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Simmonds out and about and talking trash in recess week
As regular readers of Southern Say will know, this is a column which likes a cheap pun as much as the next hack.
Mike Houlahan
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To infinity and beyond with a possum and sweet chilli sauce
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To infinity and beyond with a possum and sweet chilli sauce
One of the things MPs like most about the Budget debate is that it enables them to speak about almost anything so long as it can (sometimes very loosely) be linked back to the Budget.
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In it for the long haul
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In it for the long haul
If you like Parliament you well and truly had a treat last week, as the House sat until midnight Saturday under urgency to consider the wide range of legislation the government wanted to progress.
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Simmonds taking charge as Te Pukenga gets whacked
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Simmonds taking charge as Te Pukenga gets whacked
Vendetta is the Italian word for "revenge", and it was used quite a lot by Labour in the House on Tuesday.
Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives
Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives
You will not see the name Donald Trump anywhere in the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update, but the United States president looms large over the financial predictions contained within.
Budget 2025: Firms given get-fit regime
Firms given get-fit regime
In her "Growth Budget", Nicola Willis has sent the country’s businesses to the gym for a workout.
No respite for the politically driven
No respite for the politically driven
The evergreen Winston Peters keeps rolling on and on, and he tells ODT's political editor Mike Houlahan that he has no intention of quitting now.
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Tikanga or not tikanga, that's the regulatory review question
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Tikanga or not tikanga, that's the regulatory review question
The regulations review committee is one of those select committees which does not get the recognition it deserves.
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Tamping down expectations
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Tamping down expectations
New Zealand is not in clover, but there is reason to be optimistic as Finance Minister Nicola Willis prepares her second Budget, writes political editor Mike Houlahan.
An eye on achieving ‘good outcomes’
An eye on achieving ‘good outcomes’
A new MP with a new ministerial portfolio, James Meager is a man breaking new ground, political editor Mike Houlahan reports.
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Govt says do be hasty
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Govt says do be hasty
You may have had a bad week but it’s probably nothing compared with the week Dunedin Labour MP Rachel Brooking has had.
Parker leaves House knowing he ‘tried to move the dial’
Parker leaves House knowing he ‘tried to move the dial’
A self-described proud Otago conviction politician, David Parker bade farewell to the House of Representatives last night in a valedictory speech in which he wore his heart on his sleeve.
Stark contrast between conferences
Stark contrast between conferences
Political parties always try to put their best face forward for conferences, but it can be difficult to paper over discord and dissension.
Closing a fulfilling career
Closing a fulfilling career
After 23 years in Parliament, former Otago MP and one-time Dunedin lawyer David Parker is about to retire from politics. He talks to Mike Houlahan about the highs...
Willis defends govt’s build record
Willis defends govt’s build record
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has made a spirited defence of the government’s record to date on the new Dunedin hospital.
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The end is nigh/everything is great (delete as appropriate)
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The end is nigh/everything is great (delete as appropriate)
Finance Minister Nicola Willis experienced a white-knuckle ride yesterday, flying out of windy Wellington for the calmer climes of Dunedin.
PM brushes off hospital concerns
PM brushes off hospital concerns
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday defended progress on the new Dunedin hospital project, despite rising clinician concern about possible cuts to planned beds in the facility.
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Southern say: My lucky number is 52
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My lucky number is 52
Every few weeks bingo counters get tipped into an old biscuit tin and one of the most beloved institutions of the New Zealand Parliament, the member’s Bill ballot, is held.
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The ins and outs of building a desirable residence
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Debating the ins and outs of building a desirable residence
A Queenstown residence with lakefront views sounds amazing, but it’s not a happy lot for everyone.
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It turns out woolly thinking is something to be applauded
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It turns out woolly thinking is something to be applauded
Proof positive this week that individual voices can turn around the ocean liner that is Parliament.