Ahiahi mārie, welcome to The Spinoff Daily.
Today on The Spinoff: Does The Bear suck now?, the definitive word on whether you can recycle lids and why House of the Dragon defies franchise fatigue
But first: Preyanka Gothanayagi investigates how Wellington became a cornucopia of Malaysian food
“My dad once told me that there are more Malaysian restaurants in Wellington per square kilometres than there are back in Malaysia. He was completely wrong, of course, but for a minute there I was definitely convinced. Wellington has so. Many. Malaysian restaurants, it’s almost unbelievable…
But why are there so many of these restaurants? What is it about Wellington that inspires such a high concentration of the best cuisine in the world?”
Made with the support of Asia New Zealand Foundation and part of The Spinoff’s 2024 editorial project, What’s Eating Aotearoa
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More on The Spinoff today
Claire Mabey (an enthusiast) and Madeleine Chapman (a hater) argue about whether The Bear sucks now.
Shanti Mathias asks why recycling is still so confusing when we have standardised rules.
Anna Rawhiti-Connell argues that House of the Dragon does something Game of Thrones failed to do: allow for interesting, three-dimensional women.
Join The Spinoff editor Madeleine Chapman every Saturday on our new podcast, Behind the Story, as she sits down with a staff writer or contributor to gain more insight about a big story on The Spinoff from the week. Follow or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
A Labour councillor says selling the airport will end the Wellington mayor’s career. But it may not be that simple, writes Joel MacManus.
What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
Henessey Griffiths with a guide to Wellington’s underground music scene
ICYMI
The Sunday Essay: Claire Mabey’s early brush with evangelical Christianity sparked a life’s fascination with the power of stories – and the fuel to write her own.
Liam Rātana assesses the Matariki public holiday, three years on
Angela Bloomfield looks back on a television history filled with reality TV romance, soap lightning strikes and a disturbing mermaid experience.