Mike Houlahan

Parliamentary clash over announcement

The latest design for the new Dunedin hospital inpatient building which the National-led...

Parliamentary clash over announcement

Southern MPs clashed in Parliament yesterday during an urgent debate on the Dunedin hospital cuts, the government’s announcement being either a callous betrayal or fiscal responsibility.

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Getting a good workout during the environment estimates

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Getting a good workout during the environment estimates

Due to circumstances beyond the government’s control much of this year’s Estimates Debate was crammed into this week.

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An emotional reminder that what Parliament does matters

Parliament Buildings, from left, Bowen House, the Beehive, and Parliament House. PHOTO: NZ HERALD

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An emotional reminder that what Parliament does matters

Despite the aspersions of some that the legislation which Parliament passes is not actually that important, it really, really is.

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How much do we care about right to repair?

Green party co-leader Marama Davidson. PHOTO: RNZ

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How much do we care about right to repair?

I do not know what cobweb-bedecked appliances the junkroom, shed or basement in your house contains, but in various places in the Southern Say household can be found PCs, laptops, juicers...

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The gun guy and the gun girl agree to disagree on reform

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The gun guy and the gun girl agree to disagree on reform

Assuming that there is such a stereotypical thing as a "gun guy", Green Taieri list MP Scott Willis would not be it.

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Ministers and backbenchers alike hunt game in the House

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Ministers and backbenchers alike hunt game in the House

To reverse a famous observation by Oscar Wilde, there is only one thing in life worse than not being talked about, and that is being talked about.

Obituary: heavenly pop hit for anybody

Martin Phillipps took the music of Dunedin to the world.

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Flipper-licking good but it may not be at all good for you

Sanford's salmon farm, Stewart Island. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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Flipper-licking good but it may not be at all good for you

Somewhere on a Stewart Island rock, or perhaps on a Rakiura beach, sit two very interested parties to a Bill which might — Labour’s filibustering tactics notwithstanding — finally have its...

Cromwell field surgery trailblazer remembered

A few decades ago, hit American sitcom M*A*S*H was so ubiquitous it was believed an episode depicting the antics of US army medics during the Korean War was being screened on TV somewhere in the world every minute of the day.

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Brooking battles through the watery preliminary round

Dunedin Labour MP Rachel Brooking let out all her frustrations when addressing Parliament about...

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Brooking battles through the watery preliminary round

Preliminary, according to the pocket dictionary I’ve carried everywhere since the 1980s, means something preceding or preparing for the main act.

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Pinning the tail on the Act NZ donkey

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Pinning the tail on the Act NZ donkey

Act New Zealand Southland list MP Todd Stephenson is no-one’s idea of a wild-eyed, rabble-rousing rebel, but he unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of a mini revolt against Speaker Gerry...

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‘Dark shadow’: historic day must lead to historic actions

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to abuse survivors in Parliament. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

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‘Dark shadow’: historic day must lead to historic actions

It's not often the House is close to full late on a Wednesday afternoon, and even rarer that all MPs sit through all 12 speeches of a debate. But the debate on the final report of the abuse in care inquiry was something different.

Good morning and welcome, Dunedin is ready for visitors

Chloe Swarbrick enjoying being back in Dunedin. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN

Good morning and welcome, Dunedin is ready for visitors

For many, politics is the clashes at Question Time, the media scrum of the black and white tiles, and the cut and thrust of public meetings.

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Let them eat cake as the Act roadshow hits a town near you

Act New Zealand MPs Mark Cameron (left) and Todd Stephenson (right) get a guided tour of...

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Let them eat cake as the Act roadshow hits a town near you

When it comes to winning votes, every little bit helps.

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Don’t you forget about me

Chris Hipkins rallies the faithful at the Hutton Theatre last Monday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

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Don’t you forget about me, because there is an alternative

Music fans of a certain vintage will remember Scottish rockers Simple Minds and their hit Don’t You (Forget About Me), which made it to number 3 in the New Zealand charts back in 1985.

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Hospital up to govt — Hipkins

Labour leader Chris Hipkins takes questions from the floor during a meeting in Dunedin yesterday....

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Hospital up to govt — Hipkins

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended his party’s record on the new Dunedin hospital project and challenged National to deliver on its pre-election promises.

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All hail the dinner bell, the parliamentary lord of the rings

Francisco Hernandez. Photo: Peter McIntosh/ODT files

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All hail the dinner bell, the parliamentary lord of the rings

New Dunedin Green list MP Francisco Hernandez this week experienced a rite of passage moment for a newbie from his party: being an almost lone voice in opposition.

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