A playlist for the long car ride to Elton John

The Spinoff Daily, Friday January 27

Jan 27

Ahiahi mārie, welcome to The Spinoff Daily.

Today on The Spinoff, Duncan Greive is in the room for Chris Hipkins’ first public appearance as PM, Shanti Mathias explores the magic of mangroves and Anna Rawhiti-Connell asks an expert the big question raised by Prince Harry’s memoir: just how common is penis frostbite?

But first, ten tunes from the Elton John back catalogue to play while you sit in traffic.

“Fans heading to Elton John’s concerts at Mt Smart Stadium this weekend have been advised to drive or walk there by Auckland Transport (AT). Eyebrows were raised higher than the silver wig John wore to his 50th birthday party in 1997, prompting a lot of yellow bricks to be thrown back at the transport agency. Transport minister Michael Wood has described the advice as ‘pretty weird’.

Luckily there’s more than enough music to keep you distracted while you’re stuck in traffic watching the distant sun go down on your chances to nab a drink and some merch before you find your seats. We’ve trawled through the back catalogue to find 10 of the most fitting Elton John songs to get you through.”

Chris Hipkins chose Labour’s worst enemies for his first public appearance as PM

Mayor ‘deeply concerned’ at prospect of Simeon Brown as transport minister

How common is penis frostbite actually?

Is Wellington at risk of a slow, painful death?

The Spinoff

Episode

WellingtonNZ CEO John Allen has the challenge of breathing new life into the city’s economy, businesses, and image. He joined When the Facts Change to talk housing and hotel shortages, sewerage on the streets, a movie industry on the brink of collapse and all the other challenges facing the capital.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast provider.

In the northern part of Aotearoa, mangroves occupy mudflats and river mouths. They’re not always loved – but given our rising sea level, maybe they should be, writes Shanti Mathias.