A review of Sado, a novel set in the shadow of Tropical Cyclone Pam

Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen, a writer from Vanuatu, celebrates a book woven of stories her country has lived through.  This is an edited version of a review that appeared in Vanuatu’s Life & Style Magazine. Sado, a Bislama word that translates to “shadow” in English, as a noun means reflection, humiliation and dishonor. This is a … Read more

Covid-19 live updates, April 9: Decision on ending lockdown in 11 days; drop in active cases

For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. New Zealand is currently in alert level four. The country is shut down, apart from essential services. For updated official government advice, see here. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The Spinoff Members here. 7.00pm: … Read more

The Bulletin: Govt can’t and won’t help captured Kiwi jihadist

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Govt offers no help for captured Kiwi jihadist, aid programmes under review after allegations, and calls to make dental care available to all. A New Zealand jihadist captured in the Middle East will not get any assistance from the government to get home. Mark Taylor, who went … Read more

In praise of kava

While politicians debates the pros and cons of decriminalising cannabis, another even safer soft drug is already freely available in New Zealand. Scott Hamilton explores the history and importance of kava in the Pacific Islands, and why it could be the drug of New Zealand’s future. New Zealand is debating whether to decriminalise marijuana, and … Read more