SECTIONS
Mike Houlahan
Mike Houlahan
Mike HoulahanPolitical Editor
mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz

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OpinionAugust 14

My concern is for the piles of the bridge, constantly pounded by the strong tides

Almost every conference you go to you come away with a souvenir of some sort: a pen, a coffee mug, a keychain. I have just been to the South Island Election Conference in Christchurch, and Minister for the South Island James Meager offered to name a new bridge just outside of Ashburton after me.
My concern is for the piles of the bridge, constantly pounded by the strong tides
My concern is for the piles of the bridge, constantly pounded by the strong tides
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NationalAugust 14

The South Island is pinging on the electoral radar screen

The National Party turned up with an extensive and expensive list of projects it intended to build in the South Island.
The South Island is pinging on the electoral radar screen
The South Island is pinging on the electoral radar screen
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NationalAugust 14

It’s the (South Island) economy, stupid: Finance reps tout for votes

The South Island has a good economic story to tell: 22% of New Zealand’s economy is generated here and 40% of international visitors make it their destination of choice.
It’s the (South Island) economy, stupid: Finance reps tout for votes
It’s the (South Island) economy, stupid: Finance reps tout for votes
QueenstownAugust 13

Queenstown gondola might be a goer, National says

If re-elected National will tackle traffic congestion in Queenstown, including possibly backing a gondola-based mass transit system, party leader Christopher Luxon says.
Queenstown gondola might be a goer, National says
Queenstown gondola might be a goer, National says
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NationalAugust 12

Opinion: Send in the clowns as ringmaster Luxon wins again

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins do not agree about a lot, but they were likely unified on one front today.
Opinion: Send in the clowns as ringmaster Luxon wins again
Opinion: Send in the clowns as ringmaster Luxon wins again
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OpinionAugust 11

Analysis: Awaiting the PM, whoever you are

On Friday the Prime Minister will be in Christchurch to speak at the South Island Election Conference. And who might the Prime Minister be? We’ll come back to you on that one.
Analysis: Awaiting the PM, whoever you are
Analysis: Awaiting the PM, whoever you are
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DunedinAugust 11

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle with Eb at OUSA debate

THERE can be few things worse than being at work and quietly going about doing your job while, unbeknownst to you, you might not actually have a job tomorrow.
Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle with Eb at OUSA debate
Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle with Eb at OUSA debate
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OpinionAugust 7

A reminder to Te Pāti Māori of the talent they have squandered

TE Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris does not get that many days in the Parliamentary sun.
A reminder to Te Pāti Māori of the talent they have squandered
A reminder to Te Pāti Māori of the talent they have squandered
SouthlandAugust 1

Election 2026 interview: ACT’s Todd Stephenson

This week's Election 2026 political interview guest is Act New Zealand Southland list MP Todd Stephenson.
Election 2026 interview: ACT’s Todd Stephenson
Election 2026 interview: ACT’s Todd Stephenson
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OpinionJuly 31

So near but so far from unanimity on firearms reform

On March 23 2019, a week after the senseless and repugnant terror attack on two Christchurch mosques, I opined in this column that the looming reform of the Arms Act promised in the wake of that atrocity needed to be careful and considered, and that all New Zealanders needed to feel protected by any new laws.
So near but so far from unanimity on firearms reform
So near but so far from unanimity on firearms reform