ICYMI: A conversation with the man who started the Covid-19 outbreak rumour
10 August – 17 August
Siouxsie Wiles & Toby Morris: Why we’re adding masks to our Covid-19 toolkit
The simple rules for wearing face masks during levels two and three – and how they can effectively limit the spread of Covid-19.
How to talk to whānau about conspiracies
Māori are particularly vulnerable to conspiracy theories – especially ones that relate to the eradication of people – because that has been the reality for indigenous people. But if we’re going to protect our whānau from Covid-19, we need to engage, not block.
The day it came back: How 26 hours of Covid resurgence derailed a campaign
At lunchtime on Tuesday, Jacinda Ardern was easing into full campaign mode on the main street of Whanganui. Just a few hours later, news from Auckland turned her plans, and an election campaign, on their heads. Justin Giovannetti reports from Whanganui and Wellington.
Is Gerry Brownlee a brainwashed operative for foreign panda bears?
And is he about to launch a coup against Judith Collins? Just asking questions here.
A city betrayed: A New Zealander on the devastation in Beirut
The blast that took at least 171 lives in downtown Beirut last week was the latest in a long line of official failures that have pushed the Lebanese people to the brink of despair, writes Kirsten O’Regan.
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Siouxsie Wiles & Toby Morris: How genome sequencing could crack the case of the NZ Covid comeback
The novel coronavirus mutates as it travels between people and around the world. By sequencing the genome, we can try to work out which case is linked with another.
Merv endings: A deep dive into the world of phony political talkback calls
Newshub’s bombshell story about a Newstalk ZB caller named Merv rocked New Zealand’s political landscape. Roger Bridge, who stands accused of also being Merv, yesterday resigned from the National Party board. But he is far from the first political figure to don a fake name and ring a talkback station.
The lockdown: redux
There’s nothing that makes a pointless task suddenly compelling like the return of a virus-fuelled lockdown, writes Michelle Langstone.
The 22-hour political career of psychic Jeanette Wilson
An Auckland psychic healer yesterday announced she would be running for parliament. Less than 24 hours later, she wasn’t. So what happened? And why is she accusing Jacinda Ardern of treason? Stewart Sowman-Lund investigates.
The Spinoff’s guide to all the most binge-worthy TV on Neon
Some of the best shows on Neon will take between a day and weeks to get through. Here’s a guide to the classics you’ve been holding off on, how long they take to watch, and why you should watch them.
