Ahiahi mārie, welcome to The Spinoff Daily. Today on The Spinoff: No prime minister, no problem at Waitangi; what migration might look like if te Tiriti o Waitangi was honoured; and what does the future hold for the Kīngitanga and te Tiriti?
“It was a deeply unwelcome Christmas present for the roughly 2,000 teenagers who had bought tickets to Laneway 2025: the festival was cancelling and refunding all their tickets after a licensing committee declined an application to have 16 and 17-year-olds at Western Springs. Charli xcx headlines a teen-coded lineup, also featuring beabadoobee, Clairo, Olivia Dean and more – but unlike the 2024 edition, which had special zones for underage attendees, the committee was unpersuaded by a new plan to have all attendees in the same area. On the face of it, the decision is mystifying. Shows downtown at Spark Arena are typically all-ages, with alcohol sold throughout the venue. The same goes for concerts at nearby Eden Park. That same venue hosts day-long cricket matches, with alcohol available throughout the venue. A recent trip to SailGP saw open bars alongside young children. What made Laneway such a problem? The Spinoff has obtained the decision of the Auckland District Licensing Committee that denied Laneway and its youngest fans the opportunity to attend the 2025 festival. It runs to 21 pages, and involves a three person committee hearing arguments from eight people from five organisations in favour, and eight people from three organisations opposing. What follows is the anatomy of a single “no” – one that illustrates both the complex set of factors which go into making such a decision, but also revealing how difficult it can be to make something original and fun happen in New Zealand.”
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Our extensive coverage of Waitangi 2025 is powered by the nearly 16,000 people who give to us on a monthly or annual basis or who have donated on a one-off basis. It would have been unimaginable before so many of you met our honesty with your generosity after our open letter in November. We still need 4,500 new members to join us this year to ensure our future so we can continue the comprehensive, rigorous and thoughtful coverage of the things that matter to our audiences. Please, if you value comprehensive coverage of Waitangi and te Tiriti issues and you're not a member yet, make this week the week you sign up.
No prime minister, no problem: Māori prepare for big day at Waitangi Live updates from Waitangi: Politicians respond to speech interruptions What does the future hold for the Kīngitanga and te Tiriti? What would migration look like if te Tiriti o Waitangi was honoured?
 Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club – Coming soon to The Spinoff Join comedians Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester on their cross-country quest to find love in a hopeless place: Aotearoa, New Zealand. Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club is a new documentary series that follows two best friends on a road trip like no other as they connect with New Zealanders from all walks of life over matters of the heart. Will they find what they are looking for at the bottom of a beer funnel on Castle Street, or find plenty more fish in the sea off Rakiura? You’ll have to join the club to find out. Episode one premieres Tuesday February 11 on The Spinoff. Made with support from NZ On Air.
Join us live in 2025We have four fantastic live events coming up in 2025. Join us in Auckland and Wellington for The Spinoff Live. Auckland at Q Theatre: Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club Party, February 13 and Gone by Lunchtime Live, April 9. Wellington at the Hannah Playhouse: The Fold Live, February 20 and The Spinoff Book Club, March 13.
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Inside the decision to ban under-18s from Laneway
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