Zoe Madden-Smith

‘Not trans enough’: What it took for me to call myself trans

Intimidated about exploring your gender identity? New series The Gender Agenda wants to help you.

NZers are getting teeth removed because it's cheaper than fixing them

New report shows how much the dental care system is costing Aotearoa

People tell us why they ghost other people

Is it ever okay to ghost someone?

‘Dungeons and Dragons come to life’: Three NZers on why they LARP

"It basically feels like spending the weekend in the sun, which is kind of rare these days."

What to expect when you stop smoking weed

“Nobody talks about how hard it is to stop."

A day in my life with ADHD

“Having ADHD to me feels like I'm an old iPhone thats battery runs out really quickly.”

Penis problems: A sex expert answers your questions

From ‘why do men cum fast?’ to ‘is blue balls a real thing’?

A person with a brain injury answers your questions

“Just coming to terms with how different my life is now…has probably been the hardest.”

A person with borderline personality disorder answers your questions

“People say ‘They're crazy, they can't have relationships’. That hurts me.”

Science has worked out why women are freezing at work

Spoiler it’s because of the patriarchy.

'Peeing hot shards of glass': Struggle to treat chronic UTIs

“Controversy and misinformation means patients are mistreated and suffer.”

Auckland uni students say they’ll stop paying rent after 8% hike

“The rent strike is a last resort method to stand up to them.”

Period poverty: NZ company to supply period underwear in Gaza

“We have a space here to offer manaakitanga.”

Vapes are prescription-only in Australia. Should NZ do the same?

Or will that just create more problems.

Painful periods aren’t normal. This myth delayed my endometriosis diagnosis

“It’s just terrible how [the health sector] doesn’t really take women’s pain seriously.”

Instagram is limiting what political content you see

Here’s how you can turn the setting off

‘I rate the pork bun a 10’: Food reviews at Polyfest 2024

“I’m eating a pāua bomb. Magnificent, 10 out of 10.”

Bombs, back slaps and the V shape: at the Manu World Champs

“I started manuing as soon as I was conscious.”

The ins and outs of snoring etiquette

“You’re allowed to be pissed off”

A night out on Great Barrier Island

“Nightlife on Barrier is consistently inconsistent. Fantastic if you’re a morepork.”

Music is my big brother: Poetik and Kumbaya in studio

“Music became my big brother. It raised us up when we didn't have no one there for us.”

I spent 18 months surfing porn sites for research, here’s what I learnt

“I found everything from the truly horrific, through to gorgeous, sexy, and fabulous.”

Being queer in a small town doesn’t have to be shit

“If I hadn't moved to small town New Zealand, my life would be a lot smaller.”

Surviving on Great Barrier Island means living off the land

”Grandad always said, you gotta be a useless bugger if you go hungry here.”

Five people tell us their STI stories

'Chlamydia is how I found out she cheated on me’

What the coalition deal means for students

Will students be better or worse off? It depends who you ask.

NZ’s ‘discriminatory’ blood donation rules are getting in the way of saving lives

Feeling too broke to donate to a charity? Donate your blood instead.

Why I had an abortion: Young NZers share their stories

Despite abortion being decriminalised, it remains a divisive topic in New Zealand.