Rail closures will waste more than a million hours of commuters’ time in 2023

The Spinoff Daily, Tuesday December 13

Dec 13

Ahiahi mārie, welcome to The Spinoff Daily in partnership with the Brain Drink, Ārepa.

Today on The Spinoff, Duncan Greive talks to broadcasting minister Willie Jackson about Q+A and media reforms, Chris Schulz reports on a legendary Auckland music venue struggling to keep the doors open and Himali McInnes reviews this year’s Booker Prize winner.

But first, Emma Vitz has the data to show just how terrible public transport will be in our biggest city be next year.

“Efficient transport at scale is something we’re never been great at in New Zealand. But rather than getting better, our biggest city seems to be getting worse. Before the pandemic, Auckland’s train system had up to two million passengers per month. In 2022, this has been below one million per month, on average.

But rather than gearing up for a revival of the public transport system now that we are no longer going into lockdowns, Auckland’s trains are headed for a lockdown of their own.”

The Spinoff's independent, homegrown journalism is only possible thanks to the support of our members. Their generous donations power all our mahi including this newsletter. If you’ve enjoyed The Spinoff this year and have the means, please show your support by making a contribution today. E tōmua ana tōku mihi.

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Willie Jackson on that Q+A interview – and what his media reforms are really about

Reviewing The Spinoff’s wild political predictions for 2022

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Our favourite business stories of 2022, updated Stocktake

Business editor Chris Schulz: “This week I’ve been getting in touch with some of my favourite people I’ve met this year – from the beer boss who gave up booze to the woman taking on the supermarkets and the guy who built a massive adults-only obstacle course – to see how things have progressed since we last spoke. Hopefully you’ll find something you missed, or a few things worth bookmarking to read over the holidays.”

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An academic response to Porn Week

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The Spinoff

Episode

Orange Sky’s fleet of vans offer free laundry and shower services, as well as meaningful conversations, to thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand. Co-founder Lucas Patchett joined Business is Boring this week to discuss the impact their work has had.

Have a listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods.

🏆 Congratulations to Gone By Lunchtime, which won gold in the Best Current Affairs category at the 2022 New Zealand Podcast Awards, and The Spinoff Podcast Network which claimed bronze in Best Network or Publisher. 🏆