The Spinoff Weekly: How conspiracy theories infiltrated NZ's new age community
November 16 – November 23
Sorry Quinny, I’m with JK when it comes to what masculinity means
Rugby commentator Keith Quinn’s call for rugby players to ‘harden up’ shows how much New Zealand’s macho culture has changed since the days he ruled the airwaves, writes Trevor McKewen, author of the book Real Men Wear Black.
Mystic paranoia: How conspiracy theories infiltrated the NZ new age community
Beliefs we tend to associate with the fringes of US society have torn a swathe through Aotearoa’s traditionally easy-going, if occasionally oddball, community of hippies, yoga teachers, and spiritual festival-goers. From the outside, Joe Nunweek finds out if it will ever be the same.
The last days of Trump-land: Conversations with Kiwis in America
With violence erupting in Washington DC and Covid-19 sweeping the nation, you could be forgiven for thinking the United States is descending into utter chaos. Justin Latif got in touch with a few mates to see if this really is the case.
Nine tweets Jacinda Ardern probably regrets, even just a little bit
There comes a time in every successful politician’s career when their Twitter accounts are ruthlessly trawled through by a combination of political activists, bemused bystanders and, yes, bored journalists.
The rabbit house of Mt Eden: Auckland neighbours at war over bunny herds
A suburban Auckland property home to hundreds of rabbits is causing a stir with neighbours, who have called in the Auckland Council to take control of the situation.
In defence of backpackers
Stuart Nash wants to refocus the tourism industry on high-net-worth individuals. But younger, poorer travellers have much to offer too, writes Alex Braae.
A guide to defending garbage people on Facebook
Another week, another scandal hits a lowly ex-reality TV idiot. But what of those who rush in to defend Pete Evans, and people like him? Emily Writes outlines the tried and true formula.
How could you not have a story?
At the National Library on Wednesday, Lyttelton poet Ben Brown delivered the 2020 Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Pānui. He spoke powerfully about Aotearoa’s incarceration of young people, and the extraordinary book he edited last summer as part of a writing workshop at Rolleston’s Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence, Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo.
Tree climbing – the greatest sport you’ve never heard of
In a leafy park in Queenstown, George Driver discovers why New Zealand produces the best tree climbers in the world.
Mince and cheese to pepper shroom: The evolution of the petrol station pie
Partner content
In a time of changing tastes, diets, supply chains and ways of working, Goodtime Pies has had to constantly adapt. Alex Braae examines the evolution of the humble pie.
