A runaway victory by Labour candidate model-kyosanto shows that sometimes, the winning move is to not play.

In a raucous Northland debate, three candidates frequently jockeyed for attention, getting in quick jabs and pushing their ideological message. model-kyosanto, by contrast, remained quiet and unassuming, rarely entering the fray unless directly called upon. When speaking, he was focused and articulate, earning him the approval of a commanding plurality of viewers.

The Independent candidate, by contrast, was considered the win by roughly 12% of viewers. Her answers, while forceful, apparently failed to resonate with the audience. Her freedom-at-all costs views saw her shrugging off the potential deaths of elderly Kiwis should the country be opened all at once. An off-hand comment about releasing radiation into Parliament is unlikely to have won her any favours.

Youmaton, Alliance's candidate, embodied their party on stage. The red-flag flying, left-wing truisms once felt fresh to the electorate, winning Alliance a strong plurality in Parliament, allowing them to form government with the Pirates alone. Clearly, the shine has worn off, with only 27% of viewers selecting them as the winner. They continue to languish behind Labour, who are remaking themselves as the moderate alternative for many Kiwis who are tired of Alliance's radicalism.

But by far the biggest loser of the night was BryantMP, senior National member and former MP for Northland. Putting up a stilted, stumbling performance, Bryant allowed himself to constantly be drawn into vicious fights with both weedgaylord69 and Youmaton, exposing all his weaknesses while being unable to sufficiently prosecute his opponent's own.

This loss is evident by Northland polling following the debate. Bryant has bled 11%, with kyosanto shooting up by 7%. Suddenly, a seat that was a victory lap for National has been pushed into contention, and may deliver Labour two electorate seats on election day.

It remains to be seen if the National Party can recover from their devastating performance.

-Raoul Duke for The Northern Advocate