Michael Woodhouse

Before Parliament adjourned it agreed new rules for next time. In discussing them MPs gave glimpses into the rules they would like to change and the Parliament they wished existed. Audio

Senior National MP Michael Woodhouse says a lack of diversity in safe blue electorates is what pushed him out. 

Woodhouse announced he would only stand in an electorate seat after being bumped down… Audio

This week is the first of the last three weeks in the 53rd Parliament, a busy time as the Government still has a lot that it wants to finish before the House rises. Audio

As MPs count down to the election Parliament’s mood changes. The Opposition’s House leader Michael Woodhouse predicts “more anger, frivolity, perhaps less discipline”. “Perhaps” seems generous. Audio

When MPs screw up the consequences can be public and brutal. But sometimes that response has solid reasons which safeguard our system of responsible government. Audio

An Imprest Supply Bill is Parliament’s way of saying to the government 'yes you can have that money, but also if you find you need to use more money on it, you don't need to come back and ask again'.

A testy exchange in the foreign affairs select committee this week served as a reminder that Parliament’s committees decide for themselves who they should be briefed by and how often. Audio

The Shadow Leader of the House, Michael Woodhouse, talks us through how questions are allocated and who gets to ask them on Question Time. Audio

MPs voted today to congratulate Charles III on his coronation. But while noting the heir, thoughts of an alternative Head of State are not far away. Is it not just inevitable but timely? National’s… Audio

Parliament's Speaker has confirmed Meka Whaitiri will move to Te Pati Maori and legally remain a member of parliament as an independent. He's refused calls from the National Party and ACT for… Audio

Parliament has a charming tendency to gift people with very odd job titles, like Shadow Leader of the House. Michael Woodhouse outlines what the job entails (and it's neither shade nor homes). Audio

Parliament this week may agree to act speedily on a cyclone response bill, rather than invoke urgency. Doing so will allow some select committee time on the issue, and even a Member's Day. Audio

Beds and operating theatres have been cut from the design of a new hospital in Dunedin, because of increasing building costs.

Te Whatu Ora says an extra $200 million is needed to deal with cost… Audio

The unintended consequences of one MP's early retirement with a bad day for the MP, who in the subsequent reshuffle, is allocated the debating chamber's 'Chair of Doom'. Audio

It may sound like something from Hammer House of Horror but The Hybrid Chamber is a plan for Parliament to go semi-virtual when MPs go down with Covid. Audio

The main event at Parliament might be a very long set-piece debate, but the bills being debated are all scene stealers. Audio

The Speaker is the guardian, champion and referee of parliamentary process, but he also coaches the foot soldiers in the arts of battle - individually or en masse. Audio

The National Party has laid out its so-called Back in Business plan to support businesses, reduce restrictions, and reopen the country.

It would let areas with 70 percent vaccination and no Covid-19… Audio

MPs ask a lot of closed questions during Question Time, but it's not a great way to get the answer you want, or any answer. Audio