Hynds Group and the Arts Regional Trust Te Taumata Toi-a-iwi are very pleased to announce the recipient of the 2016 Award: Founder and editor of The Spinoff, publisher, writer and critic Duncan Greive. 

Duncan was selected by judges ART board member Dayle Mace, Charlie McDermott, Hynds Creative Entrepreneur 2013, and Mei Hill, Kaitiaki Toi at Orākei Ahikāroa, from a shortlist of successful creative, entrepreneurial people, who were nominated by their peers. Duncan’s track record and impact as an innovator and creative business leader in the publishing and online media sector was recognised by each of the judges. “At a time when the publishing environment has been significantly disrupted and the industry is seeking new, viable models, Duncan has established and built a successful online 21st century media brand, which is both a challenge and a triumph” says Charlie McDermott. 

This in turn has had a very valuable generative effect and benefit, as Dayle Mace notes “Through The Spinoff, Duncan has created a fresh and vital platform for New Zealand writers and critics, both emerging and established, to research and publish critical discussion and opinions, and be paid for it” she says. The unique content commissioned by The Spinoff and created by independent New Zealand writers and media producers provides social, cultural and economic value, says Mei Hill. “Much mainstream media we access and consume in Aotearoa New Zealand is populated by overseas content of varying quality and relevance. The Spinoff content is homegrown, bold and current, reflecting an editorial policy which supports, values and seeks out work of Aotearoa New Zealand writers and producers.” 

The Hynds Creative Entrepreneur 2016 Award brings with it a $10,000 cash award for Duncan, along with the recognition of the leadership, hard work and determination he has shown to create a new media business in a challenging environment, for the benefit of users, writers and content makers alike.

Duncan Greive 

Duncan is an Auckland-based journalist, critic and editor of The Spinoff, an online culture magazine which he founded in 2014. Through The Spinoff, he has developed an innovative media platform that presents engaging multimedia content while also sustaining and supporting New Zealand writers. Duncan has proved to be an entrepreneur and innovator in New Zealand’s online media landscape, achieving success for The Spinoff through establishing a business model of key sponsorship relationships and a customised content creation service for businesses. Duncan has sought to balance the needs of The Spinoff audiences and interests of the writers within the business model, to ensure content is locally produced, topical and relevant, and of a consistently high standard. Through his role as The Spinoff editor he has also made it a priority to support and create opportunities for both emerging and established writers.

Duncan is also an award-winning editor and features writer. Throughout his career as a writer and editor for leading New Zealand publications, Duncan has excelled at telling in-depth stories in compelling and insightful ways. He has extensive magazine, marketing and editorial experience and has written for a wide range of publications including Sunday magazine, Idealog, Sky Sport: The Magazine, Volume, Metro, North and South, The Listener, Faster Louder and The Guardian. Duncan writes on a range of topics, however he has a particular interest in music and sports writing. Before launching The Spinoff Duncan was the editor of the music and pop culture magazine Real Groove for three years from 2006 until 2009, and co-founded and wrote the sports blog Deadball. After finishing at Real Groove, Duncan then moved into a marketing role for Barkers, where he established and launched the bi-annual magazine 1972. 

Some of Duncan’s major sports and music articles for Metro magazine have included his story on NZ singer Lorde, the first major feature on the singer, and on golfer Lydia Ko during her amateur days. He also co-authored Dan Carter: My Story, the autobiography of the All Black great, in 2015.

Duncan has won numerous awards for both his sport and arts writing, including the three Canon Media Awards. In 2016 The Spinoff received 11 Canon Awards nominations and won Best Lifestyle/Entertainment Site, while staff writers Alex Casey and Hayden Donnell also picked up wins acknowledging their work for The Spinoff. 

Sponsors of the Hynds Creative Entrepreneur 2016 Award

Hynds Group of Companies is a New Zealand success story. Founded by John and Leonie Hynds in 1973, Hynds have become leaders in the supply of innovative solutions for drainage, watermain, environmental, industrial and rural applications. The Hynds Group consist of eight operating divisions employing 600 people throughout New Zealand and Australia. John Hynds was recognised in the 201 New Years Honours list, and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to Business and Philanthropy, and was the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999.