Mike Houlahan

National Dunedin candidate Michael Woodhouse was a prominent no-show at a major election debate yesterday, sparking conjecture as to what role he will play during this campaign.

Chaos reigned in the Newshub leaders' debate last night, as Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon fought to see who could yell over moderator Paddy Gower the loudest.

In what is likely Michael Woodhouse's last week in Parliament the Dunedin list MP made several thoughtful contributions which should have reminded National of the skills it has so carelessly discarded.