The controversy over the fate of RNZ Concert, and the proposed youth music network to replace it, have sucked up a lot of attention this week. But the idea the government might foot the bill for a new youth brand haven’t gone down well with iwi stations suffering from years of underfunding, writes Alice Webb-Lidall. … Read more
The PM has confirmed an inquiry will be held into the circumstances leading up to the Christchurch terrorist attacks. Alex Braae asks they will have to look into. In the wake of the terrorist attack in Christchurch, questions are being raised about how closely security services were watching white supremacists. The accused was not on any … Read more
Five mosques in Auckland will throw open their doors this Friday, in a bid to demystify the Muslim community in the eyes of their fellow New Zealanders. Alex Braae reports. “Join us, we’re no different. We’re all the same. We’re trying to better our lives. We’re trying to raise our families. Come and talk to … Read more
If the big sites ignore your complaints, come straight to us, say Netsafe. Alex Casey reports Netsafe have seen a spike in complaints lodged about offensive content following the white supremacist terrorist attack in Christchurch on Friday, with the majority of reports being made about content on social media sites. “We’ve received hundreds of reports … Read more
The warning signs for yesterday’s atrocity were everywhere, if only we’d looked – or listened to New Zealand’s Muslim community, writes former race relations commissioner Susan Devoy. A few weeks ago a good friend rang me to say her family and friends had once again been threatened by racist, anonymous strangers. The fear in her … Read more
This Friday marks one week since 50 Muslim New Zealanders were killed at worship. Here are some things you can do to remember the lives lost and support a devastated community. Observe a two-minute silence Prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced yesterday that a two-minute silence will be observed on Friday to remember the lives lost in … Read more
Dozens are dead following racially motivated mosque shootings in Christchurch. The attack was streamed on global social media channels by the offender, who is now in Police custody. Jacinda Ardern said NZ was targeted because ‘we represent diversity’ This article was updated through the course of March 15; the original version, published at 3.25pm, is archived … Read more
‘This can only be described as a terrorist attack,’ Jacinda Ardern has said from the New Zealand parliament, following a crisis meeting of NZ security chiefs in response to the mass murder at mosques in Christchurch. Below, an edited transcript of her remarks, and responses to journalists’ questions. I have now had the opportunity to … Read more
A shooting at a mosque in the NZ city, which is reported to have left several people dead, was livestreamed online. Note: this is the original report published at 3.25pm on March 15 2019. It was updated through the day to incorporate developments and responses, including from Facebook. The final updated post from the end … Read more
Jacinda Ardern sprung a surprise this morning in announcing an end to offshore oil exploration. So what’s the catch? What’s this all about then? A few weeks after PM Jacinda Ardern stepped onto the parliament forecourt to accept a petition from Greenpeace, speculation has been swirling that a ban on offshore oil exploration was imminent. … Read more
Prime minister promises inquiry after so-called #clockup sees New Zealand time today unexpectedly remain exactly 24 hours after it was yesterday Daylight saving was first introduced in New Zealand in 1927, and while the innovation has faced its detractors over the years, its implementation has gone without a hitch. That all changed in the early … Read more
Exclusive: a book by Steve Braunias, a memoir by the woman who was left for dead by Tony Dixon, and a former TV reporter’s investigation into the wrongful conviction of Teina Pora all feature in the shortlist for this year’s crime writing awards. Ye olde Spinoff Review of Books can exclusively reveal the finalists of … Read more
A survey commissioned for the Spinoff’s War for Auckland pop-up site puts the Labour MP well in front of his nearest rival, Vic Crone, just weeks out from voting. But many remain undecided. Phil Goff has established a commanding lead in the Auckland mayoral race with less than four weeks until voting begins. The former … Read more
There are calls for New Zealand’s age of consent to be lowered. Madeleine Holden argues impulsive law-making is a bad idea. Debate about the age of consent in New Zealand has been reignited after five young men were recently discharged without conviction for having sex with underage girls. The accused in the Opotiki case were five 17-18 year olds who … Read more
CERA, the acronym that has presided over Christchurch since the 2011 earthquakes, will close its doors on April 18th, 2016. James Dann Power Ranks each and every one of the “anchor projects” that have been completed in the quake city under CERA’s reign – a task slightly less Herculean than it should have been. CERA … Read more
Good Lord, look at the time – it’s Booktober!!! October spawns two literary extravaganza monsters. The winner of the 2015 Man Booker Award is announced on October 14, and the shortlist of the US National Book Awards is revealed on October 16. The Spinoff Review of Books will present rolling coverage of the world’s two … Read more
One of the most talked-about new shows of 2015, Mr Robot has arrived exclusively in New Zealand on Lightbox today. Critics have called the paranoid cyber-thriller series “a modern classic” (Forbes) and “a welcome spark of inspiration” (Variety), the topical themes of which “understand the internet to the last chilling detail” (Salon). The series follows Elliot … Read more
The Block NZ: Villa Wars is jackhammering its way onto our screens soon, putting teams head to head as they restore villas to their former glory in Sandringham. The Block will see a fair few changes this season, with a new challenge host (ex-judge Shelley Ferguson), judges Bernadette Morrison and Jason Bonham, and – most exciting … Read more
Bringing together the TV moments of the week, including the launch of an essential reality channel, Masterchef’s big mistake and Ferndale’s mid-week marriage. The Launch of a Sky’s Big Fat Reality Channel TLC launched this Tuesday on Sky channel 16, bringing with it a slew of truly unbelievable “lifestyle” programming. We’re talking big leagues now. … Read more
We’ve heard and seen a lot of crazy things during the radio survey period – break ups, benders and bird-themed hip hop tracks. But the pinnacle of the madness is here: Jono and Ben are sailing across Lake Taupo today, in a giant inflatable bouncy castle. We have sent our roaming reporter Don Rowe down … Read more
With most of America still at the beach or sheltering from the heat inside frigid movie theatres, must-see TV is thin on the ground. As the networks prepare to launch their autumn schedules, US correspondent Catherine McGregor takes a look at some of the new shows on now. Public Morals The world needs yet another … Read more
11 months ago today, The Spinoff went live. The very same day, I flew out on a long-planned, month-long, un-delay-able trip overseas. So Alex Casey, who I barely knew at the time, kept the site alive during that first month. And has been its driving force since. I’ve been busy writing a book, commissioning, editing, … Read more
Last night, whilst Simon Barnett was weeping his way through a winning pasodoble, another notable New Zealander debuted a winning performance piece of their own. It was Max Key, who finally launched his holiday video after much Instagram anticipation/boob-leering promo shots. I’ll be honest, I was a little disappointed. In this post-Blair Witch GoPro era, it … Read more
Duncan Greive and Alex Casey run through the Emmy nominations for 2015, picking their favourites to take home the dangerously spiky golden awards. Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Better Call Saul • AMC • Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill Bloodline • Netflix • Kyle Chandler as John Rayburn House Of Cards • Netflix • … Read more
In three minutes you could make yourself a bowl of two minute noodles (prep time + meditation included), look through someone’s ‘Bali 2009’ album on Facebook, or watch some incredible short kiwi documentaries on TVNZ Ondemand. Part of the Loading Docs initiative, filmmakers are given the opportunity to produce three-minute documentaries across a wide range … Read more
This morning on Paul Henry, Hilary Barry’s regular spot was filled with another beloved member of TV news royalty. Judy Bailey showed up to keep her seat warm whilst Hilz holidays for the week. The mighty microphone baton has been passed back from one Mother of the Nation to another, as have their eerily identical … Read more
Jono and Ben have combined two of The Spinoff’s favourite things this week: massive pranks and our good friends at Dancing With the Stars NZ. They were nice enough to lend us this teaser trailer of what mayhem is coming tonight at 7.30pm. All the classics are in there: Hayley Holt, Candy Lane, Sharyn Casey, Simon Barnett … Read more
This morning the NBR reported that Paul Henry had gone on an angry rant at the wrong person. Criticising John Drinnan as the “man of evil words” for reporting that Paul Henry has been out-rated by Sesame Street, Paul recounted his discovering the article in a Robert Harris in Tokoroa: “Luckily though, Maria Tutaia was on the … Read more
Rawdon Christie had a bizarre response to a viral video on Breakfast last Friday. Luckily Duncan Greive was there to shoddily capture the whole thing on his cameraphone. A man stands alone on a crowded thoroughfare. Alone, as we all are in this world. Alone, but for the dozens of people passing every minute. And … Read more