The Spinoff Weekly: The latest bonkers conspiracy theory? Italian troops are taking over NZ
November 1 - 7, 2021
In a captured state
There’s nothing wrong with having a society that’s run by smart, hard-working, educated people, writes Danyl Mclauchlan. The problem arises when that class is unable to see itself.
Carl Hayman doesn’t want to forget
He played 441 games of professional rugby and is now suing World Rugby and the RFU after being diagnosed with early-onset dementia at 41. Carl Hayman tells Dylan Cleaver his story for the first time.
Auckland Council sides with the nimbys
On Thursday, Auckland Council talked about the government’s new housing rules. It was the worst council meeting of all time, since the last worst council meeting of all time, writes Hayden Donnell.
Parasocial relationships are here to stay. Should we be worried?
Parasocial relationships – those illusory, one-sided relationships we strike up with public figures – have become a talking point recently. But are they good or bad? And how do you even know if you’re in one? Madeleine Holden explores the phenomenon for IRL.
The latest bonkers Covid-adjacent conspiracy theory? The Italian military is here
A strange rumour circulating around fringe online groups managed to break into wider social media over the weekend, which got people asking: ‘Are the Italian military in New Zealand? And why?’ Dylan Reeve got to the bottom of the claims for IRL.
Chlöe Swarbrick actually believes better things are possible
A year ago on Saturday, the final results of the New Zealand general election were announced and Chlöe Swarbrick was confirmed as the MP for Auckland Central. Hayden Donnell delves into the reality-bending optimism that helped engineer her unlikely victory.
What it’s like navigating the internet when you’re blind
Neil Jarvis is obsessed with the internet. He’s also totally blind. For IRL, he discusses online shopping, why screen readers are a lifesaver, and how evil CAPTCHA systems are.
Why are there barely any new Auckland locations of interest?
The last few days have seen just a handful of new sites listed by the Ministry of Health in the city across which delta has spread, while dozens are posted for Waikato and Northland.
Low-key torture on Te Araroa trail
Michelle Campbell (Ngāti Kahungungu te Wairoa) remembers a minimally restful night on Te Araroa, the ‘walk of a lifetime’ that stretches the length of Aotearoa.
The rangatahi sharing the voice of their generation with Apec world leaders
Partner content
New Zealand’s youth are helping shape a declaration to Apec leaders as the region sets a plan spanning the next 20 years. The Spinoff spoke to three delegates ahead of the Apec youth summit.
