Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | The Spinoff

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Politics

Ātea

Culture

Lyric is an award-nominated politics reporter at The Spinoff. She covers parliament from the press gallery, pens the weekly column One MP, One Pint and is endlessly curious about what makes our decision-makers tick. Off the clock, Lyric loves a live gig, a cold brew, and being a Wellingtonian (on a good day).

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Latest

a street sign giving directions to a bottle store, catholic church and hospital, with a natural scene in the background and a sticker saying "election 2026"

On the Chatham Islands, Wellington Bays candidates encounter a vastly different electorate

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

A blonde white woman stands smiling with her arms crossed in front of Urban Soul cafe in Karaka, Auckland.

One Candidate, One Pint: National's Emma Chatterton is the party candidate prototype

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

A group of panelists speaks to an audience in a wood-paneled room. People are seated, listening attentively. A man with curly hair is in the foreground, seen from behind. Bright lights and a banner are in the background.

Eight things we learned from The Great Mt Albert Debate

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

The Golden Gerries: Awarding the highs and lows of the 54th parliament of New Zealand

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Three men in suits stand at podiums against a green backdrop with graphics and a large tag reading “Echo Chamber” hanging on the left. The central man holds papers and speaks, flanked by the other two facing him.

Echo Chamber: Last one out turns off the lights

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

A dispatch from the sweaty, feverish launch of Nicky Hager’s new book, Dirty Work

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

More

One Candidate, One Pint: Labour’s Sophie Handford on finding zen in politics

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Echo Chamber: I think I’m gonna die in this House

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

One Candidate, One Pint: Jessica Hammond on being the last Opportunity original left

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

One Candidate, One Pint: Paul Henry on never giving a shit what anyone thinks

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Can Craig Renney tame the ‘big Green elephant’ and turn Wellington Bays red?

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith