The lamingtons were delicious: The Spinoff joins the pre-Budget lockupA few hours hours before the budget is announced to the public, journalists and other interested parties get a preview in a secure room deep inside the Beehive. This year, Jess McAllen was among them. By Jess McAllen | 18th May, 2018Contributing writer
OpinionThe #metoonz campaign is not beyond criticism, but it deserves better than thisFirst came the bizarre witch hunt cartoon, and then the indignant tutting. Jess McAllen considers the responses to the #metooNZ investigation.By Jess McAllen | 13th March, 2018Contributing writer
The problem with ‘we need to talk about suicide’For too long mental health has had awareness campaigns sprinkled out while government action remained pretty much non-existent. Will the mental health and addictions inquiry be another plaster over a gaping wound?By Jess McAllen | 2nd February, 2018Contributing writer
What the first person to lead the Mental Health Commission says about fixing the systemDr Barbara Disley tells Jess McAllen we need a call for action, not another review.By Jess McAllen | 15th September, 2017Contributing writer
Does any political party have a good mental health policy?While mental health is an easy issue to campaign on, it's hard to get right, writes Jess McAllen.By Jess McAllen | 14th September, 2017Contributing writer
Under pressure: Mental health workers give their view of the crisisMental health workers and suicide prevention strategists tell Jess McAllen that while the public system has its flaws, the unrelenting attention on a 'broken' system is dangerous too.By Jess McAllen | 13th September, 2017Contributing writer
Five suicide myths bustedMore needs to be done to help those at risk, so let's get the facts straight, says Jess McAllen.By Jess McAllen | 12th September, 2017Contributing writer
How the discussion around suicide ignores crucial voicesMomentum around mental health is gathering. But where are the voices of the people who will be impacted first-hand by any policy change? Jess McAllen investigates.By Jess McAllen | 11th September, 2017Contributing writer
The unauthorised history of Bulls, a town like no udderBulls was an unexceptional country town until a chance discovery of a secondhand book of bovine puns changed the course of history. Jess McAllen uncovers the remarka-bull story.By Jess McAllen | 13th May, 2017Contributing writer
Wellington’s Evolve clinic does a brilliant job helping disadvantaged youth – and now it’s unable to cope with demandThis week it was reported that a Wellington youth clinic that offers free doctors' appointments, mental and sexual health services, and support for homeless teens has closed its books to new patients. The loss will be felt throughout the city, writes Jess McAllen.By Jess McAllen | 4th May, 2017Contributing writer