. In Auckland, 'The Valley: Crime and Punishment in a New Zealand City' by Asher Emanuel leads the list, followed by 'London Falling' by Patrick Radden Keefe and 'The Ballad of Falling Dragons (Moonfall #2)' by Sarah A. Parker. In Wellington, 'Things We Never Say' by Elizabeth Strout tops the list, with 'Moonwalk' by Michael Jackson and 'Insuring the Future: Reimagining Home Insurance in Aotearoa' by Jonathan Boston among the other notable titles. The article includes brief descriptions of each book, highlighting their themes and some cultural or literary significance.
Echo Chamber: Death by a thousand amendments
The article discusses the high volume of legislation being processed in New Zealand Parliament, highlighting concerns over excessive amendments to bills and the impact on parliamentary efficiency. Speaker Gerry Brownlee warns MPs against proposing too many amendments, noting that some Greens MPs, like Lawrence Xu-Nan, frequently submit numerous amendments to individual bills. While the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Bill passed despite opposition, other legislative actions such as the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill faced criticism for potentially weakening workplace safety regulations. The piece also mentions the retirement of long-serving speaker’s assistant Roland Todd and references ongoing debates around government policies, including performance targets for social development staff.
Luigi and the Ferret ride again: the long, dazzling double-act of Michael Laws and Winston Peters
Michael Laws, a former National Party MP and mayor of Wanganui, has announced his intention to run for parliament again under New Zealand First, reuniting with Winston Peters, his longtime political partner from the 1980s. Laws previously served in various roles including as a researcher for the National Party and later as a mayor and local councillor. His return to politics comes amid a wave of New Zealand First recruitment, though he will likely enter parliament through the party list rather than contesting a specific electorate due to existing National Party dominance in Waitaki. Laws' political career has included writing books and hosting a radio show, and he aims to maintain these pursuits alongside his political comeback.
From ball-checking to bad grammar: The oddest ad complaints from the last year
The article highlights 10 unusual TV ad complaints received by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in New Zealand over the past year, all of which were ultimately dismissed. These complaints range from seemingly trivial issues like cartoon cats being stereotyped by a power company, a 'scary' ad interrupting a favorite show, and a confusing Audi car ad where a surfboard mysteriously enters a car. Other complaints include a Dettol hand sanitizer ad featuring a child picking its nose, which sparked outrage despite the ASA ruling it acceptable, and a Sanitarium Up and Go ad criticized for depicting theft. While some complaints were upheld, many were deemed not to breach advertising standards. The piece underscores the often humorous or quirky nature of these complaints, reflecting public engagement with advertising content.
‘Really mind-blowing’: The New Zealand coming-of-age film winning big overseas
The New Zealand coming-of-age film 'Big Girls Don't Cry,' directed by Paloma Schneideman, has gained significant international recognition after winning the Grand Prix at a major film festival. The film follows 14-year-old Sid as she navigates themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery in mid-2000s New Zealand. It premiered at Sundance to positive reviews and was praised by festival jury president Kristen Stewart for its emotional depth and connection to personal memories. Schneideman created the film as a tribute to her teenage self, highlighting universal adolescent experiences through a distinctly Kiwi lens.
El Niño is here! What’s El Niño, again?
El Niño has been officially declared in New Zealand by Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), marking a significant climatic shift. The phenomenon involves weakened trade winds leading to warmer waters in the eastern Pacific and cooler waters in the western Pacific, resulting in drier conditions in eastern New Zealand and increased rainfall in the west. ESNZ forecasts a 'strong' or even 'super' El Niño, with sea surface temperatures expected to rise significantly. This could lead to heightened risks of drought and wildfires, especially impacting regions like Christchurch, which recently had its driest May on record. Scientists warn that New Zealand may have underestimated its vulnerability to extreme droughts, citing historical events like the 1914-15 drought. However, experts note that not all El Niño events result in droughts, nor do all droughts occur during El Niño. While some European heatwaves have been linked to El Niño, scientific analyses suggest they are primarily driven by climate change rather than El Niño alone.
Local board votes for widespread intensification in Auckland's central suburbs
Residents of Auckland's central suburbs, such as Mount Eden, Kingsland, and Epsom, have strongly opposed a proposed plan to allow high-density housing developments, including 15-storey apartment blocks, in areas known for their historic character. The plan aims to address the government's requirement for building 1.4 million new homes, especially near public transport and the city center. Two options were put forward for public consultation: Option A, meeting the minimum requirements, and Option B, involving broader intensification. Most submitters opposed both options, citing concerns about the removal of special character status for nearly 5,000 homes, increased flood risks due to aging infrastructure, and potential environmental damage. Residents highlighted issues such as outdated wastewater systems and the dangers posed by flooding, referencing past experiences during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods. Some community members argued that preserving these historic areas is crucial to maintaining Auckland's unique identity.
The most memorable moments of the 2026 Fifa World Cup so far
The article reflects on memorable moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, focusing on unusual incidents rather than competitive outcomes. It highlights Yaya Sithole's 'redemption arc' after being initially sent off, Ben Old's bizarre injury involving his shorts and kit, and Miguel Almirón's controversial red card for covering his mouth. The piece also mentions Eli Just's impressive performance for New Zealand and references Sir Rod Stewart's attendance, which drew criticism. The tone is lighthearted and subjective, emphasizing entertainment value over serious sports analysis.
Police denied making a complaint about Ray Chung. So, what’s this text?
The Spinoff investigated claims that New Zealand police had raised concerns with Wellington's mayor about councillor Ray Chung's behavior during a severe storm in April. Initially, police denied having made any complaints, but documents obtained through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act showed that police had indeed discussed Chung's actions with the mayor. Chung had been involved in controversy prior to this incident, including spreading unverified rumors about a former mayor. Despite initial denials, internal communications suggested police were prepared to disclose this information before retracting their stance. The mayor later announced plans to formally address Chung's conduct during the emergency.
The supposedly progressive campaign to restrict housing in posh suburbs
The Waitematā Local Board in Auckland, supported by former Prime Minister Helen Clark, is advocating for a housing policy that limits high-density development in affluent, character-rich suburbs near the city center. They argue that reducing the 'walkable catchment' zone from 1.2 km to 800 m would prevent construction in areas like St Mary’s Bay and Parnell, where property prices are extremely high. Instead, they propose shifting development to less affluent areas such as south, west, and north Auckland. This approach aims to preserve the architectural and cultural character of wealthy neighborhoods, though critics argue that many properties in these zones have already undergone significant modernization, undermining the rationale for preservation. The proposal has sparked debate over whether it prioritizes maintaining exclusivity in certain areas over addressing broader affordability issues.
One MP, One Pint: Damien O’Connor on how shovelling shit prepared him for parliament
Labour MP Damien O'Connor reflects on his 33-year parliamentary career, sharing insights from his early experiences in politics and personal life. He discusses his unconventional background, including growing up on a farm, working in agriculture, and running an adventure tourism business before entering politics. O'Connor recalls his early challenges, such as supporting former Labour leader Mike Moore during Helen Clark's leadership coup, which led to a career setback. He highlights his work with former MPs John Tamihere and Dover Samuels, who helped him understand Māori culture and politics. Despite his long tenure, O'Connor remains engaged and passionate about his role, expressing a desire to eventually detach from political pressures.
Ministry staff supporting school lunch programme spend $130,000 on travel in a year
An article by Radio New Zealand reports that staff working on the Ministry of Education's Healthy School Lunches programme spent approximately $130,000 on travel in a single year. The programme, restructured under Associate Education Minister David Seymour with the aim of reducing costs, has faced criticism from the Audit Office over poor procurement practices and lack of oversight. An Official Information Act response to a request from the Taxpayers' Union reveals that 37 full-time equivalent staff work on the programme, many in senior roles with high salaries. One general manager spent over $17,600 on travel between Wellington and Rotorua, while another staff member incurred over $10,000 on trips to the Chatham Islands. The ministry admits it lacks proper analysis or guidance on appropriate staffing levels for a program largely managed through external providers. The Taxpayers' Union criticizes the ministry for maintaining bureaucratic structures despite outsourcing meal delivery, while Seymour defends the need for extensive staffing due to the scale of operations.
Help Me Hera: Should I befriend the office slacker?
A new employee at a corporate job seeks advice on whether to develop a friendship with a coworker who is perceived as unproductive. The individual is concerned that associating with the 'slacker' might negatively impact their professional reputation, particularly since they are still establishing themselves in the company. The letter highlights the tension between personal relationships and professional image in a corporate environment. The response acknowledges the potential risks but emphasizes that personal friendships should not be conflated with professional performance. It suggests that being favorably compared to the coworker indicates recognition of the employee's capabilities, and that maintaining personal boundaries is important.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided