Many parents make the reasonable decision to terminate their pregnancy following an in utero diagnosis of Down Syndrome. But as more sophisticated tests make it easier and less risky to diagnose early, Tessa Prebble wonders whether we’ve really thought through the consequences. When I found out I was pregnant, my GP immediately handed me a … Read more
From antique moa-hair baby blankets to NASA-designed ergonomic shoes, Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes takes a look at the must-have items for your precious child. Having a baby is a wonderful time to spend all of the money you have. Once baby has arrived, they basically take care of themselves if you have all of … Read more
A major University of Otago study suggests poorer outcomes for babies born under midwife-led care. Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw looks at the truth behind the headlines. In this article we are going to talk about some of the bad stuff that happens during pregnancy and labour to babies and women. These things are infrequent in New … Read more
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be introducing you to contributors to The Spinoff Parents, our new parenting blog edited by Emily Writes and made possible by Flick Electric Co. Today music writer Simon Sweetman describes why being a stay at home father is the hardest thing he’s ever done. I met Simon almost … Read more
For Tessa Prebble, whose own daughter was born with congenital issues, the story of Aria evokes only sadness – and anger at a medical system that let a struggling family down. Tessa Prebble is a force. She writes with great courage and she’s changing the world. Here she shares her views on a heartbreaking story … Read more
Dance Dance is the second Wiggles album of 2016 and one of their laziest ever, says self-declared Wiggles-head Chris Ingham. Chris is hilarious. I hand-picked him to be our resident pop-culture-pain expert, because there’s no way in hell I want to watch the latest Peppa Pig DVD. Here Chris gives his verdict on the much-(not)-anticipated … Read more
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be introducing you to contributors to The Spinoff Parents, our new parenting blog edited by Emily Writes and made possible by Flick Electric Co. Today we welcome Nichole Brown, who will be writing about single parenting – and much more. I’m so pleased to have Nichole on board … Read more
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be introducing you to contributors to The Spinoff Parents, our new parenting blog edited by Emily Writes and made possible by Flick Electric Co. Today Kiki Van-Newton explains how her rock ‘n roll lifestyle was turned upside down by the birth of her first child. Kiki Van-Newton is … Read more
This weekend we’re launching The Spinoff Parents, our new parenting blog edited by the brilliant Emily Writes and made possible by Flick Electric Co. All this week we’ll be introducing you to some Spinoff Parents contributors – like writer, scientist and mother of two, Dr Jessica Berentson-Shaw. As soon as The Spinoff Parents came into … Read more
Today we launch The Spinoff Parents, our new parenting blog made possible by Flick Electric Co. Our first post is by editor Emily Writes, and it’s a celebration – of her son Eddie’s birthday, and the amazing things people (even four year olds) can do. A wee while ago my three year old son told … Read more
In October we launch The Spinoff Parents, edited by the incomparable Emily Writes and made possible by Flick Electric Co. Here Emily explains her vision for the section as a place for parents on the internet that won’t make you feel like a miserable failure. Parenting. It’s beautiful and incredible and joyous, glorious and so rewarding. It’s such … Read more
Were you a baby once? If so, you’re perfectly equipped to tackle the second quiz from Figure.NZ for the Spinoff, all about babies and parenting in New Zealand. [qzzr quiz=’258055′ width=’100%’ height=’auto’ redirect=’true’ offset=’0′]
Mary Macpherson reviews a massive new photography book devoted to the subject of loving, hating, joyous, miserable families. Take a deep breath before diving into this book. The bitter-sweet experience of family life is laid bare in over 300 photographs across nearly 40 portfolios. The trumpeting of quantity is part of the Photography Now series marketing … Read more
An appalling and outdated law means thousands of New Zealanders still have no access to information about their identities. Bonnie Sumner wants to know why the Government refuses to recognise the terrible legacy of forced adoptions. When my mother gave birth to me and held me in her arms, I was the first blood relative … Read more
Steve Braunias reports live from the children’s book awards held tonight at Circa Theatre in Wellington. All the winners! All the drunks! A who’s who of New Zealand children’s literature – Stacy Gregg! Patricia Grace! Jane Bloomfield! Wassisname! – gathered tonight at Circa Theatre, that old shack beside a dismal pond on Wellington’s waterfront, for … Read more
Sarah Forster interviews the awesome David Hill, a finalist at next week’s childrens book awards, when he goes head to head with veteran author Kate De Goldi, horsist writer Stacy Gregg, and Luncheon Sausage Books star Jane Bloomfield. David Hill is one of New Zealand’s best-known authors of young adult fiction. He takes on serious thermes, … Read more
Sarah Forster interviews the awesome Kate De Goldi, a finalist at next week’s childrens book awards, when she goes head to head with veteran author David Hill, horsist writer Stacy Gregg, and Luncheon Sausage Books star Jane Bloomfield. Kate De Goldi is one of New Zealand’s finest writers. She has won the overall Children’s Book of … Read more
Emily Writes is a blogger whose incredibly frank and deeply funny writing on parenting has made her a hero to many mothers. Unfortunately, it’s also made her the target of thousands of unaccountably angry men – especially after a recent review of Tarzan went viral. Alex Casey called her up to talk about it. New … Read more
Our new weekly advice column, in which practising psychotherapist Ms. X answers readers’ questions on manners, morals and mental health. Dear Ms. X, I am a divorced dad of three. The split was about five years ago now and I thought we had worked out a reasonable co-parenting arrangement. But now my ex has a … Read more
In a deeply personal essay, youth worker Iain Stevens* tells of the small joys and savage pains of his work with some of our community’s most damaged families. I wondered what it was going to take to break my heart. I’ve been a youth advocate for just on four years. Moving all around West Auckland, … Read more
The embargo for the shortlist of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children was lifted at 5am – and this story went live at 5.01am. Sarah Forster reveals the shortlisted authors and books, and makes her picks for who will win at the awards ceremony on August 8. Those who write children’s books do it, most … Read more
During the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, ‘Behind the LOLs’ will reveal the inner workings of some of our finest comedy talent. My New Zealand International Comedy Festival show this year is Children & Other Mistakes, about my personal decision to not have children. An accidental pregnancy at this point could really derail things, so it’s nice … Read more
What’s the difference between a “normal” name and a “bogan” one? A few hundred years and many thousand dollars in household income, says Madeleine Holden. The best bogan baby names of 2016 have been revealed, with “best” here meaning “most likely to provoke a satisfyingly superior smirk”. The bogan baby names list is an annual … Read more
The 31 best children’s books in New Zealand as selected by Storylines: you read it here first. The clock has struck 12.01pm, the exact minute that the embargo on the Storylines Children’s Literature Trust annual selection of the best children’s books in New Zealand can be lifted – and here’s your old pals from the … Read more
Sarah Forster re-reads a classic not just of children’s literature, but of all writing – the four Faraway books by workaholic and genius Enid Blyton. Even now, nearly 50 years after her death, no other writer can bring the world of everyday magic alive as well as Enid Blyton. I recently read Blyton’s great series The … Read more
An expert’s guide to getting your sweet darling cutie pies to go to bed. How many hours do children need to sleep? Although it depends on the age of the child, one general answer is now clear: more than you think. Sleep loss affects everyone, but the impact is far greater on children who are … Read more
Now that the dust has settled on the weekend’s Tinderbox Children’s Writers and Illustrators conference in Wellington, time to ask: who are the most powerful people in children’s literature? Tricky thing, power. Are the most powerful people in the New Zealand children’s book world those that are recognised internationally as experts? Do they need to … Read more
In which Jane, tired from raising twins and moving house, and Duncan, tired from being alive, discuss the vitally important new MediaWorks reality show The Block. Alex was Absent Without Official Leave, and much missed as the undynamic duo dutifully trawled through the mostly mystifying first week of block action, desperately seeking meaning. What happened … Read more