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

Latest

DunedinAugust 28

Election 2026 interview: Minister for South Island James Meager

This week's Election 2026 political interview guest is National MP and Minister for the South Island James Meager.
Election 2026 interview: Minister for South Island James Meager
Election 2026 interview: Minister for South Island James Meager
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OpinionAugust 28

We may, or we may not, have a cunning plan

As I type this, Rachel Brooking is standing up in Parliament talking about planning law.
We may, or we may not, have a cunning plan
We may, or we may not, have a cunning plan
DunedinAugust 21

Election 2026 interview: Taieri MP Ingrid Leary

This week's Election 2026 political interview guest is Taieri Labour MP Ingrid Leary.
Election 2026 interview: Taieri MP Ingrid Leary
Election 2026 interview: Taieri MP Ingrid Leary
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DunedinAugust 21

We can work together, to a degree: Hipkins

Labour leader Chris Hipkins yesterday ruled in working with National on some things, such as long-term infrastructure projects.
We can work together, to a degree: Hipkins
We can work together, to a degree: Hipkins
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OpinionAugust 21

Learning lessons over breakfast with Chippie

The election campaign trail is a marathon, not a sprint, and it often begins by taking small steps first.
Learning lessons over breakfast with Chippie
Learning lessons over breakfast with Chippie
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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