Christmas confessions of a jaded NZ bookseller

Our mystery writer returns to explain what the festive season means for the real angels among us – retailers.  The Spinoff published the original behind-the-scenes essay by this bookseller a few months ago. We still can’t tell you who she is. We can tell you she really does work in a New Zealand bookstore, and … Read more

The super Spinoff ethical Christmas gift guide 2020

Following the raging success of the 2018 and 2019 non-goat ethical Christmas gift guides, we present – done up in reusable gift wrap – the 2020 list of ethical, sustainable, socially conscious and charitable gift ideas to satisfy all kinds of family members and budgets. By some miracle, this absolute arsehat of a year is … Read more

Kirihimete gift guide 2020: supporting Māori and Pasifika businesses and creators

It’s never been more important to support local. Janaye Henry has brought her exceptional taste to the fore to help you support Māori and Pasifika-owned business this Christmas. Kirihimete is fast approaching and what better excuse to support our Māori and Pasifika creators? I was overwhelmed at the sheer volume of high quality products being … Read more

Seriously, you need to order your Christmas books right now

Santa riding a red scooter

An urgent message from our sponsors, Unity Books. ‘Twas two weeks til Christmas and all was amiss, a pandemic had struck and put book stocks at risk. Our books were all coming by cargo ship, because air freight from Aussie was given the snip. So those stockings you hang by the chimney with care, might … Read more

How the new GST charges on overseas retailers will affect your online shopping

Changes to GST for overseas retailers came into effect on December 1. What do these changes mean for consumers, local businesses, and the online shopping market in New Zealand?  This Christmas thousands of smart Kiwi consumers have done a lot of their gift shopping online. After all, it seems a waste of time to join … Read more

The freakiest stuff you can buy for just $1 this Christmas

If you want to shock and amaze your friends and family this Christmas, look no further than the deep recesses of $1 reserve Trade Me.  Folks, I’m going to let you in on a huge Christmas secret here: you can get all your presents for $1 if you know where to look. And not just … Read more