As we say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in 2020, it's a good time to catch up on the very best of the Herald columnists we enjoyed reading over the last 12 months. From politics to sport, from business to entertainment and lifestyle, these are the voices and views our audience loved the most. Today it's the top five from NewstalkZB political editor Barry Soper.
PM in state of shock at Capital Gains Tax reaction
Back in February, a Capital Gains Tax was still on the cards - and Soper reported on PM Jacinda Ardern's "state of shock" at the reaction to the Taxation Working Group's report, led by Sir Michael Cullen. According to Soper, there was nearly a mutiny, with Grant Robertson stepping in to take taxation off the political agenda for the timebeing.
Bit rich for Sir Michael Cullen to call John Key a 'rich prick'
The following month, Sir Michael himself was under Soper's spotlight over his past comments on former PM John Key being a "rich prick". During his time heading the Tax Working Group, Sir Michael was paid a $1062 rate for a six-hour day contract, which was extended until the end of June 2019.