Star Opinion

Will the real Phil Mauger please stand up

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger. Photo: George Heard / NZH

John MacDonald: Will the real Phil Mauger please stand up

I was confused about what Phil Mauger's priorities actually were before the election - and since he won the Christchurch mayoralty I'm even more confused, writes John MacDonald.

Record low voter turnout on the horizon

Record low voter turnout on the horizon

The vast majority of people are not inspired by what candidates have to offer and are not convinced voting in the local body elections really matters, Bryce Edwards writes.

'Don't take personal safety for granted'

Police want to identify this man after an attempted kidnapping in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied

John MacDonald: 'Don't take personal safety for granted'

How much of a hero was the passerby who pulled over and intervened to stop a man who was attempting to kidnap a woman in Fendalton?

Fboy Island scandal: What was TVNZ even thinking?

The casting controversy surrounding FBoy Island has led to scrutiny about the role a public broadcaster should play in society.

30km/h limit won't 'make one iota of difference'

John MacDonald: 30km/h speed limits won't 'make one iota of difference'

John MacDonald questions a plan to reduce the speed limit on most major Christchurch roads - including Riccarton, Colombo St South, Papanui and Ferry Rds - to 30km/h.

Housing intensification: One size does not fit all

Lianne Dalziel will ask for a bespoke solution for Christchurch that meets the Government's...

Lianne Dalziel: Housing intensification - 'one size does not fit all'

When it comes to housing intensification rules, the message from Christchurch is loud and clear - one size does not fit all, writes Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

Thumbs up for Chch flipping the bird at Govt

Christchurch City Council voted against changing its planning rules to comply with government...

John MacDonald: Thumbs up for Chch flipping the bird at Govt

Right from the outset, the Govt's new housing intensification policy was a dog of an idea, writes John MacDonald.

We loved the Queen - but we don't need a holiday

John MacDonald: "I think a public holiday in 2022 is ... not necessarily the mark of respect the...

We loved the Queen - but we don't need a holiday

A public holiday to mark the Queen's death "is not necessarily the mark of respect the Government may think it is", writes John MacDonald.

The Queen and Maori - a relationship based on mutual respect

Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in 1990. Photo: Northern Advocate

The Queen and Maori - a relationship based on mutual respect

Within Maoridom the Queen's passing is met with sadness and gratitude.

A long way from home

Last week’s death of an off-duty New Zealand soldier fighting against the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlights the sensitivity of international relations around this war.

Opinion: Jacinda Ardern - the part-time DJ dancing on a pin

Jacinda Ardern showed little sympathy to Sharma, instead supporting those MPs who were "very hurt...

Opinion: Jacinda Ardern - the part-time DJ dancing on a pin

We know Jacinda Ardern likes to do a bit of DJing in her spare time. But yesterday she was the one doing the dancing for a change. And it wasn't on the dance floor, writes John MacDonald.

Opinion: Taking prisoners - school election changes needed

When our kids were younger, I served a couple of terms on the board at our local primary school and it never entered my mind some of the members might be ex-prisoners, writes John MacDonald.

Govt MP blows whistle on 'rampant' parliamentary bullying

Much has been said this week about bullying and the abysmal culture of our political parties which, in my opinion, continue to betray the trust of our voters, writes Labour MP Gaurav Sharma.

Give Guildford his 1st division second chance

Opinion: Give Zac Guildford his 1st division second chance

There's a bit of you-know-what going down at the Woodend Rugby Club over whether former All Black Zac Guildford should be taken on as a coach, writes John MacDonald.

This is how you deal with a bully

Labour's handling of Trevor Mallard has been "shameful", says the writer, who suggests the party...

Opinion: Attention PM Jacinda Ardern - this is how you deal with a bully

If we gave out medals for dealing with bullies, the National Party would win gold and Labour would probably crash and burn in the semis, writes John MacDonald.

Simon Barnett: Why I love Christchurch

Simon Barnett and James Daniels. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Simon Barnett: Why I love Christchurch

It can be hard to explain just what makes a city so special - but what it really comes down to is how it makes you feel, writes Simon Barnett.

How will a new water authority deal with flooding?

Flooding on Edgeware Rd in July. Photo: George Heard

Gerry Brownlee: How would Christchurch's flooding woes be managed under a new water authority?

Would the response to flooding problems "be better or worse if Christchurch water assets and ongoing management of them were in the hands of a whole of the South Island water authority?"

Ngāi Tahu's final step to permanent representation on ECan

Politics in Canterbury is poised to evolve for the better tonight, writes Lisa Tumahai.

Santa parade needs more council support

A Givealittle page - givealittle.co.nz/org/christchurchchristmasshowparade - has been started for...

Opinion: Christchurch Santa parade now free of charge, needs more council support

The people running the Santa parade in Christchurch seem to have come to their senses - and realised a $15-a-head indoor Christmas concert was never going to fly, says John MacDonald.

Moving back home a life-changer

'No place like home': Move back to Christchurch a life-changer

OPINION: In 2008, Anna Leask moved from Christchurch to Auckland - but 12 years later she felt it was time to move back home. What called her back home and why was it one of the best decisions of her life?

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