The Pacific’s burgeoning colossus: what the Papua New Guinea PM’s visit means

A rare visit by a prime minister of Papua New Guinea to New Zealand highlights a strong friendship, but one which could be closer, writes Johnny Blades for RNZ. Papua New Guinea’s James Marape has embarked on a state visit to New Zealand. It’s the first visit to New Zealand by a sitting PNG prime … Read more

In pictures: momentous, emotional days for Bougainville

A historic referendum on independence has been completed in Bougainville. Johnny Blades of RNZ was there. People in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville have voted in an historic independence referendum. The long-anticipated referendum is the ultimate provision of 2001’s Bougainville Peace Agreement, which followed a brutal, protracted civil war. As the start of … Read more

Drawing lines between us all: Julia Mage’au Gray’s Melanesian mark-making

Lana Lopsesi on tatu maker Julia Mage’au Gray, the revival of Melanesian female tattoo practice, and an exhibition paying homage to her remarkable work. I remember turning up before the chaos. It was just me and Julia Mage’au Gray. Her daughter Vasa had run out to get some gloves. Looking at my body, she asked … Read more

The Bulletin: What to watch for on Budget Day

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: What to watch for on Budget day, education minister gets brutal heckling from teachers, and Wellington mayor throws support behind trackless trams. “Don’t tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.” So goes the quote often attributed to former … Read more

The Bulletin: Govt underwhelms with welfare report response

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Negative reaction to government’s welfare report response, deep concern for Victim Support-held money, and a closer look at Panuku and Auckland CCOs. There’s significant disquiet over the small scale of the government’s response to the Welfare working group’s report. When the Welfare Expert Advisory Group report was … Read more

The couple using natural skincare to help lift Papua New Guinea out of poverty

Business is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation in which host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. This week he talks to Rebekah and Tamati Norman of local apothecary company Native Rituals. Business at its best can be … Read more

The Monday Extract: New Zealand’s disgraceful role in the ‘slow genocide’ of West Papua

A new study by human rights activist Maire Leadbeater looks at New Zealand’s reluctance to do anything to halt the crimes against humanity in our Pacific neighbor, West Papua. A few years ago I wrote about New Zealand’s betrayal of the people of East Timor during the 24 years they suffered under brutal military rule … Read more

The Spinoff reviews New Zealand #44: this guy walking the length of the country

We review the entire country and culture of New Zealand, one thing at a time. Today, Madeleine Chapman finds an old friend on the road. We all like to pretend we love long walks, but have you ever walked the length of the country to prove it? Finn Egan is three weeks into his estimated … Read more