By-election will test both Government and OppositionMaarten Holl Jonathan Coleman's departure creates an opportunity in Northcote. EDITORIAL: Just when New Zealand politics threatened to become stable and predictable, we get the thrill of a by-election. But the Northcote by-election will be a test of both the Government and Opposition. By contrast, Bridges is yet to make any impression as Opposition leader and Coleman's departure will be seen by some as a vote of no confidence in him. At times she seems to be the de facto Opposition leader.

Source: Stuff March 22, 2018 15:56 UTC