Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills: Recent Episodes
Newstalk ZB
Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.
You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few.
Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.
Ferry Holdings Limited (FHL) Chair Chris Mackenzie joined the show this morning with Nick Mills to address concerns of high consultancy spends and conflicts of interests within the board.
The Post reported FHL spent more than $14.6 million to external consultants and contractors, including $3.4m to Beca for the two new Interisland Cook Strait Ferries.
FHL board member Greg Lowe was global CEO of Beca for 11 years, and a managing director prior to his role on the board. He is still a strategic advisor for Beca.
Mackenzie says the potential conflict has been declared and ensures Lowe has had nothing to do with the contract.
He says Beca earned their consultancy role following correct government procurements.
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Co-owner of Logan Brown, Steve Logan joins Nick Mills in the studio as the restaurant celebrates 30 years as a Wellington icon.
Take a look back on the early days and the building blocks, resulting in one of New Zealand's first Michelin stars and a highly respected reputation.
What makes Logan Brown stand out and maintain admiration of locals and visitors alike for 30 years?
Find out the secrets to success from Steve Logan.
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Les Mills has invested $1 million into Wellington, opening it's dedicated contrast therapy space in it's Taranaki St club.
Members, and day pass holders can access a new recovery space which includes upgraded dry saunas and cold plunge pools.
After a series of issues around the Taranaki St club, like the $2.3 million toilet construction causing havoc around the area, the club is having upgrades of it's own.
Les Mills CEO Brett Sutton joins Nick Mills on the show to share why they've chosen to invest in Wellington.
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The deadline has passed, and two amalgamation proposals have been submitted by the Wellington region's councils.
The two plans are one big regional council - supported by Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Porirua and South Wairarapa, and a separate Wairarapa council supported by Masterton and Carterton.
Upper Hutt and Kapiti have decided to go alone.
Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins the show to share details of the submission, what's likely to happen next, and how he thinks the government will take on the proposals.
Also, the deal with South Wairarapa, and the likelihood of a separate Wairarapa unitary authority.
Does he expect the government will accept the proposals as is?
Then the Mayor shares his memories of Takapū/Northern Ward Councillor Tony Randle who sadly passed over the weekend.
He is remembered as a devoted councillor, family man, provided valued analysis and quality decision-making for the council, and was a staunch advocate for transport services in the city.
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As ZB celebrates our 100-year anniversary this weekend, Nick Mills takes a look back on the legends from our Wellington chapter.
Wellington's 2ZB kicked off in 1937 and became the home to many familiar voices and memories.
Nick speaks to two of those voices on the show today - veteran newsreader Sue Burgin and sports broadcaster John McBeth, who join him in reminiscing the great moments of ZB.
Check out our special programme schedule here including our 100 Years of ZB Podcast, hosted by Mike Hosking.
Join Mike Hosking as he brings you our new podcast, 100 Years of ZB.
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For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by political commentator Josie Pagani and journalist and former chief press secretary to the Prime Minister, Hamish Rutherford.
Prime Minister Christopher told Newstalk ZB's Kerre Woodham yesterday he would support a referendum on MMP.
The panel analyse his political performance this week after the potential slip up and the apology given to businesses after his "parent-child" comments. Plus, what do our panel think of the referendum idea?
The amalgamation deadline is in two days, the region's councils are voting today on their plans after Upper Hutt's rejection. What's the best option and how will everything go down?
Plus, double standards in the house and Rutherford and Pagani share their hots and nots of the week.
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Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills in the studio for Friday Sports Kick-off.
Join the crew and reminisce on the broadcasters of the past as ZB hits it's one-hundred year anniversary.
Then take a look into the start of the All Blacks vs South Africa: Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.
And Wellington's Saints head to Southland for the NBL grand final. Could we tackle home the title for the 14th time?
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The time has come again for a burger taste test to celebrate the launch of Burger Wellington 2026 this week!
Visa Wellington on a Plate (VWOAP) is championing 245 burgers hoping to take the crown for their burger award this month.
Three of those burgers are on the chopping block in the studio today as VWOAP Director Beth Brash joins Nick Mills and newsreader Max Towle in the studio for a taste test.
The burgers are Saigon Taste's Grandma's Secret, Yoshi Sushi's Teriyaki Heatwave and Vonunts' Plum't-based.
Get amongst the fun and try out some of the burgers on display in our city from 3-23 August.
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It's Politics Thursday, Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Ōtaki Tim Costley.
Starting with the Prime Minister's use of the Defence Force plane, which has come under intense scrutiny.
Should we go even further and have a plane strictly for the Prime Minister?
Costley shares his experience as a defence force pilot - plus which PM never said thank you.
Are there double standards in parliament? The panel debate Chlöe Swarbrick's comments challenging the speaker, who then kicked her out. Does she have a point? Do all MPs play by the same rulebook?
Plus, should the Prime Minister of apologised for his "parent-child" comment to business owners, and the panel discuss the unemployment figures released yesterday.
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The first of Tiaki Wai's eye watering water bills have hit ratepayers in the last week.
Tiaki Wai Chair Will Peet joins Nick Mills in the studio, to breakdown the cost and explain the first round of bills.
Nick questions the price differences between cities and neighbouring homes.
Peet details what goes into each bill and the priorities for Tiaki Wai over the next few years.
Then they address water meters - when could they be put in, and will it lower the cost for households?
Plus, why should Wellington put our trust in them?
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EDITORIAL:
You know I was listening Ryan Bridge this morning and he said something, and I said to myself Ryan, you are so right.
No wonder I listen to Ryan first thing in the morning, and he is very good first thing in the morning by the way.
He touched on something when he talked about his trip to Bunnings.
Now, firstly he started talking about, it was rainy and cold, so he took his dog for a walk in Bunnings.
So instead of being out in the rain he was taking his dog for a walk to get exercise.
You already know where I stand on that. It's Ryan so it's okay.
I don't think dogs belong wandering around inside retail stores, but that's a debate for another day.
The part of Ryan's story that really struck a chord with me wasn't the dog. It was the service.
Tell me honestly, when was the last time you walked into a big box store and there was great service within a couple of minutes?
Big box stores are the big boys - I'm talking about Bunnings, Mitre 10, The Warehouse, Kmart, Briscoes, Chemist Warehouse – all those huge stores where you can buy just about anything... except, sometimes, a staff member.
It drives me absolutely nuts.
You walk in looking for one simple thing.
A particular screwdriver. A specific light bulb. A certain paint sealer. Maybe a perfume or a kitchen gadget.
You don't know where it is, so naturally you go looking for someone who works there.
That's where the real challenge begins.
You wander up and down aisles, scanning for a red shirt, a blue shirt or whatever uniform they're wearing.
Eventually you find somebody, only to hear, "Sorry, that's not my department," or, "You'll have to ask someone else."
Really?
We were talking about this in the newsroom this morning, and one of my colleagues looked at me as if I was from another planet.
They said, "Why don't you just use your phone? Go onto the store's website. It'll tell you what aisle it's in."
But that's not shopping.
If I've got to stand there on my phone searching your website, checking stock levels, finding the aisle, comparing products and reading reviews, what exactly is the store staff there for there anyway?
I'm not against technology. Far from it. If I'm making a big purchase these days, I'll use AI to compare prices and work out the best deal. It's brilliant for that.
But technology should support good service, not replace it.
I remember the old days at Bunnings.
There was an older bloke at the front door, John from Lyall Bay.
He knew that store inside out.
I'd walk in and say, "John, where's this?" Bang – aisle 64.
"What about this?" Bang – aisle 53. He'd often tell you which product was actually worth buying as well.
That knowledge wasn't in an app. It was in experience.
Ryan's story was exactly the same.
He spent nearly 20 minutes trying to find a product, was told to use AI, then discovered the staff didn't even know where the product was in their own store.
Surely we've got this the wrong way around.
I'd rather see fewer dogs wandering around hardware stores and a few more knowledgeable staff who actually know the products, know the store, and can point customers in the right direction.
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Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was kicked out of the House, after telling the speaker he has "double standards".
She questioned the speaker's treatment of different MPs and suggests not everyone plays by the same rulebook.
Nick Mills spoke to Swarbrick to get the details from the incident.
She says the Greens have made formal complaints about the leniency from the speaker towards certain ministers.
When asked about the standard of behaviour in parliament, Swarbrick told Mills " it's not so much a schoolyard in there these days, as much as it's a barnyard".
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On this week's Music Time, Nick and James feel their age with a look back at songs turning 30 this year.
Plus, get excited about a New Zealand legend touring a landmark album, and spin a new track from a Kiwi songwriter whose name may not ring a bell, but whose hit song certainly will.
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Five Wellington sites are up for public consultation of heritage status removal.
The sites are the old Miramar oil storage tank, Courtenay Place Heritage Area, the Karori Tunnel, the Kelburn Viaduct, the former General Headquarters Building on Taranaki St.
Mayor Andrew Little and Deputy Ben McNulty wrote to the RMA Minister to ask to investigate the cases of these buildings back in May.
McNulty joined Nick Mills on the show this morning to share his excitement of the potential to remove the status from these sites.
He said it is stupid" the Miramar tank is under heritage status and removing the label off these sites is a "no brainer for our city's economy".
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Horowhenua is unlikely to be included in amalgamation plans for the capital, according to Wellington Mayor Andrew Little.
With the deadline for councils around the country to submit their voluntary merger or unitary authority plans around amalgamation less than a week away, Little told Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills that thorough discussions are continuing this week.
The Mayor also discussed residents' new Tiaki Wai water bills, and apologised if the bill amounts have caused anxiety to residents.
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Wellington City Mayor joins Nick Mills in the studio for his monthly chat, one week out from the amalgamation deadline.
Mayor Little takes your calls and Nick's questions including what happens if Upper Hutt doesn't cooperate? Will they be, as Hutt City Ken Laban says, "on the menu"?
He says the focus of the amalgamation is keeping constituents connected with their council and avoiding distance others like Auckland experience.
Also on the agenda, the arrival of Tiaki Wai's first water bills and Wellington transport issues.
Mayor Little says "you've got to wonder" if the second Mt Victoria Tunnel will be completed in his lifetime.
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For Friday Faceoff this week, Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban and BusinessDesk senior reporter Thomas Manch to debate the top issues of teh week.
Kicking off with Winston Peters controversial attack on Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. The panel debate Peters behaviour, parliamentary privilege and should he be demoted in Prime Minister Luxon's cabinet as Foreign Minister?
And we hear the latest on amalgamation from Mayor Laban as the deadline draws closer.
Plus, how is everyone coping with the first of Tiaki Wai's water bills, what should happen to Trentham racecourse and should Luxon of dismissed the Opportunity party so quickly? And we end with hots and nots.
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To wrap the week in sport, Nick Mills is joined by Jason Pine and Adam Cooper for Friday Sports Kick-off.
Starting with Zoe Hobbs and her history making gold medal finish in the 100m sprinting at the Commonwealth Games.
And then, Lewis Clareburt doubles his Commonwealth medal tally in the last seven days. A look into the growth and sacrifices of our top athletes.
Plus, the Saints make it to the semifinals and play Auckland's Tuatara tomorrow.
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EDITORIAL:
Just imagine, for a second, if I sat behind this microphone this morning and the first caller, I repeated something like that to them.
Imagine if I said to them, "go back to your own country".
Not once, not twice, but three times.
Imagine if I said they couldn't possibly understand democracy because they weren't born here, they were born somewhere else.
I'd quite rightly be fired.
There'd be outrage.
I'd be on the front cover of the Post. I would be.
There'd be calls for my organisation to do a public apology.
Yet that is exactly what New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said in Parliament toGreen MP Dr. Lawrence Xu-Nan.
So when I saw this story yesterday, I genuinely worried whether I'd missed something.
I thought to myself, boy, this is going to be an outcry, boy this is going to be big.
Have suddenly world rules changed? Or do they just actually apply to some people?
I don't want people jumping on me here and telling me that I'm having a crack at Winston Peters and this is all about me and Winston Peters.
I'll be clear. I often agree with Winston Peters and on some issues I think he's 100% right. But that's not the point.
The point is whether the standards we expect in public life apply equally to everyone in every situation.
I've spent decades employing people in hospitality. I've had chefs and staff from all over the world.
Like any employer, I've had disagreements and difficult conversations.
But can you just imagine if I turned around to one of my chefs and said, "go back to your own country".
You don't understand democracy, that's where they lie like a flat fish.
Can you imagine what the Employment Relations Authority would have done to me?
Once again, front page of the paper.
I would have been dragged through the system and my reputation would be gone.
Fortune and legal fees and quite possibly my business.
No employer in New Zealand would get away with saying that to an employee.
So why does it seem different when it's said by one of the country's most senior politicians?
Does parliamentary privilege allow too much?
Dr. Xu-Nan has lived in New Zealand since 1994.
He arrived here as a child, went to school here.
Yet Winston Peters told him to go back to your own country.
Claimed he'd only been here 5 minutes, suggested he knew little about democracy because he was born in China and later doubled down outside the debating chamber calling him an "arrogant twit".
Now forget about whether you like the Greens or Dr. Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Forget about whether you vote Green, National, Labour or New Zealand First.
Ask yourself one question.
If another politician had said exactly those words about someone born overseas, would their reaction have been the same?
Because it seems to me that we've reached a point where we can judge comments not by what is said, but who says them.
Now, Parliament should be the place where ideas are challenged and politics are debated.
It shouldn't be a matter where someone was born.
If you've chosen New Zealand, made your life here and earned your place in Parliament, then challenge the arguments, not whether they belong here.
For me, this isn't about Winston Peters.
It's about consistency.
Either go back to your own country as acceptable in New Zealand politics or it isn't.
Either we have one standard for everyone or we don't.
Maybe you'll tell me it was just the heat of parliamentary debate.
Maybe you'll say he was justified and that's fine.
But I look at this and think if almost anyone else had said those words, anyone, in a workplace, a school, a radio station, or even having a heated argument over something like road rage.
Imagine if I had a road rage this afternoon and said, go back to your own country. Do you think I'd be here tomorrow morning?
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It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined on the show this week by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
Our political panel address Minister Winston Peters' controversial comments towards a Chinese-Kiwi Green MP in Parliament yesterday. They discuss the standard of behaviour expected, and the rise of racism in the beehive.
Also on the agenda is the Government's acceptance of majority of the Covid-19 Inquiry findings, paid parental leave extension and the dismissal of a fireworks ban.
Plus, why are both parties so quick to dismiss the Opportunities Party?
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EDITORIAL:
Just imagine, for a second, if I sat behind this microphone this morning and the first caller, I repeated something like that to them.
Imagine if I said to them, "go back to your own country".
Not once, not twice, but three times.
Imagine if I said they couldn't possibly understand democracy because they weren't born here, they were born somewhere else.
I'd quite rightly be fired.
There'd be outrage.
I'd be on the front cover of the Post. I would be.
There'd be calls for my organisation to do a public apology.
Yet that is exactly what New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said in Parliament toGreen MP Dr. Lawrence Xu-Nan.
So when I saw this story yesterday, I genuinely worried whether I'd missed something.
I thought to myself, boy, this is going to be an outcry, boy this is going to be big.
Have suddenly world rules changed? Or do they just actually apply to some people?
I don't want people jumping on me here and telling me that I'm having a crack at Winston Peters and this is all about me and Winston Peters.
I'll be clear. I often agree with Winston Peters and on some issues I think he's 100% right. But that's not the point.
The point is whether the standards we expect in public life apply equally to everyone in every situation.
I've spent decades employing people in hospitality. I've had chefs and staff from all over the world.
Like any employer, I've had disagreements and difficult conversations.
But can you just imagine if I turned around to one of my chefs and said, "go back to your own country".
You don't understand democracy, that's where they lie like a flat fish.
Can you imagine what the Employment Relations Authority would have done to me?
Once again, front page of the paper.
I would have been dragged through the system and my reputation would be gone.
Fortune and legal fees and quite possibly my business.
No employer in New Zealand would get away with saying that to an employee.
So why does it seem different when it's said by one of the country's most senior politicians?
Does parliamentary privilege allow too much?
Dr. Xu-Nan has lived in New Zealand since 1994.
He arrived here as a child, went to school here.
Yet Winston Peters told him to go back to your own country.
Claimed he'd only been here 5 minutes, suggested he knew little about democracy because he was born in China and later doubled down outside the debating chamber calling him an "arrogant twit".
Now forget about whether you like the Greens or Dr. Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Forget about whether you vote Green, National, Labour or New Zealand First.
Ask yourself one question.
If another politician had said exactly those words about someone born overseas, would their reaction have been the same?
Because it seems to me that we've reached a point where we can judge comments not by what is said, but who says them.
Now, Parliament should be the place where ideas are challenged and politics are debated.
It shouldn't be a matter where someone was born.
If you've chosen New Zealand, made your life here and earned your place in Parliament, then challenge the arguments, not whether they belong here.
For me, this isn't about Winston Peters.
It's about consistency.
Either go back to your own country as acceptable in New Zealand politics or it isn't.
Either we have one standard for everyone or we don't.
Maybe you'll tell me it was just the heat of parliamentary debate.
Maybe you'll say he was justified and that's fine.
But I look at this and think if almost anyone else had said those words, anyone, in a workplace, a school, a radio station, or even having a heated argument over something like road rage.
Imagine if I had a road rage this afternoon and said, go back to your own country. Do you think I'd be here tomorrow morning?
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Winston Peters has received backlash from the ambassador of China and former Prime Minister Helen Clark after racist comments made in the house on Wednesday to Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Xu-Nan joins the show with Nick Mills this morning to share his reaction on the remarks, and the behaviour allowed in parliament.
When asked if he thought Peters was being racist, Xu-Nan said "the comments speak for themselves".
He also bought up the lack of accountability from not only Peters, but the Prime Minister as the leader of cabinet.
Xu-Nan said he has received an outpour of support, proving "there is more goodness here in Aotearoa New Zealand than a few comments here and there".
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You will now be able to pay with face ID or hand scans as EFTPOS launch their biometrics payment system in New Zealand this month.
Retail NZ CE Carolyn Young joins the show to share how the rollout is progressing.
When will we be able to see it in stores, and is it affordable for merchants to implement?
She also spoke of benefits another than fast payment, like identification for prescriptions and age verification for alcohol.
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Upper Hutt developer and founder of Gillies Group Malcolm Gillies joins Nick Mills on the show to discuss the potential closure of Trentham Racecourse.
He shares his expertise on the potential of the land but says the racecourse hasn't done it's dash just yet.
Gillies says there is still value, it just needs to be bought back to life.
Gillies and Mills discuss what could happen, and how it could affect Upper Hutt in the futue.
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The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong joins Nick Mills in the studio this morning for an explanation on their purpose and policies as election time looms nearer.
Prime Minister Chirsopher Luxon has just ruled out working with the party in a coalition, hear Wongs' thoughts right off the back of the dismissal.
Plus, Wong shares her opinion on Opportunity Party founder Gareth Morgan's latest advice.
Then an explanation of their policies including land tax, universal income and their priorities when it gets to decision day on November 7.
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EDITORIAL: I want to start off with some honesty this morning - when I read this story this morning, I had two choices.
I could read it, shake my head, get angry to myself and move on. I could say,
"Well, there you go. Another emergency department horror story. Another report. Another apology. Another promise it'll never happen again."
Because, sadly, we've been talking about this stuff for years.
Or I could do what I think we have to do, and that's keep talking about it.
I will speak about these stories as many times as it takes.
Because if we stop talking about it, we start accepting it. And I refuse to accept it.
Think about this for a second. A 55-year-old man walks into Wellington Hospital with burning chest pain.
The pain is radiating into his left shoulder.
He's got a family history of heart attacks.
He's got elevated blood pressure. Every alarm bell should have been ringing. We've all seen the TV ads, we understand them.
Instead, he waits. And he waits some more
Not 30 minutes. Not an hour.
He waits four and a half hours before he's seen by a doctor.
More than five hours after arriving, an ECG finally confirms he's having a heart attack.
Five hours.
The Health and Disability Commissioner has now ruled that Health New Zealand failed to provide an appropriate standard of care. They didn't need AI for that did they?
The investigation found he should have been treated as a higher priority and should have had an ECG during his initial assessment.
This is not earthmoving, is it?
On that night the emergency department was running at 200 percent occupancy and was ten nurses short.
Now look, I know the staff in our emergency departments work incredibly hard.
I know they're under pressure. I know there are hundreds of stories where nurses and doctors perform miracles every single day. This is not about blaming the people on the floor.
This is about a system that keeps putting good people into impossible situations.
Because here's what really gets me. That man could have been me.
He could have been your husband, your wife, your dad, your mum, your brother, your sister or your best mate.
None of us thinks we're going to be the one sitting in an emergency department waiting for someone to realise we're having a heart attack.
And that's what scares me.
I'm also tired of hearing what they're going to do. We're always promised reviews, action plans, better training, audits and future improvements. Fine.
But at some point the promises have to be results.
Because this isn't about politics.
It isn't about headlines.
It's about whether, when the worst day of your life arrives, a health system, the New Zealand health system, is there when you need it.
And right now, I don't think that's a question any of us would be comfortable asking.
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On this week's Business Panel, Nick Mills was joined by those behind two iconic Wellington brands, Parrotdog Brewery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory.
Parrotdog Managing Director Paul Watson and Wellington Chocolate Factory founder Gabe Davidson discussed their business journeys, and the good and bad of doing business in the capital right now.
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On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and ex Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown.
Given both have experience as elected members of councils in the region, they gave their thoughts on Wellington's amalgamation discussion ahead of next month's submission deadline.
They also discussed the scrutiny around politicians Stuart Nash and Paul Henry following comments made during the week, and the revelation the new Tiaki Wai water agency has hired an army of PR staff.
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Plans for a Wellington Super City have suffered a major setback, with Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee indicating her city is unlikely to join.
Local government leaders in the region have been working on an amalgamation proposal to meet the Government's August deadline.
Zee signalled her position to the mayoral forum in confidence at a meeting on Thursday, saying she's not convinced the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs.
Zee joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss where things sit for her.
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It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to dive into the political issues from the week.
Starting with the resignation of NZ First candidate Stuart Nash after incorrect claims were made about National MP Katie Nimon in a text message. Nash claimed she was the "laziest MP" and made false comments around her parliamentary leave for the birth of her son.
Do our politicians think it was an offence worth resignation?
Also, ACT candidate Paul Henry comments in a radio interview - was this possibly inciting violence?
Then the Golden Bay Cement plant $60 million pay out, and an informative discussion about the mental health system for our youth. Are we too reliant on antidepressants, and what led our kids to need them so regularly?
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Wellington's own music trio A.R.T is making waves around Aotearoa, leading the nominations at this year's Pacific Music Awards, they join Nick Mills in the studio for a performance and a chat.
Anatasia, Rosetta and T-R3X share what got them to this huge milestone, and their challenge to release a single on the first of every month this year.
They perform their new single 'Givin It Up' live in the studio.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio to talk Stuart Nash, $60 million handouts and inflation.
Minister Willis shares her thoughts on Stuart Nash's comments which lead to his resignation from NZ First.
She talks about the implications of his claims naming the text "sexist remarks from a dinosaur".
Fletcher's Golden Bay cement plant receives a $60 million hand out from the government. What went into this decision and what other handouts does this open the door for?
Willis also gives her thoughts on the inflation rate of 4.1%, which is the highest in two years.
Plus have National gone back on their promises that they would have construction started on the second Mt Vic Tunnel within their first term?
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National MP for Bay of Plenty Tom Rutherford is the driver of the bill that would mean if no body is found in a murder case, there will be no parole.
Attorney General Chris Bishop has highlighted the bill breaches Section 7 of the Bill of Rights Act, where once a minimum sentence was complete, any further imprisonment should be justified on account of risk to the public, rather than as a punishment.
Nick Mills spoke to Rutherford this morning about what this bill would mean for victims families, and if it will still pass as law against concerns within the Bill of Rights.
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Wellington NZ Chief Operations Officer and GM Heidi Morton joins Nick Mills on the show to dismiss fears over losing Wellington events.
After 24 years Gisborne has lost the Rhythm and Vines festival, which bought in $3-5 million each year for their economy. Are our events safe?
WOW is synonymous with Wellington. How are WellingtonNZ ensuring we hold the iconic show in our city?
And Heidi and Nick talk the success Ultra music festival earlier this year and how we can bring more events in.
And hear what's on the events calendar for the coolest little capital for the rest of the year.
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Chair of General Practioners NZ and newly appointed Health NZ Board member Dr Bryan Betty joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to discuss GPs responsibility when restricting licenses.
He says there are many rules in place to protect the public from drivers whose driving quality may be deteriorating and the GPs take their responsibility very seriously, noting the burden it brings onto the patient.
Dr Betty also shared his concerns around changes to privacy rules as a GP when you have to disclose this party concerns to the patient.
He says he doesn't think the element of trust in confidentiality has been thought through in the act.
Plus hear what Dr Betty wants to accomplish moving onto the board of Health NZ.
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This week for Music Time, Nick Mills is joined by music guru James Irwin in the studio to chat new music from the Rolling Stones, U2 and Madonna.
Are they making a comeback - or in one case losing both new and old audiences?
Also to celebrate the anniversary of the moon landing yesterday they reminence on the best moon songs.
Plus, all the latest gigs to look forward to in Wellington.
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EDITORIAL:
When I first heard this story, I thought this is not right, this is not fair, and I didn't think it fitted with what the coalition government stood for.
What am I talking about? Of course, I'm talking about the $60 million hand out.
I have to say, if you'd asked me whether I'd ever see a centre-right government stepping in to financially support a publicly listed company, I would have said with a smile, "No chance."
Not because governments shouldn't support business, but because I always believed governments like this preferred to let the market decide who succeeds and who fails.
Yet here we go.
The Government is preparing to provide financial support to Fletcher Building, one of New Zealand's biggest companies, through a deal designed to keep local cement production alive at Golden Bay Cement in Whangārei.
Fletcher Building isn't some small family-owned business that's fallen on hard times.
It's one of New Zealand's biggest publicly listed companies, listed on both the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges, with thousands of shareholders and operations across the country and Australia.
Now, before anyone says this is about jobs, I completely understand that argument.
Hundreds of people work there directly and indirectly, and New Zealand does need a reliable supply of cement.
It's a critical product. I get all that.
We need it to build houses, schools, hospitals, roads and major infrastructure.
You don't want to wake up one day and realise we're completely dependent on imported cement if global supply chains are disrupted.
Chris Bishop said Golden Bay is an exceptional case and of national interest.
But here's the question I can't get past.
When did governments start picking winners?
Because that's exactly what this feels like to me.
This coalition government talks constantly about reducing government intervention, letting markets work, encouraging competition and creating a level playing field.
Those are all principles I generally support.
If you're prepared to step in and financially back one of the country's biggest listed companies, where does it stop?
What about every other manufacturer battling high energy prices?
What about forestry? Steel? Food processing? Hospitality? Retail?
Plenty of businesses have faced enormous cost pressures over the past few years without anyone offering them a government lifeline.
Why is this one different?
If this is genuinely about New Zealand's strategic resilience and making sure we continue producing cement here, then tell us that. Be upfront about it.
Make the case that this is about national infrastructure and supply security.
But don't pretend this isn't government intervention.
Because it damn well is.
60 million, cash hand out. It's not having to be paid pack.
Governments have every right to protect strategically important industries if they believe it's in the national interest.
But once taxpayers' money starts flowing towards large, publicly listed companies, the public deserves a very clear explanation of why this company qualifies, what safeguards are in place, what taxpayers get in return, and where the line is drawn.
This isn't just about cement.
It's about the role of government in the economy.
More importantly to me it's about fairness.
And it's about whether this Government is practising the free-market philosophy it campaigned on, it sung from the rafters—or whether, when push comes to shove, it's prepared to back the biggest players while everyone else is left to fend for themselves.
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Winston Peters announced the new Cook Strait ferries are on track and will be named "Kupe" and "Cook.
Ferry Holdings Ltd Chairman Chris Mackenzie joins Nick Mills on the show to today to discuss the announcement.
He said the major announcement was overshadowed by conversation around the names although Mackenzie says he has only received positive feedback so far.
Mackenzie laid out the plan for the introduction of the new ferries and when they are expected, saying although it would be good if they are early the wharves don't yet have the space for them.
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Nick was joined for Friday Faceoff this week by Managing Director of Iron Duke Partners Phil O'Reilly, and Raygun founder JD Trask.
They focussed on the current state of Wellington, the troubled Arlington apartment development in Wellington's Mount Cook, and whether Paul Henry's candidacy announcement will boost the ACT Party.
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It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to discuss the political news of the week.
Starting with Nationals plea for Labour to commit to their rates cap proposal.
Is the risk of flip flopping between governments worth it? Do we need a different solution to the frivolous spends of councils? Andersen shares Labour's thoughts and why they still have not taken a stance on the issue.
Then the panel discuss the introduction of bird flu on Wellington's shore, TOP in the election debate and where are we at with the Wellington Roads of Significance? Is there any chance we could drive through the second Mt Victoria tunnel in the next decade?
And Paul Henry - what do our political panel make of the broadcaster's entrance into parliament through the ACT Party?
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to chat the latest in politics, including Paul Henry's entrance into politics with the ACT Party.
Hipkins shares his thoughts on famous faces entering politics, and how he thinks broadcaster Paul Henry will fit into the beehive. "Shane Jones is going to have a bit of competition for parliament's biggest blowhard."
Then how is Labour reacting to the shifts in National's plan for the Roads of National Significance. Would they follow through with all projects put on the back burner?
When asked if Labour would prioritise the second Mt Victoria tunnel project, Hipkins says he doesn't think anyone will be driving through it in the next decade.
Plus, his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the talks to join an Ocean of Peace Alliance and remembering Sir Sam Neill.
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EDITORIAL:
I start the programme this morning with incredibly sad news that last night, New Zealand lost one of its true greats.
Sir Sam Neill has died.
Now, I'm not going to spend the next hour listing every film he made or every award he won, because, quite frankly, we already know what Sir Sam Neill achieved.
We know the remarkable career he built. We know the incredible body of work he leaves behind.
From Sleeping Dogs to The Piano, from Jurassic Park to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and so many memorable performances in between, he became one of the most recognisable Kiwi faces worldwide.
He didn't just represent New Zealand. He represented us with dignity, humour, intelligence and class. I’m so proud to think he was the person representing us on the world stage.
Only a few months ago he was talking about beating cancer again.
His family said he died suddenly, surrounded by those he loved, peacefully and with the dignity that defined his life. There's some comfort in that, even though the loss feels enormous.
I've never actually met Sir Sam.
The closest I ever came was years ago.
There were always rumours he owned a house at the end of the street where I lived.
One day I happened to see him standing quietly at the top of his driveway, waiting for a taxi. That was it.
No conversation. No introduction. Just one of those little moments you remember.
I'll remember exactly where I was when I heard he'd died.
I was sitting in the car at the traffic lights outside Rutherford & Bond. Funny how news like this freezes a moment in time forever.
Some people leave an impression on your life even if you never met them.
Sir Sam Neill was one of those people.
He was an extraordinary actor, a proud New Zealander, a storyteller, an internationally acclaimed winemaker, an advocate for the places and people he loved, and by all accounts, a genuinely decent human
This morning isn't just about remembering a brilliant actor.
It's about remembering one of us, one of our own, who became a true, true international icon.
Sir Sam Neill.
Rest in peace.
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New Zealand icon Sir Sam Neill has died and tributes are flying in from all over the world.
The Jurassic Park actor passed away unexpectedly on Monday 13th July in Sydney surrounded by his family.
Nick Mills spoke to NZ film producer and founder of Gibson Group Dave Gibson who shared his memories of Neill.
While Neill was well-known for his international roles, Gibson says what really cemented him as a NZ icon was his "very, very kiwi parts", like Uncle Hec in Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Gibson said was "the top of the mountain" of Kiwi film and a great guy.
"We don't have a lot of people like Sam."
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Nick Mills is joined for the business panel this week by two owners of successful businesses, Helen Turnbull, head chef and owner at Michelin recognised 50/50 and Deanne Milldove, co-founder and owner of Orizen Tyres, which has 8 branches across the lower North Island.
Both owners are Paraparaumu based, they share how doing business out on the Kāpiti Coast differs from the CBD. What makes the Kāpiti community better to do business in?
With more expansion on the way for Milldove and global recognition and award success for Turnbull, Nick finds out their secret to success and what it takes to build a growing business in this economy.
Milldove and Turnbull also discuss the biggest challenges in business right now including the cost of living - prompting Turnbull to make her own butter.
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It's a political Friday Faceoff this week with esteemed journalist and editor of Politick Richard Harman and NZ Herald Political editor Thomas Coughlan joining Nick Mills in the studio.
Starting with the Moa Point plant review in the hands Minister Simon Watts desk, which has no timeline for public release. Harman and Coughlan discuss why the government could be withholding it and how are they feeling 150 days into the ecological disaster.
The panel analyse Michael Laws candidacy for NZ First, can he make a difference in the party? And can Peters handle all these personalities?
And the tragedy of the man who died after waiting 9 hours in the Emergency Department of Waikato Hospital. Our panel look at the problems that led our country here and how we need to improve so it never happens again.
Have those at the top of the Ministry of Social Development considered the realities of emergency housing before imposing targets for managers? The panel faceoff over whether the government has influenced these and reflect on Minister Tama Potaka's fumbles recently around this and the conservation clause that blew up last week.
Plus, Minister Casey Costello suggests decreasing excise tax for tobacco, being banned from a cafe for a MAGA hat and the panel share their hots and nots.
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ZB Sports experts Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick Mills for an All-Blacks special edition of Friday Sport Kick-off.
This is the first test of Dave Rennie's new All Blacks, and our first chance to see how this side will work under his reign. The team make their debut at Christchurch's new Te Kaha stadium against France on Saturday.
The crew take a look at the Dave Rennie's first positioning of the squad and his statement with moves like shifting around flankers, Beauden Barret at 23 and Ruben Love starting at 10.
And Piney squashes the rumours this will be an easy game playing France. With comments swirling it is a B team, how does this team really stack up against our All Blacks?
And will the Hurricanes bomb squad be the thing France need to fear the most?
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It's time for our Politics Panel and this week Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
Starting with Minister Casey Costello's statement that she is considering a review on excise tax of tobacco. We hear what Verrall and Costley think of this stance and how do we address the growth of the illicit tobacco trade.
The death of a man who spent 9 hours in the Waikato Hospital Emergency Department has bought attention to ED wait times. How are the politicians working to stop this tragedy from ever happening again?
And the big reveal earlier in the week that MSD had a metric for staff of emergency housing numbers, potentially incentivising staff to deny the support. Plus, the panel discuss regulating politicians on social media.
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Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in the studio for the July edition of his monthly catch up.
Mayor Little takes Nick's and callers questions for the hour on the latest in the capital.
They hit the top stories of the week including the council's public defiance of move on orders, solutions to our homeless problem and how we can get the city looking and feeling good again.
Then onto the three advisory groups put together by the council to improve the city. Why did the Mayor go back on his opinion he was against forming these boards? And Nick asks how the success will be measured.
And Tiaki Wai makes it to day 2. How has the transition gone and what does Wellington have in store with our new water entity.
Plus, Nick and the Mayor celebrate the 3 Michelin stars Wellington businesses were awarded this week.
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Nick Mills talks with co-founder of STILL Minding the Gap, Jo Cribb this morning about the start of the new "Lift the Lid" campaign, which is pushing for mandatory gender pay gap reporting in New Zealand.
In New Zealand the gender pay gap is 5.2% for women, 12% for Māori wahine and 16% for Pacific women. Cribb believes more transparency from businesses will shut the gap and allow fair pay.
They discuss why the campaign is calling for greater pay transparency, her own experience with the gender pay gap, the economic and social impacts of the gap, and why she believes making pay gaps public is the first step towards closing them.
The campaign relates pulling the related bill from the tin in parliament to a cookie tin - for more details and to add your cookie (voice) to the tin check out their website STILLMindingTheGap.
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Three Wellington restaurants were awarded the highly sought, world famous Michelin stars last night.
Winners Steve Logan from Logan Brown, and Mark Limacher from Ortega Fish Shack join Nick on the show to celebrate the wins.
Logan (Logan Brown) says the business been hit by the tough economic times in Wellington, but the star reaffirms the work they've done over the last 30 years.
Limacher (Ortega Fish Shack) is buzzing over the star and shares how the team is feeling.
According to Limacher that team is what sets Ortega apart, "it's people that love what they're doing".
He says the stars are a huge win for the whole hospitality industry.
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EDITORIAL: Now for me one of the biggest problems facing politics today isn't the just the economy, it's not just crime, it's not just health, it's not even just the cost of living, which are all hugely important.
But it’s one word: trust.
Who do we trust in politics?
Do we actually believe what politicians tell us anymore?
Because if we don't, then don’t we have a real problem?
This latest story involving Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke has genuinely disappointed me.
Not because she's from Te Pāti Māori. Not because she's young. Actually, because she represented something different.
She arrived in Parliament as one of the new generation.
Young, energetic, hugely popular on social media, someone many people thought could genuinely inspire young Māori to get involved in politics.
Whether you agreed with her politics or not, there was a sense that she could become a powerful voice for her people, young people.
That's why this matters.
Stuff has now questioned a series of social media posts where Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke appeared to claim credit for work that ministers say she wasn't involved in.
The latest involves extending free breast screening from age 69 to 74.
The policy was promised before the 2023 election by then National health spokesperson Shane Reti, funded in the 2024 Budget and is now being rolled out.
Yet Maipi-Clarke posted that she had been "supporting the minister" and described it as an announcement she'd been working on since last year.
After questions were raised, the wording of that post has suddenly changed.
And this one really stings for me.
I've known a number of Māori women, people very close to me, who've battled breast cancer.
So, when a young Māori wāhine appears to be claiming a significant role in something so important for her own people, if that claim isn't accurate, that's incredibly disappointing.
For me breast cancer is too serious to become part of anyone's political image.
But it's not just this.
Last week another social media post was deleted after questions were raised about claims she'd spent 65 percent of her time advocating for young people in prisons and youth justice facilities.
According to the article, the office of the Corrections Minister said she had visited one prison once since becoming an MP, while the Children's Minister said she had never visited, or even asked to visit, an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility.
Those are enormous differences between what people were led to believe, what we were told and what ministers say actually happened.
Every politician likes to put their best foot forward. Every politician celebrates wins.
But here’s the line.
If you supported a policy, say you supported it.
If you campaigned for a policy, say you campaigned for it.
If you delivered it, then by all means take the credit.
But don't leave thousands of followers believing you've done work you may, or probably have not done.
Social media is where many New Zealanders, me included now get their political information. Watch, study and keep in their minds.
That means politicians have an even greater responsibility to get it right. Even greater responsibility to tell the damn truth.
Because if we can't trust what our elected representatives are telling us online, then what exactly are we supposed to believe?
Politics doesn't need more spin.
It needs more honesty.
And I think New Zealanders deserve exactly that.
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EDITORIAL:
I have been one of the strongest supporters of giving police the power to move rough sleepers on.
I've said repeatedly that we need to clean up our streets.
We need safer city centres.
We need people sleeping in parks, doorways and shop entrances helped.
Helped into accommodation, not just left there.
But yesterday, watching Q+A, I found myself asking a very different question.
At what cost do we achieve that?
Because if the allegations uncovered by Q+A are correct, this isn't just about reducing emergency housing numbers anymore.
It's about whether government targets have created pressure inside MSD that could influence decisions affecting some of our most vulnerable people.
Documents obtained under the Official Information Act show MSD managers are assessed on a range of performance measures, including reducing the number of people receiving emergency housing grants.
Staff are graded as "exceeding", "achieving" or "needs improvement", and the documents state that if performance doesn't meet expectations, an improvement plan can follow.
So we are grading people on whether they keep people out of emergency accommodation.
That should concern every New Zealander.
The Auckland City Mission says these targets create an incentive to say no.
The Christchurch Methodist Mission says nobody should ever be rewarded for denying someone a basic thing like shelter. Those are serious claims.
Now, MSD says emergency housing targets are only one of 11 performance measures and no one faces disciplinary action based solely on that target. That's important context.
But even Housing Minister Tama Potaka appeared surprised.
On Q+A he said he wasn't aware of the performance agreements.
Initially he described them as an operational matter and couldn’t talk about it, but later admitted he could understand why reasonable people might see them as creating an incentive to refuse legitimate applications.
What else could it be seen as?
That answer didn't fill me with confidence.
Yes, the Government inherited an emergency housing system that had exploded.
Nearly 5,000 people were in emergency accommodation in late 2021, costing around $340 million a year.
Reducing those numbers is a worthwhile goal. In fact, the Government reached its target five years early, with emergency housing falling to just 591 people by the end of 2024.
But here's the issue.
If someone genuinely needs emergency housing, they should get emergency housing. Full stop.
End of story in New Zealand.
Targets should measure how quickly we get people into stable, permanent homes—not how effectively we reduce the headline numbers. It’s election year, of course they want to headlines to look better.
Q+A also found that for 16 consecutive months there were more than 1,000 additional inquiries about emergency housing each month than formal applications.
So, people were saying they needed a house but were put off from actually putting an application in because staff were grading them, stopping them.
The most common reason given when applications weren't approved was simply, "the need can be met in another way."
The need can be met in another way? Was that living in a shop front? Was that living in a car? Was that staying in the park?
We can always make the stats look better, can’t we? But this matters.
This matters because the Government also wants police to have new move-on powers over rough sleepers. Put them in jail, which I’m not fully against.
If people are being turned away from emergency housing while at the same time being moved off the streets, where the hell are they supposed to go?
This story has the potential to become a defining issues of this election—not because New Zealanders don’t oppose tough rules, but because as Kiwis we expect some kind of fairness.
Clean up the streets by all means.
Just don't clean up the stats at the expense of the people who genuinely need help.
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The All Whites are heading home after their dreams of reaching the knockout round at the FIFA World Cup were smashed by Belgium 5-1.
Former All White David Chote joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to discuss the tournament and future of football for Kiwis.
Did the All Whites play as well as they should be expected to on a world stage?
Nick and David discuss if we punched at our weight, and is playing in Oceania holding us back?
They look at our ranking over the years, our coaches, the success of Chris Wood and how we can get more players to his skill level.
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Wellington City Missioner Reverend Murray Edridge says the country's homeless situation is "significantly worse than it's ever been", and the reduction of numbers for those in emergency housing is not a reflection of reality.
This comes as an investigation by Q+A has revealed the Ministry of Social Development has a target metric for employees to decrease the number of people receiving emergency housing services.
Rev. Edridge joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to talk about his first hand experience trying to support people in need of shelter and homes.
He says National selling the reduction in emergency housing stats as a success, yet times have "never been as hard" is a "tragic outcome".
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For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by heavy hitters and former ministers Christopher Finlayson and Peter Dunne.
The panel get started by debating the changes Tama Potaka has backed down on in his conservation bill. Did he make the right choice politically and ethically? Or should Kiwis be up for the conversation around conservation?
The WCC have opened up a rates system change to public consultation. What would be better for Wellington - rating by land value or capital value?
They also take a look at the history of two major party leaders challenging each other twice. Then Finlayson and Dunne discuss Mayor Andrew Little and the council's calls to defy move on orders.
Also, on the agenda is the risk with TOP, the polls, superannuation age change, Winston Peters creating a media storm and share their hot and nots.
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For Friday Sports Kick-off, Jason Pine beams into the show from Vancouver from the FIFA World Cup.
It's the eve of the All Whites vs Belgium game, which they must win to progress into the knockout stage.
Although Belgium are the clear favourites, Pine says they haven't played as well as expected this tournament.
So, Pine chats with Nick about our chances and the vibes in Canada with the hype around the football.
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Nick Mills is joined in the studio this morning by National Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Willie Jackson for our Politics Thursday panel.
They cover the hot political issues of the week - starting with new controversy around move on orders.
Mayor Andrew Little says the council will continue in defiance of the government's move on orders, but has offered no specific solution. Our panel discuss this, and what they think about the Mayor outwardly rebelling against the government.
They also discuss the latest poll, which has Labour and National at their lowest combined result since MMP started. Are the minor parties in control? And do the major parties take TOP seriously?
Also, Winston Peters Health and safety bill saga, is he politicking or is there genuine concerns over Brooke Van Velden's bill?
And Goldsmith and Jackson debate altering the age for super annuation.
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Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports and has taken off all over the world, so I thought it was about time I see what all the fuss is about.
I headed out to "Love Pickleball", Upper Hutts brand new Pickleball dedicated facility - and the largest in Australasia.
I toured around the location, home to ten courts, a shop and cafe and equipped with all the gear you need and coaches.
I met with programme manager and coach Will Dewhirst for a crash course of the basics. And find out if Pickleball as great as everyone claims it to be.
Check out the video on our Facebook - Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills
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EDITORIAL:
This is one of those stories that leaves you feeling angry, frustrated and, most of all, heartbroken for a little girl and her family.
A five-year-old girl has been left with serious facial injuries after being mauled by a dog that had been released from the Porirua pound just one day earlier.
According to evidence presented in court, the dog, called Thanos, had already attacked an 18-year-old family member in January.
That attack resulted in facial injuries, antibiotics and treatment. The dog was impounded and classified as dangerous.
But after the owner asked for it to be returned, the council released it, warning the owner that the adults at the Cambridge property where it was going to live had to be told about the risks and the need for vigilance.
Then came the tragedy.
The very next day, a five-year-old girl was in a garage playing fetch with the dog.
The dog that had just been released after attacking an 18 year old.
The dog was not wearing a muzzle. It was not on a lead.
It attacked her, causing horrific injuries to her cheek and lip.
She required surgery to repair what doctors described as a complex wound. Blood supply had to be restored.
Today she carries scars across her lip, beside her nose and under her eye and it is horrific.
And that's where my sympathy lies this morning.
Not with the council, bad decision. Not with the dog owner, horrific decision. Not with the dog which knows no better.
With a little girl who will likely remember this for the rest of her life.
I love dogs. I've owned dogs. Most dog owners are responsible people.
But we are making a mistake in this country when we start pretending dogs are people.
They're not.
They're animals. Some are powerful.
This dog had already shown aggression. It had already attacked someone.
Yet somehow, within 24 hours of being released, it was around a young child without the most basic precautions being taken.
Knowing that this dog had attacked someone before.
That to me is simply not good enough.
Owning a dog is a privilege. It's not a right.
And when a dog has already shown it can attack, the responsibility on the owner becomes even greater.
Once a dog has attacked, there is no ifs no buts no maybes they have to be put down. Simple. Simple, because they will do it again.
The lesson from this story is simple. Love your dogs. Care for your dogs.
But never ever forget what they're capable of doing.
Because when people get complacent, it's innocent children who end up paying the price.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for his monthly chat.
The latest One News Verian poll has the two major parties at the lowest combined result in 30 years, Hipkins says Kiwis are "disgruntled with the status quo".
Hipkins and Mills discuss the rise of TOP, and if Labour would be willing to work with the growing party come election day.
Also on the agenda is the lack of conversation around superannuation from the Labour party, what they want to see with Kiwi saver and why Labour will not means test with their new policies.
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Jason Pine joins Nick on the show live from Vancouver to share his the rundown of yesterday's All-Whites vs Egypt game.
They discuss if there's any chance the All Whites can succeed against World Number 6 Belgium.
Pine analyses player performances, and what we need to do to continue in the tournament - win.
Plus, Pine shares his thoughts on the referee's questionable calls during the game.
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For today's Business Panel, Nick Mills is joined by 24/7 fitness co-founder Troy Rorason and O-Studio founder Kate Twigg, to get insight into the success of the wellbeing industry during these economic times.
It's been just over a year since Kate last joined us on the panel, so we find out how it's been going building her business in the CBD and for Troy they have expanded their business and opened a tenth gym on the Kapiti Coast.
How is it operating a business in the capital right now? Are we too harsh on Wellington? And did the panel notice a change in the city after the Hurricanes win?
The panel share advice on adapting with the complicated external factors with the economic downturn and council issues. And we find out why they have chosen Wellington to set up their businesses.
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What a weekend for Wellington! The Hurricanes obliterated the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final 60-5 in a packed Hnry Stadium.
To celebrate and share the story behind the success Hurricanes Flanker Brad Shields joins Nick Mills on the show this morning.
Brad talks about his decision to sign on for another year, and how it feels to be the only Hurricane with two championship titles.
How do we keep this momentum going and growing the sport in NZ?
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EDITORIAL:
Well, it's done and its dusted.
The biggest decision Wellington has made in years has finally been made, and the Golden Mile, as we knew it, is effectively dead.
And before anyone starts celebrating too loudly, let me say this: I think it's the right decision, right now.
I think common sense has prevailed.
I think if the council had pushed ahead with years of construction through Courtenay Place and Lambton Quay, there would have been a trail of closed businesses behind it. Not a few. Not one or two. Dozens.
I've spent my entire working life around hospitality and retail. I know how hard it is right now.
Costs are through the roof, customers are watching every dollar, and many businesses are still hanging on by their fingernails.
You only have to walk down Courtenay Place in daylight hours to see it.
Empty shops. For lease signs. Businesses trying their guts out to survive.
Then imagine putting that area through years of roadworks and disruption.
Nine out of ten businesses wouldn't have survived it.
So yes, stopping the project was the right decision.
But here's the part nobody should be celebrating.
This wasn't a decision about Wellington's future.
This was a survival decision.
That's the difference.
A city that is not confident, not growing, is a city under financial pressure.
It starts cancelling projects because it simply can't afford them.
And that's where Wellington finds itself today.
Because let's be really honest. Courtenay Place is a mess.
It's grotty. It's tired. It's dirty.
I have a business on that street.
I know landlords who have spent millions of dollars, in some cases more than a millions dollars, into strengthening buildings, upgrading premises and trying to create something better.
But there are landlords that have done nothing, that have land-banked and its time the council put huge pressure on them to do their bit and do something.
Yesterday I walked through Courtenay Place and counted 26 people loitering around, not a good look.
We used to talk about street kids. Now we've got street adults.
Fighting. Yelling. Drinking. Defecating in public spaces.
Intimidating people trying to walk down the street, do a bit of shopping, have a drink or go to work.
You can spend $100 million on footpaths and bus lanes, but if people don't feel safe, they won't come.
That's the reality.
If somebody handed me the job tomorrow and said, "Nick, fix Courtenay Place", the first thing I'd do wouldn't be redesigning intersections. That would be the bottom of my list.
I'd clean up the social disorder.
The moving in laws have to come in so we can move on.
Because until people feel safe walking the street, until businesses feel supported, until customers want to come back, nothing else matters.
The Golden Mile might be gone.
But the challenge remains.
Wellington avoided a potentially disastrous contract.
Now the hard part starts.
Because Courtenay Place still needs fixing.
And unlike the Golden Mile, that problem isn't going away.
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With the Hurricanes vs Chiefs final tomorrow, Nick is joined on the show by starting fullback for the Hurricanes, Callum Harkin.
Only two years ago Harkin was working full time as a builder, he talks with Nick about his rapid rise to starting in a grand final, preferred positions and how his dad is his biggest supporter.
With the team prep Harkins says they are focused on getting started earlier than they did in the Blues semifinal and the anticipation coming up to his first final.
As for selling out Hnry Stadium and potentially lifting the Super Rugby Pacific Trophy Harkin said it could be one of the best moments of his life so far.
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It's a special weekend for Wellington, with the Hurricanes earning a grand final at home on Saturday night against the Chiefs.
To chat all things Hurricanes and other hot topics from the week, Nick is joined by Managing Director of Gazley Motors Myles Gazley and legendary broadcaster Grant Nisbett for Friday Faceoff.
With the vote yesterday that put a stop to the Golden Mile, our panel discuss what can be done to improve not just Courtenay Place but also all of Wellington and get the city pumping again.
Also on the agenda is the waste of $33 million from a failed MBIE project hidden from the minister, Shane Jones overspend of 30 grand on a work trip and all the Tiaki Wai troubles from this week.
And our floating crane Hikitia on the waterfront - scrap it or save it? Plus, the panel give their hots and nots from the week and predictions for the Hurricanes vs Chiefs final.
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The Hurricanes play the Chiefs tomorrow night for a home grand final at Hnry Stadium.
To celebrate it's a Hurricanes special on Friday Sports Kick-off!
Nick Mills kicks off Friday Sports with All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB Rugby Editor and commentator for the game Elliot Smith.
Who will lift the Super Rugby Pacific Trophy on Saturday night?
They give their score predictions and chat anything and everything Hurricanes vs Chiefs.
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The Wellington City Council has officially ended the dream of the Golden Mile after voting to scrap the project
Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills to discuss the next steps to improve the area - while keeping it affordable.
He says it's important to get the balance right, but something must be done to Courtenay Place.
"We have to do what's right for the city right now."
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The Queen Margaret College Choir is about to jet off on the trip of a lifetime.
Students from the 'Voces Luces' high school choir, Millie Williams and Molly Sherriff along with Choir Director Mark Stamper join Nick Mills in the studio to discuss the fundraiser for their upcoming Europe trip.
34 girls are travelling to Europe, partaking in workshops, performing in Golden Hall in the Musikverein in Vienna and competing in the Summa Cum Laud Festival - a major international competition for young singers and musicians.
Millie and Mollie share their excitement for the trip and the showcase where they will represent New Zealand to an international audience.
The choir need to fundraise to get there and this Sunday at 5pm at Queen Margaret College they will perform their showcase in a concert.
Tickets are available here: Voces Luces Fundraiser Tickets
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For Politics Thursday this week, Nick Mills is joined by National Minister Tama Potaka and Labour MP Ginny Andersen.
We hear their reaction to the latest GDP figures of 0.8% and if the economy on the right path - even with the looming results of the quarter impacted by the Iran War and oil crisis.
Then onto the top stories of the week - the MBIE $30 million scandal. What needs to happen with employees involved with hiding the failing BCU project from the Minister? How is it being ensured it will not happen again?
And is a yearly loss of $8.7 billion to our economy from injuries acceptable? Our panel take a look into ACC and the viability of its current system.
Plus, Potaka and Andersens view on the Green's proposal for a budget office, and a battle of the Chiefs and Hurricanes - who has it in the bag?
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Jammie June aims to fund 3400 pairs of pyjamas for kids in need through the Wellington Hospitals Foundation (WFH).
As winter starts to bite, a pair of pjs can significantly help keep vulnerable kids warm.
WFH Chief Executive Guy Ryan joins Nick Mills in the studio to celebrate the effort of Jammie June.
Guy shares how the initiative works and the change you can make if you donate to the cause.
As donations are being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, it's more important than ever to support the 'Jammie Army'.
Click here to donate or check out more information: Wellington Hospitals Foundation's Jammies for June
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Riverside Medical opens in Lower Hutt this August, it's the dream of Javier and Chantelle Stroud who saw a gap in GP access that needed fixing.
Dr Javier Stroud is the lead GP of the practice and along with his wife Chantelle, who is a lawyer, are accepting patient enrolments now and gearing up to open in August.
The Strouds join Nick Mills to discuss their new venture and why the Hutt?
Chantelle says the Hutt Valley is in one of New Zealand's GP "red zones", ranking among the worst areas in the country for access to general practitioners. And more than 13,000 residents are still not enrolled with a GP.
They share the struggles of keeping GPs in New Zealand, and how technology is advancing the medical field and their own productivity.
Check out more information on the practice on their website riversidemedical.co.nz.
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The All Whites play their first game against Iran as part of the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles at 1pm today.
ZB Sports host Jason Pine joins Nick on the show to discuss our first game, before he flies out to Vancouver to report from the FIFA Football World Cup.
Piney shares what he wants to see tonight, and what the team needs to do to get out of the group stage.
You can watch it live on TVNZ+.
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The Hurricanes CEO is in disbelief after tickets to the final against the Chiefs sell out Hnry Stadium in only 15 minutes.
CEO Tony Philp joined Nick Mills on the show this morning to announce the sellout.
He shared how hard the entire team have been working to reach the finals and to "fill the tin to the brim."
Philp says they are working on bringing in temporary seating to make sure as many fans as possible can get behind the boys.
The Hurricanes play against the Chiefs on Saturday with kick-off at 7.05pm for the Super Rugby 2026 title.
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The Hurricanes have made it to a home semi-final against the Blues on Saturday, to celebrate Hurricane Billy Proctor chats to Nick Mills.
Proctor talks how the team are prepping, their mindset going into the game and can they feel the pressure?
They chat about Proctor's relationship with fellow mid-fielder Jordie Barrett and defence coach Cory Jane.
And how is the mission to fill the tin going? What does having the crowd show up mean to the boys?
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It's Friday Faceoff, Nick is joined in the studio with political commentator, Lawyer and Director of Franks Ogilvie Brigitte Morten, and political commentator and former Chief of Staff to Jacinda Arden Neale Jones.
Starting with the Golden Mile. The review is in, and unsurprisingly over budget.
Morten and Jones share their thoughts on blowout of consultancy spend, the next steps for Courtnay Place, and the barring of Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher's vote due to a conflict of interest.
The panel face off over Labour's newest policy - a $20 fare cap for public transport.
Are the numbers even correct? What sort of narrative does this set for Labour? Morten and Jones clash over whether this policy will make a different for voters.
Then onto the revelation KiwiRail stalled system upgrades for the Wellington train networks due to funding. Nick and the panel debate where the priorities lie in terms of government spending and campaigning.
Also on the agenda is the controversy of Superintendent and Labour candidate Rakesh Naidoo. Has Police Commissioner Richard Chambers made the situation too political and publicised?
Plus, Monday's state of emergency for the coast, how do we get Wellingtonians not in the affected area to not overreact? Should coward punch law changes go harder? Is TOP the party to watch?
And the panel give us their hot and nots.
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What a weekend for the Hurricanes. Newstalk ZBs sports experts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills in the studio to talk the sports weekend ahead.
Fill the tin! Over 20,000 are expected to be at Hnry Stadium backing the boys in yellow.
Will the Hurricanes beat the Blues and get that home final? The crew chat the season so far, the success that has got them to this point and what to expect from Saturday nights game.
They look into the coaching team, and acknowledge the incredible work of Clarke Laidlaw. Can the canes lock in these big coaching names?
Plus, the Pulse play their last game this weekend, the crew talk the season and what could happen next with broadcasting rights and should the team be worried?
And the Saints have what Nick is calling the "season defining game" - will they beat the Tuatara?
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Its Politics Thursday and this week Nick is joined by National MP Tim Costley and Labour MP Camilla Belich to discuss the top political issues of the week.
Labour's new policy $20 cap for public transport - is it too good to be true? The panel look at the viability of the $65 million cost and is it fair to rural taxpayers?
Then onto the investigation launched by the police commissioner into conduct of superintendent Rakesh Naidoo whilst announcing his candidacy for the Labour Party.
The panel discuss the labour list rankings, and Greg O'Connor's departure from politics. Also charter schools - a mixed bag of results, are they worth it? Would Labour keep them?
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'Julia' at Circa Theatre is earning rave reviews, star Lara Macgregor graces the studio this morning to chat with Nick Mills.
Julia centres around former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, diving into her life and legacy leading up to her landmark 2012 "misogyny speech". The play examines gender, power and the pressures of political leadership through Julia's lens.
Lara talks about her research and experience stepping into the shoes of Julia, but also the sexism she has experienced herself in the theatre world.
Lara says, "Women deserve a better standard than this."
Nick and Lara discuss if pressure eased for women in politics or is it still just as brutal now as it was for Julia Gillard?
Check out the hit play 'Julia' on at Circa Theatre till Saturday 27th June. Buy tickets at circa.co.nz.
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Dire Straits saxophonist Chris White makes his return to NZ with 'The Dire Straits Experience'.
The tribute group brings back the hits from the iconic 80s band to Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre this August.
Chris joins Nick on the show today to reminisce on the old days with the original band and frontman Mark Knopfler.
Chris and Nick talk his return to NZ, the success of tribute bands, bringing the music back to the stage and his favourite songs to play live.
Get tickets for the Dire Straits Experience at Michael Fowler Centre August 20th on Ticketmaster.co.nz
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EDITORIAL:
Can I ask a simple question this morning? At what point does being prepared become being overprotective?
Now before anyone jumps on me and has a crack at me, let me make one thing crystal clear. Safety comes first.
If lives are genuinely at risk, authorities should act.
Nobody wants to see people injured or killed because someone was too slow to make a decision.
And I'm certainly not suggesting we ignore severe weather.
In fact, the latest figures show between March 2025 and the end of February this year, we had a damaging storm every eight days on average.
More than 33,000 insurance claims were lodged for flooding, wind and storm damage.
The risks are real.
But Wellington has now been through another state of emergency over predicted waves and high winds, and the reality is that what was forecast simply did not eventuate.
Mayor Andrew Little himself acknowledged that the predicted conditions "hadn't materialised.”
There had been no reports of major damage. The state of emergency has now been lifted.
So, my concern now is: are we becoming too quick to shut the city down?
I did some rough calculations this morning, because this whole thing concerns me greatly. Wellington's economy is worth around $56 billion a year.
Spread that across a normal working year and you're talking about roughly $200 million of economic activity every weekday.
Even if only 10 or 20 percent of that is disrupted because people stay home, businesses close, customers disappear and workers can't get into the city, that's potentially tens of millions of dollars affected.
Yesterday I walked into a well-known clothing store in the CBD and asked how it was going, didn’t even think about the state of emergency.
The answer? They hadn't had a single customer all morning.
Is that because of the weather? Maybe partly. The weather was fine in the city.
Is it because the city was under a state of emergency? I'd bet dollars to donuts that played a major role.
If you're told your city is in a state of emergency, you're probably not heading into town to buy a new jacket.
Then think about the ripple effects—
Parents scrambling with childcare, employees worried about getting home and small businesses, already battered by years of economic hardship, losing yet another trading day.
Preparation and resilience are good things. Panic is not.
And here's the other thing. We are Wellingtonians.
We are proud to be Wellingtonians.
We live in one of the windiest capitals in the world.
Windy Wellington.
We know what a southerly look like, and some of us actually love southerlies.
We know what big seas look like. We live on a coast.
Storms are part of living here.
Meanwhile, Wellington Airport remained open and aircraft continued landing. State of emergency and our major international airport was open.
Life carried on, in many respects. But in the back of everyone of everyone's minds: state of emergency. Panic, panic, panic.
Of course, authorities acted on the advice they had, and Mayor Little has defended the decision by pointing to the destructive 2020 storms and the uncertainty of forecasting.
I’m not saying what we did was wrong, I’m saying do we need to be more careful.
There will also be a review of the declaration, and that's exactly as it should be.
But perhaps we need a wider conversation.
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It's semi-finals time for Wellington's Hurricanes and the mission is 'fill the tin."
Owner Malcolm Gillies and CEO Tony Philp join Nick Mills in the studio to celebrate the semis and reach their goal to sell 25,000 tickets.
Gillies talks bringing the life back to super rugby, and what the future holds for privatisation.
Philp and Gillies say the team is ready for the clash against the Blues, and there's lots of excitement coming up to Saturday.
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Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor joins Nick Mills this morning to talk his exit from politics, the Labour list and Rakesh Naidoo candidacy controversy.
After three terms as the Ōhāriu MP for Labour, O'Connor is calling it quits.
He chats to Nick about the reason, and if it has anything to do with the list rankings released yesterday.
O'Connor says he wouldn't have enjoyed being a list MP as much as looking after his electorate.
They look back at his successful political career and forward to his future, and if he could appear in another party one day.
Then O'Connor shares his thoughts on the Labour list, including Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo.
Naidoo has appeared 13th but has been in hot water over informing Police Commissioner Richard Chambers later than Chambers believed was acceptable.
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NZ Music Month lives on into June, on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills and James Irwin.
The crew discuss which Kiwis have had major global success and what are the top hits from 2000 to now.
They also take a look at Pagan records and the huge names that have bloomed from the label.
And James shares his story of hitch-hiking with one of the most beloved New Zealanders ever. Find out who on Music Time.
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A state of emergency is in place for areas of the Wellington region due to heavy swells on the coast.
A mandatory evacuation order is in place for about 350 homes from Ōwhiro to Breaker bay - excluding Lyall Bay.
MetService issued the warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in Wairarapa.
Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) urge people to take the warnings very seriously.
WREMO spokesperson Dan Neely told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings there are roadblocks in evacuated areas and emergency services cannot reach those who stay.
Official advice is to stay away from coastal roads, don't put yourself at risk. Neely said these were the highest waves he's seen in his time here.
Call 111 if you are in an emergency, and stay away from the coast.
Get the latest updates here.
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Musician, actor and producer Troy Kingi joins Nick Mills on the show today to talk his latest show 'Night Lords'.
The concert hits Wellington at Meow Nui as part of the winter Lōemis Festival on June 18th.
Kingi talks his latest album - the ninth in his 10/10/10 series. In 10 years Kingi has attempted to create 10 albums in 10 different genres. 'Night Lords' blends hip-hop and RnB.
They also chat about Kingi's acting endeavours and what does the future look like after he completes the much anticipated tenth album?
Grab tickets on the Lōemis website for Troy Kingi Presents: Night Lords here.
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Wellington City Andrew Little joins Nick in the studio to talk the latest wins and losses of the city from the last month.
Mayor Little says he is "angry" and "horrified" over the $600,000 cost for the promotion website for Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library.
Nick asks the tough questions around accountability, Little says he still has faith in CEO Matt Prosser and CFO Andrea Reeves after yet another cost blowout.
Although rates have had the lowest rise in years, has the council really got financial restraint after another ghost is shaken from the finance team?
Also on the agenda is the latest updates on Moa Point and council amalgamation, Tiaki Wai changes and authority, Wellingtonians leaving for Australia and what we can do to keep them here.
And what will happen to the Citizens Advice Bureau after large cuts put it's existence at risk? Could the decision be overturned?
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Its Friday Sports Kick-off and it's a Hurricanes special as Brad Shields joins the show today!
Tonight is the quarter final at Hnry Stadium for Hurricanes and Brumbies, and the fight for the home semifinal.
Shields shares an inside look coming up to the challenge of finals.
Shields compares the current line up to the 2016 team, and says the boys are excited and working hard to win tonight.
Then back with ZBs sports gurus Jason Pine and Adam Cooper.
They talk our chances, analysing our last game against the Australian team where we won 45-12.
And what lies ahead for the Canes - if they win or lose tonight.
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The radio gang is back together - Nick Mills is joined for Faceoff this week by legendary broadcasters Polly Gillespie and Nick Tansley.
Starting with arming police, should they be able to carry guns on their hip? They faceoff on gun safety and how this would affect Kiwis.
The law only allows for 3 days bereavement leave. The panel discuss the balance between dealing with grief but considering the employer. Is there a time limit to overcome something like the death of a loved one?
The panel also faceoff on solar panel homes, frequent ambulance call outs, house prices, council amalgamation deadlines and which is better Wellington or Christchurch?
Plus, with the increase of 49% for liquidations of hospitality businesses the panel dissect the changes in trends with dining out? And Gillespie and Tansley share their hot or nots from the week.
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Cult hit "Heathers the Musical" has taken Wellington by storm.
The edgy comedy based off the 1988 film Heathers is touring Aus and NZ, finishing it's Wellington run this Sunday at the Opera House.
Lead "Heather" Calista Nelmes joins Nick in the studio to teach him a thing or two about being a 'heather' and the success of the globally renowned musical.
If you're in the mood for show stopping voices, dancing and snappy comedy grab tickets here.
This weekend is your last chance to see the worldwide phenomenon at the Opera House before they wrap their tour in Auckland.
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The latest festival to hit Wellington is Lōemis, a celebration fo both local and international music and art.
Nick is joined in the studio by Lōemis director Andrew Laking to find out what the festival is all about.
Laking shares what acts to look out for and why this festival is perfect for a Wellington winter.
Bringing in acts from all over the world including Japan and New York City, the festival is a mix of music, food, immersive art, spoken word and film.
The festival is all over the city and runs from 9th-21st June.
Check out the programme and get tickets on their website - Lōemis.nz
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It's Politics Thursday, Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to debate the hot political issues of the week.
Starting with the TVNZ situation - is the public entitled to transparency around the resignation of their political editor?
And the heartbreaking story of Sheena Hemens who lost her daughter and is now fighting for bereavement leave to be extended from three days to ten. Costley and Andersen debate if the law should be changed.
Then the changes to local government, both to stop unelected members from voting on council decisions and Mayor Andrew Little's concern on the amalgamation deadline. Will Upper Hutt be dragged into something they don't want?
A lobbyist influence was hiding from the OIA in the personal email of the Prime Minister's chief policy advisor. Has enough been done to prevent this happening again?
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Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little spoke to constituents and officials this morning outlining the way forward for council amalgamation, as only ten weeks remain for the government's deadline.
Mayor Little joins Nick on the show this morning to discuss his thoughts and plan as the deadline looms.
With talks of a referendum, Little says if he had to decide today, he would go through with the amalgamation of the "core four" - Porirua, Hutt City and Upper Hutt.
Nick finds out the latest on Upper Hutt's involvement, the effect on rates, what WCC have learnt from the Auckland Supercity merger and the possible structures that could sustain local voices.
Little shares what the next steps look like, including potential of a referdendum.
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It's Friday Faceoff and this week Nick is joined in the studio by Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and Wellington's Chamber of Commerce CEO Hayley Horan.
It's a post-budget day special. Yesterday Nicola Willis released her much anticipated budget, the panel dissect the winners, the losers and what they think is missing from this year's "sugar-free" budget.
We hear what Horan has heard from businesses, does the budget lack vision? And what does it do for Wellington?
Then onto Wellington City Council who had a week of ups and downs. A lower-than-expected rates rise was announced at 5.9%, yet a day later it was released they spent 600 thousand on a promotional website for the new library.
They share their thoughts on the 600k pay cheque and sending the job out to Auckland. And what is hoing on with the spending culture on the council?
Horan and Leggett also talk Takina - are we getting the best use out of it?
And the panel share their hots and a not of the week.
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It's time for Friday Sports Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper joining Nick on the show.
Starting with The Hurricanes game tonight against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
With many injuries in the team, are the panel concerned about a loss of the game and momentum towards the final?
And the incredible story of Tim Payne who yesterday had under 5,000 followers, has gone viral and just cracked 1 million. The power of social media hit Payne when an Argentinean influencer called him the least known player at the upcoming FIFA world cup - a statement certainly not true today.
And what is happening with the Pulse?
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It's Politics Thursday and it's Budget Day, Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
The panel talk the political issues of the week - starting with the budget due for release at 2pm today.
Costley says it's certainly no lolly scramble, but it is a budget for real Kiwis. Andersen shares her worries for the people who need support most - particularly from what we have already seen from pre-budget announcements.
How has collaboration and compromise been with the coalition partners while crafting the budget?
And onto the Ipsos survey, where Kiwis trust Labour to deal with 7 out of the top 10. What do our politicians think have caused these results? Are people voting on hope?
Then, the government's new loan scheme to transition large companies off gas, should this be expanded?
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The New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) opened earlier this year out in Upper Hutt, and yesterday Nick was able to tour around the new sports charter school.
Follow Nick as he goes through the facilities and classes and speaks with CEO Karen van Gemeren, Principal Ryan Clark and some of the students.
Students Emily and Ben share how their experience has been here, compared to their old schools. And tell Nick what the school has been able to do for their budding sports careers.
NZPAA has around 85 students and is the country's first dedicated elite sports charter school.
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Labour Leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills in the studio, on the eve of one of the biggest days in the political year: Budget Day.
With the budget looming, Nick asks if we can finally expect policy from Labour for this coming election.
Hipkins shares his predictions for the budget, Labour's priorities and his thoughts on the pre-budget announcements so far.
With the 8700 jobs cut announcement, we find out if Labour would reinstate some of these and what difference he thinks AI can make in the public sector.
Hipkins says Labour will look into regulation and the future of AI, and he wants to focus on growing productivity of employees, not replacing them.
Also, does Hipkins think that New Zealand is ready to trust a Labour government and he gives his thoughts on the leaked "duck faced horse" audio from the Labour conference.
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Wellington City Council has proposed their lowest rates rise since 2020, at 5.8%.
Deputy Mayor of Wellington Ben McNulty joins the show to discuss the news and how the council managed to cut the rise down from 7.4%, after an already substantial decrease from the last prediction.
Nick asks how this adds up with the inclusion of separate water bills and how this compares to Auckland.
McNulty says there are still "ghosts in the walls" that need shaking out, so we should expect more poor spending announcements before cost cutting becomes consistent.
And he shares how the spending culture has changed since Mayor Andrew Little has come into power.
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Its Music Time and the last week of NZ Music Month!
Nick and James continue to debate the greatest New Zealand singles of the 1980s and 90s.
Give big ups to a New Zealand record label who discovered one of our biggest international success stories and cover off all the happenings of gigs you can attend before the end of May!
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Nick is joined in the studio by Rewiring Aotearoa CE Mike Casey, the company aims to electrify NZ.
The government announced yesterday they would fund a $1.2 billion loan scheme to help large businesses transfer away from gas to renewable energy.
Casey is calling for this to expand to everyday people - households and small businesses. He shares his own experience electrifying his own orchid.
Casey says NZ will not have enough gas by 2032 and it is imperative to move to electric.
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Wellington's Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) is facing an unpredictable future, as the Wellington City Council cuts their funding by 60%.
The council announced CAB will go from receiving around $230,000 to $100,000.
CAB General Manager Carin Sundstedt joins Nick Mills on the show to discuss the impact this will cause to not only CAB but all of Wellington,
The service helped around 11,000 people last year alone and has three full time staff who support around 125 volunteers.
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An ambulance for an unconscious man on Cuba St was rejected by emergency services.
Two separate calls were made by bystanders to 111.
But when the man was identified and recognised by Wellington Free Ambulance, they told the callers he was a "frequent caller" and informed them no paramedics would be sent.
An ambulance was eventually called after two police officers arrived to the scene radioed for one.
Nick is joined on the show by the man who called the ambulance - David Cormack.
Cormack shares his experience and concerns with the conduct over dealing with frequent callers.
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This week for Friday Faceoff, Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and Political Commentator Ben Thomas.
Our panel faceoff over the future of Wellington. As 8700 jobs cuts are coming the public sector's way Wellington needs to swerve. O'Connor and Thomas analyse the cuts, how we got here and how we can bounce back as a city.
And they debate Nicola Willis' suggestion much of these roles will be replaced by AI. How do they use it and do we actually have the AI infrastructure and capabilities to do similar tasks to these public services.
Then onto the social housing reform announced yesterday. Is it fair to suggest a time limit for those in the homes?
Onto the arrests made in corrections, our panel dive into the reasons and issues in our correct system that have allowed this to happen.
Also on the agenda is the Moa Point report, trust in the Wellington council, the unofficial "WCC Rich List", and their hots and nots for the week.
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Legendary political journalist and broadcaster Barry Soper joins Nick Mills in the studio for the launch of his new book 'One Last Question, Prime Minister.'
Soper takes your calls and Nick's questions about his time with the 12 Prime Ministers he has observed during his career.
Hear about his experiences in Parliament, including the 2022 Wellington protest, changes over his career and insight into the leadership of Robert Muldoon, Helen Clark, Jacinda Arden and Chris Hipkins.
His book is out now at most retailers including Paper Plus, Whitcoulls and Unity Books.
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It's time for Friday Sport's Kick-off, Nick is joined in the studio by our resident ZB sports gurus Jason Pine and Adam Cooper.
Starting with the Hurricanes, who play the Highlanders this Saturday - kick-off is 7.05pm. The crew talk our (high) chances of a win.
And the success of Hurricanes assistant coach Jamie Mackintosh - can they keep him?
Plus, the Wellington Saint's loss against the Southland Sharks last night.
They also rate the performance from the Phoenix Women's season, after losing the grand final last weekend. Will next year be our year?
And Auckland FC Grand Final at home in Auckland tomorrow against Sydney FC. Piney will be there on gameday - what are the crew's score predictions? And who are us Phoenix fans rooting for?
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For Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills is joined by National Minister Tama Potaka and Labour MP Ayesha Verrall.
The panel starts with the biggest news of the week - 8700 public service jobs will be gone by 2029.
They discuss what this means for our city? Has anywhere been hit as hard as Wellington?
Nicola Willis says her office is experimenting with artificial intelligence, Nick asks our panel if they too are using AI and how can it reduce government work.
Potaka and Verrall also dissect security and cost concerns of government workers using AI.
14 corrections staff were arrested yesterday smuggling items - including methamphetamine - to prisoners. Our politicians share their thoughts on the state of corrections, and how to assist this issue in corruption.
And Winston Peters buying BNZ, is it a pipe dream? Is there validity when we talk about bringing more competition to NZ?
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EDITORIAL:
If you listened yesterday, you heard it coming.
We knew the Government was preparing to swing the axe again through the public service.
What we didn’t know was just how deep the cuts were going to be.
Now we know.
Nearly 9,000 public sector jobs gone by 2029.
A 14 percent reduction.
Public service numbers down from just over 63,000 to around 55,000.
Government departments merged.
AI and digital tools replacing roles.
Nicola Willis says it’ll save $2.4 billion.
David Seymour says it’s “just what the doctor ordered.”
The Greens are calling it New Zealand’s version of DOGE.
And Wellington? Wellington wakes up this morning feeling like it’s gone another round in the ring with Muhammad Ali.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
In quick succession.
No time to recover. No time to breathe. No chance to get back on your feet before the next hit comes.
But here’s what really struck me out of all this news:
If anyone thinks it’s strange the Government is doing this before next week’s Budget — think about it for a second.
This is the soft blow before the big blow comes.
This is the mowing of the lawn before they land the plane.
Governments don’t soften people up before good news.
They soften people up before harder news.
And maybe the reality is the Budget next week is going to be tougher than many Wellingtonians are ready for.
Now look — I’m not going to sit here this morning and pretend the public service was never going to change.
It grew massively after COVID.
Technology and AI are changing every industry in the world.
Every sector is having to adapt. Everyone has to.
But what worries me is this city’s confidence.
Because every time one of these announcements lands, spending stops instantly.
People stop buying coffees. Stop going out for dinner. Stop booking weekends away. Stop replacing clothes. Stop taking risks.
And Wellington businesses feel it immediately.
But at some point, we’ve got to stop sitting around asking what Wellington used to be — and start asking what Wellington is going to become.
Because if the old model of Wellington being powered almost entirely by government jobs is changing, what’s the new model?
How do we fix Wellington?
Seriously.
Do we double down on hospitality, events and culture? Do we become the creative capital again?
The tech capital? The startup capital?
Do we back tourism harder?
Do we make this city easier to invest in, easier to build in, easier to open businesses in?
Do we stop fighting growth and actually encourage it?
Do we make it easier to do business in Wellington?
Because sitting around waiting for another ministry to lease another office floor on The Terrace probably isn’t the future anymore.
And I know this is a shock for a lot of people this morning. I genuinely do. There’ll be families scared about mortgages, jobs, rents and what comes next.
But Wellington cannot afford to become a city that only talks about decline.
At some point we’ve got to shrug our shoulders, get on with it, and work out how we and this city succeed again.
What the hell do we do to make Wellington great again?
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Its NZ Music Month, and to celebrate Nick is joined on the show by the Chairperson of the NZ Music Commission Greg Bonnett.
NZ Music Month is in it's 26th years and aims to promote our talented local artists - of which our country has many.
Comparing NZ music to the international market, Bonnett says we punch above our weight.
We were the lead country partner in Bristol's Great Escape Music Festival - a worldwide leader in supporting emerging artist. Bonnett says they were able to bring 11 artists over to UK.
Bonnett speaks about the success overseas, and how we are reaching these new markets.
Then find out who to look out for from our homegrown talent.
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To celebrate NZ Music Month - James Irwin is in the studio every week of May for Music Time.
This week Nick and James listen and debate the top hits pf the 60s and 70s. And talk the beginnings of NZ's rich music history and record labels.
And what gigs are on this week? Get more info on NZ Music Month on their site linked here.
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Wellington City Council is set to cut $650,000 of social and recreation funding, impacting community services and locations like swimming pools, library, arts and culture events and sports fields.
Capital Football CEO Richard Reid is concerned more costs will be put on local families if the cuts go ahead.
Reid also suggests payments to the Wellington council from using sports fields is much more than other NZ cities.
He says someone has got their facts wrong "and it ain't us".
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EDITORIAL:
Look, this one’s not going to make me popular in Wellington today, but sometimes reality doesn’t care whether we like it or not.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is right.
And deep down, I think a lot of New Zealanders know she’s right.
We cannot keep running a country where the answer to every problem is another ministry, another department, another communications team, another layer of management, another policy advisor, another taxpayer-funded office somewhere in Wellington.
At some point, we all have to wake up and say: enough.
Because the numbers don’t lie.
Back in 2017, when Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister, the public service had around 48,000 employees.
By the end of last year, that had climbed to more than 63,600 fulltime staff.
That’s an increase of more than 15,000 public servants in under a decade.
And here’s the key question: are we New Zealanders genuinely getting better outcomes?
Are the roads dramatically better?
Is healthcare dramatically better?
Is education dramatically better?
Is productivity dramatically better?
Do you and I feel government is faster, leaner, more efficient?
Or does it feel bigger, slower, more bureaucratic and more expensive?
Because that’s what many New Zealanders think.
Now I understand why Wellington gets nervous when these conversations happen.
This city has lived off the back of government growth for years.
Thousands of jobs, entire apartment blocks, cafes, bars, retails, hair dressers, car sales, businesses, office buildings just for the public sector.
But we cannot employ people simply to prop up the Wellington economy.
That’s not sustainable economics. That’s avoidance.
And the reality is, New Zealand has been living beyond its means for too long.
We borrow too much. We spend too much. We create agencies for everything.
We duplicate work. We layer management on management.
Meanwhile, the private sector — the people actually generating the tax revenue — are under enormous pressure and have already slimmed down to bare bone.
At some point the country has to slim down too.
And yes, it will be painful.
And yes, there will be more pain.
Nicola Willis is reportedly preparing to reduce the number of ministries and agencies from the current 42, while also driving public service numbers back closer to the historical norm of 1% of the population. Under the Labour government it was pushed to 1.2%.
Frankly, that idea sounds reasonable to me.
Australia has 16 departments. The United Kingdom has 24. Finland has around a dozen. We’ve got 42.
We have forty-two.
And the other reality nobody wants to say out loud?
AI and digitisation are coming whether we like it or not.
The private sector is already changing rapidly.
Law firms, banks, consultancies — they’re all using AI to improve productivity and reduce repetitive work.
Government won’t escape that.
The Government should not escape that.
This isn’t about attacking public servants personally.
Most are hardworking people doing their jobs.
But the system itself has become too large, too expensive and too inefficient.
If we genuinely want the books under control, improve productivity and rebuild the country’s finances, then this is part of the medicine.
And tell me, have you ever taken medicine that tastes good. It doesn’t it tastes horrible.
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For this week's Business Panel Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome and Rembrandt's Managing Director David Lyford.
They look at decision making in business - how to keep Rembrandt excelling after 80 years, and growing the Phoenix with coaching choices and the academy. Is business doing better this year as a result?
Dome and Lyford talk the old partnership between the Phoenix and Rembrandt, and their respective histories of doing business in Wellington. Would they recommend doing business in the city?
Do we need to amalgamate to compete with the Auckland? Particularly after the government's event fund going to the supercity for the Chelsea football game.
The panel discuss building business confidence in this city. In times of turmoil - what is the good happening in the city and it's businesses at the moment.
Dome shares how ticket sales have been going, their goals and what do we do about venue - could the Phoenix Men move out of Hnry Stadium and to Porirua Park?
And Lyford shares how his business is dealing with the upcoming election and fuel crisis.
For an interesting discussion on two sides of business in the capital:
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It's Friday Faceoff - Nick Mills is joined by former Wellington City Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and broadcaster and journalist Mark Sainsbury.
Prendergast discusses the success of the Phoenix Women's team who are preparing for their first grand final ever against Melbourne City tomorrow night.
Then the panel debate shutting the Kāpiti Airport. Would it be better if property developers took over?
Mayor Wayne Brown says we've spent $3 million bringing "tattooed pom" Robbie Williams to our shores for two concerts - the Eden Park show is not selling well. Should we be more selective with acts using the fund?
Golden Mile review panel is costing ratepayers $400,000 and have fronted the council to share their methodology.
What do we do with the Golden Mile? Should the review be scrapped?
And onto immigration. Paul Spoonley says it is not a political priority for everyday Kiwis. Prendergast and Sainsbury list their election priorities and how we should plan for successful immigration policy.
Then we hear the panel's hots and nots.
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The Ngauraunga to Petone Shared Path, Te Ara Tupua, officially opens to the public tomorrow.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop joins Nick Mills to talk about the opneing.
The project will provide a new walking and cycling route between Wellington and Lower Hutt and improve transport reliability and resilience along SH2 and the Hutt Valley rail line.
Bishop says the project is100 years in the making but serious planning began in 2013/2014, and cost $350 million.
Te Ara Tupua formally opens at 2pm today, and tomorrow May 16th the public open day
Plus, Nick gets an update on Wellingtons SH1 improvements. Bishop says although we will not see diggers for "some time", the government is committed to the tunnels and fast track applications are on the way.
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For Friday Sports Kick-off Nick is joined in the studio by Adam Cooper and Jason Pine, who is in Brisbane for the Magic Round.
Wellington Phoenix play their grand final tomorrow night in Melbourne. They look back on the success at the semifinal in Porirua Park last weekend.
And the impact of coach Bev Priestman - who has taken this team to the first A-League final in the clubs history.
Hurricanes vs Blues - tomorrow night at Eden Park, competing for
The canes have not won in Eden Park since 2019. Will this be the season?
And Luke Metcalf leaving the Warriors and joining the Dragons during his contract.
And will the Warriors win against the Broncos?
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The future of Kāpiti Airport is in the air as property developers are looking to buy the land - only if the airport is closed.
Otaki MP Tim Costley joins the show this morning to discuss what is going on with the deal, and how he is trying to stop it.
The airport is identified in civil defence plan as a key operational hub in a disaster. Costley says we must keep the airport open as it is a necessity for the whole Wellington region.
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EDITORIAL:
Let’s be honest now — when is enough actually enough in this city?
How long have Wellingtonians been listening to the words “Let’s Get Wellington Moving”?
Seven years? Eight years? Longer? The project was officially launched back in 2017.
Nearly a decade ago. Nearly a decade of workshops, consultations, artist impressions, reviews, counter-reviews, delays, blowouts, political infighting and endless promise for us.
And what do we actually have to show for it?
Seriously — what do we have to show for it?
Because I walk through the start of the so-called Golden Mile redevelopment near the Embassy Theatre almost every day, and if you told a visitor from out of town that millions of dollars had already been spent there, they would laugh at you.
They’d say, “Where? How? A few plants? Some shifted paving? A slightly rearranged pedestrian area? A cycleway?”
That’s the transformational city-shaping project we’ve been arguing about for the best part of a decade?
Meanwhile the city struggles.
Retailers are struggling.
Businesses are struggling.
People are worried about rates.
Roading’s a mess.
Water infrastructure is collapsing.
Construction costs have exploded.
The council can barely afford what it already has on its plate.
And now we’re spending another FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS on another review.
Another review.
Not fixing anything.
Not building anything.
Not deciding anything.
Just another group of people sitting around discussing whether previous groups of people were right or wrong.
I’m with Andrew Little on this one.
At some point politicians have to actually make political decisions. If you were elected to lead, then damn well lead.
Stop outsourcing every difficult decision to panels, consultants, independent reviews and strategic assessments.
The original Golden Mile budget was in 2020 was $78 million.
Then it became $160 million.
Now it’s sitting around $220 million.
And even Andrew Little is saying the council simply cannot afford another $60 million blowout.
Hello! You wouldn’t need a degree to work that one out.
So here’s the simple question:
If we can’t afford it, why are we pretending we can?
Because what’s happened in Wellington is death by consultation.
Death by process. Death by indecision. We have become a city addicted to talking about things instead of actually doing them.
And here’s the worst part — this uncertainty has hung over central Wellington businesses for years. Years.
People trying to invest, lease buildings, open restaurants, run cafés, survive construction disruptions, they want to employ staff — all while the city keeps changing the plan every six months.
Enough.
Either do the project properly, fully funded, with certainty and timelines — or pull the plug and let us move on with our lives.
And now. Not in 6 months' time – now.
But this endless middle ground of reviews, pauses, re-scopes and consultant reports is draining the life, confidence and energy out of Wellington. Forget it
Nearly a decade in, Wellingtonians deserve an answer and now.
Not another workshop, not another panel.
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Comedian Karen O'Leary joins Nick in the studio to chat "Poneke House Party", a comedy music mashup show raising funds for the Mayoral Relief Flood Fund.
The NZ International Comedy Festival and NZ Music Month partner to bring you Pōneke House Party, a night of jokes, songs and surprise special guests at Wellington’s Opera House, Sunday 17 May, 6pm.
Karen joins the heavy hitting line up of stars including Tofiga Fepulea'i, Tami Neilson and host James Nokise.
Buy tickets here for a night full of comedy and music, while helping for a great cause.
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It's Politics Thursday and this week Nick is joined in the studio by National Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Ayesha Verrall.
They debate the top political issues of the week, including concerns around Wellington project priorities.
After the second Auckland harbour crossing is looking likely to go through, there is still no word on our second Mt Vic Tunnel - is Wellington being slighted?
Then onto immigration, as the government launches more immigration policy, polling shows it is not actually a top 10 issue to Kiwis.
The panel debate if Kiwis should be more concerned and what the priorities are for their parties come election time.
And cutting fees free, is this a broken promise for students currently enrolled in our universities?
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Its Music Time with James Irwin!
It's another week of NZ music month, James and Nick chat a new record label based in Wellington - check it out at strawberryjampromotions.com.
Then they talk Tom Scott of Homebrew fame who blew Wellington away last Friday and the opening of musical & Juliet on Saturday.
Plus, what are the most recognisable Kiwi songs? James shares his office survey results.
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Wellington Phoenix Women's team is on their way to the airport for their A-League final against Melbourne City.
Coach Bev Priestman joins Nick Mills in the studio on the way, to chat about what this means for the team.
Since joining the club last year Priestman has revamped the team to get to first A-League final for any Phoenix team in their history.
The club play Melbourne City on Saturday night.
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This morning Billy T nominee, mother and comedian Samantha Hannah joins Nick in studio.
Her new show Peekaboo! starts tonight at Bats for the NZ International Comedy Festival.
Currently 7 months pregnant with an 18-month-old, Samantha has bought her experience with motherhood into her stand up.
Samantha and Nick talk identity, preshow rituals and anxiety, and balancing parenthood, having a full-time job and stand up. And how does it feel getting nominated for a Billy T Award?
The NZ International Comedy Festival brings live comedy to Wellington till May 24th. Samantha's show runs from tonight to Sat 16th May. Get tickets here.
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Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in the studio for May's monthly chat and takes your calls.
After multiple news stories about unrest between council executives and the council, Nick asks Mayor Little for his insight into the debates at the moment.
Mayor Little says a change of culture is needed and he is concerned officials don't realise that they aren't spending their own money, but that of the taxpayers.
Then onto amalgamation, Mayor Little shares the latest in talks and suggests eight councils could be involved.
Also on the agenda was Tiaki Wai water meter cost, the latest in chats between council and the entity and Golden Mile and Moa Point updates.
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The Wellington Amalgamation could grow into eight councils instead of the previously expected "tight" four.
Nick speaks to Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who is very strongly for the amalgamation.
Mayor Baker shares her preferences for amalgmation and addresses concerns that Porirua rates are among the highest in the country.
She says people are hesitant as jobs may go, but she "doesn't care" if her job goes if it means amalgamation for the betterment of the city.
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The Wellington Amalgamation could grow into eight councils instead of the previously expected "tight" four.
Nick speaks to Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who is very strongly for the amalgamation.
Mayor Baker shares her preferences for amalgmation and addresses concerns that Porirua rates are among the highest in the country.
She says people are hesitant as jobs may go, but she "doesn't care" if her job goes if it means amalgamation for the betterment of the city.
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A Wellington amalgamation could potentially go wider than expected to the Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa and Horowhenua after a mayoral meeting last Friday disclosed by the Wellington City Mayor on the show today.
Nick chats to Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow, who is on her way back from a meeting with Horowhenua Mayor Wanden.
Mayor Holborow shares how talks have been going with the other councils and if this merger could be a reality.
The logistics of a Wellington wide one appear to be disadvantageous at this point to Kāpiti, but they are open to conversations that could prove otherwise.
Could the amalgamation just be between Horowhenua and Kapiti?
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Wellington's Home and Living show starts today at Hnry Stadium and goes till Sunday showcasing fresh ideas to upgrade your home & lifestyle all under the one roof.
Plus, delicious food great coffee show specials and expert advice.
One of those experts is our very own resident builder Peter Wolfkamp.
Peter joins the show to share what we can expect from this weekend.
Head on down to Hnry Stadium for Wellington Better Home and Living show Friday 8th - Sunday 10th May- tickets available here
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For Friday Sports Kick-off Nick is joined by sports gurus and ZB Sports hosts Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
This week they chat about the New NZ Rugby CEO - Steve Lancaster. The crew look into growing Super Rugby and the struggles of bringing it up to levels on par with sports of the time like F1 or league. Does super rugby stand a chance?
Can the Phoenix Women make it to the grand final? First time we have the chance, but we are currently trailing 2-1 against Brisbane Roar. The team play Sunday 10th May at 2.30pm Porirua Park - get out and support them in their semi-final!
And how will the Hurricanes fare without Roigard and Love this weekend? The team play Moana Pasifika tomorrow night 7.05pm.
And what a weekend for Porirua! Phoenix, Pulse and Saints all playing there over the weekend.
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Its Friday Faceoff, this week Nick is joined in the studio by Director of NZ Infrastructure Commission and former Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown and Raygun co-founder and CEO JD Trask to discuss the hot topics of the week.
Starting with Super. The OECD has released a report that yet again tells NZ we need to make changes to the pension. Brown and Trask talk the age of super annuation, means testing, KiwiSaver. The panel dive into the argument to have the super indexed by life expectancy.
Them onto amalgamation - have the councils had their priorities wrong the whole time? Would be able to compete with Auckland and Christchurch is we became more efficient and banded together? The panel look at the pros and struggles of bringing four Wellington basin cities together in three months.
Next up - who is running the Wellington City Council - is it the officials or the council? The panel discuss the news of the personal grievance payout allowance - where the senior management made a decision behind the back of elected officials.
They look at the leadership system and the CEO - is it actually democratic? Who is in charge?
Then water meter charges - Brown says it should only cost around $80 million, not the $590 million estimated by Tiaki Wai.
The panel discuss the charges, how it would work and how they think it should be done. And reminisce over the past cost blow outs that have hit the city.
And onto our panel's thoughts on Dr Eziekel Emanuel's comments on the lack of funding and updated technology compared to other countries.
They look into the gradual increase of AI and robotics in our health system.
Plus Brown and Trask give their hots and nots.
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& Juliet is the newest Broadway hit coming to Wellington this Saturday.
The musical flips the script on the classic Romeo and Juliet, asking what would happen if Juliet if she took hold of her own destiny?
Nick is joined by the two stars Awhimai Fraser and Matu Ngaropo, both musical theatre legends and proud Kiwis.
The show opens at St James Theatre and will run from 9-24 May.
Fraser and Ngaropo share their experience working on the show and what makes it adored by audiences.
Fraser voiced Elsa in the Te Reo Māori version of Frozen, and both champion the language. Nick chats to the stars about using Te Reo and the empowerment of the language.
Tickets to the show are avaliable here
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For Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Tim Costley to talk about the top issues in the beehive this week.
Starting with the new test for citizenship in New Zealand. Our panel give their question ideas and their thoughts on the introduction of the test, which follows the lead of Australia.
And amalgamation is coming. The Government has given a three-month ultimatum for councils to amalgamate on their own terms.
Costley shares what this would look like for Kapiti - and the thoughts he's hearing from the community, and Andersen for the Hutt. And is three months to sort a blend of potentially four councils enough for Wellington?
And after his interview with health expert Dr Ezekiel Emanuel, Nick asks the panel for their thoughts on more bipartisanship for health. Then the panel get heated over the best ways to fund the NZ health system.
Plus, unemployment numbers are down, yet experts are predicting it's going to get worse - what are our politicians going to do about it?
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Nick speaks to oncologist, presidential health advisor and author Dr Ezekiel Emanuel as he travels New Zealand.
The world-famous Dr Emanuel shares his global expertise with Nick on how to improve our health system.
He suggests we need more stable planning at a government level, with the three-year election cycle harming progress. Also, better understanding between the private and public sectors.
His new book Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life is out now.
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Its Music Time, Nick and James champion NZ music month with a nod to the kiwi musos who broke through globally in the last 55 years.
The gang also throw in a little comedy festival must see show banter as well. NZ Comedy Fest and NZ Music Month combine with 'Pōneke House Party' on Sunday 17 May at The Opera House. Profits from the event will be donated to the Mayoral Flood Relief Fund.
Get tickets here.
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The Government has given an ultimatum for local councils - amalgamate in three months or we will do it for you.
The Wellington region has been in talks of amalgamation - Wellington City, Porirua, Hutt City and Upper Hutt.
Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee has concerns and says more options should be on the table.
Mayor Zee speaks to Nick sharing her thoughts on the call from Minister Chris Bishop and Simon Watts, and the three month time limit.
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EDITORIAL:
Let’s start this one with a show of hands. Who’s been to the tip lately?
I want you to be honest. I’ll start.
I reckon I’m a regular at the tip, I think I’ve been a dozen times this year.
House clean-ups, business clear-outs, all the stuff that’s just easier to throw away than deal with properly.
Out of sight, out of mind. Job done.
Except—it’s not.
Because right now, Wellington has a rubbish problem that’s getting worse, not better—and this isn’t opinion, this is straight fact.
Our main dump, the Southern Landfill, is now expected to hit capacity in about four to five years.
Last time we talked about it, it was ten years. That’s been pulled forward from around eight.
So already, the clock’s ticking faster than anyone planned.
And here’s where it ramps up.
Over in Porirua, Spicer Landfill is due to close in 2030. Sounds like someone else’s problem, right? It’s not. Because when Spicer goes, it takes pressure off nowhere—it pushes it straight back onto Wellington.
Yes, there’s a plan. A sludge dryer up at Tītahi Bay, meant to shrink the volume. Sounds good.
Problem is—it might not be ready in time. Even the people behind it say finishing by 2030 is “ambitious”.
In fact, Wellington’s Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty has already said closing Spicer effectively chops years off the life of the Southern Landfill—taking it from a good scenario of about seven years down to four.
Now here’s the part that should really make you sit up.
Every year, this region produces around 8,000 tonnes of sewage sludge.
Not rubbish you can skip. Not something you can pause. It’s a by-product of wastewater treatment—you cannot turn it off.
And right now, officials are warning there is a real risk that when Spicer closes, there may be nowhere to put it.
Now think about that for a second.
We’re not talking about old couches or broken fridges—we’re talking about essential waste from a system that has to run 24/7.
If there’s nowhere for it to go, you don’t have a tidy-up problem—you’ve got a system problem.
So we’ve got less landfill space, more pressure on what’s left, and the backup plan might not land when it needs to.
And if you think the answer is just “build more landfill”—not so fast. Local iwi, including Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and residents are strongly opposed to extending these sites.
Cultural concerns, environmental concerns, plain old quality of life.
So that option? Politically and socially—very, very hard.
Which leaves us where?
More waste. Less space. No clear plan.
And I’ll put my hand up—I’m part of it. It’s easier to dump than sort it out. Easier to pay the fee and drive away.
But we cannot keep doing that.
Because if we don’t get ahead of this—fast—the next thing creeping up the valley won’t just be a landfill.
It’ll be a crisis we cannot ignore.
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Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught joins the show today to discuss his new Lego Star Wars exhibition with Nick.
His last hit Lego Jurassic Park exhibition opened Takina, now Ryan shares what we can expect from his return.
His latest endeavour uses over 8 million LEGO bricks and took 26,000 hours to complete.
The exhibition opens just in time for school holidays on June 27th.
You can buy tickets here
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Nick speaks to Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty around concerns over the sustainability of Wellington's waste systems.
There is talk of expanding the Wellington tip to the back of Zealandia, McNulty shares the likelihood of this and stresses the importance and urgency of this issue.
Porirua's Spicer Landfill is due to close in 2030 and is due to chop years off the lifespan of Wellington's landfill.
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EDITORIAL:
There's moments in this city where you stop, you look at the numbers, and you think — this cannot be real. And it happens too often.
This cannot be happening to us. And yet it is, here we go again.
A bill of half a billion dollars — possibly pushing $590 million — just to roll out water meters across the region.
Now think about that for a second, please.
This is not fixing the pipes. Not stopping the leaks.
Not upgrading the system that’s literally spilling out under our feet every single day.
No — just for water meters.
We were told this would be under control.
We were told this was the plan.
We were told this would fix things.
Back in 2020, the estimate was $144 million.
Thenall of a sudden it doubled to $300 million.
Then $412 million.
Now we’re staring down the barrel of nearly $600 million.
That is not a plan to me— that is a runaway train.
And I go back — I keep going back — to that moment a couple of years ago in New World, doing my shopping, bumping into former councillor Tim Brown.
He looked me in the eye and said he’d just come from a water meeting, he said “water rates are going to go crazy.”
Well Tim, with respect — you undersold it.
You didn’t say: “Get ready to wonder if you can actually afford to live here anymore.”
I wanted more from you, if you knew it was that bad I wanted you to tell me to pack up and get out of town quickly, because it cannot be any worse.
Because that’s where we’re heading.
This is the part that really gets me: we’re being told this is necessary, that this is smart, that this is the fix. No one disagrees with that.
And yet even supporters are saying the numbers are — and I quote — “nonsensical.”
When you’ve got politicians, former councillors, and everyday Wellingtonians all looking at the same figure and using the same word — nonsensical — maybe, maybe, just maybe, it is.
That’s not just inefficient. That’s madness.
And this is from a person that wants to have water meters, I’m supportive of water meters.
And I’ll say something that might make a few people uncomfortable this morning: why are we insisting on doing this ourselves if we clearly don’t have the expertise?
Even Tim Brown is questioning whether the new entity has the capability to run this rollout. He says they have no inhouse expertise on metering.
So here’s a radical idea — put it out to the world.
Tender it internationally.
Get the best operators, the most efficient systems, the sharpest pricing.
I don’t care if they come from Asia, Europe, wherever — just get it done properly, do it once and do it a hell of alot cheaper.
Because right now, this city is becoming unaffordable.
You’ve heard me say it before — and I’ll keep saying it — how the hell are ordinary Wellingtonians supposed to stay in the city and keep up with these payments?
How do we do it?
At some point, enough is enough.
And I reckon for me, we are there now.
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Water meters from Tiaki Wai will cost rate payers $590 million to install – $178 million more than was estimated last year.
Director of NZ Infrastructure Commission and former Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown shares his expertise on the cost of water metering. He is setting up a setting up a water users’ advocacy group and called the figures "nonsensical."
And should this project be done in house by Tiaki Wai or by tender?
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For the Business Panel this week Nick is joined in the studio by Harcourts CEO Marty Ritchie and Director of Trinity Group and Treasurer of Hospitality NZ Jeremy Smith.
The panel talk business in the capital, they share their wins, struggles and hopes with working in the city.
Ritchie shares how the real estate market is looking - with his expertise with the Kapiti Coast, Porirua and in the city. What trends is he seeing? What are buyers asking for?
And Smith tells us how it is trying to sell his business and how hard it is to make a business profitable in this climate. How is hospo holding up with all these external political and economic factors? Smith calls the hospitality industry "the canary in the coal mine."
Also, what do they look for in employees? How do you deal with the uncertainty doing business in NZ? How are they finding the public mood in the city - and are our people the saviours?
And our panellists give their thoughts on the state of the city and our council.
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It's Friday Faceoff, and Nick is joined in the studio by former Wellington Mayor and Director of Dot Loves Data Justin Lester and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young.
The hot issues of the week - like the release of emails between the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister through NZ First. Is this a political move or a genuine mistake? And who is in charge in this coalition?
Then onto the cost of social housing to the council, rates, our local economy and the pains of being a Wellingtonian. And when will we see the light.
Maiki Sherman, TVNZ and the politicians - what should be done, and what is the standard of professionalism that we should expect from those in the Beehive.
Then our guests take a deeper dive into the alcohol culture in parliament, and in workplaces.
As the Prime Minister has pulled out of his weekly breakfast slot, Lester and Young faceoff over whether this is acceptable, and does this alter the public's perception of Luxon?
And with our panel's council expertise we hear what they think of the "frivolous" spending of council. Young says this is due to the officials, how do we align the councillors and officials spending?
Plus, what do Young and Lester think of the bill the Green Party are trying to get through which stops prosecutions for low level drug crimes when people call for support during an overdose. And the panel give their hots and nots.
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To kick off the sports weekend Nick is joined by Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
Starting with the Hurricanes. Ruben Love celebrates his 50th game. Jason says this is the best Hurricanes team since 2015, do our panel agree?
Do we expect them to do well now instead of hope? We will see, when they play the Crusaders tonight at Hnry Stadium.
The first leg of the semis for the Phoenix Women is on tomorrow, it is the furthest they have ever gone - could they do what no other Phoenix men OR women's team have done and take out the competition?
Plus, the crew chat the two wins for the Wellington Saints and the progress the Pulse are making this season.
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Nick is joined in the studio today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis for her monthly catch-up.
This week news broke over a verbal dispute between journalists at Nicola Willis's pre-budget office drinks. Nick gets to the bottom of what happened, and why it took nearly a year to reveal to the public.
Then with the public spats between the Prime Minister, Willis and Winston Peters - is the coalition collapsing, coming up to election time. And who is making the decisions - Peters or Luxon?
Willis also discusses the mood in the country with fuel hikes and global uncertainty. When will we see improvement, and how is the budget looking?
And how did the caucus meeting and vote of confidence go?
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EDITORIAL: Overnight, we’ve learnt that behind closed doors, at the very start of this war in Iran, our own Government wasn’t quite on the same page.
And as a New Zealander watching all of this unfold, what I wanted—what I think most of us wanted—was a clear, confident line about where we as a country stand.
Instead, we’ve got emails, pushback—and a pretty uncomfortable question about who’s actually in charge.
Because cast your mind back to that first stand-up.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, fronting media, being pushed hard—simple question: does New Zealand support the strikes?
And he couldn’t give a straight answer.
He said we “acknowledge” them—but wouldn’t say support, wouldn’t oppose.
And at the time, that felt messy and unclear.
It felt, frankly, like a bit of a wobble—and that’s when the questions around his leadership really started to heat up.
But now—now we’ve got a bit more context.
Because the emails released under the Official Information Act show that, behind the scenes, Luxon was at least open to shifting New Zealand’s position—looking at aligning more closely with countries like Australia, who explicitly supported the US-led action.
And at the very same time, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his team were saying: absolutely not.
The advice was to hold the line. Stay neutral.
Don’t move toward explicit support—it would be “imprudent” and against New Zealand’s national interest.
So now you look back at that dress disastrous stand-up and you have to ask: was Luxon unclear because he didn’t know what he thought?
Or was he being pulled in two different directions at once?
Because that’s a very different story.
Now, here’s the interesting part.
The position we ended up with—that careful middle ground of acknowledging but not supporting—actually lines up with public sentiment.
An Ipsos poll in April showed 87% of Kiwis don’t want military involvement, 83% think it would escalate things further, and about three-quarters don’t think it’s worth higher fuel prices.
So the outcome? Probably right.
But the process? That’s where this gets shaky.
Because what we’ve seen is internal disagreement, emails being released publicly by the Foreign Minister’s office, a late-night Beehive meeting—and an admission from Peters that releasing those emails was a mistake. But Winston Peters doesn’t make mistakes.
That’s not a Government speaking with one voice.
And I’ll say this—Winston Peters is experienced, he’s a global operator, and he knows exactly how to play the diplomatic game.
But when it starts to feel like he’s the one holding the reins, and the Prime Minister is reacting—
You’ve got to ask the question:
Who’s actually running the country?
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It's Politics Thursday and Nick is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP and Cabinet Minister Mike Butterick.
Emails between Winston Peters and the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were released by NZ First through the OIA. They show that Peters talked down Luxon over his initial call to support the US strikes on Iran.
There has since been some public beef between the two - Nick asks our politicians who is really in charge with the coalition, and have to gloves truly come off now?
Also on the agenda is Luxon cancelling his scheduled media appearances on Breakfast, alcohol in the beehive and the Maiki Sherman event and when will we see some policy from Labour?
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A member’s bill from Green MP Kahurangi Carter has passed its first reading in Parliament.
The proposed law would protect people from minor drug charges if they call emergency services for someone experiencing an overdose or bad reaction.
Nick speaks to NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm to find out more about the bill and its impacts.
Helm says 3 Kiwis die from preventable overdoses each week, and this bill could reduce that.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills in the studio for his monthly catch up.
The Labour party is polling well, 7 points above National, but how long will this last without major policy announcements. Nick asks when we will see more, and what should we expect from the party this year?
Nicola Willis suggests that Barbara Edmonds has told agency Fitch one thing and the public another in terms of revenue gathering. Hipkins shares Labour's plans, and talks tax and interest deductions.
Also on the agenda is the Maiki Sherman saga and the alcohol culture in the beehive - is it acceptable?
And what does Hipkins think of bailing on scheduled media slots?
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EDITORIAL:
Here’s the thing — I just don’t buy the outrage, and I actually think this needs to be called a bit more straight.
Christopher Luxon pulling out of his regular Monday slot on Breakfast isn’t some constitutional crisis.
It’s not democracy under threat. It’s a political decision — and honestly, just say it for what it is.
Don’t dress it up, don’t spin it.
If Luxon doesn’t want to sit there every week and get carved up by Tova O'Brien, then just say that.
If he and his media team — and yes, people like Rachel Smalley advising behind the scenes — have decided that format isn’t helping him, then fine. That’s politics. That’s strategy. Own it.
Don’t hide behind “changing media consumption habits” or scheduling tweaks.
Just front-foot it: this isn’t working for us, we’re moving on. I’ve got no issue with that — in fact, I respect it more when it’s said plainly.
Now, the facts. Luxon hasn’t disappeared.
He’s still doing interviews — including with Radio New Zealand and Newstalk ZB — and his office says access will now be handled case-by-case.
So, this isn’t shutting down scrutiny, it’s changing where and how it happens.
And this all comes after a tough stretch — poor polling, speculation about his leadership, and that caucus confidence vote he called himself and won. That’s not someone avoiding pressure internally.
The criticism, especially from parts of the media, is that he’s ducking hard questions.
But here’s where I land: no politician is contractually obliged to turn up to the same interviewer every single week if they think it’s a stitch-up rather than a fair contest.
We’ve seen this before. Jacinda Ardern stopped going on Mike Hosking’s show. David Seymour won’t go on RNZ. Politicians will pick their platforms. Always have and guess what, always will.
And in a media landscape that’s now radio, TV, podcasts, digital — locking yourself into one weekly slot isn’t necessarily smart politics anyway.
Now, yes — the media’s role in holding power to account is critical. No arguments there. But accountability doesn’t equal entitlement to a guaranteed booking.
If Luxon stopped doing all interviews, that’s a problem. But he hasn’t.
This is a recalibration. A tactical move.
I just don’t want him to pretend it’s anything else.
I want him to be straight.
He doesn’t want to go on the show, he doesn’t want to get carved up, he doesn't feel it good for him.
Why should he have to sit there knowing someone is trying to get a gotcha moment?
Rather than giving us, the people of New Zealand, a well-balanced interview on the way the country is.
That’s what I want to see.
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The Warriors sparked a huge night for Wellington with their game against the Dolphins at Hnry Stadium this ANZAC day.
With talk of the $40million government fund for events, Nick speaks to WellingtonNZ CE Mark Oldershaw to find out how we can use this to bring more life to Wellington.
They discuss the Warriors game, and what it bought to the city. As well as the other events and plans for Wellington this year.
Oldershaw said negotiations are beginning to make the Warriors game a yearly event.
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For Friday Faceoff today it's a political special with former Chief Press Secretary to the PM Hamish Rutherford and BusinessDesk senior reporter Thomas Manch.
It's been a dramatic week in the beehive ending with the Prime Minister calling a vote against himself. Our panel bring both their political pasts from the beehive to give their insight onto the hot topics from the week.
Rutherford and Manch share their thoughts on the five MPs named by Mike Hosking and what could have happened in the caucus meeting. And does Bishop stand a chance as leader of the National party?
And with the public jabs between Winston Peters and National, the panel discuss the likelihood that he would go against his word and go with Labour at the next election.
Then to the FTA with India, Labour has signed on - is this the right choice for NZ? And the racial comments from Shane Jones, is this just trying to breed controversy?
Also on the agenda is the Treaty reference changes in law, the $49 billion estimate to fix water infrastructure, and who should be responsible for support with the Wellington floods. Plus, the panel give their hots and nots.
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The Warriors have sold out Hnry Stadium! They play the Dolphins tomorrow for their ANZAC day game.
To celebrate, the sports crew of Nick, Adam Cooper and Jason Pine are joined by former Kiwis player and local league legend Mike Kuiti.
They discuss what we can expect from this game, then the history of league in this country and the height it's reached now.
Also, Hurricanes play the Brumbies tomorrow - Piney and Coops take a look at the team and the stats.
Piney is down in Christchurch for the opening of Te Kaha One NZ Stadium, the crew talk what this means for Christchurch and the Crusaders.
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This Politics Thursday Nick is joined by National's Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour's Willie Jackson.
The discussion immediately gets heated with news just dropped that Labour has agreed to support the Fair Trade Agreement with India.
The panel then get into the alleged five MPs who went up against Prime Minister Luxon and the vote of confidence held within the National caucus this week.
And Winston Peters - who will he pick? And what do our panel think of his comments against Luxon this week?
Also on the agenda was criticism against Move on order legislation, changes to references to the Treaty in law and ANZAC day plans.
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EDITORIAL:
Well, well, well… here we go again
The theatre, the pressure, the whispers, the leaks — and then bang — Christopher Luxon walks into caucus and says, “righto, let’s settle this.”
Yesterday, we asked for exactly that, didn’t we?
I said on this show, I wanted to see a bit of steel.
A bit of fight. Not the polished corporate lines, not the media training — I wanted to see a Prime Minister Christopher Luxon look like he was in charge.
And to his credit, that’s exactly what he did. He forced the issue. He didn’t let it drift. He didn’t let the knives keep circling in the dark.
Because just think about the significance of this for a second.
This is the first time a sitting Prime Minister has actually asked for a confidence vote.
First time ever and that matters. We’ve seen pressure like this before — opposition leaders, sure — but not from the top job.
Not like this. In the past, leaders like Geoffrey Palmer and Mike Moore, or Jim Bolger and Jenny Shipley, they were told they didn’t have the numbers. The writing was on the wall.
But they never forced the room to prove it. Luxon did.
He walked in and said, “look me in the eye — am I your leader or not?”
And here’s the follow-up question, no one’s really asking yet. What happens if the next poll drops… and it’s worse?
And the one after that… worse again?
Does this become the playbook now?
Every time the numbers dip, do we march back into caucus and demand another vote? Because that’s not strength — that’s instability dressed up as decisiveness.
And we’ll never know the numbers. Three-hour meeting, by all accounts.
Plenty of MPs getting up, speaking, backing him, positive vibes — that’s the line we’re getting fed.
And in the end, he’s still standing. He’s still the Prime Minister. So on paper, it’s a win.
But — and there’s always a but — what kind of win is it?
Because afterwards, when he walked out to face the media, it wasn’t the big united front we expected. No wall of senior ministers behind him showing overwhelming strength.
It was just him… and Nicola Willis.
And I’ve got to be honest — and I know people roll their eyes when I say this — but I watch body language.
She didn’t look comfortable. She didn’t look like someone who’d just come out of a rock-solid show of unity. It felt… off.
Now maybe I’m reading too much into it. Maybe that’s just the moment. But politics is theatre, and that moment told a story.
So where does that leave us this morning?
Is this the reset Luxon needed — the line in the sand, the moment he takes control and says “enough”? Or is this just round one of a longer fight that’s still bubbling away under the surface?
Because forcing the vote is bold. No question. But bold only works if it actually shuts things down.
Did it, or did it just expose how close this really is?
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Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is calling for the Wellington Civil Defense Emergency Management Group (WCDEMG) to request to unlock the emergency government fund.
The fund is available from Work and Income NZ to financially support those impacted but is activated after a request from the WCDEMG controller.
Paul speaks to Nick over her concerns for Wellington, and the reasons the fund hasn't been granted.
She calls for all MPs and mayors to back this call, as the regions mayors are apart of WCDEMG
They also discuss the destruction within the city from the flood and how the charities of Wellington are bearing the brunt of the support.
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For Music Time this week Nick is joined by our music guru James Irwin.
After the weather yesterday record store Creeps Newtown was flooded significantly. James talks the importance of supporting small record shops - of which we have a greta selection of in Wellington. Especially with record store day, which was last weekend.
Brett McKenzie celebrated by doing a free gig at Slowboat Records on Cuba St.
Then the crew talk NZ music award nominations and the new book on Flying Nun band The Clean.
And find out what gigs are on the coming week.
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EDITORIAL:
Well, here we go again — this is when the doors are shut, the caucus is in the room, and this is the moment.
This is where you find out whether a Prime Minister is actually in charge… or just borrowing the label.
Because over the last 24 to 48 hours, this hasn’t just been a bit of background noise or media speculation — this has been a full-blown leak culture inside the National Party.
And now, thanks to Mike Hosking, we’ve got names.
Not whispers. Not “sources say.” Names.
The famous five.
Barbara Kuriger. Andrew Bayley. Sam Uffindell. Tim van de Molen. Joseph Mooney.
Five MPs allegedly talking to the media.
If Mike Hosking is naming these names you can bet he's on the money, I'm prepared to lose my job on that.
Five MPs prepared to undermine their own leader publicly — or at the very least, privately with the full knowledge it would become public.
And now the question isn’t whether it’s happening.
The question is: what does Luxon do about it?
Because this is the test. This is leadership 101.
You cannot run a government — let alone win an election year — if your own team is briefing against you. It’s poisonous.
It eats away at authority, it destroys discipline, and it tells the public one thing loud and clear: they don’t believe in their own boss.
So what are the options?
Does he go soft? Quiet word in their ear, slap on the wrist, “let’s all move on”?
Or does he go hard?
Because let’s be very clear — Prime Ministers have power.
They control rankings, portfolios, future careers.
If you want to send a message, you can send one quickly.
And then there’s another layer to this — because now we’re hearing that Chris Bishop may also be linked in some way.
Now if that’s even remotely true, that’s not just a backbencher issue anymore — that’s senior leadership territory. That changes the stakes completely.
Is it time for Luxon to clean house?
He can’t get rid of them, you know he can’t.
So do you make an example of one or two? Do you reshuffle, demote, strip responsibilities?
Or do you risk looking weak by trying to keep everyone happy?
Because here’s the reality — unity isn’t built by pretending problems don’t exist. It’s built by dealing with them.
And if Luxon walks out of that caucus today without asserting control, without drawing a line…
Then the story won’t be about five MPs leaking like a sieve.
The story will be that the Prime Minister knew — and did nothing.
And once that perception sets in?
Good luck with trying to do anything come the end of the year.
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Nick is joined on this rainy morning by WeatherWatch's Phil Duncan to give us the latest on the wild Wellington weather.
Duncan discusses the struggles of forecasting in New Zealand, and how our weather technology systems differ globally.
He suggests NZ is behind the times, and our closed data means we can't learn from our mistakes.
Duncan also talked the potential of a weather agency merger to provide more accurate and direct information to the public.
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For a special charitable edition of the Business Panel, Nick is joined in the studio by two people making a difference in Wellington. Rev Murray Edridge, Wellington City Missioner and Major Christina Tyson, Head of Salvation Army frontline welfare services join the panel this morning.
In the wake of the severe weather events, Wellington City Mission and Salvation Army are providing support and shelter for those in need. Nick speaks to Tyson and Edridge speaking about what they are offering, and how the organizations are coping with the influx of support needed.
Then onto the last 12 months, are our panel noticing a difference? Edridge says it is the worst time in memory for those who need help.
Nick finds out how world events like fuel are impacting the people they support and the businesses themselves. How are their volunteers coping?
Then their thoughts on policy from the government and whether they are receiving enough support from both the government and the council.
And how can our communities support them? Find out on this week's business panel.
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Many Wellingtonians have woken to carnage in the capital.
Cars are floating,
Early this morning parts of the region were hit with slow moving thunderstorms and intense rain causing cars to float streets to flood, slips, roads closures and evacuations.
Nick speaks to Mayor Andrew Little who has been out in the suburbs looking at damage. He shares an update on the response so far and official advice for those effected.
MetService is expecting even more rain to fall across Wellington today, with a heavy rain warning in place for parts of the region from 3pm Monday until midnight Tuesday.
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This morning for Friday Sport Kick-off Nick is joined by Weekend Sport host Jason Pine to chat all about sports coming up in Wellington this weekend.
But first Moana Pasifika, who are set to disband after this season. Piney and Nick talk the likelihood of investors swooping in, and what other teams could be at risk of the same fate?
Then what some are calling the first All Black trial: Hurricanes play the Chief on Saturday.
Players are set to prove their positions in the top of the table clash, who will come out on top in Hamilton tomorrow.
A-League Phoenix play Western Sydney in Christchurch tomorrow - could they still make the top six?
And other Wellington teams take on Christchurch this week across multiple codes including the Pulse who play the Tactix on Sunday. Plus, the Saints play the Rams. How do our crew think it'll go?
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EDITORIAL: We know there’s a growing gap in this country—and it’s not just between the rich and the poor.
It’s between what we say we want, and what we’re actually prepared to do to pay for.
Because right now, the numbers are starting to bite.
Treasury is warning—loudly—that we are heading into a future where fewer workers supporting more retirees. We know that - it’s fact.
And now, Inland Revenue is backing that up, saying quite clearly: if we don’t change course, the books don’t stack up. Debt will grow. Pressure will build. Something will have to give.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth—there are only two levers you can pull.
You either spend less… or you tax more.
Now look around.
We’ve got around 165,000 people on an unemployment benefit.
We’ve come through COVID with a massive debt hangover.
Infrastructure costs are blowing out. Health, pensions, everything—up, up, up.
So I’ll ask the obvious question: are we really going to save our way out of this?
I don’t think so.
And that’s why this conversation that politicians keep avoiding—we need to have it properly.
Because Inland Revenue has already laid it out.
They say GST should go up. Now think about that for a minute and don’t let it shock you too much.
They say capital gains should be looked at. They say the system needs to be more flexible so governments can pull in more revenue when they need it – like now.
And whether we like it or not… they’re probably right.
Let’s take GST.
We are at 15% in New Zealand.
Now compare that to Europe—where consumption taxes are often higher.
The United Kingdom runs a VAT of 20%. Germany? 19%. France? 20%.
The Nordic countries—Denmark, Sweden—around 25%.
So, the idea of moving GST from 15% to 17% or 17.5% here—it’s not radical internationally.
It’s actually pretty modest.
Yes, it hurts and it hurts everyone. But it’s simple. It’s efficient.
And if you pair it with targeted support—cash transfers or tax relief—for low-income earners, you can soften the blow where it matters most.
Then there’s the old capital gains tax.
Nobody wants to talk about the horrible old capital gains tax.
And I know—people hate hearing it. But Inland Revenue is blunt: not taxing capital gains creates distortions. It lets people shift income into areas that aren’t taxed, and that weakens the system.
So why not be surgical about it?
You don’t touch the family home. We don’t want to hit ordinary Kiwis.
But if you’re dealing in assets—property, investments—worth over $2 million, $2.5 million… then yes, maybe you should be paying capital gains tax.
Because here’s the reality—we’re in a hole.
And when you’re in a hole, you don’t get out by pretending everything’s fine.
Some people have done extremely well, even through COVID, even through recession. Meanwhile, others are barely hanging on.
So yes—maybe company tax edge up. Maybe high-end capital gains are taxed.
Maybe GST nudges higher.
None of it is popular.
But this is the point—there is no pain-free option anymore.
The real question is: are we prepared to take a bit of pain now, and alot of us have had that pain… to avoid a much bigger one later?
It’s coming, we can’t afford it, and we can’t get our spending down.
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Pharmacies will get more power to provide funded medication from June.
Government is proposing to expand the role of community pharmacists, allowing them to assess patients and provide funded treatment for common conditions like infections, head lice, and minor illnesses.
The move aims to make healthcare faster, cheaper, and more accessible while easing pressure on GPs.
Nick speaks to co-founder/spokesperson for the Independent Community Pharmacy Group Clive Cannons. Cannon's also runs his own pharmacy Clive’s Chemist in Wainuiomata.
Cannon's shares his insight onto the move - which his pharmacy has been trialling for the last few years.
He says while pharmacists have already been doing this, this is a win as they can provide the medication to patients - funded.
Cannon also tells Nick about how he expects pharmacies to look like in the future, and if this power could expand.
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This week on Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley
Things get fiery over calls from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on increasing tax. Specifically IRD want to see an increase to the goods and services tax (GST) rate, offering a cash transfer to low-income earners and a Capital Gains Tax.
The politicians face off over the best way to increase government funds, and which of their policies will help Kiwis?
Then onto the crisis in Iran. Andersen and Costley give their thoughts on Trump's actions with Strait of Hormuz and on his social media Truth Social. Also, should politicians go after the Pope?
Also, the new Wellington Water entity Tiaki Wai's board pay is concerning Mayor Andrew Little and Minister Simon Watts. The politicians share what can be done, and their thoughts on the salary doubling in some cases.
Then they talk trust in the media, which has risen for the first time since 2020 and Winston Peters comments that the new ferries may not be operated by KiwiRail - who else could do it?
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Rising fuel prices are starting to push up costs across the entire economy, not just at the petrol pump.
Businesses are feeling the ripple effect, especially in hospitality, where suppliers are adding surcharges to cover higher transport and production costs.
Popular Wellington café, Smith the Grocer, is now considering introducing its own fuel surcharge as expenses like meat, milk, and deliveries increase.
Nick speaks to co-owner Kirsten Saunders on the subject - where do they draw the line? How are they coping at the moment with high costs?
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EDITORIAL:
Fuel prices are starting to quietly creep into everything… and I mean everything we do.
We always talk about it when we fill up the car — that’s the obvious one.
But what we’re starting to see now is the next layer of it… the ripple effect.
And it’s hitting hospitality, right where you notice it most — in your wallet, when you go out for a coffee or a bite to eat.
There’s a really interesting story out today from Radio New Zealand about a well-known Wellington spot, Smith the Grocer, down in the Old Bank Arcade. Been there or a long time, very successful, very well run cafe.
They’re not doing it yet — but they’re seriously considering adding a fuel surcharge to their prices.
And here’s why.
Their suppliers are already doing it to them.
One meat supplier has slapped on a 4 percent increase across the board.
Another is looking at about 5 percent temporarily. Eggs going up. Delivery costs going up. It all stacks up.
And when you look at the numbers, you can see why.
According to the fuel app Gaspy, 91 petrol is sitting around $3.48 a litre, diesel closer to $3.89.
These are real costs, and the flow is going right through the system — from the truck, to the supplier, to the café, and eventually… to you.
Now the café owner says they’d rather not do it — margins are already tight — but when everything goes up at once, they’ve got two choices: absorb it… or pass it on.
So here’s the question I’ve been thinking about.
If you walked into your local café tomorrow… and there was a 5 percent surcharge on the bill — not hidden, not sneaky, just clearly there because of fuel costs — would you pay it?
Or would you just walk out and go somewhere else?
Because I’ll be honest with you — I already do this in my own head. Every time before I start the show I go to 2 places to get my coffee
There are two coffee spots near me. One’s five bucks. The other one — the one I actually like — is $6.30. And every time I go there, I think, “why am I paying more?”… but I still do it. Why because I like the place and I think it’s better there.
So are we actually price sensitive… or are we habit sensitive?
If that surcharge becomes the norm — because let’s be honest, this isn’t going away anytime soon — do we just accept it?
Or does it start changing where we go, what we buy, and how often we go out?
That’s where it gets really interesting.
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EDITORIAL: Are we starting to overreact to the weather?
Now before anyone jumps on the phone — yes, I know what’s happened up north.
Yes, I know what happened with the cyclone and it caused real damage.
Flooding across parts of Northland, the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay. Yes I know that.
States of emergency declared. Power outages. Evacuations. Roads closed. People genuinely affected. Up north.
Those are the facts and they matter.
But here’s the bigger picture we’re being told now: New Zealand is entering what experts are calling a more defined “cyclone season.”
This isn’t just a one-off. We’ve already had multiple major weather events in 2026 — storms earlier this year that caused deaths and serious flooding.
Scientists are warning that while cyclones may not come more often, they could be more intense, last longer, and hit harder.
So yes — the risk is real.
But here’s the question I can’t shake this morning: are we starting to jump too quickly into full shutdown mode every time a system rolls through?
Because we know this is the time of year. We know we sit in a part of the world where these systems track down. This is not new anymore — this is becoming part of the pattern.
And yet — what are we seeing?
Batten down the hatches. Cancel plans. Stay home. Prepare for the worst.
Now again — authorities will say that’s exactly the point.
Early warnings save lives. And they’re right.
Since events like Cyclone Gabrielle, behaviour has changed.
People take warnings seriously. Emergency management acts earlier.
And in many cases that's the preparedness that we want and absolutely prevents tragedy.
That’s a good thing.
But is there a tipping point?
Because when every weather system is treated like it could be catastrophic, something else starts to happen.
People stop going out. Businesses take a hit. Events lose momentum. And slowly, quietly, the economy feels it.
And it starts to feel like it’s clickbait for media. It starts to feel like a build up days before.
And here’s where it gets tricky — because you don’t want complacency.
You don’t want people ignoring warnings when a genuinely dangerous system is coming.
But you also don’t want a country that freezes every time the forecast turns rough.
We’ve seen the impacts — infrastructure under pressure, insurance costs rising, councils facing huge bills to build resilience.
All of that is real, and all of that needs serious long-term thinking.
But day-to-day?
Are we getting the balance right?
Or are we starting to default to worst-case scenario thinking every time will be a catastrophe — just in case?
Because if this is the new normal… if this really is a “cyclone season” we’re going to live with…
Then the way we respond to it matters just as much as the weather itself.
So, here’s the question this morning — have we found the right balance between caution and overreaction?
Or are we, bit by bit, becoming a country that shuts down too easily?
Should we be more cautious of a boy who cried wolf situation in Wellington? Because that’s the part that really scares me.
Do we overreact too quickly?
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Ultra Music Festival was held in Wellington on Friday night and sold over 23,000 tickets, bringing people from all over the country into our CBD.
Nick speaks to Wellington City Chamber of Commerce CEO Hayley Horan about the impact on the businesses from the influx of people.
They also discuss the latest poll from RNZ which found nearly two‑thirds of business owners believe the current state of the economy is "bad" or "very bad" and 83% are stressed.
Nick asks what can be done to deescalate the stresses for Wellington business owners.
Horan shares her insider knowledge of how businesses are reacting to the times.
Did Ultra Festival bring up business confidence in the CBD? Are events the thing that will bring back hope in the city?
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Nick Mills wraps the week with Friday Faceoff with Chief Executive of Infrastructure NZ, and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett and National Secretary of the Public Service Association Fleur Fitzsimmons.
Starting with the war - how long will the effects last for Kiwis? Fitzsimmons and Legget talk stability of the ceasefire,
They debate the fuel crisis, the government's response and how our country will survive.
Then onto electrifying NZ, with the wake up signal of the Strait of Hormuz closing - Is solar the answer to our countries problems?
Christopher Luxon as a leader - is a CEO the leader we want? After his stumbles in the media lately, is he coping with the pressure of these highly unstable times?
And who else could step up? After Nicola Willis has fronted the fuel crisis, our panel discuss the signs of a new National leader.
Tiaki Wai and Wellington's water woes - As former Chair of Wellington Water, Nick Leggett shares his insight into the transfer of the water entities to Tiaki Wai ownership. The panel discuss the high-water bills and the necessity for them. Fitzsimmons wants more transparency for the reality of household's rates rises.
Then the surge in drugs seizures at the border - can NZ win the war on drugs? Customs Minister Casey Costello says “We’re not winning, but I wouldn’t say we’re losing.” Do our panel agree?
Leggett and Fitzsimmons address the harms it's doing to our community, and the solutions.
Plus, the panel give their hot and nots for the week.
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Nick is joined by Finance Minister Nicola Willis for her monthly chat in the studio.
The minister has been busy fronting the fuel crisis and with the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, Nick gets answers on how Kiwis will be affected. Is the tide turning? Is the Strait opening?
Also, Nick asks Willis about the delivery of fuel and diesel for farmers.
Willis speaks about her reaction to Trump's threating social media posts and says that we are in a better place today compared to two days ago.
But how stable is the future and do we have any power as a little country at the bottom of the world?
And does Minister Willis have ambition to be Prime Minster?
Nick asks about the PMs mistakes this last week, and is popularity that important as a leader?
OCR and her relationship with Reserve Bank Governor Anna Bremen
Then into transport, and the talk around reducing work on Roads of National Significance
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The Ultra Music Festival hits Wellington tonight! Bringing international DJs and Electronic Music legends to our waterfront.
23,000 are expected to the sold-out festival - with four stages showcasing local and international talent.
Ultra Festival started in Miami and is a worldwide hit - this Wellington show is the first NZ edition.
Yesterday Nick took a tour around the festival set up with the man who bought the festival to NZ - Head of Audiology Touring Mitch Lowe.
Mitch and Nick look around the waterfront, which was full of workers setting up and getting ready for the thousands of fans.
Go with Nick through Ultra and meet the team behind it.
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For Friday Sport Kick-off this week Nick is joined in the studio by ZB sport guru Jason Pine.
Starting with Hurricanes alumni dinner tonight - the organization set up to help Hurricanes transition into the next phase of their lives celebrates tonight. It's been 10 years since they won their championship and 30 years since the team started.
Onto the Hurricanes vs Blues - Hnry Stadium with a 7.05pm kick-off. They look at the odds, the team and is this the first real test for the Canes?
And the rise of the Phoenix under Chris Greenacre. Could the team reach top 6? The A-League men play Melbourne City on Sunday in Melbourne.
Wellington Saints are raising their 13th championship banner for their first game of the season - Sunday afternoon.
Plus, the Pulse open their season with a game against Magic on Saturday.
Huge weekend for Wellington Sport - and you can hear about it all on Friday Sport Kick-off.
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For this week's Politics Thursday Nick is joined by National MP for Wairarapa and newly appointed Minister for Land Information Mike Butterick, and Labour MP and Spokesperson for Education and Police Ginny Andersen.
With the announcement of the two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, Nick asks our politicians how this will affect NZ and their thoughts on what has unfolded these last few days.
Also, how fuel is being impacted - and why is the price of diesel hitting $4 if we still have 51 days left of supply.
And how is Luxon coping with the pressure of leadership?
During Butterick's minister appointment ceremony, he and Cameron Brewer were mistaken for ushers. Hours after Luxon appeared on Breakfast and stumbled around how many Māori MPs were in his cabinet - forgetting Tama Potaka.
They dissect his performance as Prime Minister - and how he is coping with the conflict.
New Zealand is seeing a huge surge in drug imports at the border. In the first 4 months of 2025 at Auckland Airport the amount of drugs seized was more than the total from all NZ airports the year prior.
What will our politicians do to solve this issue, where do the problems lie?
And the RBNZ has decided to keep OCR 2.25%, what does this mean for our economy.
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Nick is joined on the show today by British comedian and actor Stephen K Amos.
Amos arrives in Wellington for his tour 'Now We’re Talking,' and will play Friday May 8th at Hannah Playhouse
Nick and Amos talk his last experience in Wellington - including an earthquake and some classic turbulence.
Also what to expect from his latest show and how comedy is adapting to the state of the world right now.
Amos was last in New Zealand in 2016 and is a regular guest on UK TV shows; Live at The Apollo, QI and Have I got News for You. He is also an accomplished BAFTA Award-winning actor.
His stand up comedy show 'Now We’re Talking' is on Friday May 8 at Hannah Playhouse get tickets here.
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Nick is joined in the studio today by Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little for their monthly catchup.
Mayor Little takes questions from both Nick and our audience, on the progress in our city and council in April.
Starting with pressures in the city from the Iran War. Mayor Little discusses the potential for public transport cost deductions, and the other ways the CBD has been impacted from the fuel crisis.
Then onto rates - Little takes calls from the audience on commercial, property and water rates.
And then cost of Tiaki Wai, Wellington's new water entity taking over from July 1st - Little says he stills has not seen the evidence that our water payments will need to be up to nearly $7000 per household within 10 years. Nick and Little discuss this, how the transfer of power works and what needs to be done considering the cost to ratepayers.
Little gives an inquiry update for Moa Point, and elaborates on the cause - and that it still has not been fixed.
Plus, NZTA says Wellington will reach it's vision for Wellington in just 6 years. Nick asks Little whether he agrees and this could be reality - or is this still a vision?
Then after the drama surrounding the new WCC office building we ask the Mayor what he thinks of his new office.
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EDITORIAL:
I don't even know where to start with this.
Because I’m sitting here this morning, and I’m not asking for a clever political solution, I’m not asking for spin, and I’m certainly not asking for another escalation.
I just want it to stop.
Not a temporary pause. Not a 45-day window. Not a “significant step” that isn’t good enough for someone to sign.
I want the war to stop.
I want some sort of normality back in the world.
I want people to get on and live their lives.
I want that simple idea — live and let live — to actually mean something.
And before anyone jumps in — this is not some soft, hand-wringing, anti-war rant. It’s not that.
This is just common sense in the world that we live in right now.
Because what we’re watching right now is getting completely out of hand.
You’ve got Donald Trump talking about how an entire country could be “taken out in one night.”
You’ve got threats to infrastructure, to power plants, to bridges — things that affect civilians, not just military targets.
And on the other side, you've got Iran saying no — rejecting ceasefires, vowing to keep fighting.
So where does that us, leave the rest of the world?
Stuck in the middle.
Because this isn’t just “their war.” It never is.
You start talking about the Strait of Hormuz — one of the most critical shipping routes on the planet — and suddenly this hits everyone.
Fuel prices. Supply chains. Cost of living. Everything.
We’re already feeling it here.
And that’s what frustrates me.
Because while leaders posture, threaten, and dig in… the rest of the world pays the price.
Families pay the price.
Businesses pay the price.
Countries like ours — so far away — still get dragged into it through higher costs, uncertainty, and economic pressure.
At some point, someone has to step up and say: enough.
Make the ceasefire work.
Not “almost work.” Not “on the table.” Not “a step in the right direction.”
Actually make it work.
Because right now, it feels like the damage being done — economically, globally— it's massive.
And I’ll say this carefully… but honestly.
You’ve got to ask whether the way this is being handled is doing more damage to the rest of the world than the original problem ever would have.
That’s the uncomfortable question.
Has this has gone too far?
Does it feel like the world is being dragged along for the ride… whether we like it or not?
And is it time we pull together globally, whether that's a few leaders or the UN and say pull back the ego and look at the bigger picture here?
Do we, New Zealand have any kind of role with this?
Winston Peters is there this week - does he have a role?
Can we do anything? Or do we just keep paying?
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James Irwin is back in the studio for this week's Music Time.
James shares his travels to Hawaii and how much they know of NZ music overseas, what could he find in the record shops?
Then The Pogues hit Wellington tomorrow at the St James - without Shane MacGowan. After MacGowan's passing 18 months ago James takes a look at the new band and what we can expect from their show.
For the latest on Wellington gigs and music - its Music Time with James Irwin
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Nick Mills wraps the week for a Thursday edition of faceoff with Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban and journalist and broadcasting legend Mark Sainsbury.
Starting with the complaints from councillors' around their new office – Councillor Nicola Young says many boycotted the blessing as they are not pleased with the location of the Mayor’s office. Is this a show of entitlement or genuine concern about the perception of our leader?
Our panel share their thoughts on the inquiry into the FENZ fire truck fleet by Tim Costley. The board's answers to Costley are apparently “confusing and contradictory".
What do Mayor Laban and Sainsbury think of the 79% pay increase of some board members during the pay dispute for frontline workers – and what questions need to be answered by FENZ?
Can we expect our fire fighters to do their job with such limited pay and equipment?
Then Minister Winston Peters flies over to Rarotonga to seal a deal which clarifies our two countries relationship. But he flew over in an Airforce jet. Is this a bad look during the fuel crisis? Or are the optics of Peters in Rarotonga and putting in effort important enough?
And what do our panel think of the deal?
Then onto the David Tamihere case being quashed due to a miscarriage of justice. Our panel talk the likelihood of retrial and whether Tamihere should receive compensation.
The Green Party declined a candidate – a sex worker advocacy group says it’s due to the woman’s prior experience in that industry. Should someone be denied due to their career, or should we bring more diversity into the beehive?
Then the basin – our panel get heated on what should be done with the basin reserve, as the NZ20 cricket is set to play there.
Plus, our panel share their hots and nots from the week.
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Nick is joined by Labour MP Kieran McAnulty, who is fronting the new bill that will scrap the Easter alcohol rules.
Bars & restaurants (on-licence venues) will be able to sell alcohol normally on Good Friday & Easter Sunday.
No more needing to buy a “substantial meal” just to get a drink.
McAnulty shares why the rule change is necessary, saying it's silly and will make life easier for hospo visitors and workers.
Note: Since the interview this morning the bill has been signed off by the Governor General and will be active for Easter Weekend
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Firefighters, currently on strike, are getting support to upgrade their fleet from a new inquiry into FENZ.
Parliament’s Governance and Administration Select Committee, fronted by Deputy Chair and National MP Tim Costley, has launched an enquiry into FENZ specifically on the state of their fire truck fleet.
Nick speaks to Wellington Local President of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) and Senior Station Officer Clark Townsley to find out what the union think of the inquiry.
Townsley says they would like a general inquiry into FENZ, and Costley says their answer have been "confusing and contradictory".
The board of FENZ received a pay increase yesterday - some members getting a 79% rise, while pay disputes for frontline firefighters have gone on for 16 months.
Townsley called this a "bombshell".
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EDITORIAL:
I just want to talk about something this morning that, honestly, feels like a perfect snapshot of where Wellington City Council is at right now.
Office space.
Not rates. Not pipes bursting. Not businesses struggling. Not the Moa Point mess. No, no — they’re concerned about office space.
Who’s on what floor, who’s got the view, and who’s looking out at a car park.
Now, I’ve got to ask — who actually cares?
If you’re a city councillor, if you’re the mayor, aren’t you there to do a job? Getting paid for that job by us.
Aren’t you there to serve the city, make decisions, fix problems, and represent the people of Wellington?
Since when did the quality of your harbour view become part of your job description?
Because I’ve worked a long time, and I’ve never once walked into a workplace and thought, “Gee, I hope I’ve got the penthouse today.” You go to work to work. If you want a view get one at home.
And here we’ve got reports of councillors grumbling, talking of a boycott of a blessing ceremony, and frustration that council executives are sitting upstairs with the nice outlook while elected officials are on level one.
Level one! It’s convenient.
One flight of stairs and you’re there. You’re accessible. You’re close to the public. You’re not hiding away at the top of a tower somewhere, disconnected from the people you’re meant to represent.
Are you supposed to look down and look down at your people?
And if the mayor’s looking out at a car park — frankly I don’t give a damn.
You should be out in the city – or if you're at your office you should be looking at your computer, your emails, your meetings, your city’s problems. That’s the job.
To me, this is a mountain out of a molehill.
But worse than that, it’s symbolic. It tells you something about priorities of our council.
Because while all this noise is going on about who sits where, Wellington still has massive issues that actually matter.
And I’ll give credit where it’s due — some councillors have said exactly that.
Turn up, do the job, don’t worry about the furniture.
Do you care where your office is when you go to work? And should we expect more focus — and be a little bit more humble — from the people running our city?
Because right now, this just feels like a small, small deal, when we have bigger issues.
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Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young joins the show to discuss the complaints over the new council building.
Young was not present at the blessing for the new office building on the waterfront.
She says although she doesn't usually attend early morning ceremonies, she wouldn't of gone anyway as part of a boycott among some councillors.
The boycott is over complaints the office space is not sufficient, particularly the office of Mayor Andrew Little - nicknamed by Young as "the dungeon".
The office sits on the first floor and has two windows looking onto a carpark and a brick wall. Young says this is a bad look for visitors, while the executives and officials get the penthouse.
She says this shows where the power lies.
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Nick is joined in the studio by Dwell Housing CEO Elizabeth Lester to chat about their new campaign 'It Starts With Home' and how the move on orders are effecting their community.
Dwell Housing is a registered charity that provides housing through safe, affordable homes to individuals and families across the Wellington region. Their current campaign focuses on housing for local families.
With the new move on orders coming into effect - and forcing rough sleepers out of certain areas - Lester shares how this is effecting the homeless community
Lester shares how the public can help the charity, what Dwell have done so far, and what they want to accomplish this year.
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As NZ20 brings attention to the Basin Reserve talk is building about the potential for an upgrade.
Nick speaks to Wellington-born architect Frano Bazalo about the cost and likelihood surrounding a renovation building capacity, and bringing more sports into the reserve.
The St Patricks old boy is currently working out of London designing some of the biggest stadiums in the world, including one costing over a billion dollars in Saudi Arabia.
Nick finds out Bazalo's thoughts on the current structure, and the lack of other stadiums in Wellington - pointing to issues with Hnry stadium.
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Nick is joined by World of WearableArt CEO Meg Williams to talk this years WOW show GLO!
The annual show goes from 17 September to 4 October 2026 at TSB Arena, and brings tourists and pride to Wellington.
Williams shares the plans for this year, and what makes the show such a colourful success.
She discusses the team - including Creative Director Brian Burke, and how they are prepping for their boldest year yet.
Williams and Nick get into the theme of GLO!, the comeback of the beloved Bizarre Bra and the new sections coming to the show this year.
Get tickets here.
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OPINION: If there is ever a time where you think change might actually happen, I think that time is now.
You know when something really significant shifts.
Because every now and then, you get a crisis that doesn’t just hurt — it teaches and it questions.
And we may finally learn from this one.
We’ve got fuel prices climbing towards four dollars a litre.
We’ve got global instability, supply lines under pressure, and once again New Zealand is sitting here — exposed.
But what’s different this time…it’s the reaction.
Because when you start hearing voices — strong voices, credible voices — saying this is the turning point… we have to pay attention.
Take Mike Casey — Kiwibank Sustainable Business Leader of the Year 2026 — not some fringe thinker, not some dreamer — a guy running a fully electric cherry orchard in Central Otago, and a big one.
And here are the facts he’s putting on the table:
New Zealand has around 10 million machines currently reliant on imported fossil fuels.
But about 8.5 million of those could be electrified today — right now — with the technology we already have.
That only leaves about 800,000 that still need diesel long-term.
So the idea that we can’t do this is just not true.
And then look at behaviour — because behaviour tells you everything.
Last week was the biggest week for EV sales since the Clean Car Discount ended in 2023.
That’s not ideology — that’s people reacting to price and reality.
And here’s the big thing.
The average Kiwi drives about 230 kilometres a week.
Charging an EV off solar? Roughly works to be the equivalent of $1.15 per litre — even factoring in road user charges.
Compare that to nearly $4 a litre at the pump.
That’s not a small saving — that’s transformational.
And yet some of us are still hesitating.
We’re still treating solar and EVs like lifestyle choices instead of what they actually are — infrastructure.
Because here’s the part that really got me.
Casey’s running a system where about 80% of his entire operation is powered by his own solar — cars, machinery, production.
His neighbour is trying to borrow an electric tractor because diesel’s too expensive.
That’s not theory — that’s real, working change.
So I come back to this…
Is this the moment where the penny drops?
When even traditionally sceptical voices start saying, “hang on… maybe this is the way forward”?
Because if it is — then we need to act like it.
Every house in New Zealand should be looking at solar.
Not as a luxury — as a baseline.
And here’s where government comes in —I don’t want handouts, not subsidies — but smart financing.
Low-interest, long-term loans to get solar onto rooftops.
Because according to Casey, the savings alone could cover the repayments and still leave households $1,000 to $2,000 better off each year.
That’s not a cost — that’s an investment.
So if we’ve learned anything from every crisis we’ve faced — it’s this:
We don’t get many chances to pivot.
We don’t get many moments where the problem and the solution are sitting right in front of us at the same time.
This might be one of them.
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CubaDupa hit Wellington last weekend and Nick chats to director Bianca Bailey to see how it all went down.
Tens of thousands of people - local and visitors alike, joined the annual street party with over 200 performers, food trucks, performers, parades - everything was at CubaDupa.
Bailey shares how the weekend went, what could've gone better and what does the city need to do next to bring more life to Wellington.
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Nick is joined in the studio with CubaDupa headliner Paige for a performance and a chat.
Hailing for Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Paige is an award-winning pop/RnB singer who has gained international fame for her sound and honest songwriting.
Paige and Nick talk her career so far, being a NZ artist and how international fan attitudes differ from Kiwis.
Also, her upcoming performance at Cuba Dupa and her experience of Wellington.
Then we are treated to a live performance of her single 'why do we wanna be in love.'
Hear the single and other hits off her new EP paigesspace at Cuba Dupa's Ngā Toi o Te Aro Stage on Saturday, March 28th, 05:45pm - 06:30pm.
Cuba Dupa runs all weekend and is a free event.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with Iron Duke founder and director of Aurecon Phil O’Reilly, and founder and CEO of Raygun JD Trask.
Starting with the reveal from NZ Herald that advice about the low risk of myocarditis in teenagers who receive the second covid vaccine was given to Chris Hipkins
O’Reilly share his fears over what this event will do to dispell more people from getting vaccinated – and the harm in that for New Zealand.
Is Hipkins’ brand intact? Can people trust him? Should he step down, or just stand up and front?
Then health insurance - are the high costs worth it? At what age does it become necessary?
What do our panel think of the governments fuel relief plan? Does it strike the right balance between support and overspending? Was the time right?
And we hear what they think of the oppositions response.
Plus diesel prices skyrocket past 91 at some stations. Is this being driven by supply or panic stashing?
Onto Tiaki Wai, the cost of the separate water bill has been announced and Wellingtonians are in for a shock.
The standalone charge starts at roughly $2410 and will cost up to nearly $7000 for one household in a decade.
Are these outrageous prices the end of our city?
O’Reilly says the council expectation for population growth over the next decade has decreased from 50,000-80,000 down to 800. JD says he is only looking to hire in Auckland.
What can we do – our panel calls for our council to do something about the mess the city is in.
AI is forcing Massey University to go back to in person exams – is this inevitable? JD says university may be defunct in 5 years. Do the universities have the power to defeat AI cheating?
Then Trask and O’Reilly address the calls from the ambulance association for Dame Kerry Prendergast to step down as Chair of Wellington Free Ambulance.
Plus, our panel share their hots and nots from the week.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports hosts Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
Starting with the Hurricanes game against the Reds tomorrow.
After just coming back from Hnry stadium, Adam gives his updates on how the team is looking, and shares CEO Malcolm Gillies call for support.
The game kicks off at 4.35pm tomorrow – tickets are available here.
Brad Shields resigns with the Hurricanes for another season – this crew talk about this great news, and how it impacts the team on and off the field
All Whites play in Auckland tonight – what would it mean if they win tonight? And how likely are they to win against Finland?
They take a look at the line up for our team, and the world cup campaign.
Then the team play Chile on Monday – also at Eden Park.
And at Porirua Park on Sunday is the last of regular season game for the Phoenix Women, against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Then they talk T20 – will they bring in an import player strategy? Where will it be held?
Nick wants a local t20 and team in the big bash, what do Jason and Adam think of it?
Find out on Friday Sport kick-off.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick is joined by National's Minister for Justice, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Media and Communications and Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Paul Goldsmith, and Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues Ayesha Verrall.
Wellington ratepayers have been slapped with a new water bill - which is drawing concern from the government. Nick ask our politicians what they think of this, and what needs to be done to help ratepayers already struggling with high rates.
Do we need a watchdog group to monitor Tiaki Wai?
And Wellington ranked lowest on the ASB regional economic scoreboard. What is the answer to get Wellington back? Is it in investments, entrepreneurship or the public sector?
The fuel crisis continues and National has announced their relief package for low to middle income families. Should there be more support for others?
Then onto the $10k table price for a dinner with the Prime Minister. The fundraiser for the National party is causing a stir - is it legitimate, fair fundraising or pay for access? Goldsmith and Verrall give their perspectives.
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Nick Mills is joined on the show today by musical legend Richard O'Brien.
O'Brien is the creator of hit musical the Rocky Horror show, and played Riff Raff in the film - which has become a cult classic.
The show is currently touring in Wellington with a West End cast - O'Brien shares his thoughts on how the musical has lasted 50 years, and is still drawing in crowds all over the globe.
He tells Nick about what New Zealand means to him and what bought him home after many years around the world.
Nick asks where his inspiration is from, what he is up to now and what he wants his legacy to be.
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The cost of Wellington's water bills has been announced - and starts with a standalone charge of roughly $2410 a year, expecting to reach $6831 within a decade.
Minister for Local Government Simon Watts has expressed concern in the cost to Wellington ratepayers, saying he contacted Andrew Little for an explanation to a rise in the plans he initially saw.
Nick speaks to Chairperson of Tiaki Wai Will Peet to get his answer for Watts.
He said while he understands the concern, he isn't worried.
Peet shares what has gone into the price tag, saying we can't continue kicking the bucket and it's time we have to pay.
What will the new entity do differently to Wellington Water, and how can we trust them?
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OPINION: This is the moments where the penny really drops.
Because for years, we’ve talked about infrastructure, we’ve talked about pipes, we’ve talked about underinvestment — but now it’s no longer theory.
It’s turning up in your email or letterbox.
In a matter of months — July 1 — Wellington households will start receiving a separate water bill.
Not buried in your rates anymore, not hidden in the background. Front and centre and the numbers are eye watering.
Right now, the average household is effectively paying about $2100 a year for water through rates.
Under the new model, that becomes a standalone charge of roughly $2410 a year — about $200 a month, $50 a week and that’s the starting point.
But here’s the reality check — and this is the bit people need to really hear.
That number is projected to rise significantly. The modelling shows annual increases of between 8.9% and 14.4% through to 2035.
If you compound that — and let’s just be clear how that works — you’re stacking increases on top of increases every single year — that $2100 becomes around $6831 a year within a decade.
That’s $566 a month, over $130 a week.
Now put that on top of everything else.
Rates are still going up.
Wellington City Council is already signalling another 7.4% increase.
Even with a projected reduction when water is split out — roughly 29% off the rates bill initially — once the increases are added back in, the average homeowner ends up worse off by about $1000 a year overall, $20 a week.
So let’s be very clear about this: you are not saving money. You are paying more for the same house, in the same city.
And this is where my concern sits.
Because I was talking to a very successful property developer yesterday — someone who knows the numbers inside out — and his words were simple: it’s becoming untenable to live and do business in Wellington.
And now you can see why.
You’ve got rising rates. You’ve now got a separate water bill that could hit $6,000–$7,000 a year within a decade.
You’ve got a shrinking population - an estimated increase of 800 over ten years - to spread those costs across.
And at the same time, we’re being told this is all because of decades of underinvestment in infrastructure — which, frankly, just pushes the cost straight onto today’s ratepayers.
Yes, of course we need to fix the pipes. No one’s arguing that.
But the system? The way this is being delivered? The compounding cost?
That’s where people are starting to say — hang on — this is becoming unaffordable. At what point does the cost of living in Wellington simply become too much?
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Nick is joined in studio by Labour Leader Chris Hipkins for the first of their monthly chats for the year.
Starting with the fallout from last week's events in Hipkins' private life being bought to the public eye. We get his thoughts on the line of privacy as a politician and how he and his family are handling the situation.
Then into the fuel crisis. Yesterday the government launched their plan - starting from April 7, 143,000 low to middle income families will get $50 a week to cope with the rising cost in fuel.
Nick asks Hipkins what Labour would do in the situation, and whether this response from National is enough.
As Labour is up in the polls, we see what the vibe is in Labour at the moment. Are they comfortable or worried about potential coalitions?
He doesn't rule out NZ First plan to split up energy gentailers, is there hope for an agreement between the parties?
Hipkins shares his thoughts on Deputy Act leader and Minister Brooke Van Velden's shock exit from politics, and are our promising young politicians being discouraged from the attitudes from the media and public?
Plus, are there enough diverse working and education backgrounds inside parliament - particularly Labour.
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The cost for water is going up for Wellington households.
Tiaki Wai - the new water entity looks after Wellington, Porirua, and Hutt Valley is coming into effect July 1 and the price is eyewatering.
The average household in the region currently pays about $2,100 a year for water through rates, but under the new model that would shift to a standalone charge of roughly $2,410 annually — about $200 a month — with costs expected to climb.
Modelling projects yearly increases of 8.9% to 14.4% through to 2035, meaning compounding rises could push annual water bills to around $6,831 within a decade, or more than $130 a week.
Former WCC spokesperson for the Regional Water Committee and current Director of the Infrastructure Commission, Tim Brown shares his thoughts on the cost announcement.
Brown tell Nick of his experience dealing with water and the councils and how the forecasts are looking for their future.
He advocates for a Water Consumer Advocacy Trust to monitor Tiaki Wai. And shares his concern for Wellington making it through high rates and an extra bill for water.
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The annual Cuba Dupa festival hits Wellington this weekend from 28-29th March.
Nick speaks to Director Bianca Bailey to see what we can expect from this year's event.
The free event runs over Saturday and Sunday, and will feature over 210 acts, 70 food vendors, 220 performances.
The festival is expecting tens of thousands of visitors, Bailey shares how they are preparing and what to look forward to this year.
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The Wellington Region ranked lowest in ASBs latest regional economic scoreboard.
Nick speaks to Dot Loves Data Director and former Wellington Mayor Justin Lester on the issue.
Lester says there are positives coming for Wellington, and is confident that our economy is recovering - just slowly.
He talks through the causes and effects of our economic downfall and the comparisons to other regions - like Canterbury which is blossoming.
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EDITORIAL:
Let’s just call this out for what it is, because I think a lot of people are thinking the same as me here.
When I saw Nicola Willis standing there at Marsden Point—hard hat on, big fuel tanker behind her—telling us we’ve got seven weeks of fuel supply,
I thought, right… we get it. Message received.
But then it quickly turned from reassurance into something else entirely.
It started to feel like a staged photo opportunity at a time when the country should be in serious, disciplined mode.
Mixed messages, anyone?
Because here’s the reality—this isn’t business as usual.
We’ve got a very volatile situation in the Middle East, real disruption risks through the Strait of Hormuz, and global oil prices already climbing.
This can turn quickly. Especially tomorrow afternoon when Trumps deadline runs out.
And if/when it does, countries like New Zealand—at the end of the supply chain and fully reliant on imported refined fuel—are exposed. That’s not opinion. That’s fact.
And then I started thinking… could she have delivered that exact same message from Wellington? From her office? With the right backdrop?
Because think about it. Car to the airport. Flight to Auckland. Car to Marsden Point. Car back to the airport. Flight home. Car back home
Is that really the signal we want to send to New Zealanders right now? Be careful with fuel… while we burn it for optics?
Mixed messages.
So when the Government tells us we’ve got seven weeks’ supply, but in the same breath says that depends on ships continuing to arrive—that’s not comforting.
That’s conditional. That’s “we’re okay… as long as nothing else goes wrong.”
And in a situation like this, plenty can go wrong.
Which brings me back to the optics.
If fuel security genuinely matters—if we may need to prioritise who gets fuel and when—then every decision should reflect that seriousness.
Every litre should matter.
So why in the world are we flying ministers around the country for what looks like a PR exercise?
Why are we burning aviation fuel to stand in front of a ship and tell us what we already know?
Mixed messages.
It sends the wrong signal.
It tells people this is still about presentation, not preparation.
About being seen to be in control, rather than actually tightening the screws and planning for worst scenarios.
And look—I understand the need for people to be reassured.
Markets are jittery. Households are hurting. No one wants panic.
But reassurance has to come with backed by behaviour.
You can’t tell people to brace for higher costs, hint at fuel prioritisation, and then carry on with business-as-usual optics.
So here’s the real question—what happens in five or six weeks if nothing improves?
Are we still rolling out the same message? Still relying on ships turning up on time?
Or are we finally forced into the harder decisions we should be preparing for right now?
Because from where I sit, this moment demands absolute seriousness.
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Nick is joined on the Business Panel this week by General Manager of Wellington on a Plate (WOAP) and Beervana, Penny de Borst and Gollins Commercial property broker, Chris Gollins.
Our guests discuss doing business in Wellington City and how it's changing this year.
In time of turmoil for the city - we hear about the success of de Borst and Gollins' businesses, the hardships and the plans ahead.
How has WOAP shaped our city's hospo space and how are Gollins finding their buyers are responding to the economic environment in Wellington?
How are the industries coping with price increases - fuel, food, compliance, living costs - what's the year ahead looking like with these rises?
Then how can we support local businesses? The panel talks the council, the mayor and the library opening. What does it mean to be a part of Wellington?
And the city is predicting an increase of fewer than 800 people over the next five year - how do we bring back and keep people in the city?
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Nick Mills wraps the week with former Wellington City Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and former Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy.
Are we panicking too much over the fuel supply from the Strait of Hormuz? Or is this justified?
How badly is our country going to be impacted by the US/Israel Iran conflict? Fuel, food, economy – our guest faceoff on the important issues of the week.
They discuss line of privacy as a public figure. Both have had to endure the political spotlight on their family lives and give their take on the situation around Minister Hipkins this week. Where does public interest end?
Last year there was a speeding fine issued every minute, now the AA is calling for fines to double. Do our panel think this will help deter speeders?
Then Prendergast and Guppy faceoff about the affordability of mince. Are there any cheap family meals anymore?
Moa Point inquiry – costing over 5 thousand a day. The inquiry is being headed by a former head of Wellington Water, what do our panel think of this appointment and the progress from this?
And are parents justified for criticising teachers for giving out lollies? Is it an issue for their health and behaviour, or uproar over nothing? Plus the panels hot or nots.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
How are the Hurricanes looking for the season? Cooper thinks tonight's game against the Highlanders is the true test.
The crew look at the games ahead for the Hurricanes and the starting players – including Ruben Love.
Phoenix Women are the centre of attention and with a big week ahead this might be the Phoenix club’s chance at silverware. They play Sydney FC tonight.
To the men's team– the foundations are there, but how will they keep the shoots growing against Brisbane tomorrow?
And both White Ferns and Black Caps in T20 double headers - Eden Park tonight, Hnry Stadium on Sunday. What are the chances of keeping our key players?
Plus who stole Nick’s highlighter?
Find out on Friday Sport kickoff.
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EDITORIAL:
I want to spend this morning talking about something I'm genuinely concerned about.
I want to be tough on crime, like everyone does.
I want to be serious about saving lives on our roads, course we do, that's a no brainer.
So this is exactly where you start.
The latest numbers are in, and they are big.
Police issued 538,192 speeding fines in 2025—now that’s the highest in 15 years. Break that down, and it’s more than one fine every single minute of the year.
That’s up from 461,000 in 2024 and 402,000 in 2023. So enforcement isn’t just rising—it’s ramping up fast.
Those fines brought in $54.2 million, with the average sitting around $100. And that’s just tickets issued by officers—not even counting speed cameras.
Now, some people hear that and say, “Here we go, revenue gathering.”
I don’t see it that way.
Because at the same time enforcement has gone up, road fatalities have been trending down from previous highs.
Even the AA’s road safety spokesperson has said it’s hard to prove direct link—but they also say they don’t think it’s a coincidence that stronger enforcement and lower road deaths are happening at the same time.
And that makes sense, doesn’t it?
Speed is consistently identified by Police as a leading contributor to crashes and the severity of those crashes.
So if you increase enforcement, you increase deterrence. And if you increase deterrence, you reduce risk.
It’s not complicated.
Now look—I don’t like getting a speeding ticket any more than anyone else.
But I like even less watching someone scream past me at crazy speed and thinking, “That’s someone who could kill someone today.”
So if Police are out there in greater force, doing exactly what they’ve said they’ll do—targeting speed—then good. That’s their job.
But here’s where I think we need to go further.
These fines are stuck in the last century. Literally.
They were set in 1999, and since then, incomes have roughly doubled.
Even the AA and the Transport Minister have acknowledged the penalties are too low. The AA has said that, at a minimum - double, an inflation adjustment would effectively mean doubling the fines.
And I agree.
Because if a fine doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t change behaviour. It just becomes part of the cost of driving badly.
If you've only got a hundred dollar fine, but two hundred - you'd be thinking that's tough.
So lift them. Make them meaningful. Make them immediate. Make them a proper deterrent.
Because here’s the bottom line.
Nobody wants that knock on the door. Nobody wants that phone call telling you someone you love isn’t coming home.
If tougher enforcement is already working—and the data strongly suggests it is—then why wouldn’t we learn from this, why wouldn't we make it harsher?
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For Politics Thursday this week Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
After this week's events with Minister Chris Hipkins family life reaching the public eye - we talk to our politicians around where we draw the line for privacy as a public figure.
Then panel tackle the top political issues of the week starting with the latest GDP increase of 0..2% - what does this signify for everyday Kiwis?
Discussion gets heated over food cost - the price of mince has risen 23.2% in the last year to an average of $24.46 a kg. What do our politicians think of this? And what will they do about it?
Costley and Andersen also talk about doubling speeding fines as AA calls for an increase to cope with inflation but also deter drivers from speeding. There were 538,192 fines issued over 2025 - more than one per minute.
Also on the agenda is fuel levels, changes to asylum seeker rules, and do parents have the right to be mad if their child is given sugar in class?
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The cult classic Rocky Horror show is back in Wellington with the West End cast performing at the St James Theatre.
Nick is joined in the studio today by star and Frank-N-Furter himself, Stephen Webb.
Stephen, along with all the cast and live band have flown all the way from London and the West End production of the hit musical.
He shares what it's like touring, bringing it to NZ and what makes audiences go crazy for the show.
Nick and Stephen also talk Richard O'Brien and the show's Kiwi origins.
The musical starts tonight and goes to Sunday 29th March. Get tickets here.
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EDITORIAL: Last week on the show we talked about something that doesn’t get said enough in politics—that some people are just too nice for it.
We mentioned Shane Reti. A genuinely decent man. And I’m going to say the same thing again today about Chris Hipkins.
I’ve met him several times. Always the same—polite, grounded, asks how you are and actually cares, actually listens. Not a show, not an act. Just a decent bloke trying to do his best.
And that’s why what we’re seeing right now doesn’t sit well with me at all.
Because here’s the reality: this is a marriage breakup. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s personal. There are allegations being thrown around—none of them criminal, none of them proven—and yet all of sudden it’s front-page news, it’s talkback fodder, it’s social media feeding frenzy.
And I just think—where does it stop?
Honestly, where do we draw the line?
Chris Hipkins has come out, denied the claims, said they’re untrue, and made it very clear he’s not going to fight this out in public. And I respect that. I actually really respect that.
Because the moment you start litigating your personal life in the media, nobody wins. Nobody.
But what really got me yesterday—what genuinely hit me—was watching him get emotional when reporters asked about his children.
That’s the line for me.
When children are involved, that’s where it stops being politics. That’s where it stops being “public interest.” That’s where it becomes something that should be left alone.
We all know breakups are hard. Anyone who’s been through one knows how ugly they can get, how complicated they can get, how emotional they can get.
Now imagine going through that with cameras in your face, microphones shoved at you, headlines being written about your private life. And think about the kids.
Is that what we want politics to be?
Because if it is—if the standard now is that every aspect of your personal life can be dragged into the public arena, judged, disrespected, and weaponised—then I’ll tell you right now, most good people won’t go near politics.
And let’s be honest for a second—if every one of us had our private lives exposed - and I have - every argument, every mistake, every rough patch… how many of us come out of that looking perfect?
Not many. If any. Probably none.
So for me, this isn’t about left or right. It’s not about Labour or National.
It’s about basic decency.
Yes—hold politicians to account for their public decisions. Absolutely. That's where we hold them to account.
But their private lives? Their families? Their kids?
That’s not ours.
That's theirs, and only theirs.
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Good morning, New Zealand.
Let's start the show this morning by asking you a simple question: how fragile is our economy right now, really?
Because just when it feels like we might finally be seeing those green shoots growing, a bit of momentum, a bit of optimism creeping back into the country — along comes another debate that feels like it could shut things down yet again.
Yes, petrol prices are climbing, pushed higher by the conflict involving Iran, and there are already calls for people — particularly public servants — to start working from home again to save fuel.
The Public Service Association says the Government should actively encourage working from home if people can, urging it would reduce fuel use and save workers money.
But the Government, so far, is pushing back.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins says working from home is not an entitlement, and that agencies should manage arrangements in a way that supports a high-performing public service.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she’s not about to start telling New Zealanders how to live their lives — whether that means working from home or driving slower to save fuel.
And Acting Prime Minister David Seymour says the Government wants to see how the private sector reacts first, because businesses out there are managing their own money.
And honestly — I think that’s the right instinct.
Because here’s the bigger issue for me.
We are only just starting to feel like the country might be turning a corner.
Businesses are cautiously optimistic.
Hospitality is starting to breathe again.
Retailers are seeing people come back through the door.
The economy finally feels like it might be finding its feet. And the last thing we need right now is another policy that slows productivity down.
We cannot control a war on the other side of the world. We can’t control global oil prices. But we can control how we respond here in New Zealand.
And if the first response is telling everyone to stay home again, to drive less, to shut down the normal rhythm of work and business — what does that do to the economy? Can everyone remember covid lockdowns again?
What does that do to spending? What does that do to the next twelve months of growth in this country?
Working from home as a national response should be an absolute last resort, not the first suggestion that gets thrown around.
Because when people stay home, fewer coffees get bought. Fewer lunches get eaten in town. Fewer people go into the shops. Fewer businesses see customers walking through their doors.
The better approach — surely — is to focus on fuel security. Get alternative supply lines. Strengthen our reserves. Make sure the country keeps moving rather than slowing down or stopping.
Because right now, New Zealand doesn’t need another disruption.
What we need is confidence, productivity, and momentum, which we have got.
And whatever decisions are made in Wellington over the coming weeks, they should have one simple goal in mind: keep the country moving forward, not backwards.
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All gift cards sold or given out with a purchase now have a minimum expiry date of three years as yesterday the government has amended the Fair Trading (gift card expiry) Act.
Why is it not longer or unlimited? Nick speaks to Consumer NZ spokesperson Jessica Walker discusses the changes and how they will affect customers.
Walker says they have been campaigning on the amendments for 10 years, as they estimate $10 million in wasted gift cards goes unspent every year in NZ.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has arrived in Samoa, and on the agenda is a ceremony to receive the matai, chief title.
This visit is the first for Luxon in Samoa, and his first time meeting Samoa PM La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt since he was elected in September.
Reports that he had requested the title have been debunked by the Prime Minister and his team. Other Prime Ministers have previously received the honour.
NZ Herald political reporter Julia Gabel is with him in Samoa and chats with Nick about the media fuss surrounding the matai title and what else is on the PM's agenda.
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For Friday Faceoff this week Nick is joined in the studio by lawyer and former MP Stephen Franks and managing director of Gazley Motors Myles Gazley.
Starting with the government's warnings of carless days due to fuel shortages from the Iran conflict.
Gazley and Franks give their insight into the issue, the response from the government and the public. Should the government implement the idea, or are there better alternatives?
Then how's our council doing? As the spending budget for Mayor Little's triennium plan goes through - with amendments to climate funds. Our panel faceoff on the solution - is it amalgamation?
We hear what the panel think of the Wellington mayors' letter to the Prime Minister opposing move on orders.
And Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library opens tomorrow. What do Gazley and Franks think of the 178k opening celebration budget? And is this the library of the future, or an overspend?
Plus they give their hots or nots for the week.
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This week for Friday Sport Kick-off Nick is joined by Jason Pine to wrap the weeks sport - and what's to come for the weekend.
Starting with the biggest question in rugby at the moment - who will be Dave Rennie's All Blacks assistant coach? Jason and Nick talk Tana Umaga and Cory Jane, their stats, their legacy and hopes for the job.
Tonight the Hurricanes play the Force in Napier, they go through what's expected and how the team is progressing to the championship.
Plus, the Phoenix double header at Hnry stadium on Saturday - Match for Good. They dissect the success of Bev Priestman as the head coach of the women's team.
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This week for Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues, Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki, Tim Costley.
Yesterday the Covid-19 response findings were released, what have our politicians learned from these findings?
Verrall, who was associate health minister at the time, shares her thoughts on the inquiry findings surrounding spendings, teenage vaccination health concerns and lockdowns.
Was the 30-million-dollar inquiry worth it?
They also cover the union outcry over primary teacher individual pay deals, and the letter from Wellington regional mayors and community leaders opposing move on orders.
Plus, Shane Reti exits the beehive - are some people too good to last in parliament?
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Nick chats to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith after an open letter was signed by Wellington's regional mayors.
The letter states the mayors and other community leaders reject the government's plan to give police power to move on rough sleepers for 24 hours.
Minister Goldsmith shares his thoughts on the rejection of the orders, and the reputation of Wellington.
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Wellington Regional mayors, iwi and community leaders have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister stating that new move on orders are not welcome in the area.
The move on orders have been proposed by the government to cope with growing numbers of homeless people in city centres - giving police powers to move people for 24 hours.
The letter from the mayors is concerned that this is not the best way to deal with the issue and will cause harm in the community.
Nick speaks with Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban about signing the letter, and the alternatives that the mayors are requesting.
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The new Central Library, Te Matapihi Ki te Ao Nui is opening this weekend, March 14th.
To celebrate the council is throwing an opening ceremony – originally budgeted at a $405k cost to the rate payer.
After receiving the budget, Mayor Andrew Little slashed the cost to $178k.
The library is reopening after 7 years of earthquake strengthening and refurbishments. The opening event includes a 300 person choir and jazz musicians.
Nick speaks to Mayor Little about the process of halting the spending, and the concern from the public about rate rises.
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For our business panel this week Nick is joined in the studio by Retail NZ CEO, Carolyn Young and employment law expert and partner at JB Morrison, Tess von Dadelszen.
Young and von Dadelszen discuss doing business in the city, in such hostile times in terms of international, national and local politics.
Starting with the effect of the Iran conflict, what are the effects of instability and price rises having on their businesses and their clients?
The council financial saving plan is out. Will this actually change anything for businesses? How do our guests think this council is going?
Then onto how their businesses are effected by our own government's instability. As talk continues about Luxon as leader, our panel discuss how their businesses are impacted from both a retail and legal point of view.
And how are business leaders coping with the cost of living crises, how selling and buying businesses is going and as a city what we need to do better.
Plus as the Moa Point saga continues, Mayor Andrew Little says that businesses will not receive financial compensation, although spending in Lyall Bay hospitality is down 40% - our guests look into the legality of this and how businesses can deal with the disaster.
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This week for Beehive Buzz, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Azaria Howell.
Rumours swirl around Prime Minister Luxon's position and a coup, after last week's Curia poll result had National at 28%.
And tomorrow the findings from the report on the Governments Covid-19 response are released. What is the feeling in the beehive right now, and what is expected to come of this?
For the latest from the parliament, Beehive Buzz.
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Wellington City Council's revenue and financial working group has released their report with 50 suggestions to cut council spending and rates rises.
Chair of the group and deputy mayor Ben McNulty joins Nick to discuss the findings of the report. The report will head to public consultation, after the council meeting on Thursday.
The report aims to save about $8 -10 million, including cutting the council's climate budget by $1.65 million.
McNulty shares how the decisions were made, the limits and the future of the report.
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OPINION: Luxon should not bow down to negative polls.
What a weekend it’s been for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
And strangely enough, the whole situation really kicked off right here on this show on Friday morning with a little chat with Nicola Willis.
The results of the poll were out, people were talking about miserable they were, the Nicola Willis interview kicked it off.
It started the conversation again — a question about pressure and about how bad a poll has to be before a change in leadership is talked about — and then suddenly it grew legs.
By the afternoon it was on national television, it was on Heather du Plessis-Allan’s show, and the Prime Minister himself was fronting it.
And he said it clearly - he is absolutely not stepping down.
Now I’ve got to tell you something honestly — all Friday afternoon I kept thinking to myself, good. I hope he doesn’t quit.
Because look around the world right now. Everywhere you go, people are unhappy with the leader they’ve got.
Why? Governments are being hammered by economic pressure, global instability, wars, the aftershocks of the pandemic, and recession.
It’s not exactly an easy time to be in charge of a country.
The latest polling hasn’t been kind to Luxon.
A Freshwater Strategy poll reported by The Post shows 51% of voters say he should be replaced as National Party leader, while only 36% believe he should stay.
Now, another survey from Curia Market Research put the New Zealand National Party at 28.4% support, its lowest level under Luxon.
So yes, there’s pressure.
But here’s the thing that really struck me over the weekend — most of that push for change isn’t coming from National voters.
The polling shows 67% of National supporters still back Luxon, and 60% of ACT voters support him too.
The loudest calls for him to go are coming from Labour, Green, and Te Pāti Māori supporters.
Which raises a pretty obvious question.
Why on earth would a governing party sack its leader because the opposition wants them gone? Of course they want them gone, they'' want anyone gone.
And then we get into the horse-race stuff. If Luxon were pushed out, the poll says Chris Bishop would be the most preferred replacement on 18%, followed by Nicola Willis on 11%, Erica Stanford on 10%, and Mark Mitchell on 9%.
But here’s my view.
Changing Prime Minister in the middle of a tough economic recovery is exactly the kind of instability New Zealand does not need right now.
We’ve come through COVID. We’ve been through inflation. We’ve had interest rates crushing households. We've had a recession. We've had tariffs.
Globally we’re watching wars in the Middle East and instability all over the world.
This is not the moment for political musical chairs.
So, my message to Christopher Luxon is pretty simple this morning.
Don’t quit.
Don’t wobble.
Don’t let the noise get to you.
I want you to - front up. Stand up. Be stronger.
New Zealand doesn’t need another leadership drama right now.
What it needs is steady leadership — even if it’s not perfect — while the country gets itself back on track.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio for her monthly catch up.
The latest poll from the Taxpayer Union and Curia has National at 28.4% - the lowest for the party since it formed Government in 2023.
Nick questions Luxon's leadership and asks Willis - is there any hope for Luxon as Prime Minister.
These numbers mean the left block could form a government, and is Nationals lowest result while in government since November 1999.
They also discuss the effects that Kiwis could have to deal with from the Iran conflict, and what the government has planned to ease financial pressure.
Plus, where is the Wellington North candidate - has Wellington been neglected this election?
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Nick Mills wraps the week with former Minister and political commentator Peter Dunne and political commentator and barrister Brigitte Morten.
The latest taxpayer union poll shows National at the lowest point since 2020 - 28%. After a failed coup last year, is this the right time for Bishop to take over as National leader? Our guests face off over what caused this and what will happen with the role of Prime Minister this election.
Then the Iran War. How close are we to calling it a World War and how has Luxon handled this as an international leader? Should we as a country take a stand and what should it be?
Dunne and Morten share their thoughts on the council's progress and what to expect from the release of the financial saving plans. Plus - should Moa Point impacted businesses receive compensation?
They also discuss what the future of libraries should look like - following Nick's tour of Te Matapihi, the new central library. And bootcamps - is this the best use of $4 million, and the best option for the kids. Then hots or nots, our panel share their highlight and lowlight for the week.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
Dave Rennie has been appointed as the new All Blacks head coach. The crew talk through the selection process, and his top competitor Jamie Joseph. Is this the right choice?
Last weekend the Hurricanes lost 35-30 to Fijian Drua – what went wrong and how do the team need to prepare for the game today against the Waratahs?
And it is a busy night for the sports world tonight - as playing at the same time as the Hurricanes are the Phoenix. How will they cope against Adelaide. And the Warriors start tonight at 8pm.
Plus is India unstoppable at the T20 world cup? The Black caps prep to face them on Monday morning.
Find out on Friday Sport kick-off.
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Former Principal of Taita College Karen Morgan joins Nick on the show to discuss the benefits of public school.
Karen has experience working in multiple public schools, she tells Nick about the benefits of sending your children to public school, and what makes the education work for the child.
Is it the fact it's private/public, the teachers or something else?
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The new Wellington Central Library named Te Matapihi is opening on Saturday March 14th after $217 million of refurbishments and strengthening.
Nick Mills toured around the building and chatted to project lead Gisella Carr along with other staff in the brand new library.
Was it everything he expected? And is it what Wellington needs to reignite life in the city?
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Unrest in the Middle East continues.
I watched that stand-up from the Prime Minister and I’ve got to be honest with you — I walked away feeling uneasy.
Not because I expect a New Zealand Prime Minister to be a Middle East historian.
We’re a small country. Our politics is usually about rates, roads, schools, the price of butter. I get that.
But when the world tips into crisis —when the United States and Israel launch strikes on Iran— that’s not a domestic moment. That's what I call an international flashpoint.
That’s oil prices, security alliances, global instability, the rules-based order we rely on as a small trading nation.
And I’m sorry, that performance didn’t fill me with confidence.
On Sunday, Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters said the Government “acknowledged” the US and Israeli action, but wouldn’t say whether New Zealand supported it.
On Monday morning, pressed to explain what “acknowledge” actually meant, the Prime Minister struggled to articulate it.
He repeated that the Iranian regime is “evil” —and many would agree, given its repression at home and behaviour abroad— but that wasn’t really the question.
The question is: where does New Zealand stand?
Under international law, military intervention has a high bar.
Pre-emptive self-defence is defined narrowly under the century-old Caroline doctrine – the threat must be “instant, overwhelming, leaving no choice of means and no moment for deliberation.”
Luxon said he hadn’t seen intelligence, hadn’t asked for any beyond regular briefings, and those matters were “to be determined”.
That’s the moment I thought: hang on.
You don’t have to reveal classified material, but you do have to look like you’re in command.
Former Foreign and Defence Minister Phil Goff spoke to Ryan Bridge this morning, questioning why the Government hadn’t already ruled the Iranian Regime a terrorist organization.
You do have to project calm authority. You do have to explain the principles guiding the country.
Instead, it felt uncomfortable. Out of his depth. Out of his comfort zone.
And maybe that’s the brutal truth of politics – you don’t get to choose when the world tests you. You don’t get to say, “this isn’t my portfolio".
If you’re Prime Minister, every crisis is your crisis.
So here’s the question I want to put to you tonight:
Did you feel confident watching Christopher Luxon handle that moment?
Did you feel like he was in control? Like he understood the stakes? Like he knew exactly where New Zealand sits in a conflict like this?
Or did you, like me, feel it was one of the weakest stand-ups you’ve seen from a Prime Minister in a long time?
Because in times of international tension, tone matters. Clarity matters. Leadership under pressure matters.
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For Music Time this week Nick and James talk up the capitals friendliest and best music festival - Hutt Sounds, ponder why some gigs don't come here and run through all the must see events coming this month.
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Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says the City Council is not looking at compensation for businesses on the wastewater plagued-southern coast.
Popular beaches like Lyall Bay and Island Bay closed after the Moa Point treatment plant catastrophically failed last month.
Local shops in the area have been pleading for help, reporting large scale losses in revenue and trade as people stay away from the area, partly due to the bad smell.
Little discussed this and a range of other topics on his monthly slot with Nick Mills.
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This week for Friday Faceoff Nick is joined in the studio by former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong.
They faceoff on the biggest issues of the week, starting with the $40million net loss for Air New Zealand. David Seymour says the government should sell their shares. Our panel talk about what needs to change, and what the government should do.
Then would our guests swim at Lyall Bay? They faceoff about the ongoing issues of Moa Point, particularly the lifting of the swim restrictions - is it too soon?
Plus Lester and Armstrong get into the rough sleeping move on order debate, Health NZ handing out vapes to smokers and the performance of the Phoenix last game - what would it take for a win with their new manager?
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Nick is joined in the studio by All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine to talk all things sport to end the week.
Chris Greenacre has been appointed interim manager of the Phoenix after Giancarlo Italiano called it quits after the 5-0 loss last week to Auckland FC.
Can he save the day? We get the lowdown from our sports gurus, they give their analysis of the manager change and how the players have reacted since.
Plus the Hurricanes win over the weekend. Was this luck or are we real contenders for the championship? Find out on Friday sports kick-off.
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Things get fiery this week on Politics Thursday with Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
They join Nick on the show to talk about the biggest issues in politics this week - including the rough sleeping move on orders announced by the government. Can our police force cope with this with their resources and where are these people being moved to?
Following Mayor Andrew Little's swim in Lyall Bay to prove water quality is safe , would our politicians join him for a swim after the Moa point leak? They discuss the effects, the inquiry and what should happen for impacted businesses.
Plus Labour's state of the nation speech - when can we expect to see big moves from Labour? And should banks be required to accept cash?
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Starting tonight 6pm at Fringe Bar, Silver Tongues perform as part of the Wellington Fringe Festival. The group comprising of comedians all over the age of 50 take the stage over 4 nights with their stand up routines "showing that the silver haired are also silver tongued".
Nick is joined in the studio by performers Neil Thorton, Ganesh Cherian and Darrell Phillips to talk all thing Fringe, performing, what to expect from the show, and why being old is a source of comedy, not just trauma.
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Phoenix striker and Nepalese football star Sabitra Bhandari, also known as Samba, has raised over $57,000 NZD for a surgery. After tearing her ACL, Samba wants $135,000 NZD treatment in Qatar, where she went to previously.
The Phoenix insurance policy has offered 25,000 surgery and rehab in NZ, and the Nepalese governing body is contributing $6,000 NZD.
Nick speaks with co-founder of Give A Little JD Trask on the purpose of the app, and if this cause is over the line in what is expected from the app.
Since this interview Samba has requested supporters stop donating as she has reached her the amount needed.
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Nick chats with political commentator Peter Dunne about Labour's State of the Nation speech.
What is this year looking like for Labour? Are they playing it safe?
Dunne analyses the address to Labour supporters and what this means for their policy announcements coming up.
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Health NZ has handed out 7000 vapes and over 6500 refills for free in two months. This is part of an intitaive to help smokers quit - and includes a $500k contract to NZ vape company Alt.
Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths tells Nick what the decision was behind this initiative, what opposers are saying and how this plan compares worldwide.
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For our business panel this week Nick is joined in studio by Steve Walters and Mark Quinn
Walters is the general manager of Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay and Rongotai Business association and helped establish the iconic Wellington Seven. Quinn is a respected commercial property figure with strong insight into retail, development and business trends across the region.
They discuss how the Moa Point sludge disaster is affecting confidence, particularly for east coast businesses already struggling with high rates. How much is council policy helping — or hindering — growth?
The panel will also weigh in on intensification, resistance to development, and whether Wellington needs a serious “shot in the arm” to revive confidence. And what would it take to bring back the energy and vibrancy of the Sevens-era glory days?
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Last weekend, the Phoenix were slammed against Auckland FC, losing 5-0 with an own goal. An hour later manager Giancarlo Italiano resigned.
Nick is joined by former All White David Chote to give his insight into the failure of the Phoenix. They chat about heir predictions for a replacement, as well as theorise if Italiano was pushed to resign. Is there enough room for two clubs in NZ?
Chote gives his analysis of the match, the goal, and the management.
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The government has announced they will give more power to police to "move on" rough sleepers for 24 hours to people as young as 14.
Nick speaks to Karl Tiefenbacher who is a Wellington City Councillor and business owner on his perspective from both these lenses.
Tiefenbacher shares what the council have been doing to help this issue, and what needs to still be done. And does he agree with Police Association President Steve Watts, who said the police do not have the resources to be able to move people on. And where will they go?
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Nick Mills wraps the week with former MP and Attorney General Chris Finlayson and director of NZ Infrastructure Commission and ex councillor Tim Brown.
Moa point continues to be an issue. Is it a long time coming? Brown and Finlayson face off on funding, spending and leadership of the plant and Wellington Water.
Then they get into the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. What does this unprecedented scene mean for the future of the royals?
And things get fiery over Minister Bishop’s suggestion the government are reconsidering the state highway 1 improvements.
We also get their hot or nots of the week plus former minister Finlayson’s thoughts on Seymour’s plan to decrease portfolios and merge ministries.
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Nick is joined by ZB UK correspondent Gavin Grey to get the latest update on the arrest of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The arrest was made on suspicion allegations the former Prince shared sensitive information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Grey shares the mood in the UK right now, and how this will impact the future of the royals and their reputation.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
It’s a big weekend for sport in the capital this weekend.
The Hurricanes have their first game tonight at Sky Stadium against Moana Pasifika and then the Saturday night the Phoenix are playing Auckland FC at Sky Stadium.
The crew discuss how our teams are looking, their predictions and is this a chance for both teams to make a mark?
Plus the Firebirds are playing tonight, how's it looking? Find out on Friday Sport kickoff.
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Politics Thursday is back with Labour list MPAyesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
They join Nick in the studio to tackle the political issues this week. First up — is the second Mt Victoria tunnel up in the air? Or will congestion charges mean we don't need it?
We also confront some tough social issues. The new review from the Independent Children's Monitor shows more should be done when it comes to protecting our children? And with serious dog attacks happening right now, are current laws strong enough, or do they need tightening?
Plus do we have too many ministers around the Cabinet table?
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To celebrate the Fringe Festival currently taking over the capital, Nick was joined by show creator Arlo MacMillan and 'Geoffrey Beaver'. Beaver is the host of his own show, Geoffrey Beaver Podcast Live! at Fringe as a failed journalist/talkback host/legend trying to make his big comeback.
Macmillan also discusses his show The Lizards Lie Within: A Lizardmen Movie Play Musical.
They tell Nick about what to expect from their kooky theatre shows, what Fringe offers to Wellington and to them as creatives.
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Check out the satirical comedy presented by Geoffrey Beaver at the Gods Paramount on March 1st and 7th.
Tickets: Fringe Festival Geoffrey Beaver
And The Lizards Lie Within: A Lizardmen Movie Play Musical at Bats Theatre from 25-28th of February.
Tickets: Fringe Festival Lizardmen
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This week on Music Time Nick and James listen to a stunning new album by a New Zealand musical legend , get excited with the return to our shores of 80s rockers Tranvision Vamp and reveal a not so secret gig by hometown heroes Fat Freddys Drop.
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Nick was joined in the studio by Hurricanes CEO Tony Philp and co-owner Malcolm Gillies to discuss the season ahead.
They share their plan ahead to bring back life to the game and initiatives to bring the community back to the team, and the team back into the community.
Do we stand a chance at the Super Rugby championship?
Plus, they take calls from you on improvements to the fan experience.
The first game for the canes is this Friday 20th Feb at 7.05pm at Sky Stadium against Moana Pasifika.
Link to tickets here
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Nick speaks to Sam Bishop, a spokesperson from the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office on the latest update for the storm battering the lower North Island.
A link to the NZ Herald live blog is below.
Weather live updates: Evacuations as storm hammers lower North Island, thousands without power amid localised flooding - NZ Herald
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On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by former Hutt City Mayor and ex-committee chair of Wellington Water, Campbell Barry, along with broadcaster Mark Sainsbury.
They discussed the latest issues and accountability around the Moa Point sewage crisis, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little's pledge to cut commercial rates, the Government's LNG proposals and whether having a degree these days is important.
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A major golf event is underway at the Royal Wellington Golf Club. The Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship is being held in New Zealand for the first time. It features more than 80 players from around the world - including 10 New Zealanders - with the winner receiving entries into three women's majors this year. More than 300 people are volunteering for the event. Nick spoke to Royal Wellington general manager Dylan Lindstrom to find out how the course is looking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Politics Thursday, and today Nick is joined by Tim Costley, National MP for Otaki and Ayesha Verrall, Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues.
Starting with breaking news - parts of Transmission Gully are moving to 110kmph speed limits.
Then onto the news of the week including the RBNZ Covid Inquiry - is it a political move or for the good of the country. Our politicians face off about the timing of the results, due six weeks before the election.
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Nick is joined by Fringe CEO Kim Bailey in the studio to talk about the Wellington Fringe festival - starting this weekend! The festival includes over 150 acts from Wellington and around the world and is on from February 13th to March 7 2026. In it's 36th year the festivals brings theatre and fun to Wellington at many venues all across the city.
Kim tells us a bit about the festival, what it brings to Wellington and what acts are a must see this year.
Link to tickets and the programme here: Fringe Festival
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This week on our Business Panel Nick is joined in the studio by mother-daughter Tommy’s real estate duo Alexia and Danielle Stoddart. The panel focuses on the realities of doing business in Wellington’s property market, and how hard is it working with your family?
They unpack what it really takes to operate and stay resilient in the capital’s changing property landscape. From market conditions and buyer confidence to the pressures they share their insights— and discuss where the opportunities and risks are as Wellington’s property sector continues to shift. How is the election effecting the property market, and how are people affording homes in the cost of living crisis.
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Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Azaria Howell joins Nick to discuss the week in politics.
Azaria breaks down what unfolded over Waitangi Weekend—from speeches and protests to the policy signals shaping the election. Also the announcement of Peeni Henare leaving politics.
Are the Greens distancing themselves from Te Pati Māori? As both the greens and labour make a push for the Māori seats, will we see Te Pati Māori in parliament at all next year.
And the Moa Point sewage leak – how are our local MP and Prime Minister reacting to this?
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Steve Walters is the general manager of Kilbirnie, Rongotai and Lyall Bay business association. He joins Nick on the show to discuss the impact of the Moa Point sewage leak on local businesses, including disruption, financial pressures, and what support business owners are calling for as the situation continues to unfold.
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Nick Leggett is the Chair of Wellington Water. He joins the show to talk through the latest updates on the Moa Point sewage leak, including how the response is progressing, how long we will have to wait till its safe again and what it means for Wellington’s coastline and local communities going forward.
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Faceoff was on a Thursday before the long weekend, and Nick was joined by Capital NZ Director, and Jacinda Ardern's former chief of staff Neale Jones, along with BRG senior consultant, and former chief press secretary to Chris Luxon, Hamish Rutherford.
They discussed the major failure of Wellington's Moa Point treatment plant, what to expect politically from Waitangi Day, and possible coalition agreements after this year's election.
Also on the agenda was this week's driver licensing changes, and has Petone's Jackson Street taken the "cool" away from Wellington's Cuba Street?
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A grim prediction, as Wellington Water crews return to the city's wastewater treatment plant to determine what's caused Wednesday's catastrophic failure.
Heavy rain's caused the Moa Point plant to shutdown, sending wastewater into the capital's South Coast.
Crews are trying to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the equipment and operations.
Wellington Water CEO Pat Dougherty told Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills it'll be months before people can safely go in the water, as sewage floods out to sea.
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Today on Music Time, James Irwin joins Nick in the studio and they chat Nick's own picks for his summer BBQ playlist, plus Piney. What are the vibes of their BBQs? James gets to the bottom of it.
Plus, how does James find all this music? He shares his tips and tricks to discovering albums, both old and new. And some great gigs are lined up for our city.
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For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined by Nick Leggett and Nicola Young. The three Nic’s debate the issues of the week – starting with the rates mess up at the council again with levies. Should we have consequences or is it just a case of human error?
They discuss if Wellington is ready for a natural disaster, after the tragedy at Mount Maunganui. Landslides kill more people than earthquakes in Wellington – are we prepared for them?
And on the two enquiries for the landslide at the mount, is it necessary to have a central and local government look into the response? They dissect the response, including from local Marae.
The Nicks also debate the post office closures around Wellington, the pressure on ambulances with record numbers of call outs, Judith Collins retirement and where her portfolios should go. As well as horse meat pies – would they eat one? Where are the best pies in the region?
Plus, Leggett and Young give their hot or nots for the week.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio today to discuss the latest Infometrics report that suggests the economy will not recover convincingly this year. Willis shares what she thinks the economy will look like this year, and Nick asks about interest rates, OCR hikes and manage the banks power.
They also talk about the tragedy of Mount Maunganui, and how politics should play out during disasters and why the government and council’s have to do separate enquiries.
Willis shares the feelings in the National Party after Judith Collins departure from politics and what is next for her many portfolios.
And finally – the budget was announced for 28th May. What are the priorities? What can we expect?
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
Starting with the Wellington Blaze, our women's cricket team has a 50% win rate of winning the championship, so will they have a threepeat on their hands this weekend?
The Phoenix have their 500th game this weekend. Pine reminisces on their legacy and thinks back to their first game back in 2007. They discuss their memories, highlights and some lowlights of the Wellington Phoenix.
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This week on Politics Thursday, Nick is joined in studio by Deputy Prime Minister and ACT leader David Seymour and Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues Ayesha Verrall.
They debate the political issues of the week, including the latest data that shows fees free university incentives did not increase the number of disadvantaged students studying.
Seymour and Verrall discuss the tragedy of Mount Maunganui, coalition talks including Te Pati Maori's policy to abolish prisons, and the prep for the election year ahead.
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The Wellington City Council's made another embarrassing blunder on ratepayer bills.
Mayor Andrew Little's told Newstalk ZB ratepayers have been overcharged by about 10 dollars each - for the Greater Wellington Regional Council levy. He says it'll be rectified in the next bill.
Last month, it was revealed the council had undercharged ratepayers by almost 3.5 million dollars for its sludge levy. Construction costs soared in building the city’s first sludge minimisation plant, meaning households needed to fork out between 3 dollars and 100 dollars each, with an average undercharge of 40 dollars per levy-payer.
Speaking to Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, Little this morning defended the council's Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves, insisting she's still doing a great job.
He says she recognises the problem and has independent people coming in and telling her what has led to the mistakes.
Little says he's revealed this second blunder out of full transparency. "Part of [being mayor] it is about changing the culture of council, and getting those things ironed out," he says.
"But also when things do go wrong, let's just step up and say it, and fix it, and trying to do that." Reeves previously apologised for the sludge levy error, saying to prevent this happening again, stronger internal controls and review steps had been put in place.
The Greater Wellington levy funds regional services like biosecurity, flood protection and regional transport. The Wellington City Council is apologising for the second accounting error, but says it means ratepayers will pay less than previously thought. It says it's confident all rates assessments are now correct.
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Hnry, the Wellington founded accountacy firm has taken over the name of Wellington Regional Stadium (formerly Sky and Westpac respectively).
CEO James Fuller joins Nick Mills on the show to talk about the news, and the excitement of taking the stadium over.
They talk about the reason behind it, and all the details of the new name - Hnry Stadium.
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Nick Mills was joined by Stewart Macpherson for a tour of Michelangelo's art at Takina. The exhibition Michelangelo 'A Different View' has been extended for two weeks till Sunday 22nd February.
Nick had the opportunity to walk around the full gallery, taking in the prints of the paintings during his interview with Stewart.
Buy tickets here: Buy Tickets - MICHELANGELO - A Different View
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For the Business Panel this week Nick is joined by the new Business Central and Chamber of Commerce CEO, Hayley Horan and Raygun co-founder and CEO, JD Trask.
Horan and Trask start off with the use of AI in business. They discuss the ways they implement it into their lives and businesses and discuss the future of it in different sectors.
They then go in depth about how politics are affecting their respective businesses. Should we have a four-year term? Do we need more bipartisanship?
Trask and Horan also discuss how they are focusing on business fundamentals, what's happening in the job market, and what they are doing to stabilize their businesses in this political and financial climate.
How is business confidence going with the new council? And what can the council do to continue the positive trajectory? Trask and Horan share their expertise on the panel this week.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with CEO of NZ Child Fund Josie Pagani and Director of the Democracy Project Dr Bryce Edwards.
They tackle the issues of the week, including the election date announcement of November 7th. The latest they could push it – what does this show?
Josie and Bryce give their predictions on how the year will pan out political. They analyze the polls, discussing what the next government will look like, what will happen with the minor parties, how coalition talks will play out and Winston Peters, what will his position be as kingmaker?
They take an in-depth look at the state of our health system. What needs to be changed? Between the$26 billion ACC deficit and the 575 code reds in our emergency department last year, its clear our health system needs change.
Bryce and Josie then hit other issues from the week including neighbour complaints about dog barking, when is it too whiny? Bryce tells us about having chickens in the CBD. Plus they tell us their new years resolutions and if they've stuck.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.
Starting with the biggest sporting news at the moment – Razors replacement. They give their takes and predictions on the coaching saga of the All Blacks. Who will take over the mantle?
They also discuss the USA All Blacks vs Springboks game set to be in Baltimore.
And will the Phoenix make the playoffs? Find out on Friday Sport kick-off.
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Politics Thursday is back with National MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick and Labour MP Ginny Andersen.
They join Nick Mills to talk about the political issues of the week. Starting with the election date announcement - 7th November 2026. What are their plans leading up to it, what are their priorities?
Plus, they discuss the state of the health system, what will they do to lower the volume of code reds in Wellington Hospital. There were 575 code reds in 2025, how will the health system cope? We find out what each party will do on Politics Thursday.
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Wellington is buzzing with the arrival of Ed Sheeran tonight at Sky Stadium, but what happens to the city's event scene after he leaves? Nick is joined in the studio by WellingtonNZ Chief Executive Mark Oldershaw to talk the year ahead and our upcoming events calendar.
How are we going to continue to bring life and money into the CBD? Mark tells us WellingtonNZ's plans and hopes for the year, and the success of the announced events like the sold-out Ultra Music festival.
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This week on Music Time, Nick and James give their takes on what makes a summer BBQ playlist. They also play (and judge) the crew's own playlists. What would each of their BBQs look like? - James has the answers on Music Time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Mills wraps the year with former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and legendary broadcaster and journalist Mark Sainsbury.
Are we in for a positive turn around with the new GDP growth? They face off live at Prefab, about the outlook going into the new year.
Prendergast and Sainsbury then face off on the issues of the week, including the council’s sludge levy mistake. What do they think of it? Should there be penalties? As well as the new merger MCERT and subsequent job losses, McSkimming’s sentence, Avatar, James Cameron’s worries for our film industry and the Phoenix –how are we looking, and what do our guests think of Nick’s idea to move the team to Christchurch.
Then it’s Christmas time! What are Sainsbury and Prendergast doing for the holidays plus they give their highlights and lowlights for the year.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills live at Prefab for a look back on our economy this year.
They reflect on the year that has been, and their hopes for the next year, election year. Why is the Willis v Richardson debate not happening? Is the GDP rise a sign of hope? Nick asks Nicola Willis the big questions. And they get in the Christmas spirit with some gift giving.
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Nick Mills is joined in studio by National Otaki MP Tim Costley and Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues Ayesha Verrall.
We get into the Christmas spirit with our guests, what’s their plans for their Christmas break and highlight from the year. As well as getting into the political issues from the week like the latest GDP announcement, surplus announcement, Health NZ efficiency targets, M-CERT merger plus the Avatar premiere and James Cameron's concerns about the future of the series.
Is Wellington at risk of losing Weta? What will the government do to help?
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Promoter and broadcast legend Stewart Macpherson joins Nick Mills in the studio to discuss the Stetson group's new Michelangelo exhibition.
The exhibition at Takina opens on Monday 22nd December and offers visitors an experience of the art in the Sistine Chapel, without forking out for flights to Rome.
They talk about what people can see from the exhibition as well as the tours from Christopher Longhurst, a former guide at the Vatican.
Get tickets here: Buy Tickets - MICHELANGELO - A Different View
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Nick Mills asks CEO of Infrastructure NZ Nick Leggett, is M-CERT a good plan?
The merger of the Ministries of transport, environment, housing and urban development and the local government's Internal Affairs, will make the new ministry M-CERT.
Nick Leggett tells us how this will effect outcomes, productivity and how the future of NZ will look from it.
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Christmas carols are back with Nick Tansley in the studio with Nick Mills. The Nicks discuss Carols by Candlelight, the vibe in Wellington this Christmas, then live in studio Nick Tansley sings a medley of his favourite Christmas songs.
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We sent our newsreader Max Towle to interview acclaimed director James Cameron before the premiere of his new film Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Max sat down with the legend to ask him about the film, the future of the franchise and what makes Wellington special to him.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with Wellington City Councillor Andrea Compton and Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul.
Wellington’s big day approaches – what are Paul and Compton excited for this weekend? Avatar, Te Papa, Cricket, Football, plenty going on in the capital this weekend.
They then face off with Nick over the issues of the week, including their thoughts on Andrew Little’s mayoralty, Wellington’s rates, the state of cancer report, the disability carers supreme court case, their hot or nots for the week. Plus, who will win in the potential Willis v Richardson finance debate.
And is a social media ban in NZ a good idea? Find out what they think on Friday Faceoff.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Newstalk ZB’s All Sports Breakfast Adam Cooper and Nick Mills are joined by ZB’s cricket reporter Andrew Alderson to chat about the Black Caps test.
What's the vibe at the basin this weekend, Alderson tells us all about the last few days, and how the coming ones are looking.
Adam and Nick also discuss the Hurricanes. What will Gillies bring to the team, plus a new coaching addition. And, how will the Phoenix and Saints go this weekend? Find out on this week's Friday Sports Kickoff.
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Wellington Mayor Andrew Little, chair of the Wellington Mayoral forum, chats with Nick Mills to discuss talks of amalgamating. Talks between the councils in the greater Wellington region have begun, Nick asks when will it happen and what is the latest update on progress.
Mayor Little also discusses the upcoming premiere of Avatar, and the big weekend Wellington has coming up.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills was joined by Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick and Labour MP and spokesperson for health Ayesha Verrall.
They discussed the potential for NZ to follow Australia in banning social media for under 16s and other regulations.
Verrall and Butterick then hit the other big political news of the week including Coster blaming Mark Mitchell and Chris Hipkins for getting McSkimming too late, as well as RMA changes and ACC going back on working from home orders.
Also, they give their take on who will win the financial debate between Nicola Willis and Ruth Richardson.
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Singer Frankie Stevens joins Nick Mills in the studio for a chat before his event at Carols in the Park at Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt this Saturday.
Then we are treated to his rendition of Blue Christmas - live in the studio.
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New Hurricanes Rugby Chair Malcolm Gillies joins Nick Mills on the show to discuss his plans for bringing the Hurricanes back from financial despair.
Yesterday it was announced that Gillies will take over as Chair with a 50% stake in the team. Nick asks what his plans are for changing the team for the better. More visibility in the community? Changes to the cities stadiums? Gillies shares his plans.
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This week on music time, Nick and James showcase a local songwriting talent with a connection to one of the biggest music superstars of a generation. They also go deep down the rabbit hole with some of the oddest and kooky Christmas tunes from around the world. As well as James' top Christmas song at the moment. LISTEN ABOVE Listen to Ali Whitton's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2UWB732JnsuIC2YKluorqBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the Business Panel this week, Nick chats to two business owners who have moved from the CBD out to Khandallah to see how is business better out in the suburbs?
Nick is joined by Julie Gubbs from Gubbs Shoes and Sheila Murray-Hamilton from Hamilton & Murray Boutique.
They discuss their businesses, what they do, and how it’s going at the moment out in Khandallah.
What was the tipping point that made them move out? Would they move back to the CBD? Have things changed in the city since they’ve had their businesses?
They also gave their advice on starting businesses in Wellington, how to keep up with the trends and the difference between local small businesses and chain operations.
Sheila and Julie also give their take on the government and council from a small business perspective.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with former WCC Councillor and Infratil chairman Tim Brown and Regional Councillor, photographer and former WCC Councillor Simon Woolf.
Is hey an okay introduction over email? What do they think of the RMA reform changes for local government? How’s Matt Prosser doing as WCC CEO?
Brown and Woolf face off with Nick over the issues of the week, including their thoughts on the Deloitte's report – and Brown’s doubts. Plus, their hot and nots from the week.
And amalgamation, is the RMA leading there? They discuss how this would work and what they think should be done?
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Newstalk ZB’s sport gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick to discuss the latest in sport this week.
With excitement building for Phoenix and Auckland FC Derby game, they talk about their predictions for tomorrow, plus chat about the next T20
They also discuss the Tokomanawa Queens upcoming game in Porirua this weekend, and their gift giving initiative for the Kindness collective. Bring an unwrapped toy and get free entry to the game.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills was joined by Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty.
They discussed Minister Watts’ announcement that councils' rates rise will be limited to 2% - 4%.
Watts and McAnulty then hit the other big political news of the week including RMA reforms for Regional Councils, water reform and amalgamation. As well as public service payouts and Andrew Coster’s resignation.
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Nick is joined by Wellington City Council CEO Matt Prosser for the first time in the studio.
After 7 months in the job we hear how it’s going for Prosser, particularly after the Deloitte report.
How will he change the city, and make it a better place to be? We find out, as Nick asks him about the latest reports, AI use in council, and regional councils – and the likely hood of amalgamation.
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Labour Leader and MP for Rimutaka, Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills in the studio for their final monthly catch up for 2025.
Hipkins discusses the mood in Labour before the end of the year and after the Labour conference in Auckland. He explains the new GP clinic loan scheme and discusses his thoughts on the rates cap and regional council changes from the Government.
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Mayor Andrew Little is in studio for his last of the monthly catch ups for 2025 with Nick Mills.
He answers questions from Nick and listeners on the state of the city and the latest in council news.
They discuss regional council changes, the Golden Mile review, the Deloitte report plus the $48 billion cost of local water reforms.
And on December 13th James Cameron brings the Avatar Fire and Ash Australasia premiere to our city. How are the council preparing for this day – which also included a cruise ship arrival, black caps test and Te Papa exhibition opening. Will Wellington be ready?
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Local councils will have to foot the $48 billion bill for the Government’s new water reform ‘Local Water Done Well’.
Nick Mills talks with Chairman of Tiaki Wai Metro Water Will Peets on how the reforms will work. They discuss the effects on ratepayers, how the bills will work, the change from Wellington Water and the appointment of new CEO Michael Brewer.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with former Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy and lawyer and former MP Stephen Franks.
They get into the hot topics of the week starting with the latest OCR cut then into the proposed reform of regional councils.
Guppy and Franks also discuss the Tom Phillips inquiry, Luxon’s leadership coup rumours, Nationals police target and give their hots and nots for the week.
Plus, the Wellington City Council Deloitte's report. What should, and will Mayor Andrew Little and CEO Matt Prosser do? Stephen Franks and Wayne Guppy share their thoughts.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joins Nick Mills to discuss the latest in sport – including the Phoenix.
They dissect what is going wrong with the Phoenix and the crowd sand discuss their game this weekend.
They also chat about The Tall Blacks upcoming games and Golf for Good out in Kapiti starting this weekend.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National's Ōtaki MP Tim Costley.
They discussed the latest cut in the Official Cash Rate, how this will impact Kiwis and if we are beginning to see changes in the economy.
Costley and Andersen also hit the big political news of the week including Nicola Willis's statement that National may repeal the Regulatory Standards Bill. As well as leadership coup rumours, how far the coalition agreements can span, regional councils and what is going on in the Wellington North electorate race.
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CEO of Infometrics and economist Brad Olsen joins Nick Mills to talk about the latest cut to the Official Cash Rate.
He gives his thoughts on the state of the economy, and how it will effect Kiwis. He also discusses the bank reaction and liquidations.
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The National Party could join coalition partner NZ First and campaign on repealing the Regulatory Standards Act at the next election, deputy leader Nicola Willis says.
This is despite the law, which was pushed by the Act Party during coalition talks, being less than a month old, and having been passed into law with votes from both National and NZ First.
Speaking to Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills on Newstalk ZB, Willis said National had not “come up with what our party position will be after the election”.
“We haven’t ruled out repealing it either. We haven’t taken a position yet, but it’s not impossible that we would go to the campaign trail saying, ‘yes, we met our coalition commitment, we supported that into law, but actually we agree with the concerns of some people, it hasn’t operated as we’d hoped and we want to repeal it’.
“We haven’t come to a position yet, but we haven’t ruled it out.”
NZ First leader Winston Peters shocked the coalition last week when he said his party would campaign on repealing the law it had just helped to pass.
His position is that the coalition obliged his party to pass the law, but his party is free to repeal it in the next Parliament.
Willis said she was “comfortable” with this position.
“They joined the Cabinet, they used their votes to ensure it is passed into law – they did their bit,” Willis said.
Willis is not the only National MP to float repealing the law.
Last week, when her colleague Chris Bishop was asked what the party was thinking, he replied, “you’ll see our policy going into the election”.
“I’m not going to give you a commitment on National policy,” he said.
All three opposition parties say they will repeal the law if they have the numbers next term. Labour MP Duncan Webb has even submitted a member’s bill to the ballot which, if drawn, would give NZ First the opportunity to repeal the law this term of parliament.
Peters, however, described this as game-playing and said he would not be supporting the effort.
Act leader David Seymour attacked Peters’ about-turn on the law, saying it looked as though Peters was gearing up to join another Labour-led coalition, something Peters has said he would not do while Chris Hipkins was leader of the party.
The Regulatory Standards Act is designed to improve the quality of government regulation by establishing a set of principles for what constitutes “good regulation”.
Part of the controversy surrounding the law is the fact these principles are closely aligned to Act’s political worldview and do not constitute more universally recognised principles of good regulation.
The act is also controversial for the creation of a regulations board that acts as an assessor of compliance against these principles, although power to act on what the board says ultimately still rests with ministers and Parliament.
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Dwell Housing CEO Elizabeth Lester joins Nick Mills to discuss the new initiative to help homelessness in the Wellington CBD.
Dwell is partnering with Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) to provide more support to our homeless population in Wellington. Lester discusses what the programme has accomplished so far and the future for the city if it were to be expanded. 40 homes are being supplied, Dwell and DCM say they now hope the Government will back an expansion of the programme.
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Stand-up comic and actor Alan Davies joins Nick Mills to discuss his new show touring Aotearoa next year.
The pair chat about his career history - including Jonathan Creek, his inspirations, what keeps him going, his family and discuss the All Blacks, England rugby feud.
Davies tells Nick about his memories of NZ and what he's looking forward to this time around when he comes on his tour in 2026.
Alan Davies will be performing his tour 'Think Ahead', in Wellington, Saturday 8 August at the Michael Fowler Centre
General public tickets go on sale on Thursday, November 27 at 1pm.
For tickets and more information, please head to livenation.co.nz
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Nick Mills is joined by Dane Ambler, executive director of Buy NZ Made to discuss the new finding from Xerox that if 10% of kiwi's spending was local - it would inject $11 billion into our economy.
They talk about the campaigning days of the organisation, the impact of buying local for kiwis, and the future of NZ businesses.
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CEO of Masters Builders Ankit Sharma talks to Nick Mills about the new building consumer protections announced by the government yesterday.
They talk about the impact on master builders, consumers, and the future of construction in NZ.
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For a Hutt special Business Panel this week, Nick is joined by Henry Hutcheon, owner of Plenty Foods, and Sarah Wilson, founder of her own recruitment firm and board member of Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
They discuss their businesses, what they do, and how it’s going at the moment.
Henry’s new supermarket is three weeks old, and Sarah has been in the recruitment agency for twenty-three years and had her own business for eight years – they discuss the differences in starting independent businesses now compared to then.
They also gave their thoughts on the new Hutt mayors, and how the councils impact business in the valley.
Nick asks our panel what the mood in the Hutt is with business right now, the toughest times in businesses, and their advice on starting an independent business.
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Nick Mills wraps the week withpolitical commentator and academic Dr Bryce Edwards and lawyer and political commentator Brigitte Morton.
They get into the hot topics of the week starting with NZ police culture, the commissioner and the email’s sent to the electorate office.
Morton and Dr Edwards also discussed the rise in prisoner numbers and the building of new prisons, the new ferry announcement, the Golden Mile, the new state highway improvement plans, the uber court case and give their hots and nots for the week.
Plus, Winston Peters and the regulatory standards bill. Could Winston Petersjoina coalition with Labour again? Morton and Dr Edwards give their thoughts.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to discuss the latest in sport. They look at the recent All Blacks performance at Twickenham and look forward to this weekend Wales match.
They also give the All Blacks a score for the year, take a look at Razor’s tenure, discuss Jamie Joseph’s future as a coach and give their thoughts on the Phoenix game this weekend and the Ashes.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National's Ōtaki MP Tim Costley.
They discussed the new Cook Strait ferry designs, and price tag and got heated over the end to puberty blockers for young people experiencing gender dysphoria.
Costley and Andersen talked about the other political issues of the week including the rising prison numbers and our police culture.
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Ferry Holdings Ltd Chairperson Chris Mackenzie joined Nick Mills to discuss the new ferry designs and cost, revealed yesterday by Winston Peters.
They talked about the changes, the process to get to this decision and the future of the Cook Strait ferries and wharf.
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Head of Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ, Heidi Morton chats with Nick Mills on the upcoming event calendar for Wellington.
They talk about the importance of events for the city and how WellingtonNZ is working to attract events to the city.
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This week on music time, Nick and James discuss two incredible shows playing live in Wellington - Rhian Sheenan (Friday 21st November at The Great Hall, Massey University) and Sharon Van Etten (Tuesday 25th November at the Opera House).
They also celebrate a Kiwi band recently inaugurated in the music hall of fame and go off trail with tales of how to avoid magpie bombings.
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Aotearoa's legendary activist, artist and now author, Tāme Iti chats to Nick Mills about the release of his new book Mana.
He talks to Nick about his legacy, and the fight for Māori rights in this country. They also chat about the state of Te Pati Māori and parliament at the moment.
Tāme Iti's autobiography Mana is out now.
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Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Azaria Howell joins Nick Mills for Beehive Buzz this week discussing the latest poll results on capital gains tax and the rebrand of The Opportunities Party. Will their new name and leader be enough to hit 5%?
For the latest insight into parliament, it's Beehive Buzz with Azaria Howell
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Nick Mills wraps the week with legendary broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and former minister Peter Dunne.
They give their thoughts on the McSkimming IPCA report, Andrew Coster's involvement and how police culture is looking in New Zealand at the moment.
Dunne and Sainsbury also discussed the other hot topics from the week like the new drug driving testing, Police Commissioner Chamber’s speeding ticket admission, the new $30 million in funding to help deal with the meth crisis, the Te Pati Māori MP expulsion.
Also are state-owned asset sales a good idea? Plus, Dunne and Sainsbury give their hots and nots for the week.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick Mills and Jason Pine are joined by Elliot Smith, ZB All Blacks commentator, calling in from England to give us his thoughts on the line up for the Twickenham game. They give their predictions for how the boys in black will go this weekend, and the vibe in England at the moment.
Nick and Jason also chat about the upcoming All Whites vs Columbia game, Phoenix vs Auckland FC game and the upcoming Phoenix women’s game in Porirua this Sunday.
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Wellington Hospital Foundation CEO Guy Ryan joins Nick Mills in studio to celebrate the foundation's 20th birthday.
They talk about the good they've bought to the community, the history, founder Bill Day and the impacts they continue to have in Wellington 20 years later.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National's Ōtaki MP Tim Costley.
They spoke on the McSkimming case, and the IPCA report findings that show the police were covering up information.
Costley and Verrall then spoke on the other political issues of the week, including their thoughts on the future of Te Pati Māori and potential coalitions and the new drug driving testing starting in Wellington.
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Murray Burns songwriter, and keyboardist of kiwi new wave band Mi-Sex joins Nick Millson Wellington Mornings.
They talk about the old days of the band, and what the future holds. Including Mi-Sex's upcoming performance in Upper Hutt next year.
Mi-sex joins Tony Hadley, When the Cats Away and other acts at Hutt Sounds Sunday March 8 at Brewton Upper Hutt.
Buy tickets here: Hutt Sounds 2026
Are they still a kiwi band? How was the hit computer games written? Are they ready for the energy of the Hutt crowd this summer?
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In this week's Business Panel Nick Mills chats with Barnardos CEO Matt Reid and Toyworld owner and operator Phillip Bramley.
They discussed their businesses/charity, and the impacts current conditions in Wellington had on the family and children related business sector. This included the cost of living, material hardship, government choices.
They also gave their thoughts on how business was going in the city with the new council and mayor and shared their wishes for the future. Also, how business was going heading into Christmas season from their different perspectives - retail and charity.
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Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins Nick Mills for Beehive Buzz this week discussing the annoucement from Te Pati Maori that two MPs - Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris have been expelled from the party.
They talk what's next for these MPs and Te Pati Maori, possibilities of exercising the waka jumping legislation and reactions around parliament.
For the latest insight into parliament, it's Beehive Buzz with Ethan Griffiths.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to discuss Saturday's big Wellington Phoenix double header at Sky Stadium, and why ticket sales have been lower than expected. They also rate Scotland's chances of facing the All Blacks and discuss Scott Robertson's selections for Sunday morning's test.
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Resident opera singer and aircraftsman for the Air Force band, Barbara Graham joins Nick Mills in studio for an interview and treats us to a performance. This is a taster for the upcoming Air Force in Concert with Hollie Smith performance at the Michael Fowler Centre on Sunday 9 November.
Get tickets here: Tickets: Air Force in Concert featuring Hollie Smith, Wellington | Sun, 9 Nov 2025, 2:30 pm | Ticketmaster NZ
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
They discussed the new unemployment figures which are up to 5.3%, the highest since 2016, talking reactions, causes and ways to recover.
Verrall and Butterick then spoke on the political issues of the week, including the rumours of a bill to ban homelessness in CBDs, sick leave, water safety funding and if they would ban fireworks.
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Yesterday in Parliament, something very interesting happened and it’s the sort of conversation we’ve been screaming out for here in the capital.
During Question Time, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was pressed on whether the coalition government is working on a new law to prevent people from sleeping in our downtown city centres.
Luxon batted it away in the House —wouldn’t touch it. But later, minister for Auckland Simeon Brown went further, and his comments should make Wellington sit up and listen.
Brown acknowledged the obvious: homelessness is just as serious in Auckland as it is here —maybe worse—but it’s not a competition.
He confirmed the Government is looking at ways to prevent rough sleeping in CBDs and provide accommodation options for those who need it.
That’s the combo we’ve been missing: expectation and support. Not just “move them on,” but “give them somewhere better to go.”
Otherwise, they will just keep coming back.
And let me be very clear— in my view, this is exactly what Wellington needs right now. Not next year. Not after a working group. Now.
Because, friends… this is not just about tidying up the shop window of our city — though that matters —it’s about the people themselves. Nobody benefits from sleeping outside convenience stores 24/7. It’s unsafe. It’s unhealthy. And frankly, it is not the dignity any New Zealander deserves.
I’ve said many times on this programme: I have never personally witnessed a homeless person assaulting anyone. But that doesn’t mean the current situation is working. It doesn’t feel good.
It doesn’t feel safe. It keeps people away from our CBD, and it drags down businesses already on their knees.
And if we’re serious about making Wellington vibrant again — if we want people back in town, shopping, eating, working — then we’ve got to confront the reality in front of our eyes.
National MP Ryan Hamilton is even floating a member’s bill that would give police powers to move people on from public places. Labour, of course, called it “banning homelessness.”
Heated scenes in Parliament followed. Luxon insists nothing has been discussed at Cabinet — but the conversation alone tells you how serious this has become.
Meanwhile, homelessness here in Wellington has surged —up 24 percent according to The Post. That should shock all of us. That’s the direction of travel under the current system — more people on the streets, fewer tools to intervene.
Yes, there are legitimate questions about rights and freedoms. Community Law rightly points out that people have the right to move and live where they choose. But we already allow police to act on trespass, public nuisance, disorder… the law already intervenes when things get unsafe. The issue here is balance — helping, not punishing — and creating a better alternative so no one has to sleep rough in the first place.
Simeon Brown says Auckland is talking to its council. Well — so should we. If Auckland can start planning, why can’t Wellington? We cannot keep waiting, hoping it fixes itself.
This government stepping up to create real tools — and more importantly, real accommodation — is exactly what Wellington needs. Not later. Now.
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Labour Leader and MP for Rimutaka, Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills in the studio to discuss the new unemployment rates - the highest in eight years.
In their monthly catchup they also discussed the new proposal of a bill to give police more power to remove people from the streets, the turmoil and worries within Te Pati Māori and how it effects Labour and their new polcies, and rumours of any future ones.
He shut down options of ministers from a coalition with the Greens and says minor parties have too much power in government.
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Wellington GP and Senior Lecturer at Otago University, Dr Samantha Murton talks to Nick Mills about the impact of paracetamol.
After a new study shows that a third of Kiwis are taking more than the recommended dose, Dr Murton explains the effects and dangers this causes, as well as the causes of these statistics.
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On music time this week, Nick and James have some fun with some AI generated jingles for the show, take on the challenge of finding great songs that start bass guitar heavy and look at a couple of must-see gigs coming to the capital this month.
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Wellington Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills for the first of his monthly in studio chats, to talk about how his first few weeks have been in the new job.
Live in studio, Little talks his pick for deputy mayor, his choices for the committees and their chairs, his priorities before Christmas and the removal of the waterfront fencing.
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The Chase UK star Shaun Wallace aka The Dark Destroyer, joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
They talk about the upcoming New Zealand edition of the Chase, and what makes kiwis go crazy for the show. Also, he speaks about his upcoming quiz nights in Wellington and Masterton next week to support Cure Kids, and what the charity means to him.
Link for tickets to his quiz nights in Masterton, Monday 10th November and Wellington (low availability), Tuesday 11th November: Cure Kids NZ Tickets | Events in 2025-26 | Ticketmaster NZ
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Nick Mills wraps the week with Wellington City Councilor Nicola Young and Infrastructure CEO, and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett.
After the wild weather this week, Nick and Nicola share their thoughts on the red warnings and its pros and cons for the city. They also discuss the new Wellington transport announcements including the Mt Vic tunnel and Petone to Grenada, and the need for bipartisan politics to keep the city and country moving forward. As well as the mood as the new council starts up, talk of deputy mayors and give their hots and nots of the week.
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For this week's Friday Sport Kickoff, Nick Mills was joined by Adam Cooper, with a cameo appearance from the Alternative Commentary Collective's Mike Lane to talk about their upcoming Wellington event. They talked about the rain-affected Black Caps summer so far, the Wellington Phoenix's first home game of the season and Saturday's NPC final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad talked to Nick Mills on the increase in harm for children in state care. This comes after Karen Chhour, Minister for Children and for the prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, celebrated a 14% decrease in harm within youth justice and care and protection residences.
Dr Achmad said although this reduction is a good step, in other areas of state care the numbers are rising. Oranga Tamariki's annual report shows 530 children experienced harm in 2024, an increase of 23 children.
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This Politics Thursday Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National's MP Tama Potaka.
They discussed the issues in the beehive this week, starting with the mega strike of 100,000 including teachers, nurses and senior doctors. They also chatted with Nick about Labours health policy mix-up, whether politicians should get involved in the Dame Noeline Taurua coaching debacle, the new transport announcements from National and working towards more bipartisan agreements.
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Widespread disruption as winds wreak havoc on Wellington.
State Highway Two Remutaka Hill was shut soon after 11 o'clock on Thursday morning, with gusts reaching 160 kilometres per hour in exposed places.
Wellington Region Emergency Management spokesperson Dan Neely gave an update to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings, and says the winds are expected to ease from 2pm.
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To celebrate it's 50th anniversary Nick Mills chats to Victoria University's Robyn Phipps, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.
They discuss the rich history of the programme, the success stories that have come from it, and how the next fifty years look for the faculty. They also talk about the celebrations and the exhibition - which is open till November 4th.
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In this week's Business Panel Nick Mills chats with Tokomanawa Queens co-owner Rachel Taulelei and Wellington Cricket CEO Todd Bryant.
They discussed the business of sports, and the excitement within Wellington basketball and cricket sphere right now. They also give their thoughts on doing business in the city, bringing the crowds to Wellington, the future of Wellington sport, the basin and sky stadium, and their hopes for the new era of the council and mayoralty.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with radio legend Polly Gillespie and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong.
Polly tells Nick she's considering a bid for a seat in parliament in next year's election and hints which party she'll run for.
Dave and Polly shared their memories of Jim Bolger and thoughts on the issues of the week.
They discuss Te Pati Māori, Gerry Brownlee cracking down in parliament, the local election results, the new report on Kainga Ora and mental health government funding after the I Am Hope scandal.
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Outgoing Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy joins Nick Mills in studio on Wellington Mornings.
They discuss his 24-year mayoralty, the progress of Upper Hutt, whether they are ready for amalgamation, and what's next after one of the longest mayoral runs in the country.
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This Politics Thursday Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
Both gave their tributes to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, sharing their memories of his leadership.
Verrall and Butterick then discussed the political issues of the week. They gave their thoughts on the behaviour of Te Pati Māori, Gerry Brownlee cracking down as speaker, the new ferry announcement, I Am Hope's executive pay rises and got fiery over current strike action.
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Nick Mills took a tour around the new Woodward Street Distillery, and interviewed James Pask, Director and General Manager, and Mikey Ball, Head Distiller.
He finds out what's behind the scenes at Wellington's newest hospitality innovation. The distillery and soon to be bar, bringing Melbourne vibes into the city centre.
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Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley chats with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings, before his show at Hutt Sounds next March.
The True and Gold, singer talks about the old days with Spandau Ballet, their impact on the music industry and how his family keeps him strong.
Hadley will headline Hutt Sounds at Brewtown, Upper Hutt Sunday 8 March 2026 and which will include a full set of Spandau Ballet classics alongside selections from his acclaimed solo career. Get tickets at www.huttsounds.co.nz
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We head to the greater Wellington regional local election results on Wellington Mornings.
Nick Mills talks with the new mayor-elects of the greater Wellington region. He talks with Ken Laben - Hutt City, Anita Baker - Porirua City, Peri Zee - Upper Hutt and Janet Holborow - Kapiti.
They touch on the race has been, their hopes for their cities, how they will handle the councils, their thoughts on voter turnout and amalgamation of the councils as well as their top priorities for the next three years.
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Wellington's new mayor-elect Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in studio this morning. They discuss his successful election campaign and his hopes and priorities for his term.
Little says he is already reviewing the Golden Mile project and has talked to all the councillors, as he prepares to step into the top job in the capital's council.
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On this week's Friday Sport kickoff, Jason Pine and Adam Cooper were talking with Nick Mills about Wellington's NPC rugby campaign when two local wrestlers burst into the studio to talk about All Star Wrestling: Porirua, which takes place at Te Rauparaha Arena this weekend.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with outgoing Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry and former Wellington mayor Justin Lester.
They discuss their picks for all the Wellington regions mayoral elections, their thoughts on amalgamation, give their hot or nots of the week and how we can improve voting turnout.
Plus Campbell Barry gives some departing words on his last day as mayor.
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Well, one more day as Mayor for Tory Whanau – the “accidental mayor,” as many have called her – and just like that, her chapter in Wellington politics closes.
What a ride, and what a mess. And, let’s be honest, what a disappointment.
From the very beginning, Tory framed her leadership through a lens of identity – “poor me, give me a break, I’m a woman, and I’m new.”
That became her shield, her excuse, and, in many ways, the story of her mayoralty.
When she campaigned, it was all about team building, collaboration, bringing the city together behind a shared vision. It sounded good. It sounded hopeful.
But in reality? It never happened.
She surrounded herself with sycophants - people who told her what she wanted to hear, not what she needed to hear.
Around the council table, she isolated herself, cut off critics, and created a bunker mentality. That’s fatal for a city that needed leadership more than ever.
Now to be fair, and I want to be fair, Tory didn’t have an easy ride.
She came in at the worst possible time: cost-of-living pressures, broken pipes, crumbling infrastructure, council debt spiralling out of control.
Whoever wore the chain was going to struggle. But that doesn’t excuse the way she handled it.
Time and again, she ran from the hard stuff.
She ducked responsibility. She even abandoned her monthly commitment on Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings – not because she lacked the time, but because she was advised not to face the heat.
That’s not leadership. That’s avoidance.
Wellington paid the price. Instead of a steady hand, we got chaos.
Instead of strong decision-making, we got excuses. Instead of a mayor who could rally councillors and the public, we got someone who shrank from scrutiny.
And then, in her final council speech on Wednesday , we got the encore: the blame game.
Whanau used her last act in office to highlight the abuse she’s faced – and yes, some of it was vile, unacceptable, and personal.
She cited lewd rumours, online harassment, and sexist behaviour from councillors like Ray Chung. She demanded change to fix what she called a toxic council culture.
"To those who created those challenges, thank you. Whether it was members around this very table feeding defamatory rumours to the media, whether it was some media reporting on defamatory rumours as fact, whether it was better Wellington harassing our elected members, or members of Vision for Wellington lobbying government for intervention, even though they were supposedly apolitical," Whanau said.
"Whether it's previous mayors or elected members who criticised this council for high rates, even though it was their decisions and underinvestment who caused them, leaving us to pick up the bill.” She said.
Fair enough. Abuse and misogyny in politics must be called out.
No one should face that.
But here’s the thing: while Tory was naming names and pointing fingers, Wellington was still left with broken pipes, spiralling rates, and a city in crisis. Cycleways in places we did not want or need, that’s the part that never got fixed.
She tried. She gave it a go.
But giving it a go isn’t enough when you’re in charge of a capital city. We needed toughness, vision, competence. We got hype, we got controversy, and we got a legacy that will be remembered for what it didn’t deliver.
So today, Wellington turns the page.
Tory Whanau came, she stumbled, and she left. The “accidental mayor” is no longer.
And the question now is simple: who’s going to pick up the pieces and finally give this city the leadership it’s been crying out for?
There's no doubt that she, and other female politicians are dealing with an unjust abuse. But she still had to power through and she had to be a leader.
And I don't think she did that successfully.
I wish Tory Whanau all the best, I enjoyed our conversations but I am disappointed she took advice not to communicate to our city.
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On Politics Thursday, Nick Mills was joined by National's Otaki MP Tim Costley and Labour's Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen.
They faced off on the issues from the week. Andersen and Costley debated on HealthNZ funding vapes for smokers wanting to quit, the job seeker benefit cuts and the introduction of the new protest law. Andersen says Labour will not support the law that would ban protest at private homes.
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This week on Music Time Nick and James revisit the guitar gods list and controversially add a worst list to the equation.
Plus, buckle yourself in for an eclectic journey of the best gigs to head to at The Wellington Jazz Festival.
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Wellington mayoral candidate and former minister Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in studio for the final of Wellington Morning's mayoral interviews.
Little discussed how he would handle local government compared to central and the reality of a 0% rate increase claim.
And on the Golden Mile Little says he would need to take a look at disruption and financial strain before continuing with the project.
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Four Hutt City Mayoral candidates joined Nick Mills, to pitch their case for the mayoralty. Brady Dyer, Prabha Ravi, Karen Morgan and Ken Laban answered Nick's rapid fire questions in a quick four minute format.
They spoke on what makes them the best for the top job, how they would cope with opposing councillors, their priorities if they got in and if they support a Wellington/Hutt City/Upper Hutt/Porirua council amalgamation.
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In this week's Business Panel, Nick was joined by "The Law Lady" Property Law specialist Danielle Allen-Sutton and Real Estate Consultant at Lowe & Co Realty Anji Foster.
They discussed their businesses, their experiences in the property market and advice for buyers and sellers. They gave their thoughts on the future of Wellington and Hutt housing, and how new announcements by the government are impacting it.
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Azaria Howell joins Nick Mills for Beehive Buzz this week discussing the changes to the job seeker benefit.
We also talk on the latest news in Te Pati Māori and the latest protest - at Winston Peters home - and the consideration of a change to protest law in New Zealand. Also, the lowering of free bowel cancer screening age, and how we compare to the rest of the world.
For the latest insight into parliament, it's Beehive Buzz with Azaria Howell.
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Nick Mills wraps the week with former Wellington Mayor, Dame Kerry Prendergast and legendary broadcaster and journalist, Mark Sainsbury.
They dived right into the mayoral desk saga, Dame Kerry gave her thoughts on her desk being leaked to the public. Dame Kerry and Mark also discussed the earthquake building rule changes, Christopher Luxon's leadership analysis, WOW wrap up, the Wellington Mayoral race and give their hot or nots of the week.
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On Politics Thursday, Nick Mills was joined by Labour List MP Kieran McAnulty and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
They discussed the governments new energy plan, and it's $500 thousand dollar report. As well as the Kainga Ora apartment block sale, earthquake building rule changes and the data sharing between local body candidates and central government.
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Wellington mayoral hopeful Karl Tiefenbacher says he would resign as mayor and ask the Government to call in commissioners to replace the elected council if he couldn’t implement his policies.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, Tiefenbacher was asked by a caller if he would honour his campaign promises.
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Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says the government's new electricity announcement is "throwing more money down empty holes".
Hipkins also shared his thoughts with Nick Mills on Wellington Morningon the lack of bi-partisan support from the National government, after the leak of Luxon's letter. He discussed how Labour were not informed of any of the announcements today, and says this shows that they are not open to working together on big issues.
In his monthly catch up with Nick Mills Wellington Mornings, Hipkins also talked about the new earthquake prone building rules, the decision on Palestinian state, and Trump's new plan for Gaza and if the UN is fit for purpose.
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Country star Tami Neilson chats to Nick Mills on her upcoming Neon Cowgirl tour, touring with the greats like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan and her love of Wellington.
The New Zealand leg of her international tour begins Friday 3rd October. You can get tickets at plus1.co.nz.
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Winston Peters announced New Zealand's stance on Palestinian Statehood this weekend at the UN.
We hear the talk around the beehive after Cabinet's decision to not recognise the state.
We also discuss the funding of prisons and the upcoming announcement from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on earthquake-prone building law rewrites, and how this will impact Wellingtonians and our businesses.
Newstalk ZB political editor Azaria Howel joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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On Friday Faceoff this week Nick spoke to Franks Ogilvie director Stephen Franks and former cabinet minister Peter Dunne.
They discussed the council desk saga, privacy within the council, gave their thoughts on Andrew Little and the Wellington mayoral race and their live reaction to the Loafers Lodge fire guilty verdict.
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To coincide with the influx of visitors for World of WearableArt (WOW), WellingtonNZ has arranged a hop-on, hop-off minibus service exclusively for WOW ticketholders.
It connects them with the best of Wellington's CBD with a 30-minute loop route, accompanied by commentary of some of Wellington's history and stories.
Driver and tour guide Ron Irvine joined Nick Mills to talk about his role.
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On Politics Thursday, Nick Mills was joined by Labour's Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley.
They discussed Treasury's stark warnings about the country's fiscal direction, the new Reserve Bank Governor and the ratings of politicians from the Herald's Mood of the Boardroom.
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Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung joined Nick Mils to discuss his second run for mayor in this year's Local Body Elections.
He discussed his 0% rates rise policy, and the recent release of a controversial email he sent to fellow councillors in 2023.
NOTE: In this interview, Ray Chung claimed Neale Jones was involved in the leaking of his 2022 email to the media.
Newstalk ZB has since verified that Neale Joes had no part in the leaking of the email. Newstalk ZB accepts the claim by Ray Chung in this interview was not true.
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This week on Music Time, can Nick and James pinpoint who is the greatest guitar player of all time?
Is it an early innovator or a blues legend, A fret shredder or Rock guru?
With so many great players to choose from, who will be number 1?
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In this week's Business Panel, Nick was joined by sixth generation Ohariu Valley farmer Hamish Best - who also owns Conscious Valley meat - alongside NZCIS Performance Institute general manager Jamie Tout.
They discussed how their respective businesses have been performing this year, and talked over a number of issues such as the recent GDP result, how to get Wellington thriving for business and whether the Local Body Elections have an impact on their companies.
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Nick Mills wrapped up the week with BRG senior consultant and Chris Luxon's former chief press secretary Hamish Rutherford, and former NZ Herald senior reporter Georgina Campbell.
They discussed the fallout from the 0.9% GDP drop, the upcoming Wellington Local Body Elections, amalgamation and what should happen with the City to Sea Bridge.
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Nick is joined for the Friday Sport Kickoff by Jason Pine and Adam Cooper, who look ahead to the Black Ferns' Rugby World Cup semifinal against Canada on Saturday.
They also discussed the fallout from last week's All Blacks loss to South Africa, and whether the return of some top players will salvage the Wellington Lions' NPC season.
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World of WearableArt (WOW) is back in Wellington for 2025, with the show Rise at TSB Arena.
The mastermind of the show again this year is the renowned Las Vegas-based creative genius Brian Burke, who returns as Executive Creative Director.
Ahead of WOW's opening night in Wellington, Nick Mills caught up with Burke about his vision for this year's festival, and his passion for producing world-leading events around the globe.
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New Zealand’s economy is back in contraction.
Latest data just out from Stats NZ shows GDP fell 0.9% in the three months to June.
That follows six months of growth, after six months of contraction.
Nick Mills gauged reaction to the announcement with Labour's Ayesha Verrall and National's Mike Butterick in Politics Thursday.
They also discussed the current teacher and nurse strikes, the rise in New Zealanders being sent to prison and Labour's relationship with Te Pāti Māori.
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As the countdown continues to the start of World of World of WearableArt (WOW) in Wellington for 2025, Nick Mills spoke with show model and dancer Stela Albuquerque, whose face is on the WOW posters and advertising for this year's event.
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Three term Wellington City Council Diane Calvert joined Nick Mills in studio to discuss her second bid for the Wellington Mayoralty.
Calvert pledged to cut the Council's operational expenditure by 5% - or $40 million - in her first year as Mayor.
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Ahead of the 2025 edition of World of Wearable Art (WOW) at Wellington's TSB Arena, Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills is chatting to some of the key figures, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Nick sat down with Leonie Trathen, who first modelled for the show in 1990, and is now wardrobe and activations manager for the design competition.
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On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by former Labour MP and Pasifika leader Dame Winnie Laban, and outgoing Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown.
They discussed the fate of the City to Sea Bridge, the mood of the nation in the wake of the Tom Phillips saga, and comments by Winston Peters about the state of Wellington.
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Ahead of the second All Blacks-Springboks test at Wellington's Sky Stadium, Nick Mills spoke to the two television match day commentators - Sky TV's Grant Nisbett and Super Sport South Africa's Matt Pearce.
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On Politics Thursday, Nick was joined by Labour's Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley.
They discussed the new Government proposal for a new infringement offence for shoplifting, the annual net migration continuing to fall, and some harrowing statistics around care in Wellington Hospital's Emergency Department.
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New Zealand's national museum Te Papa was recently named in the top 1% "Best of the Best attractions worldwide" in the TripAdvisor 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards.
The museum on Wellington's waterfront was also labelled the best attraction in New Zealand, and the fifth best attraction in the South Pacific.
However, with a slower than expected tourism recovery, Te Papa is forecasting a $13m deficit for the 2025/26 financial year and lowering its visitor target.
Te Papa CEO Courtney Johnston joins Nick Mills in studio to talk about the museum's importance to Wellington and what's coming over the next few months.
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On Music Time this week, James tells Nick if there is one concert he should go to this year then it's this one by Tami Neilson.
On this week's slot, they also looked at songs that were made into better hits than the original versions, and they look at more gigs happening around the city in the coming months.
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New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Wellington's incoming council needs to bring the vibrancy back to the city.
He spoke with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings about how the city can be brought back to life, and offered his views on the current city leaders.
Peters also discussed his party's compulsory Kiwisaver policy, and whether former Labour Minister Stuart Nash is likely to stand for NZ First at the next Election.
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This week's business panel takes a look at real estate and hot consumer issues, with Nick Mills joined in studio by Ray White Real Estate agent Renaye Huia, and Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy.
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On Friday Faceoff, Nick was joined by Dot Loves Data director and former Wellington Mayor Justin Lester, along with Iron Duke Partners Managing Director Phil O'Reilly.
They discussed whether Wellington's City to Sea Bridge should be saved, the poll results showing Andrew Little significantly ahead in the Wellington Mayoral race, and whether former Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark should have attended recent commemorations in China.
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On Politics Thursday, Nick Mills was joined by Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
They discussed former Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark attending a military parade hosted by China to commemorate 80 years since the eight-year Japanese invasion of China in 1937.
Also on the agenda was the latest report on the hold-ups in the justice system, New Zealand's involvement in the Paris Climate agreement and whether the new exemption on the foreign home buyer ban will trigger a rise in all house prices.
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Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says his party would 'take a closer look' at whether the exemption to the foreign home buyers' ban could be overturned by his party.
Hipkins told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings he's unsure whether legislation would allow it to be overturned.
In his monthly catch up with Wellington Mornings, Hipkins also discussed the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, whether he's taking speculation of a Peeni Henare leadership challenge seriously and what Andrew Little would mean for Wellington if he became Mayor.
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On Friday Faceoff, Nick Mills was joined by broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Director at Franks Ogilvie, Brigitte Morten.
They discussed the government's announcements on supermarkets, why Transmission Gully needs major repairs so quickly, and what to do with the social problems in Newtown.
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On Politics Thursday this week, National's Tim Costley and Labour's Ginny Andersen debated whether the Government's latest supermarket announcements will genuinely open the door to a third player.
They also discussed the new visa to attract business investors to New Zealand, the debate within the National Party about house values, and the repairs needed to the Transmission Gully motorway.
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Who would you name as your top five music artists of all time? Nick and James gave theirs in this week's Music Time.
James also took a look ahead to several gigs coming to Wellington, including the lineup announced for Hutt Sounds.
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On this week's business panel, Nick was joined by Director & Mortgage Advisor at the Mortgage Advice Company Brock Shute, and Owner & Manager of EmbroidMe Wellington CBD Roy Callard.
They discussed how business is tracking for them so far in 2025, and on the back of a stunning weekend in the capital, how much positivity is around at the moment.
Also on the agenda, how events in Wellington are having an impact on business, the reaction to last week's OCR cut, and politically how the Government and local body politicians are affecting businesses.
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On Friday Faceoff, panellists Maddy Burgess-Smith and Iona Pannett responded to comments by Finance Minister Nicola Willis that those criticising the economy are 'merchants of misery' and 'doomsayers'.
They also discussed the OCR rate cut, teacher strikes, the $80-million cost blowout for Wellington's sludge plant and whether the age limit for Working Holiday Visas should be raised.
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On Politics Thursday, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mike Butterick discuss the new Official Cash Rate, and whether comments by Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis were appropriate.
They also looked at the teacher strike, and whether Foreign Minister Winston Peters was right to remove Trevor Mallard as Ambassador to Ireland.
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Opposition leader Chris Hipkins denies that the Labour Party will lose support over his refusal to give evidence in a public session for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19.
Dame Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Dr Ayesha Verrall had refused to front up publicly.
But, Hipkins told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings that he doubts it will affect his party's reputation.
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Chris Hipkins, Ayesha Verrall, Dame Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson have refused to front at public hearings for the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response. Are they dodging accountability, or have they answered enough questions?
Also, Kiwirail have paid nearly $150 million to Hyundai over the cancelled iRex ferry deal. Is this better than expected?
To answer those questions, Infrastructure NZ chief executive and former Porirua mayor Nick Leggett and PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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Former ministers Chris Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston and Ayesha Verrall have refused to front up for public hearings at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19. Are they ducking for cover, or is there a good reason not to show up?
Also, yesterday Green's co-leader Chloe Swarbrick was 'named' and booted from the house for a week for saying some government MPs needed to “grow a spine” and support her bill. Was this punishment justified?
To answer those questions, Labour’s health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National’s Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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This week on Music Time, James Irwin takes a look at some big hits that were originally written by a lesser known group - and many of them will surprise you!
Also, Ed Sheeran is coming to New Zealand for five stadium shows - but can he sell out stadiums elsewhere in the world?
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They are some of the biggest industries affected by a slumping economy, so how are they holding up in 2025?
Unemployment and inflation have both risen in the latest updates, foot traffic in the Wellington CBD is still down, and both sectors are about to be stung with increased costs as the government bans contactless payment surcharges.
So, how are retail and hospitality operators feeling, and are they hopeful for something of an economic recovery by year's end?
To answer those questions, Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage and Reatil NZ chief executive Carolyn Young joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.
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Education Minister Erica Stanford repeatedly tried to brief and seek input from Labour’s education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime about impending NCEA changes - but Prime and Hipkins refused to meet. Is this what we expect from the opposition?
Also, the Wellington City Council has voted against a proposal to install fencing along Wellington's waterfront after a recommendation from the coroner. Is this the right call?
To answer those questions, BRG senior consultant and former chief press secretary to Christopher Luxon Hamish Rutherford and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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All Black star Richie Mo’unga will return to New Zealand in 2026, signing with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and the Canterbury Rugby Union. What does his return mean for the All Blacks?
Also, it's a story of success very few could replicate; going from a roofer playing club rugby to an All Black in the space of 12 months. But that's exactly what Wellington's Kyle Preston has done. How did he do it?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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A big party is coming to Wellington's St James Theatre this month.
The acclaimed Mamma Mia musical is taking the stage over August, with the Wellington-based cast performing all of Abba's greatest hits over a two-week season.
Nick was lucky enough to be joined by a very sparkly Donna and the Dynamos in studio to discuss the show and perform a classic Abba tune.
Mamma Mia is on at the St James Theatre from August 13th to 31st. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
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The government is hoping to have petrol tax fully scrapped by 2027, with all motorists moving towards paying road user charges per kilometre. But if the idea is that this is cost neutral, what's the point?
Also, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced a raft of changes to the Fisheries Act, but as a former chair of Sealord and someone who has received donations from the industry, is he the right person to be making these decisions?
To answer those questions, Labour's Ohariu MP Greg O'Connor and National's Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Wellington City Council’s Crown Observer believes Tory Whanau made the right move in deciding not to run for Mayor again.
Lindsay McKenzie has ended his six month stint after being brought in by the Government last year to be its eyes and ears as the council failed to deliver a long-term plan.
His final report suggests the capital is facing the same problems as the rest of the country but is steadily progressing.
McKenzie says the council has effectively solved the problems that were the catalyst for the Ministerial intervention, and the level of cooperation and consideration for each other's views and preferences has increased.
When it comes to Whanau’s leadership, he told Nick Mills that it’s a tough ask for somebody to come into a mayoral role with no local government experience, especially in the capital city, and it showed.
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US President Donald Trump has inked an executive order raising tariffs on Kiwi goods from 10% to 15%. What impact will this have on our exporters - and how did Australia get away with staying at 10%?
Also, FBI director Kash Patel was in Wellington this week opening a brand new permanent office. Should Kiwis be concerned about having the FBI in town?
To answer those questions, former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne and political commentator and Capital director Ben Thomas joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The ANZ premiership has finally inked a new broadcast deal with TVNZ - but it will see Netball NZ paying them for the privilege of having the games broadcast. What impact will this have on the professional game?
Also, the NPC has officially kicked off, and the Wellington Lions take on Canterbury at Jerry Collins Park tomorrow. How's the team looking for the season?
To answer those questions, All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The number of gang members in New Zealand has surpassed 10,000 for the first time - now sitting at 10,009 according to the National Gang List.
That compares to 9270 just before the 2023 election, and 5343 gang members in 2017.
So what's needed to stop the gangs growing, and has banning gang patches made any material difference to recruitment?
Police Minister Mark Mitchell joined Nick Mills to discuss the numbers.
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Around 36,000 nurses are taking to the street today in an effort for better pay and conditions, but with the average nurse earning over $100,000 a year - are some being a bit greedy?
Also, while interest rates have lowered, many Wellingtonians are still feeling the pinch of a sluggish economy. When can we expect to see the economy bounce back?
Deputy Prime Minister and Act leader David Seymour joined Nick Mills in the studio.
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This week on Music Time, Nick and James preview a New Zealand band out of retirement with an imminent tour and vinyl release, ponder pirate metal and German reggae musical genres and check out all the gigs around the capital.
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It's a Hutt Valley special of the Wellington Morning's business panel this week, with a successful engineer and the man in charge of advocating for business in the area joining Nick on the show.
On the agenda; the state of the Wellington economy in the outer cities, rising rates and insurance costs, public sector cuts and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Patrick McKibbin and Metco Engineering director Paul Jessup joined Nick Mills.
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The government has announced changes to election rules, ending the ability to enrol on election day - something 110,000 people did last election. Is this a reasonable move, or could it risk disenfranchising some would-be voters?
Also, the government has instructed Sport NZ to scrap its guidelines on transgender participation in sport, which directed sporting bodies to allow trans people to participate as the gender they identify with. Now, individual sporting bodies will make their own decisions on trans inclusion. Is this the right call?
To answer those questions, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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New Zealand's premier netball competition is staring down financial struggles, with Netball NZ yet to confirm a broadcast deal for the competition moving forward.
Players are reportedly growing concerned about their futures, with broadcasting rights making up a large chunk of the funding required to hold the ANZ Premiership each year.
So, what does the future hold for netball in New Zealand?
Newstalk ZB All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government has directed Sport NZ to scrap their guidelines around transgender participation in sports - with individual sporting bodies able to make their own decisions on how to include transgender players.
But is this really a serious issue, or a manufactured culture-war type debate?
Also, the price of butter has risen 60% in the last twelve months. Should Kiwis be paying export prices for butter?
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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The Mills Albert Wellington Saints have made history - taking out their thirteenth NBL championship title over the weekend.
The Saints beat the Southland Sharks 88-83 on Sunday night at TSB Arena in Wellington.
Captain Hyrum Harris, coach Aaron Young and CEO Jordan Mills joined Nick Mills in studio with the NBL trophy to talk about the team's season and Sunday night's thriller.
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Inflation is back on the rise, with an annual inflation rate of 2.7% in the year to June, up from 2.5% in the year to March.
What will be going through the minds of the economics wonks at the Reserve Bank - and are we still in line for another rate cut next month with this news?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by ex-Wellington Mayor and Dot Loves Data director Justin Lester, and Raygun co-founder John-Daniel (JD) Trask.
They discussed the fallout over the past week from mayoral candidate Ray Chung's infamous email, the Prime Minister's latest criticisms of Wellington and how the city's thriving with a handful of top sporting events.
Listen live to Faceoff each Friday at 11am on Newstalk ZB.
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On Politics Thursday, National's Otaki MP and Labour Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall debate the revelation the Retail Crime Advisory Group cost 500-thousand dollars in just 102 days.
They also discussed the continuing controversy around the Wellington Mayoral race, and whether Christopher Luxon's comments this week about Wellington were fair.
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Wellington football fans are in for an exciting weekend, with the famous Wrexham AFC journeying to Wellington to face our very own Phoenix.
The Welsh team rose in popularity after it was bought by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, and later featuring in the documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
The football-mad Wilce family were born and raised in Wrexham, Wales, but have been proud to call Wellington home since 2018.
Mum Dawn Wilce joined Nick Mills to talk about her time in Wrexham and how excited her family is ahead of Saturday's match.
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This week is 40 years since the greatest concert of all time - Live Aid.
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick to talk the very best and worst of of the event, as well as revisiting Aussie rockers The Superjesus and pondering why Lorde isn't coming to Wellington.
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Wellington has had a smashing weekend with the All Blacks, 10cc and the NBL semi-final in town - but is the city really on the up? And how much does the city's economy rely on big events?
Also, we learnt last week 30,000 Kiwis moved to Australia last year alone. How do we keep our young talent in New Zealand - and can we compete with the attraction of Australia?
To answer those questions, WellingtonNZ's head of business growth Jackson Hapeta and Trinity Group director Jeremy Smith (owner of Trinity Hotel, Lulu and others) joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.
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The number of people aged 15-24 without a job has jumped to 16% - nearly one in five.
It comes as businesses continue to face tough economic times - with many businesses not wanting to take a risk on a young person.
To talk about the figures, economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen joined Nick Mills to discuss the news.
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Both Labour and Te Pati Māori have selected their candidates to run in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election - a race necessitated by the death of incumbent MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp. So how tight is the race expected to be?
Also, Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick has admitted her loyalties lay with the Act party while at university. How many other examples are there of MPs having vastly different political views as a young person?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung sent a sordid email to some council colleagues in 2023, claiming mayor Tory Whanau had drug-fuelled “tempestuous sex” in an orgy, and making reference to her having “pendulous soft breasts”. The email has only surfaced today - but does it rule Ray Chung out as a serious mayoral contender?
Also, the All Blacks take on France in the second test at Sky Stadium tomorrow night. How important are these events for the city, and what can we expect from both teams?
To answer those questions, former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and current Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy joined Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff, live from the Champions Lunch at Takina.
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The All Blacks take on France in the second test in Wellington tomorrow night - and the city is buzzing ahead of the game.
The The 28th Cello Champions Charity Luncheon was held on Friday ahead of the event, with a stellar line up of former All Blacks including Frank Bunce and Josh Kronfeld.
Frank Bunce played 69 All Black games - including 55 tests - between 1992 and 1997, while Josh Kronfeld played 56 All Blacks games - including 54 tests - between 1995 and 2000.
The pair joined Nick Mills to share their memories of the infamous 1995 Rugby World Cup, as well as their predictions ahead of the All Blacks' second test against the French tomorrow night.
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The Cello Champions Charity Luncheon is being held in Wellington for it's 28th year - and Nick Mills was at the Takina Convention Centre broadcasting live ahead of the event.
The luncheon is in aid of Life Flight - and former Blackcap and Life Flight ambassador Grant Elliot and luncheon organiser Ian Klinac joined Nick to discuss the event.
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It’s been just over two years since Wellington’s brand new $180 million conference centre Takina opened - and it's attracted plenty of events.
But there have been some reports that its struggling to attract as many events as first anticipated.
Wellington City Council’s Chief Economic and Engagement Officer Anna Calver joined Nick Mills, live from Takina, to discuss the first two years of the centre's operation and what's instore for the future.
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The All Blacks take on France in the second test in Wellington tomorrow night - and the city is buzzing ahead of the game.
Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine today hosted the Champions Luncheon at Takina - and will be broadcasting live from Shed 22 tomorrow ahead of the test.
He joined Nick Mills to share his predictions for the game.
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The second phase of the Royal Commision into the government's response to Covid-19 is underway - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the investigation was intentionally designed to give conspiracy theorists a platform.
Is this a fair comment - and should Hipkins and former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern front up at the inquiry?
Also, Resources Minister Shane Jones is not happy with DOC.
They have declined an application to extend an Otago gold mine because the mining company didn’t have a proper lizard management plan, with 700 jobs at risk according to the mining company. What's more important - jobs or lizards?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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There is a new ferry in Wellington Harbour - and it looks remarkably similar to an existing one.
Bluebridge's new ferry Livia has arrived in the capital - the sister ship to the existing Connemara vessel already operated by Bluebridge.
The ship, built in 2008, was previously operated by a ferry line in Europe, but has since had a fresh lick of paint and is currently undergoing internal renovations ahead of its first voyage across the Cook Strait in about two weeks.
Nick was invited on a tour of the new ship, as well as a chat with Bluebridge/Strait NZ chief executive Shane McMahon.
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The organisation tasked with helping to grow the Wellington region's economy has a new boss - and he says Wellington needs to focus more on its successes, rather than it's struggles.
Mark Oldershaw took over the reins at WellingtonNZ a month ago and joined Nick Mills to discuss the role of the organisation, the state of the region, and some exciting major events at Sky Stadium that hopefully will be announced soon.
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There’s an exciting gig coming to Wellington this week – especially if your heydey was in the 70s.
10cc is returning to the capital on Friday night to play a gig at the Opera House, performing classic hits like The Things We Do For Love, Dreadlock Holiday and I'm Not In Love.
10cc was formed in 1972 - after frontman and songwriter Graham Gouldman had begun his career writing hits for The Hollies and Herman’s Hermits.
The band has had twelve songs reach the UK Top 40 - including three number-one hits.
Gouldman joined Nick Mills to discuss the band's legacy and the inspiration behind their biggest hits.
10cc perform at the Wellington Opera House this Friday, July 11. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
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It's the second week of the winter recess at Parliament - known around the building as one of the quietest weeks in politics of the year.
But despite many politicians taking the week off or working back in their electorates, there's still work being done in the halls of power - including public submissions on the Regulatory Standards Bill today. What does the bill do, and why has it been so controversial?
Also, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says it's possible the government could introduce mandatory sentences for some crimes. What could this look like?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Local elections are less than four months away now, and nominations officially opened today. But with four races in Wellington with hot favourites, are we less excited than we have been in previous years?
Also, Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul wants some of the city's statues pulled down, including the William Wakefield monument on the bank of the Basin Reserve, claiming we shouldn't have statues of "thieving criminal colonisers". Is she right?
To answer those questions, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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Scott Robertson has named his first All Blacks 23 of the year, to face France at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.
France have won their past three tests against the All Black - but could that winning streak end this weekend as Robertson's men face a French side missing some of their stars?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Wellington's All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to give their takes ahead of the game.
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The government has announced three new law and order policies this week, including increased penalties for coward punches, assaulting first responders and shoplifting. But what impact will these changes have?
Also, Act and New Zealand First have shot down Finance Minister Nicola Willis' plans for a policy costing unit. Is this something we should have?
National's Otaki MP Tim Costley and Labour's revenue and associate finance spokeswoman Dr Deborah Russell joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Labour leader and Remutaka MP Chris Hipkins says he is sceptical of the idea the Interislander could be privatised.
It comes after a cabinet paper obtained by the Herald floated the possibility of partially or fully privatising the ferry service.
Hipkins joined Nick Mills for his monthly catch-up, where the pair also discussed the state of the economy, whether weight-loss 'wonder drugs' should be funded, and the government's recent law and order announcements.
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Well-known Wellington personality Ken Laban has thrown his hat in the ring to be Lower Hutt's next mayor.
The 68-year-old has spent his career as a police officer, later becoming a commentator with TVNZ and Sky Sport. Since 2013 he has served as a Greater Wellington Regional Councillor.
He grew up in Wainuiomata with sister Dame Winnie Laban, a former Labour cabinet minister.
Laban joined Nick Mills to discuss why he's chosen to run for the city's top job.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis says New Zealand has not “escaped the aftershocks of world events” as new data shows hardship rising and more Kiwis struggling to pay the bills.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills about the state of the economy, Willis acknowledged it had been “a tough time”.
“Things were starting to come along and then come April there were some reasonably significant announcements by the US President that sent ramifications through the world”, Willis said.
Donald Trump’s April “Liberation Day” announcement saw sweeping tariffs introduced for more than 125 countries, including 10% on imports coming from New Zealand.
Willis said business confidence has been impacted as a result and growth forecasts have been downgraded.
“Little old New Zealand, just recovering, has been really impacted by that.”
She said in spite of the global uncertainty growth is still forecast to improve, but “we haven’t escaped the aftershocks of global events”.
Credit reporting agency Centrix released its June Credit Indicator today. It showed household arrears were levelling out while hardship and company liquidations were on the rise.
Nearly 50,000 individual billpayers were in financial hardship, an increase of 300 from May, and 14% more than a year ago, Centrix said.
An uptick in hardship began in November 2022, and today’s figures “continues a steady upward trend”, Centrix managing director Keith McLaughlin said.
“I don’t deny those numbers, as you say, they’re facts and I meet enough New Zealanders each week to know there are still a lot of people doing it tough”, Willis said.
She said it comes at a time when New Zealand is at its “peak unemployment”.
“When unemployment is higher, of course that is when you see people unable to pay their bills”, Willis said.
On the increase in business liquidations, which Centrix recorded as being up 27% on last year’s figures, Willis said that there would be a variety of reasons for that and disputed the Government was responsible.
Asked by Mills if her government could have done more to assist struggling businesses, she said there were “certainly things we could have done which would have made it harder for them”.
Willis pointed to moves like tax cuts, cutting red tape, and the investment boost policy, which she said are benefiting small businesses.
Wellington’s ‘disappointing chapter’
Willis, a lifelong Wellingtonian, was asked about the state of the capital. She responded by criticising Wellington City Council for having had “its eye completely off the ball”.
“It feels to me like a place that needs a fresh start”, she said.
Willis believes the city still has “cool things” going for it like smart tenacious people, the native bush, and the city’s hospitality scene, but said “man oh man have we mucked up” with regard to council decision-making.
She said the council must be focused on keeping rates low.
It comes after the council approved a 12% rates increase for the 2025/2026 year.
“It seems to me that the council has not been focused on that mission and at the same time has been quite distracted by what I would say are interesting political debates.”
She said the city has been in a “disappointing chapter”.
Asked whether she is excited by any of those running in the upcoming local election, Willis said she does not endorse candidates but is looking for two things.
The first was getting rates rises under control.
“That means actually being prepared to stop doing some things, we’ve had to do that as a government”, Willis said.
The second thing she was looking for in candidates was policy that is “genuinely pro-business”, citing Wellington’s disproportionately high commercial rates.
She also spoke on the Golden Mile project saying while she understands the vision, now is not the time.
“I’m looking for councillors who are pledging to be disciplined about the way they spend ratepayer money”, Willis said.
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It's been a big weekend of music on Worth Farm in Somerset, England as the 2025 Glastonbury music festival was held.
This week Nick and James dissect the highlights of the festival, argue about an audio-visual experience that is coming to Wellington this month, and listen to Liam Finn's latest album Hyperverse.
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It's exactly halfway through 2025 - six months ago the catch phrase of the Wellington business community was 'survive til 25'. Are our businesses still struggling halfway through the year?
Also, have tourism numbers in Wellington bounced back to pre-Covid levels, and can Kiwi consumers and businesses cope with the increasing costs of flights?
To answer those questions, Business Central/Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus and Travel Agents Association CEO Julie White joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.
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Legislation will soon be introduced bolstering the maximum sentences for those who assault first responders and Corrections offices. Will it be supported across Parliament?
Also, a New Zealand First MP has announced her resignation from Parliament after just 18 months. Why is she leaving?
To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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OPINION
Well, we've got a new idea from Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul and you better brace yourself for this one.
She was in the paper over the weekend - not advocating for Wellingtonians, for our economy, our businesses or our vulnerable people. She’s advocating for something else entirely.
She wants to strip prominent statues around Wellington of their heritage status. She wants these statues bowled.
She wants to strip Wellington of its history.
Now I can tell you Tamtha's got her sights firmly on the William Wakefield monument at the Basin Reserve. You know the one; the white Greek dome on the bank.
She also wants to get rid of the bronze bust of Edward Wakefield on Mount Victoria. She also doesn't like the Queen Victoria statue between Cambridge and Kent Terrace.
These three people are, according to our local MP, “thieving criminal colonisers".
This is the most ridiculous thing I have heard coming out of Tamatha Paul's mouth, and remember, she's the Green MP who wants to defund the police.
Imagine what's going to come out of Tamatha Paul's mouth next. I can guarantee you it’ll be nothing about Wellington’s struggles.
Remember she’s not your average Green MP who is elected on the party list. She is Wellington Central’s local MP, elected by the people of the city.
Why is our local MP focused on something like this?
Now looking at what she wants to do here, it'll be a difficult feat for Tamatha to pull off. She'd have to pass an amendment to the Resource Management Act the same way Chris Bishop removed the heritage status from the Gordon Wilson flats, paving the way for the building's demolition.
She'd have to persuade a majority of her fellow MPs to vote for her amendment, something that is not likely to happen.
But that aside, why is she even talking about this?
I wonder how she would feel if we talked about pulling down the statues of some of the more controversial Maori leaders? Questionable history isn’t limited to just colonial leaders.
I think we can all appreciate that times were different in the 1800s. The conduct of some people we have statues of are far from acceptable.
But it's our history. Should we just forget about it? Should we actively destroy it?
At a time when we're trying to rebuild Wellington and our economy, should our local MP be looking at doing something so destructive as to pull down parts of our history?
I personally love the statue of Queen Victoria on Cambridge and Kent Terraces, and I want the opportunity for us to have a piece of history that we can celebrate.
And remember these memorials were created by previous generations of Wellingtonians. I can't even believe that we are talking about something so important to our history as the capital city.
I think Tamatha Paul is way off the mark here, and it would be a slight on our history to get rid of things we should be celebrating.
We need as a city more of our history to celebrate rather than denigrate.
And I say to our local MP, sit down, maybe meet with some Wellington leaders, people in businesses or our charities.
Get an idea from them about the real issues. I can guarantee you none of them care about a few statues.
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A social housing block that has sat empty in central Wellington for more than a decade will soon lose its heritage status - and there's hopes it could be demolished this side of Christmas.
The Gordon Wilson flats on The Terrace have sat empty since 2012, with Victoria University buying the land in 2014. But the buildings held heritage status, making permission to demolish the buildings difficult to acquire.
But now the government will progress legislation to remove the flats' heritage status, allowing demolition.
“The amendment will remove the flats’ protected heritage status and will make its demolition a permitted activity under the RMA. This means the building can finally be demolished, without a resource consent,“ Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss the decision.
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This week on the Business Panel, Nick was joined by two second-generation Wellington business owners.
On the agenda was the state of the city, potential changes to sick leave, and the mood amongst the business community about upcoming local elections.
Listen to Dragonfly owner Tania Siladi and Nada Bakery owner Michael Gray above.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon departs early tomorrow morning for China, leading a business delegation to Shanghai, where he hopes to boost the country’s profile as a tourism and education destination.
He'll also meet with president Xi Jinping. So what is he hoping to achieve on the trip?
Also, Luxon hinted this morning at possible changes to legislation surrounding sick leave entitlement. Could the government revert back to the five days sick leave that was in place prior to the last government changing the law?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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A new Curia poll has seen Labour overtake National, albeit by a very slim margin. Is it realistic to think Labour could form a government after next year's election?
Also, despite soon having a new water entity, Wellington's water bills from the second half of this year will be the equivalent of $50 a week - and by 2033 the bills will reach $20 a day. Can Wellingtonians afford this?
To answer those questions, former Porirua mayor and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and political commentator Ben Thomas joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Hurricanes are officially out of the Super Rugby Pacific competiton, losing to the Brumbies in Canberra over the weekend. How did they perform this season - and who is likely to take out the competition now?
Also, golfer Ryan Fox has picked up his second major. What does the future hold for him?
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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It's Fieldays this week - and it coincides with a poll finding just 3 per cent of farmers support Labour, while 54 per cent back National. Why is National seemingly the party of farmers?
Also, should farmers be able to use their Kiwisaver to purchase their first farm or herd?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Mike Butterick, live from Fieldays, joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Wellington Hospitals Foundation has launched its annual Jammies in June appeal to support children in hospitals around the region.
Demand for pyjamas is even higher this year, with the foundation hoping to collect 3400 pairs of sleepwear.
The pyjamas are provided to children arriving at the hospital, as well as to children living in cold damp housing in the community.
To discuss the appeal, Wellington Hospitals Foundation CEO Guy Ryan joined Nick Mills.
To make a donation, visit whf.org.nz, or drop a pair of new flannelette pyjamas at Wellington, Kenepuru or Hutt hospitals.
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The latest report from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is out - and it doesn't make for good reading.
Suicide rates remain high, with no significant decrease since 2018.
Also, fatal drug overdoses rose by 88% between 2016 and 2023, and 16,000 fewer people accessed specialist mental health and addiction services in the 2023/23 financial year compared to 2020/21.
So are we actually making progress on improving our mental health system, and what does the government plan to do?
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey joined Nick Mills to discuss the findings.
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This week is Men's Health Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness of the health struggles men face.
Every day, eight Kiwi families lose a much-loved partner, father, brother or grandfather to a preventable disease.
Even worse - one in four Kiwi men won’t live to retirement age.
Men's Health Week ambassador and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined Nick Mills to talk about the week of awareness.
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This week the Loemis winter festival begins in Wellington with multiple events incorporating music, dance, food and art across the region until June 21.
One of those shows will see iconic Wellington musician and Oscar winner Bret McKenzie and his band the State Highway Wonders taking the stage.
Bret McKenzie and Loemis festival director Andrew Laking joined Nick in the studio to discuss the festival.
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One of the worlds greatest George Michael tribute acts is on his way to Wellington and while Wellington Mornings' music man James Irwin is a fan of tribute acts, Nick certainly isn't. Are tribute acts good or a gimmick?
James also takes a look at the albums turning 25 this year, and upcoming gigs in the capital.
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Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson has died, aged 70.
Wilson, who could play centre or wing, made 85 appearances for the All Blacks between 1976-83, including 34 tests, two of which he captained.
He made nine overseas tours, including that with the 1978 Grand Slam team which beat all four Home Unions. He was captain in all eight matches of the 1983 tour of England and Scotland.
He also represented Wellington at provincial level, where he played 89 matches, scoring 54 tries between 1975-84.
During his time, Wellington would win two National Provincial titles in 1978 and 1981, the latter year also saw them hold the Ranfurly Shield.
Legendary rugby commentator Grant Nisbett, a friend of Wilson's, joined Nick Mills to reflect on his legacy.
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The Prime Minister's deputy press secretary Michael Forbes has resigned after allegations he recorded audio of sessions with sex workers, and captured photos of women in compromising positions.
But despite complaints being investigated by police in July last year, Luxon was never informed. Should he have been told?
Also, there have been 63 Kainga Ora tenancies terminated in the last ten months after complaints of unruly behaviour. But those properties were the homes of 52 children - has enough consideration been given to the welfare of these kids?
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Yesterday Nick was invited by Arts, Culture and Heritage minister Paul Goldsmith to tour the Wellington Town Hall project - the $329m project funded by the Wellington City Council to bring the city's hall back to its former glory.
The town hall was also be home to the National Music Centre, housed in the basement of the hall underneath the stage.
While the redevelopment of the hall is funded by the council, the National Music Centre has been jointly funded by the NZ Symphony Orchestra, Victoria University, Wellington City Council and the government.
While there, Nick spoke to Goldsmith and new NZSO chief executive Marc Feldman.
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Two new polls have different results - one with the current government in power, the other showing the opposition in power.
But is Labour actually ready for government - and does the party have decent relationships with potential coalition partners?
To answer those questions, Labour leader and Remutaka MP Chris Hipkins joined Nick Mills in the studio.
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New Zealand First has had its strongest showing in two recent polls in years - and leader Winston Peters says the support for his party comes down to voters wanting experienced leaders.
Peters joined Nick Mills to discuss the first eighteen months of the Parliamentary term, as well as his view of Labour and his relationship with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
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The Hurricanes welcome back centurion Ardie Savea to Sky Stadium for the first time in opposition colours on Saturday.
Savea skippers Moana Pasifika, who head to Wellington in a fight for the Super Rugby playoffs.
Adam Cooper spoke to Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi about the occasion and how the Hurricanes are placed ahead of the playoffs.
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The Wellington Saints head to Porirua for their latest NBL game, to take on the bottom of table Otago Nuggets.
Head coach Aaron Young joined Adam Cooper to reflect on their recent trip north, and update the progress of star player Shea Ili's concussion issue.
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It was round two of a war of words between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Wellington mayor Tory Whanau this week – the PM criticised the council heavily appearing on Wellington Mornings. and Tory hit back by saying Luxon should focus on his own "chaotic coalition".
Is this the behaviour we expect from either of these leaders?
Also, there are potentially hundreds of kids in New Zealand born to overstaying parents who are in hiding.
In one case, a 19-year-old born in NZ to overstaying Indian parents has never had an education, hasn't seen a doctor since he was 10 and has been in hiding for nearly two decades - all because he was born here out of his control. Do we need to consider bringing back birthright citizenship?
To answer those questions, Nick was joined by broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Iron Duke Partners director Phil O'Reilly.
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Ardie Savea makes his return to Wellington this weekend, taking on his former Hurricanes as captain of Moana Pasifika. How will Wellington recieve him?
Newstalk ZB All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Parliament is officially halfway through the three-year term - so how would our parties rate their performances over the last eighteen months?
Also, David Seymour takes over from Winston Peters as deputy Prime Minister this weekend. Will he cause trouble for the Prime Minister?
Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust is hosting its annual fundraising dinner on Friday - ahead of the much-anticipated Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika match.
The trust looks after former Hurricanes players who find themselves without jobs, in tough financial positions or struggling with mental health and well-being.
Former Hurricane and trust founder Mike Russell joined Nick Mills to discuss his work.
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Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby is cracking down on abuse against referees - which in recent months has included one ref threatened with stabbing.
The union says if there are further examples of extreme abuse, it will cancel all fixtures the following weekend as a consequence.
The union's CEO Corey Kennett joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue.
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Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby is cracking down on abuse against referees - which in recent months has included one ref threatened with stabbing.
The union says if there are further examples of extreme abuse, it will cancel all fixtures the following weekend as a consequence.
The union's CEO Corey Kennett joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue.
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Christopher Luxon says he’s expecting a “pretty seamless transition” as Winston Peters hands over the deputy prime minister role to David Seymour this week.
The Prime Minister spoke live to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills today as he reaches the halfway point of his three-year term as leader.
Luxon was sworn in as Prime Minister in November 2023, after National secured 38% of the vote at the general election. He negotiated a three-way coalition agreement with New Zealand First and ACT.
As part of that agreement, the leaders of the two parties, Winston Peters and David Seymour, are sharing the deputy prime minister role for half of the parliamentary term each.
This week marks the midpoint for the three-year parliamentary term.
Peters has been serving as deputy prime minister with Seymour set to take over this Saturday.
When asked how he felt he was tracking in the job, Luxon said he was “absolutely loving it” but acknowledged it was a tough time for the country.
“It’s essentially like the recession of the early 90’s. We inherited a hell of a mess and we’re happy to fix it up and sort it out.”
Luxon said he and his wife continue having date nights on Fridays despite the demands of the job, and had just been to the movies together to see Mission Impossible.
“I really want Amanda and the kids to be able to carry on their life without being defined too much by what I do.”
He said there was “no question at all whatsoever” that he would do it all again if he had the chance to start over.
“I kind of knew what I was getting into . . . the hard stuff comes to your desk. If it’s easy, it gets solved somewhere else in the system.”
When asked whether he was spending too much time appeasing coalition parties, Luxon said they were doing something that had never been done before.
Mills asked whether Luxon’s party would be more effective if they could work without the coalition parties, and Luxon said that was not how New Zealand worked with the electoral system.
He said it was “okay” and “normal” to not agree on everything with partners, but in the majority of cases they were aligned in what they wanted to do.
Asked about the handover from Peters to Seymour as deputy prime minister, Luxon said he expects it to be a “pretty seamless transition”.
He said Peters and Seymour were different people with different personalities, and Luxon’s job was to make that work.
Christopher Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters after signing their coalition agreement in November 2023. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Mills asked Luxon what he thought was going wrong with Wellington, referencing public sector job cuts and the appointment of a Crown Observer at Wellington City Council.
Luxon referred to other major cities that were making bids for big events, such as Sail GP in Auckland and the supercars in Christchurch. He criticised a bike lane being built on Molesworth St.
“You’ve got way too much ideology and party politics in your local government.
“Wellington should be more than just a public service town. We’ve just gone and invested $500 million in film rebates in this country.”
He said there was ambition and aspiration in Wellington, but there needed to be a council that did the basics well, such as managing water.
He said Wellington Water was a “total basket case”.
Luxon wouldn’t be drawn on who he thought should be the capital’s next Mayor, instead saying “whoever is the next mayor needs to have a vision where it’s going to, they need to get the finances under control.
“It’s a big city, it’s an important city to New Zealand. I live here, I love this place, it’s got so much potential.”
Luxon then turned the questions on Nick Mills asking if he was going to be throwing his hat in the ring. He jokingly exclaimed they had managed to confirm Mills was not running for mayor.
The six men vying to be Wellington's next mayor are Andrew Little, Ray Chung, Graham Bloxham, Karl Tiefenbacher, Rob Goulden and Kelvin Hastie. NZH composite image
The pair also discussed the recent death of Palmerston North teenager Ryan Satterthwaite, who died after taking part in a private “run it straight” game on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was taken to Palmerston North Hospital with severe head injuries. His life support was turned off on Monday.
Satterthwaite’s grieving family say his death was an “accident waiting to happen” and have urged others to stop taking part in the social media-driven trend.
Speaking to the Herald, his uncle Peter Satterthwaite said Ryan was a “top kid” who loved his mates, enjoyed playing rugby, and “would do anything for anybody.”
He said “run it straight” was simply a “stupid idea”.
“Just don’t do it. A little bit of fun has lifelong consequences.”
Palmerston North teen, Ryan Satterthwaite died after suffering serious injuries in a "run it straight" game.
Satterthwaite said it was “disgraceful” the events are being promoted as a sport, and is calling on the All Blacks, Warriors, and other high-profile sportspeople to publicly speak out against it.
“People don’t listen to us, we’re just Joe Bloggs, but they [the public] idolise our sportspeople.”
Luxon said the situation was “incredibly tragic for the young person involved, for their family, for their friends. It’s just an absolute tragedy”.
He said it was a good reminder for people to take “personal responsibility”.
Luxon said adults and influencers driving the craze should be “thinking and reflecting very strongly right now”.
He said it wasn’t something you can ban at a government level.
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For the final Wellington Mornings' Music Time of New Zealand Music Month, Nick and James unofficially declare it to be NZ music year, reveal the slowest album ever to get to number 1 in the official NZ music charts and talk gigs and record fairs coming up in Wellington.
Also James reveals the gold cup holder of the most NZ number 1 singles ever!
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They are two industries experiencing massive growth; social media management and health and wellness. But why would you set up a new business in tough economic times in a city that's struggling even more than others?
That was the question posed to O-Studio founder Kate Twigg and Glide Media director Lukas Halikias on the Wellington Mornings business panel this morning.
The pair spoke about creating their own businesses, challenges facing businesspeople in Wellington and their thoughts on the government's budget.
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The long awaited handover of the role of Deputy Prime Minister happens this week, with NZ First leader Winston Peters handing the job to Act leader David Seymour. What can we expect from the pair of them in new positions?
Also, the Greens claim there is a nearly billion-dollar hole in the government's budget. Are they right?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiled her second budget yesterday - and its big news if you're a business owner, a Kiwisaver member or a teenager on the benefit. What impact will the changes have?
Also, a man who heckled Rail Minister Winston Peters at a press conference earlier this week is facing an employment investigation. Should his behaviour in his own time be subject to an investigation by his bosses?
To answer those questions, economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen and political commentator Dr Bryce Edwards joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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Auckland FC take on Melbourne Victory in the second leg of the A-League semi-finals tomorrow night. It's been a hugely successful season for the team - can they win against Melbourne again?
Also, Ardie Savea's Moana Pasifika take on the Chiefs this weekend - the only New Zealand team they still haven't beat this season. Can they do it?
Newstalk ZB All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government is today unvelining it's budget - and its hotly anticipated. What can we expect?
Also, Winston Peters says he wouldn't mind if a member of the public who heckled him earlier this week lost his job. Is this reasonable?
To answer those questions, Transport Minister and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop and Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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The Wellington City Council's long term plan committee will tomorrow vote on what to do with the unfinished events centre in New Zealand's largest suburb.
The Karori community fundraised millions for the events centre after many of Wellington's local halls were closed due to earthquake fears.
The events centre is built – but the trust ran out of money for the fit out. The group then gifted the site to the council, who promised to finish the centre but have since proposed to demolish or sell it amid budget fears.
Karori Community Hall Trust Heather Baldwin joined Nick Mills to discuss the project and the council's response.
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One of Wellington’s favourite events is back this year, and it's celebrating two big milestones.
This week the World of Wearable Arts sold their one millionth ticket - a feat achieved while also celebrating 20 years since the event came to Wellington.
The lucky ticketholder was Glenys from Auckland - who is one of the roughly 70% of ticketholders that attend the event from out of Wellington.
To discuss this year's event, Nick was joined by WOW CEO Meg Williams and the millionth ticketholder Glenys.
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The government has announced $164 million in extra funding for after-hours doctors clinics around the country - but the announcement doesn't include any specific funding for services in central Wellington.
Currently, those seeking 24/7 care are required to travel to a clinic in Kenepuru - and that looks set to remain the case.
To discuss the announcement and the importance of after hours primary care, Porirua GP and chair of General Practice New Zealand Dr Bryan Betty joined Nick Mills.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis will unveil her second budget on Thursday - and she's remaining tight lipped on what could be inside. What can we expect?
Also, Parliament will tomorrow debate the Privileges Committee's recommendation to suspend three Te Pati Maori MPs. How long could this debate go on?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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It’s been quite a week in Parliament.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden dropped the c-word, quoting a controversial opinion piece by Andrea Vance. Meanwhile, the Te Pati Maori co-leaders were suspended for 21 days and yesterday Labour MP Willie Jackson was booted from the house.
How low have the standards of behaviour dropped in our Parliament?
Also, a single Wellington bus lane enforcement camera on Cambridge Terrace has made nearly $800,000 in just two months, with thousands being stung. Is this about enforcement or revenue gathering?
To answer those questions, Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy and former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox has hoisted his first PGA Tour trophy at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina - but what happens next for the Kiwi golfer?
Also, the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium tonight - and the bookies have a very firm favourite. What can we expect?
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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It was a fiery day in Parliament yesterday, with Workplace Relations minister Brooke van Velden quoting a controversial opinion piece and dropping the c-word in Parliament. Was this acceptable?
Also, the Greens have released their alternative budget, promising $88 billion in new taxes. Is this lunacy or realistic?
To answer those questions, Transport minister and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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We're nearly halfway through New Zealand music month, and Wellington Mornings' look back on the greatest Kiwi songs ever released continues.
This week; what was the first New Zealand number one single entirely in te reo Māori? And what was the first number one from a female artist?
Also, our music man James Irwin takes a look back at the TV shows of old that celebrated Kiwi music.
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They are two Wellington organisations who have just spent millions of dollars on new projects - so how did they get them off the ground?
In the Wellington City Mission's case, last year they opened Whakamaru - with a new cafe and safe transitional housing for the city's most vulnerable - and today they also launched a brand new catering business with profits going straight back to the mission.
For Circa Theatre, the Wellington institution has opened a new bar and restaurant, Chouchou.
To discuss the projects, and the challenges facing both organisations, Nick was joined by Wellington City Missioner Rev. Murray Edridge and Circa Theatre's general manager Caroline Armstrong.
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The college of Caridinals has elected a new Pope - and he's the first to hail from the United States. Will he continue Francis' liberal legacy?
Also, outgoing Labour MP David Parker says New Zealand's MMP system has led to more polarisation in our politics and is in favour of a preferential voting system. Is MMP working?
To answer those questions, former Minister Peter Dunne and BusinessDesk property editor Maria Slade joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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NZ Rugby have posted yet another multi-million dollar loss - despite record turnover.
The group lost $19.5 million last year - the third loss in a row.
Is the issue that the game simply can't compete with the likes of football and basketball - or are they simply spending too much money?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government has completely revamped the law surrounding pay equity - a move the opposition says was designed to save money. Was it?
Also, is it okay for Ministers to conduct official business via their personal email accounts? Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is "relaxed" about it.
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the government is letting down women across New Zealand by revamping the country's pay equity laws.
Parliament is sitting under urgency today to change the law - expected to save the government billions of dollars.
Hipkins joined Nick Mills to discuss the move, as well as a National MP's proposal to ban under-16s from social media, and former Labour leader Andrew Little's run to be Wellington's next mayor.
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It's fifty years since the official New Zealand music charts were launched - and there have been plenty of number ones from Kiwi artists in the five decades since.
Many records have been broken in that time too - including some artists who managed the feat of knocking one of their own songs from the number one position.
To discuss the history of the charts, Wellington Mornings' music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills for Music Time.
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US President Donald Trump has pledged to introduce a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced outside of the United States - and while details are light, it could have a large impact on New Zealand's growing film production sector.
To discuss what it could mean, film and television producer and former South Pacific Pictures boss John Barnett joined Nick Mills.
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Act party leader David Seymour says the size of New Zealand's government is too big - and there are too many ministerial positions, including some ministers with multiple portfolios.
So what does Prime Minister Christopher Luxon make of the suggestion some ministerial positions should be cut?
Also, we're just weeks away from Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiling this year's budget. What can we expect over the coming weeks?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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It was a big weekend in Australia, with Anthony Albanese's Labor Party returned to power over Peter Dutton's Liberal/National coalition.
The result flew in the face of multiple polls, which as recent as two months ago were predicting a resounding win for Dutton.
The 'Trump effect' has been widely attributed to Labor's rise in the polls during the campaign. Could we see something similar in New Zealand?
New Zealand Labour's campaign chair Kieran McAnulty, who was at Albanese's election night party, joined Nick Mills to discuss the result.
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Wellington property magnate, one-time politician and Wellington icon Sir Bob Jones died last week at the age of 85.
Jones, raised in a state house in Naenae, built one of New Zealand's largest commercial property companies - as well as founding the New Zealand Party in 1984 and writing a series of bestselling books.
His friend, Wellington property developer Ian Cassels, said Jones was a loyal friend who enjoyed excessively long lunches.
He joined Nick Mills to remember one of Wellington's greatest personalities.
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Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has announced she isn't seeking another term as Mayor and instead will run for the city's Maori ward council seat. What's her legacy as mayor, and has she made the right call?
Also, Act leader David Seymour says there are too many ministerial portfolios and government departments in New Zealand. Is he right, and what should we slash?
To answer those questions, former Wellington mayor and DotLovesData director Justin Lester and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Indian Panthers have been suspended from the NBL effective immediately - after allegations players weren't paid and were left to ask for food from a foodbank.
The Panthers – owned by India’s INBL Pro league and CEO Parveen Batish – have had a turbulent tenure off the court since announcing they would join the New Zealand competition late last year, which in turn has led to a winless start to the season from nine games.
How does this happen - and did the NBL do their due diligence?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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It was 50 years ago today that the New Zealand Official Music Charts were launched - which also coincides with New Zealand's first official number one hit.
Produced by Recorded Music NZ, the charts reflect the most popular singles and albums in Aotearoa each week. They are the only charts endorsed by the music industry and are compiled according to globally recognised guidelines.
The first Kiwi musician to take the top spot was Mark Williams, with his 1975 hit 'Yesterday Was Just The Begginning of My Life'.
The artist, who now lives in Australia and performs as the frontman of Dragon, joined Nick Mills to discuss the milestone.
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News that Kiwirail is retiring the Aratere this year has sparked questions about just how soon we will have contracts for the new Interisland ferries.
To answer those questions, the man in charge of negotiating the new contracts, Ferry Holdings Ltd chair Chris Mackenzie, joined Nick Mills to discuss the progress.
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Kiwirail has announced the Interislander Aratere will be retired – leaving us with just two ferries until new ones arrive in 2029. Can the country cope with a reduced ferry fleet?
Also, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has given herself barely any new money this budget, and most of the money she has got has already been spent. Are we likely to see substantial cuts?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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There’s a very exciting gig coming up in Wellington next week.
Atomic 2.0 will see an all-women group of Kiwi music stars performing the hits of some of history’s greatest female artists, including Blondie, Eurythmics, Pretenders, Patti Smith, Garbage, Alanis Morissette, Hole, Joan Jett and more.
Atomic 2.0 is made up of Vera Allen, Julia Deans, Diane Swann and Boh Runga - all acclaimed Kiwi artists in their own right.
Runga, the lead singer of Stellar, joined Nick Mills to discuss the concert.
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Wellington is in for a month full of laughs as the New Zealand International Comedy Festival returns for another year.
There are more than 150 shows across the month, including renowned New Zealand comedian Josh Thomson and his show Old Mate.
Thomson, as seen on 7 Days, Taskmaster NZ, The Project and the Australian adaption of The Office, told Nick Mills the show is about how he is slowly finding himself becoming an old man - far from the young buck he used to be.
The show comes to Wellington on the 15th and 16th of May at Te Auaha. Tickets from comedyfestival.co.nz.
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OPINION
Tory Whanau has said no.
She's said no to standing for Wellington mayor for the three terms she always said she’d run for. She's out; she's thrown in the towel.
We won't get the exciting election campaign of Tory Whanau v Andrew Little, which I must say I was looking forward to.
And I’ll be honest; I wanted her to run. I wanted to know if Wellington as a city really believes in the green idealisms she promotes.
This election was going to tell me whether it was a flash in the pan or whether it was real. But Tory has pulled out.
What I can't quite work out is why this was announced on the same day that she stood on Courtenay Place with her brand new Bunnings shovel, digging up the ground to celebrate the start of the Golden Mile redevelopment works.
Clearly, the hole she dug was simply too big. She couldn't climb out of it.
Tory says her decision not to run is a better outcome for everybody involved. She now wants to run for the Māori ward on council.
She also told the Herald this morning she’d like to be a government Minister one day. You can make your own mind up on that one.
Now there have been rumours around Tory pulling out for a while now. Firstly, the rumour was she was going to pull out to let Justin Lester have a crack. Then Andrew Little stepped out of the shadows, and the rest is history.
So now all we can do is reflect on her legacy. And what a legacy it is.
Tory will always talk about the Golden Mile and her ambition to get the work underway. She’ll always mention the amount of work the council has done on our pipes.
She’ll mention her fight to upgrade the council's social housing, and of course she'll praise her work on building the cycleways that split the city in more ways than one. She told me she rates her mayoralty a nine out of ten.
But that’s her saying those things.
Wellington as a city will reflect on some more colourful aspects of her leadership.
The drinking; Whanau admitted to being a bit tipsy when she left The Old Quarter restaurant without paying her bill, and how can we forget the alleged 'do you know who I am' comment.
Who will forget Whanau bringing her dog into the council office. That was a no no.
And in November 2023 she publicly acknowledged having an alcohol problem following a drunken incident at a bar.
Then there was that interview on Wellington Mornings that made national news. Whanau, who earns $180,000 a year, mentioned she was selling her car to help pay her bills.
She later admitted that the car had been sold months earlier, and her comments were supposedly taken out of context.
But that’s her personal legacy. What’s her political legacy?
Well she pushed the terrible Reading Cinema deal that was going to cost Wellington City Council $32 million in a corporate welfare deal. That failed.
She advocated for the sale of the Wellington City Council’s 34% stake in the Wellington International Airport. That failed.
She got her Bunnings shovel out yesterday to dig up the Golden Mile, but most contracts still haven’t been signed and it may never fully go ahead.
I think it's fair to say most people in this city feel Wellington has gone backwards in the last three years.
That’s her legacy.
Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Tory.
Yes, she cut her connections with our programme. She felt it wasn't talking to her people, and she probably thought I was too tough on her.
But we got along. I respected her, and while I didn’t like a lot of what she did as mayor, she was a character. I did like the fact we had a character as mayor.
Unfortunately for us, it went too far. We started to be the butt of everybody's jokes.
Her decision yesterday is a bad good thing for Wellington. I’m sad we won’t have an exciting race or a strong contest of ideas.
But it means the city is guaranteed a new direction - something a lot of us have wanted for a long time.
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Tory Whanau is bowing out of Wellington's mayoral race.
The incumbent's confirmed she'll instead stand for the council's Māori ward seat to give former Labour Leader Andrew Little a clear run.
She says Little will do a good job, and she hopes people see her withdrawal as a gracious move.
Whanau told Nick Mills she had to consider what was going to deliver the best outcomes for Wellington, and that meant shifting to running for council.
She says she’ll still very much be there fighting for Wellington.
Whanau says that while she does have a few regrets from her term as Mayor, she’s mostly proud of what she’s done.
When asked to rate her performance, she gave herself a high score.
“If I look back on what I campaigned on, what I said I would deliver to the city, you know, I’d give myself a 9/10.
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The Government has admitted the number of families it said would be eligible for the full $75 a week benefit of its flagship childcare tax policy was wrong.
The government said 21,000 families would be eligible - but just 249 families had received the full entitlement since the policy came into force last year. So who is responsible for the blunder?
Also, police have launched a wide-ranging investigation of hundreds of police recruit applicants after learning some prospective cops who failed physical tests got approval to start police college anyway. How many officers are impacted?
To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Businesses in the capital city are still feeling glum - Westpac's latest survey has found Wellington has the lowest business confidence of any region in the country. With interest rates dropping and spending increasing, when will confidence return?
Also, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has officially turned the sod at the first tranche of Golden Mile works this morning. How will the plan affect businesses?
To answer those questions, Working Style director Chris Dobbs and Tommy's Real Estate CEO Ben Castle joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.
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New Zealand First has introduced a member's bill to Parliament which would define in law what a woman is - but is this really necessary?
Also, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. What's his legacy, and what do you hope to see in the next Pope?
To answer those questions, PSA national secretary and former Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons and Franks Ogilvie director and political commentator Brigitte Morten joined Nick Mills for Thursday Faceoff - moved forward due to ANZAC Day.
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Tomorrow marks 110 years since Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey. A total of 2709 New Zealand soldiers lost their lives - and countless more were injured.
Memorial services will be held across the Wellington region to remember those who served in the New Zealand armed forces.
To discuss the plans, Wellington RSA president and retired army Colonel Kevin Arlidge joined Nick Mills.
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It's an unusual topic to base a musical on; the change of a road rule.
But that's exactly what Give Way The Musical does, putting a satirical spin on the 2012 change to the 'give way' law.
The story follows idealistic Sophie who, wanting to make the world a better place, joins the Ministry of Transport. She seizes on fixing New Zealand’s 'give way' rule, but not everyone’s keenon a change. A protest movement gathers, the sides go to war, and dirty tactics begin.
The musical is produced by renowned New Zealand playwright Dave Armstrong, and stars Bronwyn Turei, as seen in Go Girls and The Brokenwood Mysteries, who also took out Actor of the Year at last year's Wellington Theatre Awards.
Dave and Bronwyn joined Nick Mills to discuss the performance, opening at Circa Theatre this week and running until May 24.
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There's been a string of concerts cancelled across the country this year, with some concert-goers unable to access refunds after the promoters entered liquidation.
So how do you keep your money safe, and how can you tell a reputable promoter from a potentially dodgy one?
Wellington Mornings' music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills for Music Time.
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Former Labour leader and Cabinet minister Andrew Little finally announced this week he is running to be the city's mayor. Is he automatically the hot favourite?
Also, we learnt this week that Wellington Water received a report in 2021 outlining many of the concerns around spending identified in the most recent report. But this report was seemingly lost - or ignored. How on earth does this happen?
To answer those questions, Nick was joined by former Porirua mayor and Wellington Water chair Nick Leggett, and Iron Duke Partners senior consultant Maddy Burgess Smith for Thursday Faceoff, ahead of a long Easter weekend.
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Former Labour leader Andrew Little has today confirmed he will stand for the Wellington mayoralty in the upcoming local body elections.
Little said he is standing for mayor because Wellington needs “urgent change” and “serious leadership”.
“I’m confident I can win,” he said today.
He had previously ruled out throwing his hat in the ring but has revealed this morning that he wants to “end the chaos at council” which he believed he had the experience to do.
He wanted to return the council to “what it should be doing” and serving the people.
Little says he’s been approached by “quite a cross-section” of Wellingtonians asking him to run.
“Obviously Labour people but also National Party, Green Party people, community leaders, business people.”
He said the city was in a fragile state and believed some major projects could be reconsidered.
“We need to make sure what we are doing isn’t causing disruption at a particularly sensitive time.”
The first phase of the Golden Mile project was scheduled to start this month, but Little suggested further work could be deferred.
“For the remainder of the project, I’m not saying don’t do it, what I am saying is let’s have a think about when it might be best to do that.”
The city needed to recover, he said.
Little’s main priorities have been listed as investing in parks, swimming pools and libraries, prioritising cheaper transport and housing development, supporting small businesses, taking action on climate and honouring the Treaty.
He said it was clear to him that Wellington “is in trouble”.
He highlighted the city’s cost of living crisis, public service cuts and the council being “out of touch” as three of the major issues facing Wellington residents.
He said he wants to do away with “regressive” policies like asset sales, closure of community facilities and “millions of dollars in corporate welfare for an international cinema owner”.
“My focus as mayor will be getting the best for Wellington. That means being able to work constructively with the Government in the city’s interests and it means standing up to the Beehive when needed. It means being clear in my Labour values but always working across political lines to be a mayor for all of Wellington.”
“This council [has] on the block a number of community facilities like the Khandallah pool, like Begonia House - those things should be our priorities, they’re certainly my priorities. Those are the things that strengthen communities and make a city.“
He said the recent rates rises were “not acceptable” and making the city unaffordable, and thought the council needed a “much tighter grip on council finances”.
While he believed cycleways were a good thing some routes had been poorly executed.
He said his track record showed he was able to work with people from across the political spectrum.
“We all love this city. We’re creative, we’re full of talent, we’re diverse, and we’re a place where people from all walks of life can feel included and make a home.
“Wellington is the place I chose with my wife Leigh to raise our family and there’s nowhere else we would rather be.”
He has submitted his nomination seeking the Wellington Labour Party’s support for his mayoral campaign and a formal campaign launch will follow in the coming weeks.
Little entered Parliament in 2011 and was leader of the Labour Party and leader of the Opposition from 2014 to 2017.
Little was a senior minister under former prime ministers Dame Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins.
Candidates who have confirmed plans to run for the mayoralty are Tory Whanau, councillor Ray Chung, businessman Karl Tiefenbacher, conservationist Kelvin Hastie, Wellington Live owner Graham Bloxham and former city councillor Rob Goulden.
The election will be held on October 11.
Little joined Nick Mills to discuss his candidacy.
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A successful Wellington business owner says if he were starting again today, he wouldn't start his business in Wellington.
"Whether you should do it in Wellington though, I would say no. I think Wellington is actually talent repellent system at the moment," Raygun founder John-Daniel Trask told Nick Mills.
"We’ve had people in our own organisation who have left and said I’m going to places like Auckland because they are so tired – their own words – of the abject wokeness that is in this city."
Trask's business sells software that monitors other software for faults, with 93% of its customers based overseas. The company employs 25 staff in Wellington.
Also joining Trask was Jugnu's Little India founder Jugnu Gill.
Gill owns three of the Indian restaurants across Wellington, having opened his first restaurant in the city in 1997.
"Wellington is not in good shape. There are very few places that are doing really well in Wellington at the moment," Gill said.
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Foreign Minister Winston Peters has been in Hawaii this week, where he gave a speech discussing the United States tariffs on the rest of the world.
But in that speech he criticised use of the term "trade war" - despite Prime Minister Christopher Luxon using the term himself.
It also comes after Luxon had a number of conversations with world leaders. Peters said the pair hadn’t discussed Luxon’s speech or his calls with world leaders ahead of time: “So I hope that he’ll get my message and he’ll call me next time”.
Is there a row brewing between the pair?
Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Sophie Trigger joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill is dead and buried - but was it worth having the conversation as a country?
Also, former Labour leader Andrew Little says he is considering running to be Wellington's next mayor. Would he be right for the job?
And TVNZ has confirmed production of a four-episode New Zealand version of The Chase. Who should host it?
To answer those questions, Integrity Institute director Dr Bryce Edwards and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Hurricanes take on the Crusaders at Sky Stadium tonight - a spectacle that will include fireworks for the first time at Sky Stadium in a decade. What can we expect from the game - and might we see a big crowd?
Also, the Wellington Saints are at the top of the table after beating Southland last night. Who are the stars?
Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government has announced $12 billion of funding for the Defence Force as part of it's new capability plan - but where will the money come from?
Also, a new report from a the Ministerial advisory group says NZ is losing the fight against organised crime, with Customs "swimming against the tide" as meth use doubles. How do we better fight organised crime?
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry has announced he’s not seeking reelection after two terms as mayor of Hutt City.
Barry was first elected as Mayor in 2019 at 28, making him New Zealand’s youngest-ever elected mayor of a city.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss his decision, and his legacy as mayor.
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It was on April 10th 1968, as Cyclone Giselle was bearing down on Wellington, that the Interisland ferry Wahine ran aground on Barrett Reef.
A total of 52 passengers died, while rescuers - both professional and amateur - saved the lives of just under 700 others found in the harbour or along it's shores.
Wellington Mornings dug into the archives and found reporting from the day.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins has thrown his support behind Andrew Little as the former party leader mulls a run for the Wellington mayoralty.
Speaking to Nick Mills today, Hipkins said Little is a “top bloke” and would be a “very, very good option for Wellingtonians”.
“He’s both a leader and a capable manager and I think Wellington city needs both at the moment,” Hipkins said.
“No one can doubt Andrew’s left-wing credentials, he’s a true Labour Party stalwart.”
He also discussed the government's new Defence Capability Plan, his party's standings in the polls and the fight against organised crime.
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The list of finalists for this year's Aotearoa Music Awards is out - and while there's fewer household names than in previous years, there's plenty of finalists who are making waves overseas. Who are they?
Also, an international pop star of the 1980s has announced he is on his way to Wellington this year - who is it?
Wellington Mornings' music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills for Music Time.
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A new report from the Ministerial advisory group on organised crime says New Zealand is losing the fight, with Customs "swimming against the tide" and some stakeholders raising concerns about people in influential positions being corrupted.
How bad really is organised crime in New Zealand - and what can be down to crack down on it?
NZ Herald investigative reporter and bestselling author Jared Savage joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue.
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The Treaty Principles Bill could return to Parliament's order paper for its doomed second reading this week, after the select committee considering the bill recommended it be voted down. Are we likely to see the Prime Minister in the house to speak against the bill?
Also, the government has released its secondly quarterly action plan. What are the surprises on the list?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Wellington has seen five suspicious deaths in around two weeks; a daylight shooting in Featherston, a man found dead on a footpath in Miramar, a suspected murder-suicide of a couple in Roseneath, and a person found dead in Northland. But do these sorts of crimes shock us like they used to?
Also, all New Zealand exports to the United States will be stung with a 10% tariff, announced by President Donald Trump as part of his "liberation day" announcement. How will this impact NZ, and should we be grateful it's only 10 per cent?
To answer those questions, former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick for the Beehive Buzz.
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The Hurricanes take on the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland this weekend - and while its not a do-or-die game, the Hurricanes are in desperate need of a win. What can we expect?
Also, the Wellington Saints went from a 26-point lead over the Franklin Bulls in the third quarter to winning by just six points at the end of the match. How did they perform?
Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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It’s what US President Donald Trump is calling Liberation Day in the US today; dishing out tariffs on almost every nation on earth. New Zealand exporters will now face 10% tariffs on everything imported into the United States. How should the government respond?
Also, Rail Minister Winston Peters has announced his plans for the Interisland ferry replacements. He’s decided they’ll be 200m long and rail enabled - but no contracts have yet been signed. Was this an underwhelming announcement?
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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OPINION
After Sunday's very underwhelming announcement on supermarkets from Finance Minister Nicola Willis, I was a bit worried that yesterday’s announcement on the future of the interisland ferries would be much the same.
Lately the coalition government has made a bit of a habit of making announcements that mean very little.
And to some extent, that's exactly what we got from Rail Minister Winston Peters yesterday.
Now first; a bit of background.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis cancelled the brand new interisland mega ferries shortly after the election, pointing to the extreme cost blowout. She spent a year working on replacements and late last year we were told she was about to announce her bold new plan.
It turned out Winston Peters was made Minister of Rail and given until the end of March to devise a plan. Yesterday was the end of March and up steps Winston Peters.
And he seems to have done a good job.
Yes, the new ferries will be rail-enabled which KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy said was great news for the public.
I think most of us would agree that rail-enabled fairies is the right way to go.
The two new ferries are also going to be 200 metres long - a bit longer and wider than the current fleet but smaller than the mega fairies that Nicola Willis cancelled.
And all of this sounds great. But there’s one big glaring problem.
We haven’t actually ordered these ferries.
This was Winston Peters confirming what the government wants to buy. It was an announcement of a shopping list, not a contract.
It's an announcement of an announcement.
My biggest problem here is that our existing fleet of three ferries, which have broken down, run aground and lost propellers, have to last us until 2029.
That's four years away at best.
And according to the former chair of the Ferry ministerial advisory group Mark Thompson, that might not be possible. He says that is an ambitious timeframe.
We still don't even know exactly what the ships are going to look like and who's going to build them.
We also don't know how much these replacements are going to cost. And keep in mind we have to pay the contract break fee for the mega ferries.
And there's one other concern I have. What happens if next year there's a change of government and a new government changes the plans again?
Ultimately we need to rely on these ferries lasting until 2029.
Yes, we've had a good summer with no breakdowns. But history tells us there's a lot of water between now and 2029 that these old ferries have to cross.
And these old girls are getting older not younger, and they are certainly not without their issues.
For me this is still a case of wait and see. I can tell you it's definitely not the plan I expected to come out yesterday.
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It was a huge weekend in Wellington with Cuba Dupa, three nights of Graham Norton, Sir Bob Geldof, the Hurricanes, the Phoenix and one of the world's largest cruise ships in. So what does a weekend like that do for the city's economy?
Also, work on the controversial Golden Mile project begins this month, starting at the Cambridge/Kent terrace end of Courtenay Place. But we've also learnt work on the rest of the project won't begin until next year. Is this about to become the key issue of this year's local body elections?
To answer those questions, Restaurant Association president and Monsoon Poon owner Mike Egan and Method Recycling co-founder India Korner joined Nick Mills for the Wellington Mornings Business Panel.
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Minister for Rail Winston Peters is expected to finally reveal his long-awaited plan for Interisland ferry replacements today - but will we see the full details of the new ferries?
Also, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is seeking advice on whether the supermarket duopoly needs to be broken up. Is it likely we'll see decisions on the grocery sector soon?
To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Business owner Karl Tiefenbacher has officially joined the Wellington mayoral race.
Speaking exclusively to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, Tiefenbacher announced he plans to stand as an independent candidate for the mayoralty.
He has yet to announce any policies but said his core priorities include changing the culture of Wellington City Council, keeping rates down, and stopping wasteful spending.
Tiefenbacher, who calls himself “Wellington’s ice cream guy” as the founder of Kaffee Eis, has previously run for council twice and lost.
Last year he fell short by only 45 votes to the Green Party’s Geordie Rogers in a byelection for the Pukehīnau Lambton Ward.
His campaign website is now live, with the slogan “Wellington, It’s Time!”.
“Wellington has expensive challenges ahead. As a business owner I understand it’s essential to invest wisely, with responsible and affordable decisions”, his campaign site states.
This time around he also plans to run for a council seat in the Motukairangi Eastern Ward.
His biography states Tiefenbacher was born and raised in Wellington and had “a successful career in the finance sector for 18 years” before starting cafe and gelato manufacturer Kaffee Eis.
Tiefenbacher has previously been critical about the Golden Mile project and moves to pedestrianise Cuba St.
He describes himself as a centrist.
Earlier this month, the local branch for the Labour Party confirmed it had to extend nominations for a mayoral candidate, after no one put their hand up to run for the party.
Confirmed candidates for the mayoralty include incumbent Tory Whanau, city councillor Ray Chung, predator-free champion Kelvin Hastie, Wellington Live owner Graham Bloxham, and former city councillor Rob Goulden.
Of the confirmed candidates, all but Bloxham and Whanau have previously run for the mayoralty unsuccessfully.
Diane Calvert, a third-term councillor and former mayoral candidate, is rumoured to be eyeing up running, telling the Herald this month she still hasn’t decided.
“As an independent, I’m not on a deadline set by a political party,” Calvert said.
John Apanowicz, another current councillor, said he’s still keen to run but is seeking the support of his family and will announce his plans at a later date.
Luke Pierson, a businessman and founding member of lobby group Vision for Wellington, had been rumoured to be considering a run for the top job, but has confirmed he’s not going for it.
“I can rule it out. My focus is on Vision for Wellington - which is inherently apolitical,” Pierson said.
The local election will be held on October 11.
Candidate nominations open on Friday, July 4 and close on August 1.
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Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is under fire for her comments at a 'radical alternative to policing event'. She claimed "Wellington people do not want to see police officers everywhere" and all beat police do is "wait for homeless people to leave their spot, pack up their stuff and throw it in the bin". Are these comments out of touch, or reflecting a mood in the city?
Also, the Commerce Commission will be tasked with keeping an eye on Wellington Water until a new water entity comes into force. Is this the right move?
To answer those questions, Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown and Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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Liam Lawson has unceremoniously been dropped from Red Bull's F1 team after just two races. How would this affect a 23-year-old like Lawson, and is the decision unfair?
Also, with Eden Park to be redeveloped and a roof installed, is it time we seriously looked at a roof for Sky Stadium?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Wellington Central MP and Green Party police spokesperson Tamatha Paul is under fire for saying Wellingtonians don't want to see police on the beat - and all these police patrols do is target homeless people and their belongings. Are these comments out of line?
Also, Wellington will likely lose an electorate seat in Parliament after the Electoral Commission proposed changes to electoral boundaries. What does this mean for representation for the capital?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Adam Cooper for Politics Thursday.
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Wellington Central MP and Green Party police spokesperson Tamatha Paul is under fire for comments she made about beat cops at a 'radical alternative to policing event' in Christchurch.
She claimed "Wellington people do not want to see police officers everywhere" and all beat police do is "wait for homeless people to leave their spot, pack up their stuff and throw it in the bin".
The MP joined Nick Mills to discuss her comments, as well as react to new proposed electorate boundaries which will see changes to her Wellington Central seat.
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It’s a huge weekend coming up in the capital.
Wellington’s Cuba Dupa street festival returns to Cuba St with more 170 performances across Saturday and Sunday spanning music, dance, theatre and visual arts.
One of the acts is called Fun and Funner - a children's band fronted by comedian Karen O’Leary and dad and teacher Tom Watson and sax player Eilish Wilson alongside Orchestra Wellington.
The trio joined Nick Mills in studio to talk about the festival and perform a song.
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Wellington's famous Cuba St will see more than 170 performances this weekend as the famous street festival Cuba Dupa returns for anotther year.
So who are the headliners, and what other artists are taking to the various stages?
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills to preview the festival.
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Bob Geldof is a musician, an activist, a charity man, and a Knight of the British Empire... despite being an Irishman.
He rose to fame as a member of The Boomtown Rats, but in 1984 an item on the 6 o’clock news sparked him to create one of the world’s most memorable charity drives; Band Aid and then eventually Live Aid, raising money to end famine in Ethiopia.
Geldof is in Wellington this week to share stories of his life and joined Nick Mills to discuss his legacy and what audiences can expect at Saturday's show at the St James Theatre.
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New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has delivered his state of the nation speech, decrying wokeism and DEI, and calling to "make New Zealand first again". How has his speech gone down?
Also, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has returned from a trip to India. What will come out of the trip?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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The equivalent of the entire population of Levin have become jobseeker beneficiaries in the last 12 months, with more than 200,000 people now receiving jobseeker. How do we get people into work - and will things get better as the economy improves?
Also, The Wellington City Council pocketed $24,000 per week in fines from the new fixed bus lane cameras in Manners Street between June and December. The AA says it's abhorrent, and is punishing hard-working people from getting from A to B. Are these fines fair or should people know not to drive in bus lanes?
To answer those questions, legendary broadcaster Polly Gillespie and Hutt City Councillor and mayoral candidate Karen Morgan joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The All Whites are in town to face Fiji in a Fifa World Cup qualifier match. What can we expect - and can we make it to the World Cup for the first time since 2010?
Also, the Breakers basketball team has been sold - who's bought the team, and what does it mean for it's future?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Nick was joined by National's MP for the Wairarapa Mike Butterick and Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen for Politics Thursday.
They discussed the gross domestic product (GDP) rise of 0.7% in the December 2024 quarter, following a 1.1% decrease in the September 2024 quarter.
They also looked at Health Minister Simeon Brown's spat with public health workers, the Prime Minister's trip to India, a 12% rise in Jobseeker benefit numbers and ACT's plans to enter candidates in local body elections this year.
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The New Zealand Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell is finishing up after nine years working at Newstalk ZB and the Herald in Wellington.
In the final Capital Letter slot, she reflects on her most memorable stories, and how the journalism scene has changed since 2016.
Nick also took a trip down memory lane to one of Georgina's first live radio crosses on Wellington Mornings - reporting to former host Tim Fookes from the opening of the David Jones department store.
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Nick was joined for this week's business panel by Gillies Group owner Malcolm Gillies, and tech entrepreneur and founding member of Vision Wellington, Luke Pierson.
They discussed how their particular industries are faring in the current economic climate, and how the government and councils can help things move forward.
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Wellington mayor Tory Whanau claims her council is the "government's punching bag" and has labelled the Prime Minister "not a nice person". Is there some truth to the government constantly beating up Wellington City Council, and was it right for the Mayor to go personal?
Also, the Coroner has released her report into the death of Sandy Calkin, who died after falling into Wellington Harbour after a night drinking in July 2021. The report found the council had consistently ignored the risks of people falling into the harbour, despite 7 deaths and 17 others falling but surviving. Is this proof we need to fence our waterfront?
Green MP for Rongotai Julie Anne Genter and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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It's a big weekend for New Zealand Formula 1 fans as our very own Liam Lawson begins his first full season. How special is his story, and how will he perform?
Also, the Hurricanes need a win tonight as they face the Highlanders in Dunedin. Can they do it?
Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Jon Toogood is perhaps one of Wellington’s best musical exports.
His musical career started at Wellington High School when he met Tom Larkin and the pair went on to form chart-topping New Zealand rock band Shihad.
The band returns to Wellington this week for their final ever performance, fittingly at Homegrown festival, which will be held in Wellington for the last time.
Toogood joined Nick Mills to discuss Shihad's legacy and what fans can expect at their final ever performance before they split.
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The latest Taxpayers Union Curia Poll shows Labour ahead of National and Chris Hipkins is now marginally more popular than Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. What does this poll result tell us, and will Labour's support hold?
Also New Zealand First have introduced a members bill to take 'woke' diversity equity and inclusion practices out of the public service. Currently the public service has to “promote a diverse workforce”. Is this bill the answer to a serious issue, or is this just culture war politics?
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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OPINION
What is it with Prime Ministers from Auckland giving us a bad rap?
First it was John Key telling us we were dying. He of course was right - he just got his decades wrong.
Now we have Christopher Luxon calling us "lame-o".
I haven’t heard that phrase since the 90s, but that aside, he's dead right.
Why?
Well last year the government announced it would be offering councils the opportunity to sign up to what they called 'regional deals'.
These would be a 10 year plans based on a 30 year visions which would provide a range of options for funding. Maybe toll roads, maybe a new train line, a new tunnel. Whatever it might be, the idea was to try to help the regions with the high cost of infrastructure and unlock a bit more productivity.
It's a great idea.
The government invited councils across the country to come up with ideas by the end of February from which it would select five regions to put forward for more in depth proposals and eventually a truckload of cash.
Basically this was free cash for a big idea. It was a very good opportunity for Wellington.
But guess what... we didn’t even suggest anything.
Eighteen proposals were submitted last month but none were from the Wellington region.
Well Prime Minister Christopher Luxon didn't like that. That's where the lame-o comment came from.
Luxon said every other region has been able to work together for the last six months while Wellington hasn't even shown up with a proposal..
Chris Hipkins even criticised our councils too. He said our councils need to get it together.
What this really demonstrates to me is that our councils simply can’t work together.
How often have we said we need a super city? How often do we discuss the fact that our Mayors are not all on same page?
Look at Wellington Water. They couldn’t keep track of all these cost blowouts and they couldn’t agree on whether to sack chair Nick Leggett.
And now we find they can’t agree on what is essentially free money for a big project.
The rest is history, well not quite history. The name calling isn't stopping..
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said the comments were “poor form” for a Prime Minister.
"With due respect Prime Minister we will deliver a deal it'll just be on our time frame. We are determined to get this right," Whanau said.
Why does she think its the council's job to dictate timeframes to a government wanting to dish out free cash?
Apparently they were told by the Crown observer to concentrate on their water issues and not to put a submission together.
Because its really clear our councils have been focused on water.... come on.
Whoever you want to listen to, it's clear the relations between the government and Wellington councils have sunk to a new low. They keep trading jabs.
What is it with the Wellington region? Why is it that they can't work together for something as simple as putting a proposal together to get some money from the government?
And why do we have to keep talking about combining Porirua, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington into one council?
If ever we needed confirmation that this is required for us to grow it's this week. No unanimous decision on the future of Wellington Water and no discussion to submit something to the government's regional deals.
These deals were quite literally money for nothing and we didn’t even want it. Frankly we are lame-o for not grasping that with both hands.
This just confirms to me how desperately we need one council. One council table to take the region forward, not four.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's grown supportive of the idea of Wellington's four city councils amalgamating into a super city, despite previously being against it.
"I do think some consolidation in the Wellington region would be better for Wellington ratepayers," the Remutaka MP told Nick Mills.
"But also, the lack of strategic oversight for the region is actually holding us back. If we don't sort that out soon we'll get left behind as a region."
Hipkins also discussed the latest Taxpayers Union/Curia poll result showing Labour ahead of National and what a potential coalition would look like.
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Local Government Minister Simon Watts has called in Wellington Water for a “please explain” and sought advice on potential Government intervention. What could intervention look like, and is it likely?
Also, Kiwirail is laying off more than 200 workers as the organisation tries to find savings. What does this mean for the state owned enterprise?
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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One of the world's most sampled artists died last week. Roy Ayers is a name not many will recognise - but you've certainly heard his music. What's his legacy?
Also, the final ever Homegrown festival to be held in the capital takes place this weekend. Whose on the line up?
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills for Music Time.
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A coroner's report says a man who drowned on Wellington's waterfront may not have, if the council's safety procedures had been better.
Open Justice reports 30-year-old Sandy Calkin drowned in Wellington Harbour in 2021 after accidentally falling in after drinking on Courtney Place.
Coroner Katherine Greig's report says Wellington City Council knew about identified safety risks at the waterfront but failed to act on them.
The report says the risks were identified in 2013 and since then, seven people have drowned in the harbour.
It also found there was no council record or investigation into any of those deaths.
The victim’s father, Roger Calkin, told Nick Mills the fact that his son’s death could’ve been prevented is absolutely gutting, but it justifies everything they’ve been pushing for for over three years.
He says it’s a bit of a struggle seeing the situation playing out in the media like it is, but it’s got to be done.
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It's the end of an era for the biggest event of Wellington's music scene.
Homegrown festival, held on the capital's waterfront since 2008, will leave the city for good after this weekend's final event.
Festival founder Andrew Tuck joined Nick Mills to discuss the event's legacy, as well as this year's festival which will see Shihad's final ever performance and be held across two days for the first time.
Later this week Nick will speak to Shihad front man Jon Toogood.
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Former Minister Andrew Bayly has escaped the trials and tribulations of Parliament for a hike up Nepal's Mt Everest - but is it frowned upon for an MP to take a holiday while the house is sitting?
Also, a new political poll is due out today. What can we expect?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has resigned suddenly - but why aren't we being told why he's moved on so swiftly? Also, what's his legacy in the role?
And the stories keep coming on the government's cheaper free lunch in schools programme. Are these lunches up to scratch, and was the Prime Minister right to say unhappy parents can send their kids to school with a marmite sandwich and an apple?
Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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A scathing report into the management of Wellington Water has found the organisation is paying up to three times as much for unplanned pipe maintenance as comparable councils in NZ - so how did this happen, and how will the region's councils respond?
Also, the government has released a tranche of documents into the work to replace the Interislander ferries. What do the documents reveal?
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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Health Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled plans to launch a tele-health service, allowing patients to see a doctor or nurse from home via their mobile device.
“This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests," Brown said yesterday.
Dr Bryan Betty, a Wellington-based GP, said tele-health is a good solution for those who need to see a doctor urgently for an illness like a cold or sore elbow - but isn't the answer to the problem of thousands of Kiwis not having a GP.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss the announcement.
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OPINION
We were warned a report was coming out on Wellington Water.
Not even people in the media or on our councils thought the report was going to be this scathing. There is a lot of shock around Wellington right now.
And we’ve always suspected it, but now we know just how bad Wellington Water has been managing our pipes and our money.
The entire report can be summed up in two lines.
The first; we are being fleeced.
The second; the management of Wellington Water has sat back and allowed it to happen.
The headline out of this report is that ratepayers in the region are paying nearly three times more for unplanned pipe maintenance compared to other cities like Hamilton and Christchurch.
Three times more. And no one seemed to bat an eyelid.
Contractors have been creaming it because the management of Wellington Water is clearly just spraying money around.
All while our rates skyrocket, almost solely because of the huge sums we're told need to be invested in water.
And the crazy thing is, we don’t know how much this fleecing has cost us.
Wellington Water chair Nick Leggett said yesterday it's in the millions - but we don't know any more than that.
And it’s not just about the cost. The report also highlights a lack of oversight and the possibility for staff to commit fraud. One alleged case of fraud has been found, with Police now investigating.
At the centre of all this is Wellington Water’s chairman, Nick Leggett, who has apologised and is now “pausing for thought” about whether he stays in his job.
Leggett admits that Wellington Water has failed to deliver value for money and acknowledges that concerns raised by staff and council shareholders were not listened to sooner.
But is an apology enough?
I'm not going to call for Leggett to go. Let the water settle first. He's only been in the position for less than two years, but let's get to the bottom of what's happened first.
Some are calling for him to go; Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy has been direct, saying "heads have got to go".
But Porirua Mayor Anita Baker has pushed back, calling talk of resignations “absolutely stupid” and praising Leggett and new CEO Pat Dougherty for driving changes.
And let's be honest, this is an issue that goes way beyond Nick Leggett or the current leadership.
This has been happening for years. We have been fleeced for years.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has also weighed in, demanding answers from the board and leadership about how this situation was allowed to develop over such a long period.
And she’s right. How can something like this happen?
What other organisation pays bills three times more expensive than everyone else without noticing?
Why was there no deep dive earlier?
Wellington Water has been in the headlines constantly. remember the fluoridation debacle? Or the $51 million budget error that slipped through the cracks?
It’s completely dysfunctional. And the Prime Minister said as much yesterday.
“A unique corruption" he called it.
And let’s not forget the bigger picture here.
Wellingtonians are paying the price for these failures. People are leaving this city because they can’t afford it.
How are those people feeling today?
This is a mammoth scandal.
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We're told a housing boom is on the way in the capital with a new district plan allowing for more higher-density homes closer to the city. Has this made it easier to develop in Wellington, and what will it mean for house prices?
Also, for the first time the Wellington City Council has responded to public concern over a cycleway project, voting to investigate reinstating carparks to Glenmore St near the Botanic Gardens. It's the fifth u-turn in a year, after the Reading Cinema deal, airport shares sale, Begonia House and Khandallah Pool.
Is this the council responding to residents' concerns, or does it demonstrate they don't properly consult before making decisions?
To answer those questions, as well as discussing the Golden Mile, Wellington Water and citizens arrests, Kaffe Eis owner Karl Tiefenbacher and property developer Mark Quinn joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has spent the last week in Vietnam - what has come from the trip?
Also, former Prime Minister Helen Clark appeared on Q+A yesterday - what did she say about the Five Eyes intelligence sharing agreement?
Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Sophie Trigger joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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The government has announced changes to laws surrounding citizens arrests, but the policy is light on detail and opposed by Retail NZ and the Police Association - and how will it work in practice.
Also, with both names being floated around the Wellington rumour mill, will Mark Sainsbury or Ben McNulty run for mayor?
Sainsbury, a broadcaster, and McNulty, a Wellington City Councillor, joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Hurricanes take on the Blues in the first Super Rugby game of the season at Sky Stadium. Will the Canes bounce back from a somewhat mediocre performance last weekend?
Also, its the party of the year as the Warriors open their NRL season against the Raiders in Las Vegas on Sunday - what can we expect?
Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government has announced changes to the laws surrounding citizens arrests - but how would this law work in practice, and could retailers be put even further in harms way?
Also, the government is introducing legislation to allow for a four year term - but only if the public supports it at referendum. Will they?
Labour's police spokesperson and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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It's a fact that has dumbfounded some of Wellington's city councillors. Why does the heart of New Zealand's government, the Parliamentary precinct, have the same heritage status as a giant rusting oil tank on the other side of the city?
Derelict buildings with heritage status are something Wellingtonians have discussed for years, and now the Wellington City Council is supportive of the government changing the law.
To discuss the issue, NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurstare a power couple – both having worked extensively in film, theatre and television and both being recognised with Royal Honours.
The pair are in Wellington this week for the start of a nationwide tour of their new show In Other Words, which follows the story of a lifelong love affected by the onset of dementia.
The pair joined Nick Mills to talk about the show, which opens at Circa Theatre on Thursday.
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A new group is calling on the government to investigate a new road between Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa - aiming to do away with the current accident-prone Remutaka Hill Road in favour of a safer toll road.
The group has investigated four options and estimates a new route could halve the 33-minute journey between Featherston and Upper Hutt.
The most expensive option would cost $1.4 billion and would involve building through a valley towards a 320m-high tunnel.
The group's leader Simon Casey joined Nick Mills to discuss the idea.
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Defence Minister Judith Collins says it's time the government properly funded the New Zealand Defence Force, after what she says is 35 years of inadequate funding.
It comes as the Chinese stage live-firing operations in the Tasman Sea, without having alerted the government first.
To discuss the issue, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Wellington bar owner Greig Wilson is in a dispute with the Wellington City Council after being told he couldn't distribute pamphlets advertising his bars during O-week at Victoria University.
Wilson says he's distributed the flyers for years - but the Victoria University of Wellington Students Association complained to the council's licensing team that the flyers promoted a drinking environment with minimal pastoral and safety services.
The council subsequently wrote to Wilson, saying "from the inspectorates and police point of view, we believe that licensees must not be targeting students to draw them to their bars”.
Wilson, who owns popular bars including Vinyl and Shady Lady, says he is now seeking legal advice and spoke to Nick Mills about the situation.
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The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes in Christchurch last weekend in the opening match of this year's Super Rugby season - how did they perform, and what are the expectations for the Cane's clash with the Fijian Drua this weekend?
Also, the Wellington Phoenix take on top-of-the-table Auckland FC this weekend. Could the Phoenix come out on top, and is there any chance they can make the playoff?
To answer those questions, Sky Sport rugby commentator Grant Nisbett and Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Vision for Wellington - the advocacy group led by some of the capital's high-flyers, has held its first event in Wellington. Acclaimed director James Cameron told the crowd of 1000 that the film industry could be the answer to Wellington's growth. Is it?
Also, three powerful Chinese warships are currently sailing through the Tasman Sea - but the Chinese haven't told the New Zealand government what their intentions are. How should the government respond?
PSA assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons and lawyer and political commentator Brigitte Morten joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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An investigation into Census data provided to third-party organisations has found there weren't enough safeguards around the data - and now there are fears it will impact Kiwis trust in the Census. Will it?
Also, there are calls for a review of Destiny Church's charitable status after a protest against a Rainbow story time event in Auckland over the weekend. Is it time for a wide-ranging review of charity settings, and should the church have charity status?
To answer those questions, Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Controversial Wellington lobby group Vision for Wellington is hosting an event tonight with one of the world's most successful filmmakers - James Cameron.
The group aims to advocate for Wellington's future - but what actually is the group's vision?
Also, why are Wellington motorcyclists upset over a council decision?
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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The nominees are out for this year's inductions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - who are they, and which famous artists have never been inducted?
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills for Music Time, where they also discussed upcoming gigs in the Wellington region.
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They're two Wellington business behemoths; one delivering food, the other offering sexual wellness products.
But now unlikely partners Delivereasy and Adult Toy Megastore have joined forces to deliver sex toys to Wellington customers in under an hour - a campaign to promote both businesses.
Delivereasy co-founder Tim Robinson and Adult Toy Megastore owner-operator Nicola Relph, both proud Wellingtonians, joined Nick Mills to discuss their partnership, how to take on massive multinationals, and how the economic slump has affected their businesses.
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Act leader and associate Education minister David Seymour says he didn't overstep when he announced there would be a crackdown on teacher only days - despite comments from Education minister Erica Stanford suggesting otherwise.
“I think he knew at the time he was overstepping the mark somewhat because it is my decision – I am the Minister of Education, and when we are rolling out a new curriculum, we have to have curriculum days," Stanford told Q+A yesterday.
So who's right, and how does this reflect on the coalition?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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David Seymour has been under fire this week after it was revealed he wrote a letter supporting Philip Polkinghorne before he was charged with murder, and before Seymour was a Minister.
The controversy continued on Monday as Seymour attempted to drive a Land Rover up Parliament's steps, before being yelled at by a Parliamentary security guard. Was Seymour out of line, or was this a stunt for a good cause?
Also, after the story of a dad teaching his teenaged kids to hitchhike, would you ever pick up a hitchhiker?
To answer those question, Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy and former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Hurricanes take on the Crusaders in the first Super Rugby Pacific match of 2025 in Christchurch tonight - what can we expect from both teams, and who will come out on top?
Also, Saturday night sees the Blues take on the Chiefs in a rematch of last year's final - how are those teams looking?
To answer those question, All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB Christchurch sports reporter Nick Bewley joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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South Wairarapa mayor Martin Connelly says the speed limit along a stretch of Martinborough road is fine for now - despite large numbers of cyclists hopping between wineries.
"People have never experienced in 20 years, an accident like this," Connelly said, saying he's comfortable with the road's 100km/h speed limit until he sees expert evidence suggesting otherwise.
Yesterday a person died and three others were seriously injured after a car collided with a quadricycle on Puruatanga Road.
Many Wairarapa residents told Newstalk ZB today they believe the speed limit should be lowered.
The road is known for tourists who hire bikes to travel short distances between wineries. One local worker said yesterday many of these cyclists are also intoxicated - although there's no suggestion this was the case in yesterday's incident.
Connelly joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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OPINION
The Golden Mile. Three words that terrify business owners on Lambton Quay, Willis Street and Courtenay Place.
You know the plan. Removing cars from those three streets, pedestrianising the roads and installing bus lanes only. Parking will be gone too.
It started off with Let's Get Wellington Moving. Then that was scrapped.
But Wellington mayor Tory Whanau promised to make sure it still went ahead. She secured the money from the coalition government and made it something of a legacy project.
But recently the council had gone silent on the plan. We learnt no contracts had been signed and there were certainly no shovels in the ground.
But ysterday the media were called into Wellington City Council offices for a top-secret meeting to reveal the latest plans.
And it turns out there’s not much to report.
First of all, contracts for the whole project still haven’t been signed. The only contract signed is for the corner intersection of Courtney Place, Kent Terrace and Cambridge Terrace.
Spades in the ground by April we're told, and it’ll take 8 months to complete... for one intersection.
Move over the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Wellington has Tory's corner.
But that's it. No other contracts. No idea when work on the rest of the Golden Mile will start.
For what is the Mayor's legacy project and something very important to her, she’s moving extremely slowly on getting it done.
Not that it worries her.
"I think this is the happiest I've felt since the election," she told Newstalk ZB yesterday.
Then there’s the cost.
The entire project is forecast to cost $116 million - but the council would not say yesterday the breakdown for the Courtenay Place section, citing commercial sensitivity.
Then you’ve got support for businesses, or lack thereof. There will be none.
Then there’s the Mayor's comments about leases.
She met with her mayoral business group this week to discuss the possibility of renting out empty spaces month by month to allow for pop up stores.
The council owns none of those properties, so how do they decide what goes on with them? What landlord wants a lease for month-by-month?
But being very serious here, I've always felt the improvement of Courtenay Place is imperative for our city to move forward.
But the timing couldn't possibly be worse. We've got a multimillion-dollar development at Reading Cinema about to take place, we have businesses struggling from three or four years of the toughest economic climate most can remember.
And we're going to destroy Courtenay Place before we rebuild it.
You just have to look at Thorndon Quay to know how damaging this will be.
There’s only one solution to all of this in my eyes. Stop and wait.
Wellingtonians need to have their say. We have to hold on til the next election before we do anything.
Whether Tory wins the mayoralty again can be a referendum on the Golden Mile.
If Wellington wants it, she’ll be back in. If not, scrap the whole damn thing.
And if you get back in Tory - fill your boots, build your field of dreams. Your golden mile. But that's if you wins the election - and only if.
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David Seymour has been under fire this week after it was revealed he wrote a letter supporting Philip Polkinghorne before he was charged with murder, and before Seymour was a Minister.
The controversy continued on Monday as Seymour attempted to drive a Land Rover up Parliament's steps, before being yelled at by a Parliamentary security guard.
How have both of these stories reflected on the government, and do Seymour and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have a good relationship?
Also, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says a conversation on the future of superannuation is inevitable. Is it time we means tested the pension?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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One of the highlights on Wellington’s events calendar returns this week.
NZ Fringe is the largest arts festival in the country, encompassing more than 170 events with artists from across New Zealand and the globe.
The festival has called Wellington home since it began in 1990 - and this year marks the 35th annual event.
To talk about what audiences can expect, festival director Vanessa Stacey joined Nick Mills.
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Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has jetted off to China to sign a new partnership deal - but New Zealand has no idea what the deal entails.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the country, which is in free association with New Zealand, has failed to consult the government on the deal - a requirement of a constitutional agreement signed in 2001.
So what could be in the deal, and how will the government respond? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Michèle A'Court is a best-selling author, an actor, a writer and a former What Now host - but she's best known as a comedian, having entertained crowds across New Zealand for decades.
She got her start in Wellington and is returning to the city this month to perform as part of NZ Fringe.
She joined Nick Mills to discuss her career, her time in Wellington and how comedy has changed.
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There was huge news for Wellington's film industry late last month; our very own Weta FX has been nominated for three Academy Awards.
This year, Alien: Romulus, Better Man, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes have been recognised with Best Visual Effects Oscar nominations. Weta FX worked on all three films.
The company, which has 2000 staff in Wellington, will learn whether they have won the awards on Monday March 3.
Weta FX head of VFX Matt Aitken joined Nick Mills to discuss the work that went into the films - as well as his memories of previous Oscar ceremonies alongside the stars.
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The latest rating valuations are out for Wellington - and its not good news for the value of almost every property in the city.
The average property has decreased in value by 24.4% since the last valuations in 2021 - but could it mean rates bills come down?
Also, Wellington City Council crown observer Lindsay McKenzie has given his first report to the Local Government Minister - what'd it say?
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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Music legends Toto have announced a gig in Wellington, performing at the TSB Arena in April. But who is the special guest joining them?
Also, Sir Paul McCartney has hit out at the rise of artificial intelligence - but is his stance slightly hypocritical given The Beatles utilised AI in their latest single?
To answer those questions, Nick Mills was joined by Wellington Mornings music guru James Irwin.
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It's our first Business Panel of 2025 and there is one question on everyone's mind: will the capital's economy bounce back this year?
Whatever happens, today's guests say Wellington needs to remain positive and celebrate what makes the city great.
WellingtonNZ chief operating officer Heidi Morton and Capital Creative Arts Trust CEO Kim Bailey joined Nick Mills on the panel today.
The pair discussed the mood of the region, the apparent lack of big events, and the success of Wellington's arts industry, especially in film.
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Thousands will descend on the Waitangi Treaty grounds this week ahead of celebrations on Thursday - but the Prime Minister will be notably absent. Where is he celebrating the day?
Also, a government-wide investigation into allegations of misuse of census data still hasn't been released. When will the findings be known?
To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has floated the idea of campaigning on asset sales at the next election - but what does the government have to sell?
Also, a three-day police operation that saw 14 people arrested for being in possession of stolen trolleys has drawn criticism from some local leaders, alleging its an attack on the poor. Is this an appropriate use of police resources?
To answer those questions, former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne and Silvereye managing director Jo Coughlan joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Wellington Firebirds have missed out on a place in this year's Super Smash finals due to rain - but the Blaze are aiming to pick up their ninth title. What have been the best moments of this Super Smash season?
Also, Amelia Kerr has been named ICC's Womens Player of the Year. How much of an asset is she to New Zealand cricket and Wellington?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government has announced a raft of speed limit changes around the country, bringing some speed limits back to what they were before the last government changed them. But will this cause more harm on our roads?
Also, both David Seymour and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have raised the prospect of asset sales, with Luxon hinting National may take an asset sales policy to the next election. Does it make sense to sell assets?
To answer those questions, Labour's Wairarapa-based MP Kieran McAnulty and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills in the studio for Politics Thursday.
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Parliament has returned from its summer recess to what will be one of the most watched select committee considerations ever, with hundreds of people expected to give their view on the Treaty Principles Bill.
The select committee process began today with submissions from the bill's sponsor David Seymour.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls has been watching proceedings and joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Act leader David Seymour used his state of the nation speech last week to call for a discussion on privatisation - including of the health system.
Seymour told his supporters New Zealanders need to get past the "squeamishness of privatisation", and suggested the health system could be privatised, with the government funding medical insurance for individuals.
Responding to the suggestions, Public Service Association acting national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said private healthcare systems haven't worked overseas.
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Justin Lester is not ruling out running for Wellington mayor this year - and Nick Leggett and Josie Pagani are convinced he will run. But what are his chances?
Also, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US President this week. What will be the impact of the major decisions of the first few days, and what can we expect over the next four years?
To answer those questions, ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Australian Open has been entertaining us now for over a week - and tonight the men's semi-finals take place. What can we expect?
Also, Richie Mo'unga has confirmed he will be remaining in Japan, despite efforts by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson to lure him back to the national team. How does this reflect on Robertson?
To answer those questions, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Wellington mayor Justin Lester isn't ruling out another run for Wellington's top job.
The former mayor, who failed to win reelection after one term in 2019, says it's not his intention to run but he may stand depending on the other candidates.
"If Wellington got to a state where things got so bad and there were no good candidates and my family came to me and said we want you to do something, I might do it. I might consider it," Lester told Nick Mills yesterday.
"If things got so bad I think I could help, who knows."
To discuss the development and Lester's previous legacy as mayor, NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills.
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The year in politics has begun with a bang, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announcing a cabinet reshuffle that sees two big portfolios, health and transport, handed to new Ministers.
But how will the new Ministers perform in their new jobs, and what did Shane Reti and Melissa Lee do wrong to lose their biggest responsibilities?
Also, Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. What impact will his policies have on New Zealand and the world?
To answer those questions, Rongotai MP and Green transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Former Tourism minister Stuart Nash says New Zealand should be focused on attracting high-value tourists to New Zealand, rather than greater numbers of tourists that don't spend as much.
Yesterday newly minted Economic Growth minister Nicola Willis said the government would be moving away from the previous government's plan of mainly attracting tourists that spend significant sums while in the country.
"I want all tourists, because ultimately it's not the government that decides how much a tourist spends when they come to New Zealand. That tourist will make that decision," she told RNZ.
Former Tourism minister Stuart Nash, who advocated for changes to attract high-value tourists, joined Nick Mills to share his views on the comments, including the impact it could have on New Zealand's infrastructure.
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Wellington mayor Justin Lester isn't ruling out another run for Wellington's top job.
The former mayor, who failed to win reelection after one term in 2019, says it's not his intention to run but he may stand depending on the other candidates.
Asked by Nick Mills if he was running, Lester said he has "zero intention" of running for the mayoralty, saying the job would take him away from his family.
But when asked if he was ruling it out, Lester replied "never say never".
"If Wellington got to a state where things got so bad and there were no good candidates and my family came to me and said we want you to do something, I might do it. I might consider it."
"If things got so bad I think I could help, who knows."
He confirmed he had been approached by the Labour Party to consider a run.
"I've told them exactly what I'm telling you".
Lester joined Mills to discuss his new Wellington Alive project, a Facebook page to celebrate Wellington and share community news.
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Construction work on the first phase of Wellington's controversial Golden Mile project was supposed to have begun this month - but diggers and bulldozers are nowhere to be seen.
The council previously said contracts for the project, which would remove cars from Lambton Quay, Willis St and Courtenay Place, would be signed in December. Works on Courtenay Place were to begin this month.
When asked for an update on the process, a Wellington City Council spokesperson told Newstalk ZB "we have no fixed contracts or dates at this stage."
Contract negotiations are responsible for the delay, the spokesperson said.
Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle, opposed to the project, joined Nick Mills to share what councillors have been told about the delay.
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Wellington's iconic Jim Beam Homegrown festival is leaving the city after eighteen years, with this year's festival the last in the capital.
Festival director Andrew Tuck told Nick Mills the decision was a hard one, with his team having explored every other option to keep the festival in the city.
He said New Zealand music remains enormously popular and the festival wants the ability to introduce more stages such as one focused on country music.
Tuck said they hope to have the new venue confirmed by April.
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Some sad news for Wellington was announced on Monday: after eighteen years, the Jim Beam Homegrown festival will be leaving Wellington and is searching for a new home.
How big a loss is this for Wellington, and what other big music events does Wellington play host to?
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin, sporting a controversial new haircut, joined Nick Mills for the first Music Time of 2025.
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OPINION: Some disturbing news came across my desk yesterday.
I got a lovely email from Nicola Cranfield with the sad news that Cranfield’s on Johnson St near Lambton Quay is closing.
Often shops close during a recession and unpredictable times.
Shops close because they go broke.
Businesses close when owners have just had enough.
But Cranfield’s has been operating in Wellington for 33 years and reading Nicola Cranfield’s email really affected me.
Nicola has fought endlessly against Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Golden Mile project. She's met with counsellors, she's met with businesses, she's gone to every meeting she possibly could have gone to, just to fight the cause to save Lambton Quay from both Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Golden Mile project.
She's had the acrimony of presenting to Wellington City Council with councillors not even looking her in the eye, looking down at their devices not caring what she has to say.,not caring what she and her mother had done for our city over 33 years. Absolutely no respect whatsoever.
But that didn't stop Nicola from fighting.
That didn't stop Nicola from being a proud Wellingtonian wanting her successful family business to carry on against all the distractions and inconvenience that was thrown at her by those two major projects and our council.
Things got so frustrating for her that she decided that she would not renew her long term lease and go month to month.
Unfortunately for us in Wellington it didn’t work for Nicola Cranfield and her shop is closing.
A Wellington institution gone, just like that.
It’s interesting Nicola is not blaming or even bringing into the equation the public sector job losses due to government cuts.
I've met Nicola a few times she's the most positive, bright, energetic and focused businesswoman you could ever expect to meet.
She’s someone you talk to and say to yourself ‘gosh aren't we lucky to have a person like that running a business in our city’.
Well no longer; she joins the long list of fabulous Wellingtonians who ran amazing businesses that got caught up in the downward spiral and are out…
An article in the Herald today from Thomas Coughlan, outlining the effects and breaking down the job losses by numbers is very interesting.
It shows it's more of a self-perpetuating downhill spiral than actual cash disappearing from the community.
People that haven't lost their job still have the disposable income to spend - they’re just adjusting and being extremely careful.
Even last night I met a couple who hadn’t lost their jobs, still had disposable income and they felt guilty for going out. It felt wrong to them, with everything going on.
Our city is in a bad place, and no, it's not just because of these public service cuts, which much of us would agree are needed to some extent.
No, its a wider issue. It’s an economy on the slump, it's a council that doesn’t seem to understand the big issues, its uncertainty over projects like the Golden Mile.
I love this city, I love it a lot - but Wellington doesn’t feel like it did five, ten or twenty years ago.
We’re in a slump, we’re in a spiral - and I think most of us know it.
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It's the final Faceoff for 2024 - so who better than two Wellington broadcasting legends to dissect the news of the year?
It's been a huge year in politics - and much of it has centered on Wellington. How has both the government and the opposition performed, and who is the stand-out political performer of the year?
Also, Wellington City Council and Mayor Tory Whanau have had their fair share of headlines this year. Has this been embarrassing for the capital - and will next year be any better?
Also, whats been the highlight of the year in Wellington?
Two answer those questions, legendary broadcasters Mark Sainsbury and Polly Gillespie joined Nick Mills for the final Friday Faceoff, live from Prefab Cafe in Wellington's CBD.
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It’s been a magnificent year in sport.
New Zealand had a record haul of 10 gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Wellington took out the NPC championship and the Phoenix had their best ever season.
To talk the sporting successes of 2024, who better than legendary sports broadcasters Grant Nisbett and Jason Pine.
The pair joined Nick Mills for the final Friday Sport Kickoff of the year, live from Prefab Cafe in Wellington.
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It’s been a big year for Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
She delivered her first budget which included her promised tax relief package, she laid off thousands of public servants and she’s facing deteriorating books, all in the midst of a technical recession.
So how would she rate her performance over the year, and what’s in store for 2025?
Willis joined Nick Mills for the final show of the year, live from Prefab Cafe in the city.
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Parliament has officially adjourned for the year and MPs and Ministers are journeying home to various parts of the country.
Still in Wellington, though, are the two Lower Hutt-based MPs, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Chris Bishop.
The pair joined Nick Mills for the final Politics Thursday panel of 2024, where they debated the economic outlook after news of a big GDP slump, ongoing fallout from last week's ferry announcement, and their hopes for next year.
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Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says she would rate her performance as the capital's mayor over 2024 as a "seven or eight".
"I think it's gone up and down. Mid-year was probably around five, and if I would do things differently on certain things I would."
It's been a difficult year for Whanau who has struggled to find a win.
The deal to redevelop Reading Cinema collapsed, she failed to gain the support of councillors to sell the council's stake in Wellington Airport, and the government appointed a Crown observer.
She ends the year with more controversial decisions made around her council table, including the decision to demolish Begonia House and the City to Sea bridge.
Whanau joined Nick Mills for her final interview of 2024.
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Porirua could have been in store for a rates rise of more than 10 per cent - but the city's mayor says that could be limited to around half of that after careful spending decisions.
Porirua mayor Anita Baker says the council has been careful how its spent money and made cuts in roles where they weren't needed.
This week Wellington Mornings is catching up with the mayors across the Wellington region. Baker joined Nick Mills to discuss how Porirua has fared over 2024 and what's in store for next year.
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It's been a huge year for Wellington.
Local government has hogged the headlines, and repeated issues with ferries have caused the crossing between the North and South islands to become a hot political issue.
With her finger on the pulse of the city's news, NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter has joined Nick Mills weekly since the start of the year.
This week in her final slot of the year, she discussed two high-profile resignations from Wellington mayor Tory Whanau's business advisory group, and ongoing fallout from the government's announcement on ferries last week.
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The Government's half-year fiscal update paints a bleak economic picture for the years ahead.
It won't be until 2029 that the government will finally be out of deficit - longer than previously forecasted.
Despite that, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back on calls to make more cuts to government spending, saying the government has to manage an increasing population and demand for public services.
To talk through the numbers, economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen joined Nick Mills, where he also discussed the idea of superannuation reform.
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Christmas is upon us, with festive tunes ringing in stores and even around the home.
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin has compiled a list of some lesser-known New Zealand Christmas tunes, and even uncovered a long lost Beatles Christmas song - released long before Paul McCartney and John Lennon released their own festive hits.
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New Zealand's longest serving current mayor has revealed he is running for another term.
2025 will be Wayne Guppy's ninth run for the top job, which he has held since 2001.
This week Wellington Mornings is catching up with the mayors across the Wellington region. Guppy joined Nick Mills to discuss how Upper Hutt has fared over 2024 and what's in store for next year.
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Over the next few days, Wellington Mornings is talking to local Mayors around our region for their thoughts on the year that was 2024.
Today, Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry joined Nick Mills shortly before his last council meeting of the year, where councillors will discuss next year's budget and potential rates rises.
He told Nick Mills it's been a tough year across the Wellington region, but believes Lower Hutt is doing well.
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Two people tragically died in water-related events in Wellington over the weekend.
It comes as the country heads into the summer break, where drowning incidents typically spike.
Water Safety NZ CEO Daniel Gerrard says the country's provisional drowning figures are still below average for this time of year, and it is important people heed warnings over the next few weeks to keep it that way.
He joined Nick Mills.
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The government's plan for new Interislander ferries doesn't seem to be much of a plan at all - with no new ships or details on what they'll cost. Has the government dropped the ball?
Also, fuel company Waitomo and other independent service station owners say BNZ has told them there'll be no more loans and all outstanding debt must be paid by 2030 - a policy of the BNZ to meet their net zero targets. But BNZ says the decision is simply one of risk. Is it fair for BNZ to de-bank these customers?
To answer those questions, Green MP and transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter and Iron Duke Partners managing director Phil O'Reilly joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Blackcaps take on England in Hamilton in the third test - a dead-rubber after a dismal performance by the home team over the first two tests. What went wrong for the Blackcaps?
Also, the Breakers have suffered five losses in a row, including in Wellington last Saturday night. What's going wrong for the team?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills.
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The government's plan for the Interislander ferry was light on detail - we don't know what new ferries we're getting, nor how much it will cost. Did the government drop the ball?
Also, the Fair Digitial News Bargaining Bill that forces social media giants to pay for their use of NZ news still hasn't been introduced to Parliament - when will we see it, or is it on ice completely?
To answer those questions, Justice and Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour's media and Maori Development spokesman Willie Jackson joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins has spent a year in opposition now - holding the top job longer than many commentators expected he would.
Looking forward to 2025, Nick Mills asked Hipkins how Labour plans to grow its vote and what policy it plans on looking at.
Also, what is likely to be in the government's new plan for the Interisland ferries, and why has Labour called for the government's boot camp trial to be shut down?
Hipkins joined Nick Mills for his final slot of 2025.
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The Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust (VSCT) is calling on the help of Wellingtonians ahead of the festive season.
The trust is behind an initiative to provide Christmas hampers for families across the Wellington region, now in its second year.
But demand for the hampers is up almost 80 per cent on last year, and spokesperson Clint Schoultz says they need donations from Wellingtonians to sponsor hampers for families who don’t have the spare income for a traditional Christmas spread.
Schoultz joined Nick Mills to talk about the initiative.
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It's been one of the toughest years in memory for many businesses around Wellington with a sluggish economy, public-sector job cuts, high inflation, and roading changes around the CBD.
But there is still loads of positivity around the capital according to our two guests on the final Business Panel of 2024, who are both hoping for a much stronger 2025.
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young and Backhouse Interiors owner Michelle Backhouse joined Nick to reflect on the year and their hopes for the new one.
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The Government is expected to announce its plan for the future of the Interislander ferries this week. What are we expecting?
Also, the government's boot camps have been in the headlines over the weekend after two young people absconded from the programme, and another was killed in a car accident. How politically harmful is this for the government?
To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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It was revealed this week that members of Vision for Wellington, a group set up by prominent Wellingtonians to advocate for the city had been communicating with the Prime Minister and local government Minister about their launch - despite claiming to be apolitical. Do you believe the group when they say they don't have a political agenda?
Also, some government departments have scrapped their Christmas parties to save money. Is this reasonable, or just miserable?
To answer those questions, Infrastructure NZ CEO and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett and PSA assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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Wellington's biggest roundabout will see plenty of action over the next few days as the Blackcaps take on England in the second test at the Basin Reserve.
The crowd is a sell-out for the first three days and the excitement is palpable around town. What are our chances of finding a win?
Also, the Wellington Phoenix face Auckland FC in Auckland this weekend - can the Phoenix come back from defeat to topple the new club?
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB's cricket man Andrew Alderson joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The Australian NBL returns to Wellington for the first time in five years this weekend where the Breakers will take on the Sydney Kings at TSB Arena.
On the court will be Shaun Bruce, a former Wellington Saints player now playing for the Kings.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss what to expect on Saturday.
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David Gower is a cricketing great who played 117 test matches for England - many of them as captain of the side.
He's in Wellington to commentate the second test between England and the Blackcaps at the Basin Reserve. He joined Nick Mills to discuss what to expect, the side's best performers, and the controversial decision to fine players for the slow over rate in the first test.
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Its scruity week in Parliament - and Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall is under fire for telling Health NZ commissioner Lester Levy that he has "a reputation for cooking the books". Was she out of line?
Also, some government departments aren't holding Christmas parties this year, citing the "current fiscal environment." Is this just a bit miserable?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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The Government will soon determine the fate of 76ha of prime Wellington real estate, which local resident Sir Peter Jackson is advocating to be turned into a public reserve - what are the chances Jackson will get his wish?
Also, the Ombudsman has launched an investigation after Kiwirail refused to reveal how much it has spent on consultants - a figure Finance Minister Nicola Willis said concerned her, but was unable to disclose herself. Will the public ever see the figure?
To answer those questions, NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sat down with Jack Tame on TVNZ's Q&A programme over the weekend - and by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls' count, Luxon uttered the phrase "what I'd say to you is" 21 times - and often struggled to answer Tame's direct questions.
"I'm not surprised he said it so many times, it was one of the worst interviews I've ever seen with a Prime Minister."
Also, the Labour Party held their annual conference in Christchurch this weekend. What came out of it?
Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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The first phase of the inquiry into the government's response to Covid-19 is out - and it's critical of vaccine mandates, saying they caused social harm to a significant minority of New Zealanders. Were vaccine mandates the biggest mistake of the Covid-19 response?
Also, the Labour Party is holding its annual conference this weekend. How have they performed in opposition, and how do they become more relevant?
To talk through those issues, as well as reflect on the tragic death of former National MP Nikki Kaye, broadcaster Grant Walker and Curia pollster David Farrar joined Nick for Friday Faceoff.
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The Blackcaps are taking on England in the first test at Hagley Oval this week, finishing on Thursday at
The team returns to New Zealand after a historic 3-0 series win against India. So what are their chances against England? Newstalk ZB cricket correspondent Andrew Alderson joined Nick Mills.
Also, the All Blacks have wrapped up their northern tour after a lacklustre win against Italy. How would All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper rate their performance over the tour?
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The Wellington City Council has cut roughly $400m worth of projects from its long-term plan - a decision necessitated by the vote to keep its stake in Wellington Airport.
Begonia House looks set to be demolished and the Golden Mile redevelopment is set to continue as planned. How did councillors come to their decision?
Also, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has seemingly softened her language when asked by Nick whether she plans to run for a second term as Mayor - will she run again?
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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This week on Music Time, our music man James Irwin tells Nick that a certain Christchurch based record label might be New Zealand's most important ever. Also, we check out a reissue of one of New Zealand's most rare and sought after records and the lads gets the gloves off over Bob Geldof and that Christmas song. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A very special exhibition is opening in Wellington this week. The Art of Bansky sees more than 160 works from the elusive UK artist on display at Wellington's Takina Convention Centre.
The exhibition is coming direct from London and curator Michel Boersma has made the trip to Wellington for the opening.
He joined Nick Mills in the studio and brought with him a piece from the famous artist.
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Auckland has a beautiful big tree in their CBD, and thousands upon thousands lined the city's streets yesterday for their annual Santa parade.
But here in Wellington, we have a few cheap lighting trusses as a tree and the days of the big city Christmas parade are long gone.
It led Nick to ask - is the Christmas spirit in Wellington dying?
For his thoughts, renowned Wellington Christmas entertainer and former broadcaster Nick Tansley joined the show to give his thoughts.
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This week marks a year since the coalition government of National, Act and New Zealand First was sworn in - and it's been an incredibly busy twelve months.
How has the government performed, and are all three parties happy with how the year has played out?
Also, a Police officer has been found to have left a copy of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's tightly-held schedule on the dashboard of a police car - what happened here?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Wellington Airport is in store for a $500m upgrade to allow for larger aircraft - but will we see new airlines arriving in the capital?
Also, behaviour in Parliament has been a hot topic this week with Te Pati Maori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi Clarke named for leading a haka, and Education Minister Erica Stanford referring to Labour MP Jan Tinetti a "stupid bitch". Are standards of behaviour in the house dropping?
To answer those questions, Nick was joined by former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne on Friday Faceoff.
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The All Blacks take on Italy in the final game of the northern tour on Sunday morning - and it will be Wellington All Black TJ Perenara's last game in black.
What's his legacy in the team, and how big a winning margin will we see?
Also, its a rematch of last season's semi-final with the Wellington Phoenix taking on Melbourne Victory. What are we expecting?
To answer those questions, All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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More long-haul widebody planes will be able to operate at Wellington Airport following upgraded safety zones on its runway.
It could mean Wellington could see direct flights to the United States and Asia for the first time ever.
The energy-absorbing blocks at each end of the runway are part of a $500 million upgrade plan announced by the airport today, which includes terminal upgrades and community areas on airport-owned land near Lyall Bay.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke joined Nick Mills to discuss the plans.
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Today is the first day of the ban on wearing gang patches in public - but will the new law actually be effective?
Also, 40,000 people marched on Parliament this week to protest Act's Treaty Principles Bill. Did the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon know what he was getting into when he agreed to support the bill's first reading?
To answer those questions, Labour MP and housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Lifetime Black Power member Denis O'Reilly says the government's gang patch ban won't work, saying the police should concentrate on behavior instead.
"It's not what you wear, its what you do."
He says he is working with gang members to "stay calm" as the ban is introduced - but expects most gang members will adhere to the rules.
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It was a beautiful albeit slightly windy day in Wellington on Tuesday - perfect for an afternoon of sailing.
Nick, Ethan, and Adam were invited by the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club to spend a few hours getting an idea of sailing and what the club offers beginners wanting to get involved in the sport.
Nick spoke to club operations manager Chris Scott and skipper James Dunlop-Storey in between steering and tacking - and nearly falling off.
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Its estimated 42,000 people took to the streets in Wellington yesterday, protesting Act's Treaty Principles Bill.
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell was in the crowd, and told Nick Mills protestors were upbeat and well-behaved.
Also, advice received by local government minister Simeon Brown on the decision to appoint a Crown observer to Wellington City Council has been released - what does it say?
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Interest rates are down, inflation is down and the weather is getting warmer - so is Wellington finally through the worst of its economic slump? There are differing opinions.
Also, a Crown observer has been installed at Wellington City Council. What difference will this make and will it improve council engagement with businesses?
To answer those questions and more, Commercial property investor and owner of JJ Murphys and The Grand Clem Griffiths, and JLL commercial real estate agent Jim Wana joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.
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The Prime Minister has returned from a fleeting trip to Peru for this year's APEC summit where he met with world leaders including a bilateral with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But many attendees were focused on another piece of New Zealand news - what was it?
Also, a large hikoi protesting the Treaty Principles Bill is descending on Parliament tomorrow. How many people are expected on Parliament's lawn?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Parliament erupted with a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill yesterday. Was the performance appropriate?
Also, former Tasman District Council chief executive Lindsay McKenzie has been named as the Crown observer appointed to Wellington City Council. Is he up to the job?
To discuss those topics and more, Nick was joined by former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Franks Ogilvie director Brigitte Morten.
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The All Blacks take on France in the country’s capital this weekend with a few big changes. How are our chances looking?
Also, is Chris Wood New Zealand’s greatest ever footballer?
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill will have its first reading in Parliament today, where National will support it. But with National refusing to support it further, is the entire exercise a waste of time?
Also, the government has apologised to victims of abuse suffered while in state care - but what is the plan for redress?
Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Former 2ZB Wellington host Lindsay Yeo has died at the age of 78.
His family say he died peacefully at his home in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon.
Yeo hosted the top-rating breakfast show from 1972 to 1995, consistently taking the number one spot until the late 1980s.
Working with him at 2ZB were broadcasters John McBeth and Raylene Ramsay - the latter still a newsreader at Newstalk ZB.
They joined Nick Mills to share the memories of the man Wellingtonians loved.
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Renowned radio personality and entertainer Lindsay Yeo has died at the age of 78.
Yeo hosted the 2ZB Breakfast Show in Wellington for 23 years until 1995, which was frequently the city's highest rated programme.
He created the children's character "Buzz O'Bumble," which would appear on the show, alongside other whimsical characters.
Yeo also appeared on Classic Hits FM and TVNZ's Top Dance, and toured the country with live stage shows.
In retirement, Yeo also founded music station Radiyo Richmond in 2016 out of a caravan in the Tasman District.
In 2017, 22 years after passing on the torch, he joined Tim Fookes on the Morning Show in Wellington to mark the 80th anniversary of 2ZB.
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In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses further details around the appointment of Lindsay McKenzie as council Crown Observer.
She also chats with Nick Mills about concern from a Ministry over Te Papa charging foreign visitors, and the latest on the Government's plan for a second Mt. Victoria tunnel.
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In his regular catch up with Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said he would link up with protesters against the Treaty Principles Bill when the hīkoi arrives in Wellington.
Hipkins also discussed the apology to survivors of Abuse in Care, Wellington City Council's new Crown Observer, and the result of the US Election.
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Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as Wellington City Council’s Crown observer.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said McKenzie has significant governance and senior leadership experience.
McKenzie’s term will last until July next year.
Wellington City Council’s Crown observer will be on the job tomorrow after the Government revealed the man tasked with sorting out “the shambles”.
Lindsay McKenzie, the former chief executive of Tasman District Council and Gisborne District Council, has agreed to take on the role.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau told Newstalk ZB’s Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills there had been better collaboration at the council in the past couple of weeks.
”When the Minister was contemplating government intervention, I think that kind of gave everyone a bit of a fright. The last thing the council wanted was a commissioner”, she said.
Whanau said she wasn’t surprised when the Government decided to appoint a Crown observer.
”I wouldn’t say relief, just kind of like acceptance that this was happening.”
When asked whether she’d lost control of her council, Whanau said no.
”This robustness and perception of dysfunction has been building for years.”
Whanau believed they could work together but said “unified” was probably no longer the right word to use.
Asked what she would do differently, Whanau said anything she did differently would result in the same outcome.
”Everything that I have done is by the book, I’ve done everything with the best interests of Wellingtonians at heart.
“What we have are some people who relitigate decisions, play politics, play political theatre because that is the nature of Wellington City Council. I stick by my decisions.”
Lindsay McKenzie is the former CEO of Tasman District Council.
Whanau believed the council had not reached the threshold for a Crown observer but she accepted that was the Government’s decision.
She said the council would never be perfect.
”That’s due to the personalities that are in the room. When you disagree so fundamentally on things like values, policies or so forth, it’s going to cause tensions, it’s going to be robust.
“We’ve never going to be best friends and that’s probably something I was naive about when I was first mayor.”
Whanau spoke to Simeon Brown last night who told her the observer was there to help the council.
She has exchanged numbers with McKenzie this morning and will set up a meeting with him as soon as possible.
Whanau said she expected McKenzie to observe and provide guidance to ensure the council was meeting its legislative requirements.
She did not expect him to attend airport board meetings with her, but he will attend council meetings, workshops and meet with elected members one-on-one.
She didn’t think having an observer was going to be as dramatic as people thought.
”Because there’s an observer there, we’ll have councillors possibly watch themselves.”
Whanau said observing the capital city could be quite different from McKenzie’s experience at provincial councils.
Asked whether councillors had thrown her under the bus, Whanau said; “You’d have to ask them”.
Whanau said she had not been treated unfairly by her own council and said that it was just political theatre.
Not every councillor thought she was a great leader but she had a great relationship with the majority of her peers, Whanau said.
She didn’t think Wellingtonians were embarrassed by having a Crown observer, and she did not feel she had been picked on by the Government because she was aligned with the Green Party.
Whanau said between $400 million and $600m in capital spending could be cut after the failed airport sale.
Asked whether there would be redundancies or a hiring freeze internally at the council to save money, Whanau said cutting capital spending would have a flow-on on effect in operating spending but she “couldn’t say definitively”.
Whanau said the Golden Mile project was sacred to her because she campaigned on it strongly.
”There’s a lot of negative talk around this project but at the end of the day it’s the transformational stuff that makes our city liveable, walkable, all that good stuff.”
McKenzie has significant governance and senior leadership experience in local government, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said in a statement yesterday.
“When Invercargill City Council was facing governance issues, Mr McKenzie was called upon as an external appointee to support its governance performance improvement programme.”
“He also has strong financial acumen, which is reflected in his current appointment as an Independent Member of the Nelson City Council audit, risk and finance cCommittee.”
Brown revealed he had sought advice on possible Government intervention after the council stopped the controversial sale of its 34% share in the airport – upending the Long Term Plan (LTP).
The council now has to amend the LTP and possibly cut hundreds of millions of dollars in capital spending to create additional debt headroom to respond to the insurance risks the airport sale was designed to solve.
Brown said the decision to appoint a Crown observer was not one that he took lightly.
“However, my assessment is that the financial and behavioural challenges facing the council represent a significant problem as set out in Part 10 of the Local Government Act 2002.”
Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking this morning, Brown said McKenzie will sort through the “dysfunction between personalities” at Wellington City Council and will help the mayor and councillors to “get on”.
He said McKenzie would provide external advice and assist with a fresh pair of eyes, though it’s up to the council whether it follows the Crown observer’s guidance.
”[He is] someone else who … has not been part of all the drama over the last little while and can provide an extra set of advice.”
Nelson mayor Nick Smith said McKenzie’s appointment is something the region should be proud of, given his experience as both CEO of Tasman District Council and interim chief executive at Nelson City Council.
In a Facebook post, Smith said “the problems at Wellington City Council will test Lindsay’s skills with a difficult combination of infrastructure, financial and governance woes”.
“We wish him, Mayor Tory Whanau and Wellington’s councillors the very best as they attempt to stabilise the council and sort the Capital’s major challenges.”
McKenzie’s term will last until the end of July 2025 or earlier if appropriate.
“Mr McKenzie will provide the support and advice necessary to assist the council as it delivers an amended Long-Term Plan that works for the city, its ratepayers, and communities”, Brown said.
Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.
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More than 150 pieces from Banksy will soon be arriving in Wellington for a mammoth exhibition.
The art from the world's most prolific street artist will be on display at Wellington's Takina convention centre from November 28th.
Stewart MacPherson has brought the exhibition to the capital direct from London, and joined Nick Mills to discuss the magic of the elusive artist, and reveal the exorbitant cost of insuring all the art.
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Protestors will arrive in Wellington later next week to protest the introduction of David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill.
The hikoi, following the same route as the march led by Dame Whina Cooper in 1975, began in Northland this morning.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls expects it will be one of the biggest protests at Parliament in recent memory.
He joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Donald Trump has won the US election - and not just the electoral college, but the popular vote too. How did he manage it?
Also, with unemployment biting, students are struggling to find summer jobs. How important is working over the summer break?
To answer those questions, and to give their views on Wellington's new tunnel plan, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills.
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The All Blacks take on Ireland tomorrow morning in a rematch of last year's World Cup semi-final. Who is likely to come out on top?
Also, Auckland FC trumped the Wellington Phoenix last weekend. How did both teams perform?
To answer those questions, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Donald Trump has won the United States presidential election by a surprising margin — but what will a second Trump presidency mean for New Zealand?
Also, David Seymour's Treaty principles bill has been introduced to Parliament today, earlier than originally scheduled. Is this just a waste of time, and will we see "hikois from hell"?
National MP and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Former US Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown says he would happily return to New Zealand if President-elect Donald Trump asks him to serve again.
Brown served as Ambassador during Trump's first term after a career as lawyer, then a Republican senator.
He told Nick Mills that Trump's win is great news for America, and the nation's relationship with New Zealand will remain strong.
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Former NZ ambassador to the United States Tim Groser says Donald Trump's presidential win can be attributed in a large part to the middle class "being screwed".
"The Democrats have become the party of the rich. If you take the top 25 districts in terms of wealth, 24 of them are held by democrats."
Groser, also a former Trade Minister, told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills that Trump will move in the direction of tariffs which would impact New Zealand.
"He's been consistent on one thing since the 1980s. He's a protectionist. You can be pretty damn sure he will move in that direction, that cannot possibly be in New Zealand's interests as a small, vulnerable trading nation."
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Wellingtonian Michael Hobbs says he couldn't pick a winner for the US presidential election - but says the mood is tense and hard to escape.
The former Blues player and Wellington College head boy is now in the private equity industry in Los Angeles, after studying an MBA at Stanford University.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss the mood in the US ahead of today's vote.
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Vice President and Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris is hosting a relatively small election night event in Washington DC tonight - far smaller than that of Barack Obama in 2008 and Hillary Clinton in 2016/.
NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan is there and told Nick Mills attendance is restricted, and Harris isn't expected until much later in the evening.
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Months of campaigning will finally come to an end tomorrow as the United States goes to the polls to choose a new President.
Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin has been keeping an eye on campaign rallies, and joined Nick Mills to critique the candidates music choices - and have a punt at what they might choose as a victory song.
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It's being touted by the candidates as the most important election in United States history, and its all playing out tomorrow afternoon New Zealand time.
To discuss the importance of the election and how the result could affect relations with New Zealand, US Embassy deputy chief of mission David Gehrenbeck joined Nick Mills.
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Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome and Sotheby's International Realty Wellington Managing Director Glen Jones joined Nick Mills in the studio to chat all things business.
They discussed the benefits to the city from big events like the Wellington-Auckland football derby at the weekend, and how the region can capitalise on it.
Other topics included the state of the housing market, the US Election, a Crown Observer coming to the Wellington City Council and whether allowing builders to self-certify is a good idea.
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Mental health campaigner Mike King is under fire for saying alcohol can be the answer to mental health struggles - but did he have a point he just made badly?
Also, the United States is in the final days of the 2024 presidential campaign, who will come out on top?
Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy and Capital director Neale Jones joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Wellington Phoenix take on Auckland FC in the first ever A-League local derby. Who will come out victorious, and can we expect a large crowd?
And the All Blacks take on England on Sunday morning, with a few changes in the team. Are they on track for a win?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The government has announced that large reputable construction companies, as well as plumbers and drainlayers will soon be able to self-certify their work, removing the need for lengthy council consents.
But could this lead to an increase in shoddy building work?
Also, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he's open to a discussion about banning Nazi symbols - is this a good idea?
And what was going through Ginny Andersen's mind when she reposted a photo suggesting a crease in King Charle's suit looked like a vagina? She told Nick Mills herself.
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The Wellington City Council has met publicly for the first time since voting to ditch the planned sale of its stake in Wellington Airport.
It's also the first time the council has met since Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced he is appointing a Crown observer to the council.
So when will the council begin deciding what to cut to fund a large hole in its budget?
NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Adam Cooper for the Capital Letter.
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The government is appointing a Crown observer to Wellington City Council - but is this setting a precedent that might affect other councils around the country?
Also, the cost to install fencing along Wellington's waterfront has blown out from $7m to $30m. Why does it cost so much for some fencing?
Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry and lawyer and former Act MP Stephen Franks joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Wellington Lions take on Bay of Plenty in the NPC final at Sky Stadium tomorrow - who will take out the championship?
Also, the All Blacks face Japan in Tokyo shortly afterwards. How are both teams looking?
Nick Mills was joined by Wellington sports broadcaster Matt Buck and Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine.
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The government will appoint a Crown observer to oversee Wellington City Council - but will the advice that led to the decision be released?
Also, should Andrew Bayly remain a Minister after accusations of bullying a worker during a business visit?
To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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OPINION
Yesterday afternoon just after lunch an email landed in my inbox from Simeon Brown.
I looked out my window after four or five beautiful days in Wellington and saw clouds coming in from all directions.
And that's exactly how I felt reading this email from Simeon Brown. It felt like a dark day.
Brown was announcing he was appointing a Crown observer to Wellington City Council.
We all know what led to this point. Mammoth rates rises, the debacle that was the Reading Cinema deal, councillors arguing, leaking, walking out of meetings, and then the airport shares vote which was the last straw.
It was all too much for local government minister Simeon.
He said enough is enough and appointed a Crown observer - or what I call a babysitter. And it's the right call.
Just imagine for a moment what this would be like in your own job.
Management was so worried about your performance that they ordered a manager be sent to your office just to sit there and watch you. How embarrassing.
Although most sane Wellingtonians were calling for some sort of intervention from government, when it finally happened yesterday I just felt sad.
It's a sad moment for our city.
We've been the butt of jokes across the country - some self-inflicted, some not - almost since this council got sworn in.
And although I have been calling for government intervention, it was a shock when it actually happened.
We're not sure who the observer will be, Simeon Brown said he wasn't at that stage yet. But we know the calvary is on its way.
Mayor Tory Whanau fronted a press conference yesterday. She said she was accepting of an observer and would work with them.
She would do everything she and the council could to make it work, she told us.
In my eyes, she almost looked a bit relieved. But this is not a win for her. Yesterday was the worst day of her mayoralty - and there's plenty to choose from.
It's also the worst day of the term for all of her councillors too. This is a problem that belongs to all of them. They should all feel responsible.
The fact our once extremely proud city that I love has had an observer appointed feels like a failure.
We were once the coolest little capital in the world. We were the movie capital of the South Pacific, we were the birthplace of craft breweries and coffee culture. We had the best theatres, art galleries, a great university, and most importantly, it was affordable to live here.
It felt like everything was going well for us.
And now we're the city that can't even run its own council. The city the rest of the country laughs at.
We have things going for us, and I never want us to forget those things. Wellington is not dead or dying.
But things aren’t great right now and it's embarassing it has got to this point. We need a council that can get us back to what we once were.
I can only hope the decision to appoint an observer will help our council understand that.
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The Wellington Lions take on Bay of Plenty in this weekend's much-anticipated NPC final at Sky Stadium.
Nick Mills was joined by captain Du'Plessis Kirfi and Lions veteran Brad Shields to discuss the season so far and the team's hopes for Saturday's match.
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Local government minister Simeon Brown has decided to appoint a Crown observer to Wellington City Council.
The decision was reached after the council's long-term plan was forced back to the council table after a vote to ditch the sale of the council's 34% stake in Wellington Airport.
Now all eyes turn to who the observer will be - and what problems they might uncover.
NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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Oscar Kightley has been a journalist, an author, and an actor - but he's also an acclaimed playwright.
He's the writer behind Dawn Raids, a play he wrote in the late 1990s exploring the horror of the raids targeting Pasifika overstayers in the 1970s.
But 27 years later, the show has never been staged in the capital. That finally changes this week when Dawn Raids will be staged for two nights at the Wellington Opera House by the Pasifika theatre collective Pacifc Underground.
Kightley joined Nick Mills to discuss the show, his memories of the 1970s, and the incredible story behind how he arranged for King Charles to appear on one of his best-known projects Bro'Town.
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Kiwi rock band Supergroove have announced they're reuniting for a New Zealand tour and are set to play in Wellington in April next year - huge news for Kiwi music fans.
But it led Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin to wonder how many New Zealand artists or groups are currently in the New Zealand album charts?
It turns out the answer is not many.
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Brothers Hamish and Robert Vance have been in the menswear business since young boys, eventually following in their grandfather and father's footsteps as directors of Vance Vivan.
The menswear store first opened in October 1924 - and this month celebrates 100 years in business.
The pair joined Nick Mills to discuss their memories, the impact council decisions are having on CBD businesses, and the rise of online shopping.
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National MP and commerce and consumer affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has been accused of telling a worker to "f**k off home" and pulling the 'L' sign with his fingers during a visit to a business.
He's apologised - but the full details around the incident are still unclear.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills to discuss what happens next - if anything.
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Local government minister Simeon Brown is awaiting advice on whether to intervene at Wellington City Council - but is it actually necessary? Also, a year on from the election, how has the government performed? Porirua mayor Anita Baker and PSA assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A former TV star is just one of many names rumoured to be joining the race to be Wellington's next mayor, with the next local body election just under 12 months away. Rumours have been swirling among Wellington's business and political circles about who is considering a run against incumbent Tory Whanau and councillor Ray Chung - the only two candidates to have publicly announced they are seeking the role. Newstalk ZB reporter Ethan Manera hit the phones to find out who's in, who's out, and who's considering running for the city's top job. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Wellington Lions take on Waikato in the first NPC semi-final this weekend at Sky Stadium - what are our chances of making the final? Also, the Blackcaps dismissed India for their lowest home total in a test match in Bengaluru yesterday - how big a moment was this? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Newstalk ZB Wellington news director Max Towle joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Wellington mayor Tory Whanau met with local government minister Simeon Brown this morning as he awaits advice on whether he should intervene at Wellington City Council. But is the council actually at the point where intervention is needed?
Also, ACC is facing a $7.2 billion deficit. How did it get to this point, and are increased levies the only answer?
To face those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's MP for Otaki Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the threshold for government intervention in Wellington City Council hasn't been met.
Talking to Nick Mills, he said the council still has an opportunity to pass its long term plan and show government it can function properly.
"Councillors arguing amongst each other is local democracy."
"The level of dysfunction has got to be a bit higher than people just disagreeing with each other."
Hipkins also discussed the state of the health system, the latest inflation figures and Labour's position on the fast track legislation.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has called an urgent behind-doors council meeting for this afternoon, as the government seeks advice on whether intervention is needed for Wellington City Council.
It comes after the council voted to ditch its plan to sell its 34% stake in Wellington Airport, meaning up to $600m in cuts will now be needed.
NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills to talk through the council's next steps.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis has labelled the Wellington City Council a shambles, while Simeon Brown is seeking advice on whether government intervention is needed - so how likely is it that the government will step in?
And the latest 1News Verian poll exactly a year on from the election has shown a slight dip for both major parties - how is the government faring?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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- Wellington City Council has stopped the sale of its 34% share in the airport.
- The Long Term Plan will have to be amended which could involve significant cuts to capital spending.
- It’s the second significant loss Mayor Tory Whanau has suffered this year after the Reading Cinemas deal was also killed.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanauis faced with cutting up to $600 million from her 10-year budget after the city council voted to stop the controversial sale of its airport shares.
Last week, Wellington City Council killed the sale of its 34% share in the airport, with one councillor saying it was the “dirtiest politics” she had been involved with.
It’s a significant loss for Whanau who championed the sale and planned her 10-year-budget around it. The sale has divided the council, cost the mayor crucial support and comes after her plan to reopen the “big black hole” that is Reading Cinemas also failed.
Selling the airport shares was designed to help solve two serious financial risks: the council’s $2.6 billion under-insurance problem and the lack of diversity in its investment portfolio.
The Long Term Plan will need to be amended now that the sale is off the table.
Up to $600 million could be cut from the council’s capital spending to create additional debt headroom to respond to insurance risks.
Projects that could be on the chopping block include more cycleways, community and facility upgrades, and improvements to services like rubbish and library collections.
The council will need to consult on the change with options that include a full sale of the airport shares, a partial sale, or no sale, officials have said.
The amended Long Term Plan will eventually be adopted in June 2025.
Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.
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The Wellington City Council has voted to ditch its planned sale of it's 34% stake in Wellington Airport. So what happens now, and how much will the council have to cut? Also, Bordeaux Bakery has closed, and is blaming the council for works in Thorndon Quay and the loss of carparks. Is it fair to blame the council? To answer those questions, former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Wellington Lions take on Counties Manakau in an NPC quarter final tonight - will it be a repeat of September's thumping defeat? Also, Rafael Nadal is retiring. What's his legacy?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for Friday Sport Kickoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There was good news for mortgage holders yesterday as the Reserve Bank lowered the official cash right by 50 basis points. Are our politicians hoping for another 50 basis point drop later this year?
Also, the Auditor General is highly critical of a $24m contract awarded to Mike King's Gumboot Friday charity without a competitive process. Was the government out of line?
To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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The Wellington City Council will vote on a motion to ditch the planned sale of its 34% stake in Wellington Airport on Thursday - which marks the end of a long-running saga that has split councillors almost down the middle.
NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell says there have been so many flip-flops from various councillors that it's not known if opponents to the sale will have the numbers to pass the motion.
Regardless if it passes or fails, indications are it will only be by one or two votes.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has been an ardent supporter of selling the shares and has lost the confidence of some councillors typically seen as part of her voting bloc.
Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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The latest mood of the boardroom survey is out and the country's CEOs have rated the best performing ministers - so who are our panel's top three?
Also, some Wellington City Councillors tried to prevent the council painting over pro-Palestine graffiti - is it a councillors job to determine what should and shouldn't remain?
ChildFund CEO and Iron Duke Partners senior political and public policy advisor Maddy Burgess-Smith joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Wellington Lions take on Hawkes Bay at Sky Stadium tomorrow, with Peter Lakai stepping up as captain - what are we expecting?
And Blackcaps captain Tim Southee has stepped down after the side's dismal performance in Sri Lanka - was this the right call?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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Thirty-five public schools could be converted into charter schools under the government's new plan to revive the independent but state-funded schools - but the Labour Party and teachers unions loathe the plan.
So will charter schools actually work, and are they a good use of education resources? Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and Act leader and associate education Minister David Seymour joined Nick Mills to debate the issue.
Also, Casey Costello is under fire for lowering taxes on heated tobacco products - products that only tobacco giant Philip Morris sells. Has Costello gone too far?
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The number of credit card applications has reached its highest level since 2021, leading to fears people are seeking credit as the high cost of living bites.
David Cameron, manager of the Wellington Budget Service says credit cards can be dangerous for consumers who are lured in with the promise of an interest-free period, but then use them for daily purchases.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue.
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Wellington had a mammoth weekend, with an All Blacks test and the World of Wearable Arts attracting visitors to the city. How do we attract more events to the city, and what do they mean for our economy?
Also, cruise ship numbers will be down this summer, and expensive airfares continue to bite. What is the outlook for Wellington's tourism market?
Wellington Rugby Football Union chief executive Tony Giles and Ka Rawe Tours managing director Nathan Greenham joined Nick Mills for the Wellington Mornings Business Panel.
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Thousands have taken to the streets to protest the government's move to downscale the Dunedin Hospital project, while the government starts the week with a conversation about increasing speed limits.
Also, legislation reintroducing charter schools passed through Parliament last week, so how many schools will be up and running by the beginning of the next school year?
Newstalk ZB political reporter Demelza Jackson joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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\nAll Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator Elliot Smith joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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The parents of students out of school for more than 15 days each year are in line to be prosecuted under new government guidelines, which also includes the removal of teacher-only days.
Is this the right move, and what impact will it have on truancy numbers?
To answer that, National's MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills.
Also on the agenda was the government's working from home guidance for public sector staff, and the resignation of Andrew Coster as police commissioner.
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Two musicians have gigs coming up in Wellington in the next fortnight - hometown favourite Louis Baker and 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock.
Also - who are the big artists who have never won a Grammy?
Wellington Morning's music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills.
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Chris White is a saxophonist who's shared the stage with countless stars; Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Tom Jones just to name a few.
But it was in 1985 that he joined one of the biggest bands on the planet at the peak of their fame; Dire Straits.
He was part of the band's memorable Live Aid performance and continued to tour with the band afterwards.
Now he's coming to Wellington's St James Theatre as part of the Dire Straits Experience, and joined Nick Mills to talk about his memories of the band, as well as what audiences can expect.
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OPINION
What a week Tory Whanau has had.
It all started with our regular monthly catch-up on Tuesday. I asked the mayor if she was struggling with the cost of high rates and if she felt the pinch so many of us in Wellington are feeling.
Her answer was pretty clear.
"I've just sold my car recently, to kind of help pay the bills. I walk to work again, my mortgage rates have doubled in the last few years.
"I'm feeling the crunch as well," the mayor told us.
Just for the record, Whanau earns $190,000 a year. She won $1.4 million in Lotto in 2002 - and she made us think she'd sold her car to help pay the bills.
It made headlines, then the news cycle moved on.
But then the Mayor appeared on Q&A with Jack Tame yesterday, breathing even more life into the story.
"Did you need to sell the car to pay the bills?" asks Jack Tame.
"No, I actually didn't," says Tory Whanau.
"It's a shame because it was taken out of context. It was an hour-long interview, you get a bit relaxed."
At best, that's a bad attempt to spin her way out of it. At worst, it's a straight-up lie.
To say that those comments were taken out of context is rubbish. Tory said it. The comments are clear as day. She was struggling and she sold the car.
What can be taken out of context from that?
Then, when asked if she had misled people, Whanau said the interview was too long.
"No I didn't mislead people," Tory says.
"Actually what's happened is I was probably very generous with my time when it came to an interview.
"An entire hour for a radio show once a month is probably a bit much and you just kind of, tend to let things slip."
For the record, mayors of Wellington have been interviewed on Newstalk ZB's local morning show for as long as I can remember.
It’s called accountability. It's called fronting up to the public. It's called a basic expectation of being the Mayor.
I have always said I like Tory. I think she is a nice person and she has always been good to me. We get along well.
But I've also said I don’t think she’s up to the job. And I don't think she's getting the right advice from the people around her.
And if anything proves it, it was her performance on Q&A on Sunday. What a train wreck.
In the interview, Whanau laughed and didn’t understand some questions. She flip-flopped too - her office later clarified she did sell her car in part to help with mortgage payments.
At points, it felt like Jack Tame sat there completely bewildered, with this look in his eye that said 'what on earth is going on'.
Initially, Whanau told Tame she did not expect to have enough support around the council table to sell the city's stake in Wellington Airport shares.
But then she seemed to change her mind a few minutes later, and her response was to laugh like a naughty student being caught smoking behind the bike sheds.
"That could have been scandalous," she giggled.
I seriously think this interview might go down as the one point that changes things for her leadership.
The moment where the biggest nail gets slammed into the coffin.
Yesterday Tory also admitted a re-election bid next year might be tough.
She's right - if voters turn out. If they don't, she's a hot favourite.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she has sold her car to help pay the bills, and does "nothing in terms of socialising" as money is so tight.
But on $190,000 a year - is this just a poor attempt to relate to voters?
Also, a developer has pulled out of plans to develop Oriental Bay's band rotunda - what should happen to the site?
Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Curia pollster David Farrar joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
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The Wellington Lions take on Bay of Plenty at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon - what can we expect?
And the All Blacks face Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney tomorrow too - how is the team looking?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills.
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Is Wellington City Council performing as it should be?
The answer is a flat "no" according to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who told Nick Mills that the council needs to focus on spending on the right areas.
But Luxon wouldn't say how close the government is to appointing a Crown observer, but insisted the government is keeping a close eye on the council.
"I think you can read between the lines that I want better performance out of Wellington City Council."
He also revealed a plan on replacing the Interislander ferries hasn't yet gone before cabinet.
"We will have a solution, and we are very committed. You shouldn't be anxious about it."
Also discussed was the mood of Wellington, public service cuts, and the idea of a Wellington mega tunnel.
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Redevelopment plans for the Oriental Bay band rotunda have been scrapped - so what does the future hold for the site?
And there have been issues with vandals targeting Wellington's new parking meters - what is the council doing to prevent damage?
Newstalk ZB and NZ Herald reporter joined Nick Mills to answer those questions and more.
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- Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she’s not spending at the moment because of the cost of living crisis
- She says her mortgage rates have doubled in the past few years and she recently sold her car to help pay the bills
- The mayor recently received a 3.7% pay rise, taking her annual salary to $189,799
- She’s acknowledged things are “really tough” in Wellington at the moment
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has acknowledged the economic challenges facing residents in the capital, saying she’s “feeling the crunch” too and recently sold her car to help pay the bills.
The mayor’s annual salary has increased to $189,799 following a 3.7% pay rise in July. She also won $1.4 million through Lotto in 2002.
Job cuts in the public sector and a string of retail and hospitality closures have once again sparked conversation about whether Wellington is “dying”.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, Whanau acknowledged things were “really tough” currently.
“We are feeling a bit low at the moment, we’ve been hit by a number of things. Obviously, the economic downturn, public service cuts, the cost of living, people aren’t spending money and that is showing up in closures and whatnot.
“But what I want to say right now is yip, let’s acknowledge that it’s tough. I don’t want us to talk us further into doom and gloom.”
When pressed by Mills about whether she “actually feels it” - the financial pressure - Whanau said she did.
“I don’t want to downplay the privilege that I have. I am the mayor of the city, I have a house and I’m very thankful for that.
“However I’ve just sold my car recently to kind of help pay the bills, I walk to work again, my mortgage rates have doubled in the past few years. So I’m feeling the crunch as well, but I also recognise the privilege that I have.”
When questioned further by the Herald Whanau declined to say what type of car it was beyond a “hatchback”. She said the sale had taken place “a few months ago”. She also pointed out she had recently moved into a townhouse in the city.
Whanau said as well as her mortgage rates doubling, she had also had to make some “adjustments to her lifestyle”.
“I.e. do nothing in terms of socialising and stuff. I can’t spend at the moment because of the cost of living crisis like many others.”
Mills questioned how that was going to help struggling businesses and Whanau agreed it wouldn’t, but said it was an issue facing people across the country due to job losses and high interest rates.
She said every time she sees a business close she thinks, “Oh man, what could we have done?”
Whanau said the biggest issue for businesses in Wellington seemed to be less foot traffic and less spend, which she felt had been accelerated by public sector cuts.
She was confident the council’s long-term plan would revitalise the city over the next few years.
In the short term, Whanau said she was working with businesses to have more parklets in the city, host a New Year’s Eve festival, and was speaking with local designers to hold a fashion event to raise awareness of their brands following the cancellation of this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week.
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Wellington City Council is investigating offering $1500 'micro-grants' to businesses affected by roading changes - but is this figure meaningful?
And how is the mood of Wellington? We know it's bad, but is there an element of the city feeling sorry for itself?
Those were some of the questions for the Business Panel this week, with Lowe & Co managing director Craig Lowe and Small Acorns owner Amanda Holland.
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Wellington takes on Tasman in the NPC this weekend, hoping to make Tasman's time with the Ranfurly Shield a one-week wonder - so what's the team looking like?
And Wellington Olympic have taken the Chatham Cup - how big a deal is this?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.
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It was a resounding win for Kamala Harris at Wednesday afternoon's US Presidential debate - but how much can change over the campaign?
And there have been a bunch of job losses in regional New Zealand this week - is there more to come?
Those were the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with Iron Duke Partners director Phil O'Reilly and NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan.
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Health Minister Shane Reti has announced how he plans to meet health targets set by the government - but how much money will have to be spent to meet them, and are they achievable?
And are the regions in store for more pain as Winstone Pulp closes operations, and Methanex reduces production?
Both Wairarapa MPs, Labour's Kieran McAnulty and National's Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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The government asked for advice on potentially introducing 120km/h speed limits - so what does NZTA make of the idea?
And what did we learn during the sentencing hearing for Kiwirail over the Kaitaki losing power and issuing a mayday call?
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
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Nick Cave has returned with a new album with a more spiritual feel; Wild God.
Fresh from his 12-week hiatus to donate an organ to a family member, Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills to review the album, and share some interesting discoveries he made while recovering.
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An acclaimed Wellington writer has a new show.
Elspeth Sandys's The Body Politic is now showing at Circa Theatre.
She told Nick Mills the show is a classic drama set in an apartment complex in Thorndon in 2021, where the small dramas between the owners mirror the larger political issues of our world.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins is publicly discussing potential taxes that could form Labour policy for the next election - is this a smart political strategy?
And its understood David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill is before Cabinet today - how long is it until the bill is introduced to Parliament?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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The Wellington City Council has dropped $550,000 to install a bike rack on a lane off The Terrace - is this responsible spending?
That was the big question for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with Rongotai MP and Green transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter, and Wellington City Councillor John Apanowicz.
Also on the agenda was the tourist levy, more business closures in Wellington, and the couple who found $230k in their ceiling.
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The All Blacks take on South Africa in the second test in Cape Town this weekend, so how will the changed side fare against the world champions? Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliot Smith joined Nick Mills live.
Back home, Wellington Olympic take on Auckland FC in the Chatham Cup this weekend - what can we expect? All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills in studio.
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Will the increased $100 visitor levy reduce our tourism numbers, and was the removal of toast for new mums at Wellington Hospital a cost-cutting exercise?
Those were the questions for the politics panel this week, with Labour's housing and local government spokesman based in the Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty, and newcomer Katie Nimon, National MP for Napier.
The pair also discussed their reactions to the death of Kingi Tuheitia, the crowning of a new Maori Queen, and the NZTA's transport investment plan.
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Entities associated with Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh have bought more than $100 million worth of property in Wellington's Lyall Bay - so what could be in the pipeline?
And days after it was revealed Wellington Hospital had stopped serving toast to new mums immediately post-birth, what's happening now?
NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter joined Nick for her regular Capital Letter slot.
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OPINION
Yesterday on her show, Heather Du Plessis Allan revealed that transport and local government minister Simeon brown has a new name.
He’s now being called 'Golden Balls' by his caucus.
It's a reference to David Beckham, a name he got for always delivering and because everything he touched turned to gold.
There’s clearly a lot of faith in Simeon Brown.
Well, yesterday he was definitely spreading gold; $33 billion worth in his transport plan for 2024 to 2027.
There’s actually not much new in this plan. For Wellington, the roads in the plan have previously been announced. This just tells us what's being funded and gives us some timeframes.
And what’s been funded for Wellington is undoubtedly good. We still get the second Mt Victoria tunnel, and we get the Petone to Grenada link road.
And there's also good news in the pothole prevention fund which gets $5.5 billion over 3 years, and there’s been a boost in funding for local council road maintenance budgets too.
But there’s two big things that stuck out to me in the plan. Have a guess what they are.
Cycleways and speed bumps.
Brown announced yesterday the government is slashing the fund that helps local councils to build cycleways and walkways.
And the cut is big; the fund has been halved from $910 million to $460 million.
It's certainly welcome news to Wellington motorists like you and I.
Brown said New Zealanders were sick and tired of seeing how much money is going into cycleways in recent years, and he’s bang on.
There's no better example than Wellington.
Not only that, but he wants an end to the constant construction of speed bumps.
They have, in his words, been "infesting our streets while potholes were not being filled".
And here comes another big cut; not a single cent from this $33 billion budget will be spent on speed bumps.
If they want them built, councils will have to pay for it themselves.
Have you driven anywhere lately without going over a speed hump or getting bumped around by potholes?
Does Thorndon Quay ring a bell?
This is a ballsy move from Simeon. A golden ballsy move.
But I know damn well that people in the Wellington region will agree with reducing the spend on cycleways, walkways and speed humps that have been plaguing our city for so long.
I feel like it's one of the biggest gripes people in Wellington have.
If only I had a dollar for every text that comes in during the show moaning about cycleways or speed bumps, I’d be retiring tomorrow.
In fairness, walkways I agree with. You should be able to walk anywhere, anytime. But how much of that budget was being spent on walkways?
The constant spend on cycleways and speed humps lately has driven me nuts.
And from now on, Wellington City Council won't be able to just call on NZTA to pay for speed humps or cycleways.
Let’s just hope the council doesn't rack up more debt for ratepayers by paying for them fully themselves.
Surely they’re not that dumb.
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Business confidence has hit a ten-year high according to ANZ's latest survey - but are businesses in Wellington feeling as confident as those in other parts of the country?
And what impact are electricity prices having on businesses, and is the market working?
Those were some of the questions for the Wellington Mornings Business Panel this week, with Kaffee Eis owner Karl Tiefenbacher and Mills Albert founding director Dave Mills.
Also on the agenda was Sir Peter Jackson's $100m buy-up of land in the city for a rumoured movie museum, and the state of New Zealand's banking sector.
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Outgoing Treasury boss Caralee McLeish has recommended New Zealand adopt a capital gains tax - and has also said we need to look at changing our superannuation settings as our population ages.
So could it return to the political agenda?
And Darleen Tana has taken her battle to remain an MP to the courts - how does this legal challenge work?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills with the latest.
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On Friday Faceoff, political commentators Bryce Edwards and Brigitte Morten discuss how councils should act after the Prime Minister's warning around spending.
They also look at the prospect of Winston Peters vying for another term in Parliament, and can males and females be platonic friends?
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In Friday Sport, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper explain to Nick Mills why they believe the All Blacks sudden coaching change has been dealt with well.
They also discuss why the Wellington Pride and Lions are wearing special pink jerseys for Sunday's home Farah Palmer Cup and NPC matches in Porirua.
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In this week's politics segment, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's Health and Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall debate Chris Luxon's sharp warning to councils over spending.
They also discuss the Commerce Commission's recommendations to make the baking industry more competitive, and how the Darleen Tana situation is playing out in Parliament.
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In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses the possible $1.1 million spend by NZTA to protect snail and lizard species from the Otaki to north of Levin motorway.
Georgina also updates Nick on the story of Wellington school student Julia Choquette, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, who's been fundraising to get to Germany for surgery.
And, it's our regular check in with how the Government and Kiwirail are getting along over the ferry saga.
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The Prime Minister has returned from a quick trip to Australia - how did it go for him, and what big event is he attending this week?
And former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern is set to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week - what can we expect?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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The number of tourists visiting the country is still roughly 17% below pre-Covid levels, so how long until it bounces back?
And how important are both corporate and public events for the Wellington economy - and is Wellington in store for any big international music acts over summer?
Those were the questions for the business panel this week, with Sky Stadium CEO Warrick Dent and Te Papa's marketing and communications director Kate Camp.
The pair also discussed the impact of last week's official cash rate cut, congestion charging and a big drop in Wellingtonians using the region's train system.
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On Friday Faceoff this week, Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and Public Service Association Assistant Secretary Fleur Fitzimons debated whether Te Papa should be charging tourists - or even New Zealanders - to enter the national museum.
They also looked at confusion around job cut proposals at Health New Zealand, the likelihood of congestion charging in Wellington, and whether 'divorce parties' will become more prominent.
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Will increased benefit sanctions work, and what on earth is going in within Health NZ?
Those were the questions for the Politics Thursday panel this week, with Labour's MP for Ohariu Greg O'Connor and National's MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick joining Nick Mills.
Also discussed was the situation at Wellington Girls College and whether congestion charging would work in Wellington.
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The government is introducing a new traffic light system for beneficiaries, laying out potential sanctions if they don't meet their obligations. So what does Labour make of it?
Labour leader and MP for Remutaki Chris Hipkins joined Nick Mills to discuss whether it will result in more people entering the workforce.
Also on the agenda was the country's energy shortage, and the ongoing situation over an earthquake prone block at Wellington Girls College.
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The details of Kiwirail's immediate reaction to the grounding of the Aratere have been revealed in correspondence released by Transport Minister Simeon Brown's office.
NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter is across the details, and joined Nick Mills to reveal just how it went down.
She also shared the story of Te Papa's gigantic specimen collection that needs to find a new home, and her thoughts on Wellington Water chief executive Tonia Haskell's resignation.
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The government is removing the nearly 30-year-long ban on genetic modification outside of labs, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced this morning.
Alongside it, a new regulator will be created to manage risks.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills with the latest, and also discussed the government's introduction of new benefit sanctions and Luxon's upcoming trip to Australia.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau believes she still has a majority of one vote in favour of selling the council's stake in Wellington Airport - but told Nick Mills she isn't sure if the next vote will succeed.
"We check it every week and people flip-flop. That's the problem."
The controversial idea passed during the council's long-term plan vote but will come back to the council for a second vote in December.
Multiple councillors now say there is a majority against the vote.
"It's going to be really difficult. Just like the [long-term plan], it takes a lot of political management," Whanau said.
"It's been a yes up until this point. We have councillors who have changed their mind, you have to ask them. If they want to be irresponsible with our finances, that's on them."
"I don't understand why you don't interrogate them as much as you interrogate me."
Whanau also spoke to Nick Mills about the state of roading changes on Thorndon Quay, the idea of a New Year's Eve party on Courtenay Place, and the state of Wellington Water.
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It was a case of the old and the new on Friday Faceoff this week, with Wellington Central Green MP Tamatha Paul, and experienced Parliamentarian and former Minister Peter Dunne on Friday Faceoff.
On the agenda was Wellington Water's performance, how unemployment is affecting young people, and whether they shop second-hand.
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The All Blacks take on Argentina at Sky Stadium in Wellington this weekend, but the game still isn't sold out. Why does there seem to be less hype than usual?
And Wellington Phoenix star goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has signed with Auckland FC - what will this mean for the Phoenix?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to discuss.
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Wellington Water's chief executive Tonia Haskell has resigned after a scathing report into the entity's processes and accountability.
So where to next for Wellington Water, and was Haskell forced out?
A frequent critic of Wellington Water, Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy joined Nick Mills to discuss the organisation's issues.
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The latest unemployment figures are out with those looking for work reaching 4.6%. How desperate is the public for an interest rate cut now?
And who's to blame for the country's energy shortage, and how do we solve it?
Those were the questions for the politics panel this week, with Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley.
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She's been on our screens for years; Gloss, Shortland Street and even the Billy T James Show, but now actress Iona Rodgers is in Wellington to recount the memories of one of her earliest productions.
Rodgers appeared in six episodes of Doctor Who, and will this week speak at a Wellington on a Plate event with meals inspired by the cult television show.
She joined Nick Mills to talk about her long and storied career.
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It's a hit show that is adored overseas, and now it's on its way to Wellington.
We Will Rock You is the story of a world without musical instruments, where the cast fights for the rebirth of rock. It features 24 Queen classics and is endorsed by Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Nick was joined by two homegrown members of the cast, Caleb Jago-Ward and Ella Monnery, who told us what we can expect.
You can catch it at the St James Theatre from August 15. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
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It's August... which means Wellington on a Plate is once again hitting the capital's bars and restaurants.
The Burger Wellington competition is also back for another year, with more than 180 Wellington venues taking part.
Event organiser Beth Brash joined Nick Mills and Max Towle in the studio with three entries; a calamari burger, a sirloin burger, and a 'jenga' dessert burger.
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The National Party held its first party conference since entering government over the weekend, where John Key also made an appearance and called to lower the temperature on discussions over race relations.
So how did the conference go, and how heated is the discussion over race relations at the moment?
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills.
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Do our MPs need to look at how they're behaving, and would we reduce alcohol harm if we raised the drinking age?
Those were the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with broadcaster Paddy Gower and lawyer and former MP Chris Finlayson.
Also on the agenda was our Olympic success, and the controversial Pablo Esco-burger - is it offensive?
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New Zealand's Olympic medal count now sits at five after a wildly successful night for our rowers, including a standout performance from Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors in the women's double sculls.
Also, the Central Pulse are off to the ANZ Premiership final - can they take the title?
Wellington's All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB news and sports reader Max Towle joined Nick Mills.
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Wellington restaurant Ernesto's has been booted out of Wellington on a Plate's burger competition after entering a burger that took inspiration from the infamous cocaine trafficker Pablo Escobar.
The 'Pablo Escoburger' was banned from the competition, which Ernesto's won last year, after complaints from the Colombian Embassy of Australia which said it made light of a man who caused the deaths of thousands of people.
The burger, now sold independently of the competition under the new name 'Censored burger', features a row of white powder made from garlic sprinkled on top and a fake rolled-up $100 bill stuck into the bun.
Ernesto's owner Steve Drummond told Nick Mills he was shocked by the response.
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Emergency department and hospital staff are concerned as police prepare to make sweeping changes to how they respond to mental health calls.
Many of those changes have already been made in Wellington, with police attending mental distress events and assisting clinical staff less frequently, to keep up with demand.
It comes as Police Minister Mark Mitchell says police need to focus on their core role, and are having their time wasted at insignificant family harm callouts.
Mitchell joined Nick Mills to talk through the concerns.
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How is Wellington's economy holding up in the face of job cuts and a recession, and what will the Golden Mile redevelopment mean for both CBD and suburban businesses?
Those were some of the questions for this week's business panel, consisting of Tomboy Bakery owner Kate Bresolin and florist Yvette Edwards.
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The Greens have seen resignations from party members after accusations of mistreating Darleen Tana. Still, the now-independent MP's days might be numbered as the party considers invoking the waka-jumping law.
Meanwhile, the cost of the Defence Force 757 breaking down on the Prime Minister's trip to Japan last month has been revealed.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills with the latest in political news.
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The Olympics are underway, with 195 athletes representing New Zealand in Paris - but how many medals are we likely to bring home?
And the Central Pulse have qualified for the ANZ Premiership final - what are their chances?
Newstalk ZB and GOLD Sport's Olympic commentators Jason Pine and Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills.
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They were the King and Queen of the airwaves and the longest-running duo in New Zealand radio history.
Now Polly Gillespie and Grant Kereama have reunited on Wellington Mornings, sharing laughs and even shedding a few tears on this week's Friday Faceoff.
The pair joined Nick Mills to talk the state of Wellington, Ardie Savea's move to Moana Pasifika, and their relationship with the late Jonah Lomu.
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OPINION
Yesterday was a black day in New Zealand history.
If you were anything like me, you sat there and watched and read the most horrific stories of abuse in state and faith-based care, struggling to believe this abuse happened in New Zealand.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care is a volume of horror.
The report describes the abuse as a national disgrace that will remain a stain on our national character forever.
It found fault with successive government ministers and departments as well as police, schools, and a range of religious organisations.
The highest rates of sexual abuse were reported at Dilworth School, Marylands School in Christchurch and across the Catholic Church. There were reports of abuse against a massive 14% of all clergypeople over the period the report covered.
But it was so much more widespread than that. The report estimated of the 655,000 New Zealanders in care between 1950 and 2019, 30 per cent or 200,000 were abused and many more neglected.
The true number of survivors could be much higher.
The memories are horrific.
In some cases, carers went to extremes to inflict as much pain as possible. Electric shocks, violence and sexual harm was common.
Then there’s the harm from vulnerable children simply being ignored, seen as less than others and shown no love.
In one example, staff at the Kimberley Centre in Levin, which ran for 61 years, took payment to allow outsiders to come in and rape young people in the centre's care.
Then there are the youth boot camps, where a gun was brandished in front of young boys who were then raped. Eighty per cent were Māori.
There are too many stories to even scrape the surface. All of them are horrific. All of them make you feel sick.
All of them should explain why people who grew up in care went on to commit crime, join gangs, use drugs and display violence more than those who weren't exposed to such harm.
Then there’s the abusers.
The abusers were respected community members. They were unskilled workers and caregivers. They were educated professionals like teachers and medical staff including psychologists and psychiatrists. They were religious leaders. They were men and they were women. They were young and they were old.
They were horrific people who committed horrific crimes, and most of them were never held to account.
One survivor said they felt dirty, they felt incredibly vulnerable, and they thought if they spoke out they would be killed by their abusers.
This is the power the abusers had.
There were 138 recommendations from the report, including calling for apologies from the government, the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday was a dark and sorrowful day in NZ's history.
He said he couldn't take away the pain but, but told survivors he believed them.
The Minister responsible for the report Erica Stanford said the abuse destroyed lives.
She mentioned the stories of the unwed mothers who were deliberately underfed because the staff wanted to have easy births and small babies.
The mothers were then drugged up and had their children taken. They never got to hold them.
She says it will take time to work through the report’s recommendations and options for redress. And that’s where our minds turn today. What are the next steps?
A formal apology in November aims to provide more clarity on the next steps, but the focus now has to be on two things.
One; redress for everything that happened. And two; a proper plan to ensure something like this never happens again.
The most horrific part of the story to me is that so many people in positions of power knew this was going on. Yet no one spoke up.
No one cared enough to help people who were suffering. The abuse continued for decades.
Name them shame them now.
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The Royal Commission into abuse in care has revealed horrifying stories of abuse, but what's the next move from the government, and what will redress look like?
And how much blame can be laid at the feet of the last government for Health NZ's money troubles?
Those were the questions for our politics panel this week, with Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care was one of the hardest things he grappled with as a minister in the last government, and says the report will make for sobering reading.
Hipkins joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about what the report will reveal, as well as other political issues of the week including the sacking of what remained of the Health NZ board and whether Green MP Darleen Tana should stay or go.
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The Wellington City Council is spending close to $600 million upgrading its social housing stock, but what historic deal sparked the move?
And experts have said the Interislander ferries can last another five years - but can they?
NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills to talk through her stories of the week.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has returned from a week off in Hawaii as Parliament resumes after a three-week recess - the same day US President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the US presidential race.
Joining Nick to preview the week in Parliament, and with his reaction to the Biden news was Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls.
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Joe Biden has officially dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, after a disastrous 25 days which has seen him facing intense pressure after a poor debate showing against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Biden officially announced he was dropping out of the race via a tweet shortly before 6am this morning.
He followed the announcement with another tweet endorsing his Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.
US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Nick Mills to talk through what this means for the election, and whether Harris is likely to be challenged by another candidate.
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Will Joe Biden step down, and when will it happen, and are Air NZ charging us too much for airfares?
Those were some of the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with Iron Duke Partners director Phil O'Reilly and Wellington hospitality identity Mike Egan.
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There are a number of debutants in the All Blacks squad to play Fiji in San Diego on Saturday, and the Wellington Saints take on the Franklin Bulls in Wellington tonight.
To talk through the weekend's sport, Nick was joined by Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper.
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OPINION
Well, Louise Upston did warn us.
The Social Development minister told us she was going to get tough on beneficiaries who were not complying with the requirements set out for them.
There were going to be sanctions; and a lot of them. And now we're seeing it happen.
It's a new approach from the government, an approach some might call heavy-handed.
I call it completely reasonable.
The first thing you need to know is the number of people on the benefit has risen. The latest data from the Ministry of Social Development shows at the end of June 380,000 people were receiving a main benefit of some kind.
That's up 8.3 per cent, or roughly 29,000 people compared to June 2023.
Of those, 114,000 were receiving job seeker support and are work ready. That was up 14.8 per cent year on year.
But the sanctions are the biggest part of this story, and the numbers don’t lie.
There were roughly 10,400 sanctions issued in the June quarter, up 3600 or 53% compared to June last year.
And the main reason for the sanctions was that these beneficaries didn't attend appointments, including seminars.
There were also about 1800 of what are called graduated sanctions - that's a sanction that involves things like cutting a portion of a person's benefit. Those sanctions have increased a whopping 81.5% from a year earlier.
It really shows you how little the last government was sanctioning people on the benefit for not complying with the simple thing we ask of them; try and find work.
Obviously the Green Party are up in arms about this, saying Louise Upston is more interested in punishing the poor than actually supporting people into meaningful work.
Rubbish.
I understand that with the state of the economy, the number of people on a benefit will rise, and I firmly believe people in that position should be treated with dignity and respect, and have enough to live on. It's also important to note that it's a small minority of beneficiaries facing these sanctions.
But there should also be responsibilities. Every person on the benefit should be trying as hard as possible to find work, and if they aren’t making an effort, then it's completely reasonable to crack down on them with sanctions.
In some cases, this will instil discipline in people who haven't worked for a while or simply don't want to work.
I would have thought that was a great way to push people into work and get them to understand that in the real world if you've got an appointment you've got to be there.
If you've got a commitment, you've got to commit to it.
And if you are on a benefit, it’s a hand to help you to do the right things. To show and prove that you are better than picking up a benefit every week. That you have potential.
And if you don't want to commit to doing the right things to make something of yourself, then it's going to cost you.
This is life in the real world.
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Inflation has hit 3.3%, inching ever so closer to the Reserve Bank's one to three per cent target range, so how soon will we see interest rate cuts?
And what will the impact be of David Seymour's direction to Pharmac that they stop considering the treaty in decision making?
Those were the questions for the Wellington Mornings politics panel this week, with Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
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A new poll has revealed New Zealander's thoughts on selling the Interislander, and a Wellington school is facing further allegations of bullying.
To talk through the stories, NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for her regular Capital Letter slot.
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It's been revealed the ownership of Wellington's derelict Amora Hotel, sitting on prime CBD land, has changed hands.
The owners of the building are now listed as Precinct Properties - the developers behind Auckland's Commercial Bay and Wellington's Willis Lane.
Wellington City Councillor John Apanowicz joined Nick Mills to talk through his hopes for the central city.
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How lively is Wellington's CBD right now, and what impact have new dedicated beat police officers had on crime and safety in the city?
Those were the questions for this week's business panel with Swimsuit Cafe owner Tait Burge and Shoe Clinic Wellington owner Hamish French.
The pair joined Nick Mills, where they also discussed parking and roadworks in the city and the future of the Golden Mile project.
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Fresh from following Christopher Luxon around the United States, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the trip went well for the Prime Minister.
Also, how have New Zealand's leaders reacted to the news of an assassination attempt against former US President Donald Trump, and has there been any success with Kainga Ora's crackdown on unruly tenants?
Jason joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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US President Joe Biden will be gone as Democratic nominee by the end of next week, Childfund CEO Josie Pagani and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett are picking.
The pair joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff this week, where they talked about Biden's future after another day of gaffes, what the Greens should do about Darleen Tana, and the future of the Interislander.
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It's round two of the All Blacks v England this weekend at Eden Park - a ground the All Blacks haven't lost on in more than 30 years.
How will the team go, and what should we expect during the Euro's final between England and Spain on Monday morning?
Those were the questions for our Friday Sport panel with Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Newstalk ZB newsreader and football fanatic Max Towle.
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The Aratere is on its way back to Wellington, but how was it that NZ First revealed the suspected cause of the grounding?
Also, is Labour actually looking at introducing an inheritance tax policy, and should Darleen Tana resign from Parliament?
Those were the questions for our politics panel, consisting of Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall.
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There will be no excuses for timed-out kicks at goal at Eden Park on Saturday, after rugby bosses decided a 'shot-clock' counting down how long a player has for a shot at goal will be displayed on the big screen.
It comes after All Blacks first-five Damian McKenzie was deemed by referee to have taken longer than the time limit when lining up a penalty kick in the first test against England in Dunedin.
Legendary rugby broadcaster Grant Nisbett joined Nick Mills to talk about the shot-clock, and whether it could work to speed the game up.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau needs a win after months of controversy, NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell says.
After pushing for the council's sale of its stake in Wellington Airport and the failed Reading Cinema deal, Whanau desperately needs something positive to point to, Campbell told Nick Mills.
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It was an idea dreamed up by a Wellington primary school's parent-teacher association; what if we buy the best tickets at London's Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's upcoming tour and raffle them off?
Well the school has done exactly that - paying for the tickets from the proceeds of cake stalls - and now the raffle looks likely to net them $100,000 to go towards an upgraded school hall.
Clyde Quay School PTA chair Phernne Tancock was on the team that dreamed up the idea for the $25-a-ticket raffle, and joined Nick Mills.
Tickets can be purchased here.
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Darleen Tana has officially resigned from the Green Party, but will she stay on as an MP?
That's the question across the halls of power today, and there's some discussion the Greens may utilise the waka jumping legislation so Tana is removed from Parliament.
NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joined Nick Mills to talk through what happens next.
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OPINION
How many car parks have we lost in Wellington in the last year?
Too many to count.
There's a story out today about Wellington City Council giving the use of 50 car parks exclusively to one company in Wellington. The deal has been in place since 2010, but it was only made public today.
There are signs on these 50 carparks in Miramar. The signs say private parking... authorised by Wellington City Council.
The signs warn that unauthorised vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
I'm not talking about somebody's private car park. I'm talking about the usual public car parks out the front of a business.
Whose business you wonder?
A business owned by Wellington's most famous person Sir Peter Jackson; Stone St Studios.
They get 50 public car parks and they essentially get to treat them as their own piece of land.
There was no public consultation about the agreement, and now people are upset because they can’t use the parks.
Now if you're paying hundreds of dollars a year in encroachment fees for a single car park, I get it.
But the council did a deal with Stanley Properties, directed by Sir Peter and Dame Fran Walsh, and for the 50 parks they pay just $1.00 a year.
How lucky that our current council weren't in power when this deal was done. There'd be a cycle lane with no car parks to rent.
Compare that to one Mount Cook resident who was paying $919 a year for a 60 square metre section of council land between a footpath in his front door. The council just put the price up and it'll now cost him $1350 this year.
He pays over a grand. Peter Jackson pays $1.
There's no question I am the biggest Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh fan.
They have totally transformed Wellington as a city over the past 25 years.
And in actual fact, I fully support them having access to 50 car parks out the front of their business for what they do for the city.
But I want to see other businesses treated the same way.
Why don't I get two car parks out the front of my business, which might I add I am paying exorbitant rates for?
Why doesn't Aro Bake get a couple of car parks out the front of their business? No, those were taken away for a Maori-inspired bike rack.
Why are we not all treated equally?
This is preferential treatment for Jackson, and it's not fair.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says the so-called collapse of her council majority is just "political theatre".
Whanau is fresh from passing the council's long-term-plan, controversial with many councillors due to her support for selling the council's 34 per cent stake in Wellington Airport.
Councillors Ben McNulty, Nureddin Abdurahman and Green councillor Nīkau Wi Neera all alleged Whanau abandoned her progressive agenda.
"I still have a good relationship with these guys, to be honest," Whanau told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
"They say [they don't trust me], but this is all political theatre, it gets the headlines, it's all good."
Whanau joined Nick Mills to talk about the long-term-plan, as well as her ADHD diagnosis, discussions for a Wellington super city, and the recent Wellington residents survey.
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Belinda Cordwell was the last New Zealand woman to reach the quarter-finals at a tennis Grand Slam, but this morning her feat was matched by New Zealander Lulu Sun.
Sun beat hometown-favourite Emily Radacanu at Wimbledon.
Cordwell, who lives in the Wairarapa, joined Nick Mills to discuss what was going through her head immediately after the win, and her advice for Sun.
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As UK election results slowly began rolling in, who better than political commentators Dr Bryce Edwards and Brigitte Morten to discuss what it means.
The pair joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff, and also discussed the proposal for a Wellington super-city, criticism of David Seymour responding to teenagers on social media eight years ago, and the closure of Newshub.
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It's Scott Robertson's first test as All Blacks coach tomorrow night, and all eyes are on Dunedin to see how his new team performs.
Live from Dunedin, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills to preview the match, alongside Wellington's All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper.
Also discussed was the Tall Blacks' loss to Slovenia overnight, killing the team's hopes of an Olympic appearance.
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What are the aims of the government's latest moves to loosen restrictions on building more houses, and what impact will more testing have on our students?
Those were the questions posed to the political panel this week, consisting of Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley.
Also on the agenda was the government's latest moves to support the media sector, and whether the MPs were ever fans of Shortland St.
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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has named his first side of the season with one big surprise.
Blues fullback Stephen Perofeta has the nod over veteran Beauden Barrett at fullback in Robertson's first match as coach against England in Dunedin on Saturday.
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills with his immediate reaction just minutes after the announcement.
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Kiwirail says the grounded Interislander ferry Aratere should be back up and running soon, and the organisation has also confirmed multiple board members have left the organisation.
To run through the latest news, NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills.
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How well is the Wellington City Council engaging with businesses, and has Wellington lost its way from where it was fifteen years ago?
Those were the questions for the business panel today, consisting of Village Goldsmith owner Ian Douglas. Joining him was perhaps one of Wellington's best known businesspeople; art collector and former Wellingtonian of the Year Chris Parkin.
The pair joined Nick Mills to talk through how businesses in Wellington are coping through a recession, and impending Golden Mile works in the CBD.
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A new poll has revealed New Zealander's thoughts on whether the government should replace the Defence Force's struggling 757s, and July 1 marks the start of a raft of new changes brought in by the government.
Joining Nick to talk through that, as well as what we can expect in the government's new quarterly action plan to be released this week, was Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls.
Nick also asked Jason about the debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump over the weekend, and where this leaves the Biden campaign.
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It has been revealed the Mayors of Porirua, Wellington, Upper Hutt and Hutt City met in May to talk through the idea of a Wellington super city, which would see the four councils merged into one.
Three mayors seem to be on board with the discussion, but Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says while an eventual amalgamation "probably makes sense", residents weren't asking for the change.
Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry is open to the idea, and joined Nick Mills to talk through the possible benefits.
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Its been a tough week for Kiwirail.
The Aratere ran aground on Friday night, and it was also revealed the same ship lost power last year due to faulty tape that was holding wiring in place.
To top it off, Kiwirail’s chair resigned last week, alongside revelations that the Finance Minister hauled Kiwirail bosses over the coals after discovering exorbitant consultant spending.
Act leader David Seymour and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Adam Cooper to run through the Interislander's troubles, as well as the other political issues of the week.
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Fresh from his trip to Japan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday announced a new 'young serious offender' category, as well as more beat police in cities across New Zealand.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Adam Cooper to talk through the announcements, as well as what we can expect in Parliament this week.
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Would you pay a toll to use the Mt Victoria tunnel, are Wellington City Council staff exercising too much power, and should we urgently replace the Defence Force VIP planes?
Those were the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong.
Also on the agenda was the best concert the pair had ever been to, remembering the 60th anniversary of The Beatles arriving in Wellington today.
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It was a disappointing loss for the Hurricanes last weekend, killing the team's hope for an appearance in the Super Rugby final, but all eyes are now on the successful finalist Blues and Chiefs sides, squaring off at Eden Park this weekend.
Joining Nick to preview the match was All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine.
The pair also talked the Breakers return to Wellington, and Kane Williamson's decision not to take a New Zealand Cricket contract.
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Three left-wing councillors typically viewed as part of Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's council majority have said she can no longer rely on their unconditional support; an apparently crumbling of her support.
But NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell thinks this could be the making of Whanau as a mayor, now that she has to reach across political alliances to other councillors to pass her initiatives.
She joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk through the issue and a rise in Covid cases in the Wellington region.
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How is the economy holding up, what on earth is happening on Thorndon Quay, and how do councils properly engage with local businesses?
Those were the questions for the Business Panel this week, consisting of Porirua mayor Anita Baker and The Woolstore executive director Paul Robinson.
The pair joined Nick Mills to discuss all things business in Wellington.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had to urgently change his travel plans while bound for Japan after the Defence Force's Boeing 757 ran into yet more mechanical troubles.
It left the business delegation and media travelling with the Prime Minister stranded in Papua New Guinea, including Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls.
He joined Nick Mills from Port Moresby airport to talk through the events of the last 24 hours.
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Are MPs entitlements fit for purpose, and at what point in a council term is it too early to announce you're running for the next one?
Those were the questions for our Friday Faceoff panel this week, consisting of Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young.
Also on the agenda was an apparent split in Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's majority, how easy it would be to escape for two years, and the big match for the Hurricanes this weekend.
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Eighty minutes on Saturday afternoon will seal the Hurricanes' fate this Super Rugby season, as they take on the Chiefs at Sky Stadium in their semi-final match.
The team is looking for its second title, after first taking out the championship in 2016.
Wellington All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills to run through the game, and the rest of the weekend's sport.
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Are the accommodation entitlements for MP fit for purpose, and what will more oil and gas exploration mean for New Zealand?
Those were the questions for our politics panel this week, with Act party leader David Seymour and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen.
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It's been years since Jon Stevens performed in Wellington, but he's returning early next year to perform at Hutt Sounds, part of the Sounds Series concerts.
Born and bred in Upper Hutt, Jon had a career in Noiseworks and later as part of INXS, as well as a storied solo career.
He joined Nick Mills to talk about what he's up to, and his excitement for the Upper Hutt gig.
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The Hurricanes are hoping for 25,000 fans to attend the team's Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Chiefs this weekend at Sky Stadium, as the team continues its march to win the Super Rugby title for only the second time in the club's history.
Cory Jane, who made 123 appearances for the Hurricanes and currently serves as assistant coach, says the team are looking forward to the afternoon game.
He joined Nick Mills to look ahead to Saturday.
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David Seymour has held a rally of party faithful, and Christopher Luxon has returned from his trip around the Pacific.
Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Sophie Trigger joined Nick Mills to talk about the last week in politics, and what we can expect this week.
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National MP Tim Costley says his CBD apartment makes him a more effective MP.
The first-term MP for Otaki is facing criticism for taking a $36,400 Parliamentary allowance to live in the Wellington apartment, which he owns himself.
Costley lives just 58km from the Beehive in Waikanae, a roughly 40-minute drive from Parliament.
He is also under fire for spending around $15,000 on travel in just three months according to expense returns, but says this is explained by travel he has booked in advance and expenses that weren't processed last year.
He joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to explain his decision.
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OPINION
Here's a story you're not going to enjoy if you're one of the government employees who has just been made redundant.
It surrounds Otaki MP Tim Costley.
He’s a known name in Kapiti, and owns a $1.4 million riverside home in Waikanae, two rental properties in Palmerston North and a flat in Wellington.
It's the latter of those properties that's causing Tim a bit of a headache.
It turns out Tim is claiming $36,400 a year from a Parliamentary housing allowance to rent his own apartment back to himself, despite his family home being just 58km away from the Beehive.
He lives in Waikanae, but even with Transmission Gully, a 40-minute drive is too much of a commute for him.
Yes, it's entirely within the rules, but the rules are dumb.
It's not a long drive, even after a very late night in Parliament (which doesn't happen that often). I'm sure he could suck it up. Parliament sits 90 days a year.
He’s clearly learned from his leader. Remember Christopher Luxon claimed $52,000 for his mortgage-free apartment in the city, even though as Prime Minister he was entitled to live at Premier House on Tinakori Rd?
He chose not to live there because it wasn't quite up to his standards, but later U-turned on pocketing the allowance.
But Costly Costley, well he's a first-term MP.
He said like many MPs he owns an apartment in Wellington and taking the allowance is within the rules set by the speaker.
Costly Costley said it works out about the same as it does for MPs who stay at hotels. He believes the safest and most sustainable way for him to function as an MP is to stay in Wellington when the house is sitting.
He says junior MPs like him are required to stay on the precinct until at least 10pm and are often there later when the house is in urgency, which is very rare I should add.
He’s required to be back at Parliament for early meetings at 7:30 and 8:30am, he says.
Come on Costley. How many people living in Waikanae have to commute every day?
I agree that would be tough for those very few times that you're driving home at midnight, but surely you don't need a place at a cost of $36,400 a year?
What happened to MPs flatting with each other?
MPs are entitled to claim $36,400 if their main residence is outside the Wellington commuting area, but the rules don't specify a minimum distance.
I say Waikanae is definitely within the minimum distance.
The Inland Revenue defines a reasonable commuting distance as between 50 and 80 kilometres for each leg of a journey, or between 100 and 160 kilometres taking both legs into account.
That's a lot of travel, but its well above what Costley has to travel. The reality is he could very easily commute.
And here’s another kicker just to get you more frustrated, Costly Costley has also claimed nearly $15,000 in travel costs in just the last three months.
This is a man who lives just up the road and is not a Minister. He should be spending $1000 a month, if that. Where is he going?
Maybe this government needs to look at its own MPs when it comes to cost cutting.
Don't get me started on that. I've always felt we have too many MPs. Tim Costly Costley wouldn't be costing us quite so much if he wasn't there.
He's a backbencher without any portfolios.
Perhaps he should start behaving like one.
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It's been a big week in Wellington; Mayor Tory Whanau revealed she has been diagnosed with ADHD and a big petition against the Golden Mile project was presented to the council.
Joining Nick on Friday Faceoff this week was former broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty.
Also on the agenda was the mammoth $50 million up for grabs in Lotto on Saturday, whether we need to crack down on booze sales, and the importance of men's health.
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The Hurricanes take on the Melbourne Rebels in Wellington tomorrow night, and a star of the Wellington Phoenix is leaving.
Wellington All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB Christchurch sports editor Nick Bewley joined Nick Mills to talk through the sports stories of the week.
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OPINION
On Wednesday afternoon Newstalk ZB reporter Ethan Manera sat down with Wellington mayor Tory Whanau.
She revealed to him that she's been diagnosed with ADHD and significant traits of autism.
Ethan got the story after finding the Mayor had changed her bio on her Tiktok account, calling herself the “neurospicy Mayor of Wellington”.
Neurospicy is Gen Z talk, meaning neurodivergent.
So this reporter asked what the deal was, and the Mayor revealed her diagnosis. Whanau said she was diagnosed in April after working with a therapist.
But she says it hasn't hindered her ability to do her job; she says it's impacted her job in a positive way.
After going sober Whanau said traits of autism started appearing a lot more, and ADHD symptoms like hyperfocus were more prevalent in her work.
The reality is that there would be several high-powered business leaders and political leaders who have ADHD. It's not an uncommon disorder.
Tory's diagnosis is certainly not the end of the world.
But here’s what I find most interesting.
Whanau said since receiving the diagnosis she has made changes which include “front-loading” her days to put more challenging tasks at the beginning of the day when she has more energy.
She’s arranged more time for rest as she gets exhausted quickly.
Also interesting is that her meetings are now kept to 30 minutes. People need to get to the point straight away to ensure that she gets lots of rest.
That's probably a positive. There's something to say about all meetings being no longer than 30 minutes.
Whanau said attending events in a mayoral capacity is also challenging with the "autism side of things".
Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of things to criticise Whanau about. But this isn't one of them.
Personally, I have no issue with a mayor having ADHD or traits of autism.
And frankly, good on Tory Whanau for coming out and being open about the challenges she is facing.
I’ve always said I like her as a person, not necessarily her politics, but this is open and honest and should be praised.
And I believe that I would have ADHD if tested.
But then again, I'm not the Mayor of Wellington and don't face the stresses that go with that particular position.
And I've worked with some very talented people that have been diagnosed with ADHD and have been on the spectrum.
They're normally extremely focused on the task at hand and good at getting things done.
My difficulty with this particular scenario at Wellington City Council is that I feel that Tory now needs a very strong and capable deputy mayor.
If I was advising Tory Whanau right now I would be looking for someone to assist her as a deputy who is more appealing to the public than Laure Foon.
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As the budget dust settles and the public's attention is drawn to serious allegations against Te Pāti Māori, Acting Prime Minister David Seymour and Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Anderson joined Nick to talk through the political issues of the week.
On the agenda were the allegations against Te Pāti Māori, reaction to the budget, and whether or not we need to tighten our alcohol laws in New Zealand.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins has called the allegations surrounding Te Pāti Māori “very serious” and says any improper conduct needs to be investigated.
The party has “unequivocally refuted” claims it misused data from Census records to help its election campaign, or deceptively obtained personal information from the Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for campaigning purposes.
Hipkins joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills where he was asked about the allegations, and his reaction to the budget.
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How's business going in the Hutt, and how is the second-hand car market holding up in the face of a recession?
Those were some of the questions for the business panel this week, consisting of Mexted Motors' dealer principal Mark Munkittrick and Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patrick McKibbin.
The pair joined Adam Cooper to talk through their businesses, as well as the budget, Wellington's population and asset sales.
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It was an eventful Sunday night in Levin over the weekend, with hundreds of young people taking to the streets to watch illegal burnouts on the main drag.
Police responded, arresting two people and impounding six cars - but two officers were injured in the process.
Otaki MP Tim Costley, whose electorate also covers Levin, joined Adam Cooper to talk about the offending.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis has broadly delivered what she promised on the election campaign trail, with millions of New Zealanders in line for a tax cut - some small, some a bit bigger.
To talk through this week's budget, as well as other Wellington issues, Nick was joined by former United Future leader and former revenue minister Peter Dunne and Infometrics chief executive and economist Brad Olsen.
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New Zealand Rugby had its long-awaited governance vote this week, and this weekend sees two top-of-the-table Super Rugby clashes.
Newstalk ZB's Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Wellington's All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to talk all things sport.
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Former US President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump has been found guilty of 34 charges at the conclusion of his hush money trial in New York.
Jurors convicted Trump on all 34 counts after deliberating for 9.5 hours.
Judge Juan Merchan has set the former president’s sentencing for July 11, just days before Republicans are set to select him as 2024 nominee.
Trump, talking to media after the decision, called the guilty verdicts “a disgrace”.
Newstalk ZB's US correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills just minutes after the verdicts were read, to talk through what this means for Trump and the upcoming presidential election.
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Just three hours before the coalition government's first budget was unveiled, two politicians came in to debate what might be in it, and the other political issues of the week.
Nick was joined by a Wellington Mornings newbie, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen.
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OPINION
Now if you’re anything like me, you hate filling out the census.
There's something about filling it out that makes you think you're giving away too much information.
Soon you've got people knocking on your door making sure you fill it out. It's a giant pain in the backside.
But I understand that the census is an important piece of data for the government to use to determine where the money goes.
Well the results of the 2023 census came out yesterday and there was one pretty shocking result for Wellington.
Try and think of something Wellington and the Chatham Islands have in common.
Very little, you would have thought.
Well, it was revealed yesterday that the only two places in the country where the population didn’t grow by a single person were Wellington City and the Chatham Islands.
Not a single extra person since the census in 2018. Can you believe that?
In actual fact, Wellington’s population dropped by 48 people. We’re smaller than we were in 2018.
And if you think of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that have arrived in New Zealand since 2018, it seems crazy that this city hasn’t grown at all.
And we all know why. Wellington is nothing like it used to be.
Right now I actually think I’d prefer to live on the Chatham islands.
I jest...
Regionally Wellington's growth is lagging behind the rest of the country.
While Wellington City didn’t grow at all, the Wellington region had almost the slowest population growth rate in the country at 2.8% between 2018 and 2023.
It was second only to the Southland region which grew by 2.7%.
The population of Wellington region was almost exactly 521,000 as recorded on census night last year.
The number of dwellings counted in the 2023 census is up 6.4% to 216,000.
Why oh why does no one new want to live in Wellington?
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said people still want to live in Wellington, but housing affordability is pushing people further out of the region…
Really Tory?
I actually think that people have had enough of Wellington and think there are better options elsewhere in New Zealand.
Wellington is in a hole right now.
Tory also said it's important to remember that people move in and out of cities all the time.
She said she knew anecdotally that people had opted to buy homes out of the city because it's more affordable.
Yes I agree Tory, but the reason that people are moving is the high rates, high insurance and high cost of living in the capital city right now.
A few interesting other facts; Porirua is the fastest growing city in the region with 5.1 % population growth.
Kapiti Coast grew by 4.2%, Upper Hutt by 4% and Lower Hutt by 2.9%.
And here's the star of the show, only a small trip over the hill.
The Wairarapa is growing significantly faster than this side of the hill with an increase of 9.9 percent in South Wairarapa and Carterton, and 8.3% in Masterton.
I get the feeling Wairarapa is the new Kapiti.
And Wellington...
Well.
We have issues.
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New Zealand Rugby’s provincial unions have convincingly voted through their polarising governance proposal to spark a civil war showdown with the game’s professional players.
Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine has been at NZR HQ all morning, and joined Nick Mills to talk through the result of the two important votes.
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Ferry operator Bluebridge has been warned by the Commerce Commission after over compensation for cancelled ferry sailings.
NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell is across the issue and joined Nick Mills for her weekly slot.
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The New Zealand music community woke up to tragic news on Tuesday morning.
Legendary Wellington trombonist Rodger Fox has died, aged 71.
Music guru James Irwin, who knew Fox well, joined Nick Mills to talk through his legacy, including his time in Quincy Conserve and forming the Rodger Fox Big Band.
In March last year, the legendary artist joined Nick for an extended interview, which you can find here.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says a council vote to sell the council's entire 34% stake in Wellington Airport is unlikely to pass.
"It doesn't look like we'd have the support for that," she told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills on Monday.
The other option being considered by the council is a partial sale of the council's stake.
"It's something I'm looking at proactively."
"Of course I am [concerned by it], no one wants to sell the airport, no one wants to do that, but we have to address a very real problem of insurance, or lack of insurance we have."
Also, it's halfway through Whanau's term as Mayor, so how does she rate her performance so far?
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The government is set to unveil its first budget on Thursday, and all eyes are on Finance Minister Nicola Willis and her promised tax cuts.
What else could be in the budget, and will there be any other surprises? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills about what we can expect.
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Our dreams for the Phoenix didn't quite come true... but we got close. What next for the team? And will Rob Penney stay on as coach of the Crusaders?
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to talk all things sport.
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Its Friday again, and time for two Wellingtonians to debate the issues of the week.
On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert and political commentator Dr Bryce Edwards.
On the agenda was Te Pati Maori's comments about Karen Chhour, private parking companies, and whether or not we should charge tourists visiting our national parks.
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It was a faceoff between Act leader David Seymour and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall on Politics Thursday this week.
On the agenda was comments from Te Pati Maori about Childrens Minister Karen Chhour, the government ditching first home grants, and whether or not Adrian Orr should remain in his job.
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Khandallah Pool is still facing the chop, and New Zealand has a midwife shortage... and Wellington has it particularly bad.
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for her regular slot.
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How is the exodus of a record number of Kiwi citizens affecting businesses, and is 24/7 parking for Wellington CBD a good idea?
Those were the questions for the Business Panel this week, made up of Capital's Aimie Hines and Brezelmania bakery director Tony Parun.
The pair joined Nick Mills to talk all things business in Wellington.
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Julie Anne Genter is set to return to Parliament this week, as the house meets after a recess week.
Her return comes after yesterday's State of the Planet speech from Green co-leaders Chloe Swarbrick and Julie Anne Genter.
Also on the horizon is the government's first budget at the end of the month. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills to talk through what we can expect this week in politics.
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Wellington is buzzing ahead of the biggest game ever for the Wellington Phoenix tomorrow night, so who better than former All White David Chote to run us through what it means for the team.
Joining him for Friday Faceoff this week was Capital director Neale Jones, not a football fan, but excited nonetheless.
Also on the agenda was charter schools, gangs, Tory Whanau's meeting attendence and migration.
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It's the biggest game for the Wellington Phoenix in its 17-year history tomorrow night, as they take on Melbourne Victory in the first A-League semi-final.
Sky Stadium has completely sold out for the event, making it the biggest home crowd for a Phoenix game ever.
Manager Giancarlo Italiano sat down with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about the team's successful season, and the semi-final hurdle in front of them.
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Today marks a year since Wellingtonians woke up to the news that a hostel in Newtown had caught fire.
Five people were killed and another twenty injured. The people who didn't perish in the fire lost their home, their belongings and in some cases, their friends.
Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge joined Nick Mills to remember the tragedy, and Nick played clips from the show of the morning of the disaster.
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Will the new gang taskforce work, and what's the benefit of charter schools?
That was the debate on Politics Thursday this week, as Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen joined Nick Mills.
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The Aotearoa Music Awards will be announced at the end of the month of May, which doubles as New Zealand Music Month.
Wellington Mornings music guru James Irwin, fresh from a trip to buy a bunch of new CDs, joined Nick Mills to talk about some interesting AMA finalists, and his favourite Kiwi songs.
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OPINION
Anyone who knows me knows how important I think Victoria and Massey Universities are for our city.
Wellington lights up when the students arrive at the beginning of the year, and the city dies down when they leave.
Well today through to Thursday is graduation week for a lot of students from Victoria University.
This is the highlight for not only the students graduating, but a highlight for family and whanau celebrating a lot of hard work.
So when I first heard that a student group was planning to co-opt this week's graduation events with a pro-Palestine demonstration I said to myself no way.
Now this is nothing to do with what they are protesting against; we can put that to the side.
It's more the fact that some things in life have to be free of any form of political protest.
Some things are special, some things are too important, some things are just completely inappropriate for a protest.
To me, graduation parades should be left alone. Students should be left to be themselves; to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of their great work.
Student Justice for Palestine Poneke organiser Hana Pilkington-Ching says students should use the celebrations to raise awareness of the war in Gaza by bringing Palestine flags or signs to the ceremonies.
She says New Zealand students need to recognise that education is under attack in Palestine and there are no universities left in Gaza.
Some would argue it is absolutely something to protest.
I would say a graduation parade is the wrong place, and the wrong time. Some things should be left alone and one of them is graduation.
You don't ask people to turn up to your nan’s funeral wearing a ‘Bring Back Buck’ t-shirt.
You don’t go to a wedding holding a nuclear-free New Zealand banner.
No. These things are special.
Some things should be left alone and I strongly believe there should be no political aspect to a graduation.
There should be no pressure on these students to feel obligated to be involved.
This is their day and their family's day. The thought of people trying to hijack this event angers me.
It’s wrong.
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Winston is off overseas yet again, this week on a trip to multiple Melanesian states. And a new poll was released last week, what do the numbers show?
Newstalk ZB political editor joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for an update from the Beehive.
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It was a chilly morning this morning... made worse by Transpower's request that Kiwis turned down their heaters to reduce their power use.
Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Iron Duke Partners director Phil O'Reilly joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to dissect the news of the week, including the signed-off district plan, school lunches and the funding boost for Corrections.
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It's a top of the table faceoff tomorrow afternoon, with the Hurricanes taking on the Blues at Eden Park.
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk that match, as well as the Phoenix first semi-final on Sunday, and the Saint's home game, also on Sunday.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis had a big morning delivering her set piece pre-budget speech in Lower Hutt... so what can she tell us about the budget?
She joined Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk the political issues of the week, including a muddied press conference, lunches in schools and Wellington's new district plan.
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Actress Rula Lenska is known around the world as Claudia Colby from Coronation Street, but did you know she's also Polish royalty?
The actress, also a Countess, joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about her stage show, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which is playing at the St James Theatre in Wellington this week.
She was joined by Stewart MacPherson - a legendary Wellington promoter who has brought the show to New Zealand.
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Kiwirail boss Peter Reidy flew to South Korea to meet with the company contracted to build the now cancelled Interislander - but its not clear exactly why.
NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills to talk the Wellington stories of the week, including Julie Anne Genter and the closure of a Wellington birthing unit.
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A Wellington budgeting service has had its government funding pulled, despite its manager saying they are "busier than ever" as people struggle with high interest rates and the cost of living.
It comes as the Ministry of Social Development reviews its contracts with budgeting services.
It’s understood other providers across the country have had their funding cut.
The Wellington Budget Service, run in conjunction with the Citizens Advice Bureau, is staffed predominantly by volunteers but requires funding to pay for a part-time manager and office and IT equipment.
It has been funded by MSD since 2017. Last year it received $77,000.
Manager David Cameron told Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills that without funding, it’s possible the service could close.
“We’re very disappointed, there is a lot of need out there at the moment.”
The service saw around 470 people last year, and demand has grown 60% since the beginning of 2024.
Cameron says clients are often deep in debt, or struggling with their mortgage.
The organisation helps clients create budgets and negotiates debt payments directly with creditors. All services are free.
“There are other budgeting services in Wellington, but we’re all very busy. Other services refer some of their clients to us.
“We expect we’ll start to see a few more people as the cuts to the public service start to kick in."
In a statement, MSD’s general manager safe strong families and communities Mark Henderson said the Ministry had recently completed a procurement process for budgeting providers across the country.
The total funding available was reduced as a result of a Covid-19-specific fund for budgeting services expiring.
But the Wellington Budget Service was funded prior to Covid-19. After further questions, Henderson referred to a general procurement process.
“Preferred providers have been identified following a robust procurement process and unfortunately Wellington Citizens Advice bureau were unsuccessful.
“We recognise there is a continuing need for support in Wellington and will ensure that [budgeting] services continue to be provided in the region.”
Questions asking if the government's directive to departments to reduce expenditure contributed to the cuts were not addressed.
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Things are tough in Wellington at the moment, with unemployment biting and public service cuts and staff working from home affecting central city businesses.
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young and Trinity Group director and Hospitality NZ board member Jeremy Smith joined Nick Mills to talk business in Wellington.
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Last week was another difficult one for the Greens, with an outburst followed by further allegations against MP Julie Anne Genter.
Newstalk ZB's political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills to talk about the issue, as well as the long-awaited Darleen Tana report, political donations and Winston's spat with former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr.
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Three waters us behind us and its time to look at how we can properly look after our water infrastructure, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says.
One answer is a Wellington Water mega entity, capturing Kapiti, Wairarapa and the central city.
Baker joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to discuss the idea.
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The Wellington Phoenix may have missed out on finishing at the top of the A League table, but we've still got a home semi-final to look forward to.
Newstalk ZB's Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to talk all things sport.
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It was two council foes reuniting on Friday Faceoff this week... but it turns out they're actually good mates.
Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and former councillor and now the PSA's assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons joined Nick Mills to dissect the news of the week.
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Both Nicola Willis and Ayesha Verrall say they've never seen anything like the outburst from Julie Anne Genter on the floor of Parliament last night.
The Finance Minister and Labour's Health and Wellington Issues spokesperson joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk the political issues of the week.
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There's been another death on the rugby field, this time in Auckland.
33-year-old Cory Heather died at a game in Beachlands after a suspected knock to the head over the weekend.
Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills asked what more needs to be done to ensure players' safety, and heard from caller Johnny who is soon to quit working after some poor dementia test results. In tears, he spoke of years of concussions as a young rugby player and how it has affected his life.
Later in the show Earle Kirton, a former All Black turned dentist rang the show to talk about what needs to be done.
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James Shaw signs off from Parliament this week after a 10-year career, much of it as co-leader, and at one point even the sole leader of the Greens.
Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about his legacy, as well as news the government will be signing off on the budget today and the details of a new Pharmac announcement.
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Just a day after a Curia poll showed Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any New Zealand mayor, she joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for her monthly catch-up.
Also on the agenda was the failed Reading Cinema deal, the Golden Mile project and the renewal of her Green membership.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis says Wellington City Council's now-collapsed deal with Reading Cinemas was "shady" and could have found the council in hot water with the Auditor General.
She was joined by Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen to talk the political issues of the week with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
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Where to now for the derelict Reading Cinemas complex, and what has the failed deal cost the council? Those questions are yet to be answered, NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell says.
She joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for her regular Capital Letter slot.
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Wellington institution Cranfields is set to shut down, while the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport is going from strength to strength as the training facility for the Hurricanes and the Phoenix.
The leaders of those respective businesses joined Nick Mills to talk through how things are... and the pair had quite different outlooks.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has returned from a week long tour of South East Asia, aimed at improving New Zealand's relationships with Singapore, Thailand and the Phillipines.
Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Sophie Trigger joined Nick Mills to talk about the trip, as well as the government's changes to lending regulations and the fast track consent bill.
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On Friday Faceoff this week Nick was joined by political commentator Josie Pagani and former broadcaster Mark Sainsbury.
On the agenda was Wellington's mega tunnel proposal, Tory Whanau rejoining the Greens, police pay and the Stuff/Newshub deal.
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OPINION: Some disturbing news came across my desk yesterday.
I got a lovely email from Nicola Cranfield with the sad news that Cranfield’s on Johnson St near Lambton Quay is closing.
Often shops close during a recession and unpredictable times.
Shops close because they go broke.
Businesses close when owners have just had enough.
But Cranfield’s has been operating in Wellington for 33 years and reading Nicola Cranfield’s email really affected me.
Nicola has fought endlessly against Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Golden Mile project. She's met with counsellors, she's met with businesses, she's gone to every meeting she possibly could have gone to, just to fight the cause to save Lambton Quay from both Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Golden Mile project.
She's had the acrimony of presenting to Wellington City Council with councillors not even looking her in the eye, looking down at their devices not caring what she has to say.,not caring what she and her mother had done for our city over 33 years. Absolutely no respect whatsoever.
But that didn't stop Nicola from fighting.
That didn't stop Nicola from being a proud Wellingtonian wanting her successful family business to carry on against all the distractions and inconvenience that was thrown at her by those two major projects and our council.
Things got so frustrating for her that she decided that she would not renew her long term lease and go month to month.
Unfortunately for us in Wellington it didn’t work for Nicola Cranfield and her shop is closing.
A Wellington institution gone, just like that.
It’s interesting Nicola is not blaming or even bringing into the equation the public sector job losses due to government cuts.
I've met Nicola a few times she's the most positive, bright, energetic and focused businesswoman you could ever expect to meet.
She’s someone you talk to and say to yourself ‘gosh aren't we lucky to have a person like that running a business in our city’.
Well no longer; she joins the long list of fabulous Wellingtonians who ran amazing businesses that got caught up in the downward spiral and are out…
An article in the Herald today from Thomas Coughlan, outlining the effects and breaking down the job losses by numbers is very interesting.
It shows it's more of a self-perpetuating downhill spiral than actual cash disappearing from the community.
People that haven't lost their job still have the disposable income to spend - they’re just adjusting and being extremely careful.
Even last night I met a couple who hadn’t lost their jobs, still had disposable income and they felt guilty for going out. It felt wrong to them, with everything going on.
Our city is in a bad place, and no, it's not just because of these public service cuts, which much of us would agree are needed to some extent.
No, its a wider issue. It’s an economy on the slump, it's a council that doesn’t seem to understand the big issues, its uncertainty over projects like the Golden Mile.
I love this city, I love it a lot - but Wellington doesn’t feel like it did five, ten or twenty years ago.
We’re in a slump, we’re in a spiral - and I think most of us know it.
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On Politics Thursday this week Nick was joined by Housing Minister and MP for Hutt South Chris Bishop, and Labour's Hutt South list MP and police spokesperson Ginny Andersen.
On the agenda was the police's rejected pay offer, cuts to Oranga Tamariki, Wellington's mega tunnel proposal and new record immigration figures.
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Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge says the idea of banning begging in the city wouldn't solve the problem.
The issue of begging is back at the fore after a Rotorua and Christchurch city councillor called for a ban in their respective cities.
But Edridge says people only beg because they are in need and we need to fix the source of the problem.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's switch from independent to Green party member breaches the trust of her voters, Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills says.
Newstalk ZB revealed yesterday that the Wellington Mayor had renewed her Green Party membership, after initially letting it lapse so she could form more constructive relationships with other councillors.
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The zoo has hit Wellington, with Madagascar The Musical set to take over the St James Theatre this week.
The main cast and show producer joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for an in-studio performance.
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the government is rushing into signing up to pillar two of the AUKUS pact
"[The new government] is effectively saying yeah, we want in. I wouldn't say we want in until we know what we're signing up for," he told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
"I don't think that's something responsible governments do."
Also on the agenda was the proposal for a new 'mega tunnel' under Wellington city, the government's rental law changes and how NZ responds to the Iran/Israel conflict that came to the fore on Sunday.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon landed in Singapore late last night, the first stop of a week-long trip to South-East Asia.
Luxon is also visiting Thailand - the first visit from a New Zealand Prime Minister in 11 years, and the Phillipines - the first visit in 14 years.
Newstalk ZB's senior political reporter Sophie Trigger joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, where they also talked Winston Peters' overseas visit and a split of the coalition government over a Green MP's member's bill.
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Transport Minister Simeon Brown says an idea to build a "mega tunnel" under Wellington City from The Terrace to Kilbirnie could be a better option than a second Mt Victoria tunnel, but there needs to be further investigation.
The NZ Herald revealed this morning that the government had asked NZTA/Waka Kotahi to investigate the feasibility of the mega tunnel, but so far there are no rough costs.
Brown joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to discuss the proposal.
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Friday Faceoff this week saw former Cabinet Minister Peter Dunne and Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy join Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
On the agenda was MPs pay, Upper Hutt's boy racing issue, the tragic Billy Guyton story and the relaxed rules of dogs in public.
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It'll be a quick turnaround for the Sky Stadium groundskeepers this weekend with the Phoenix playing tonight and the Hurricanes playing tomorrow night in what's set to be a big weekend of sport.
Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to talk the weekend's sport.
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MPs pay is determined independently, but both the Finance Minister and the Opposition's health spokesperson say they don't need payrises.
National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Ayesha Verrall joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk MPs pay, the ferry advisory panel, the proposed no body no parole law, and concerns about a future census.
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The government received advice that cancelling Kiwirail's mega ferry deal could affect diplomatic relations with Korea, NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell says.
She joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for her weekly Capital Letter segment.
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It's a musical ding-dong as James Irwin tries his best to convince Nick that the gig of the year is coming up and everyone should get along to see this musician who has millions of record sales.
Things get even murkier as we create the first-ever AI jingle for Wellington Mornings with a lot of help from www.suno.ai
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Covid-19, worker shortages, the growth in working from home and now public service cuts: Wellington's economy has had a tough few years, and it's still struggling, Wellington businessman and vice president of Hospitality NZ Paul Retimanu says.
He joined Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Arcus and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk business, including a proposal for a new arena, 90 day trials, and how much good weather impacts retail and hospitality.
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A pay rise for MPs would be politically damaging, Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says.
He joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz, talking the possible increase for MPs salaries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters' overseas tour and public service cuts.
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It may be a bye for the Hurricanes this weekend, but there's a huge fixture for the Wellington Phoenix against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday night to look forward to.
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills.
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On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by political commentator and lecturer Bryce Edwards and Wellington columnist and playwright Dave Armstrong.
The trio talked Māori wards, road rage, the Reading Cinema deal, rates increases and the language of Gen Z.
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Hutt City Mayor and Local Government New Zealand vice-president Campbell Barry says the government's decision to bring back binding referendums for Māori wards is government overreach.
He joined Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills to talk about the announcement yesterday.
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On Politics Thursday this week, National deputy leader and Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen joined Nick Mills.
On the agenda was Gen Z slang, the cancelled mega ferry project, drug driver testing and the reintroduction of the three strikes legislation.
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The NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for her regular Capital Letter update.
On the agenda was the long-awaited Miramar reserve, including an update on Sir Peter Jackson's plans for Shelly Bay, as well as womens' access to healthcare and an emotional court sentencing after a driver was killed on Dixon St.
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Friday Sport Kickoff has been brought forward to Thursday, with a bunch of big fixtures taking place over the long Easter weekend.
All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Christchurch sports editor Nick Bewley joined Nick Mills to talk all things sport.
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This week on Politics Thursday Nick was joined by Finance Minister and National deputy leader Nicola Willis and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall.
On the agenda was the upcoming budget, the tax take, whether we should ban greyhound racing, and if our Easter trading laws are past their use-by date.
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A prominent philanthropist says he hasn't heard a peep from the Wellington City Council, after offering to bail out the Reading cinema deal.
Sir Mark Dunajtschik offered to pay 32 million dollars for the land under the Cinema, so the Council wouldn't have to.
But the City Council voted to go ahead with plans to buy it themselves.
Tory Whanau told Newstalk ZB on Monday they were still in discussions with Sir Mark about the offer.
But, three days on, he told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings he hasn't heard anything.
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On the show today Labour leader Chris Hipkins joined Nick Mills to talk about Labour's opposition strategy and how the party plans on tackling tax.
Also on the agenda were Wellington and its issues, the Green's increased presence in the city, and how Labour plans to manage its relationship with the party to its left.
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Back in New Zealand after being stuck here during the Covid-19 pandemic, UK duo Good Habits are touring the length and breadth of the country.
Ahead of their performances in Wellington, they stopped in to chat with Nick Mills and perform Sunday, a song from their new album out in July.
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Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills says greyhound racing should be banned in New Zealand, and hopes that Racing Minister Winston Peters joins Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in advocating for a ban.
"This is a sport that injures, mames and kills dogs each year," Mills said. "It's on borrowed time."
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Nick was joined by Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau for her monthly slot.
On the agenda was the Reading Cinemas deal, the district plan, the proposal to change noise control restrictions for licensed bars and religious venues, as well as the scrapping of Three Waters and Newtown's controversial parking proposal.
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Cuba Dupa is taking over Wellington's CBD this weekend, with an estimated 100,000 people expected to visit over the course of the weekend.
Festival Director Drew James spoke with Nick Mills about what's in store.
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This week on Friday Faceoff Nick was joined by Green MP for Rongotai Julie Anne Genter and Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls.
On the agenda was Winston's state of the nation speech, whether the Reading Cinemas deal should be revisited and public sector job cuts - among other things.
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This week on Politics Thursday Finance Minister and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis and Labour's Health and Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills.
On the agenda was the government's new vaping regulations, Winston Peters and his Nazi comparison, the legacy of Grant Robertson, and National's promised tax cuts.
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Alan is the owner of the home bordering Hutt Intermediate School, where a 5.5m climbing tower built by the school looks directly into his home. He says students yell and throw things, and peeping Toms look through at night.
He spoke to Nick Mills about his fight to move the structure, first reported by the NZ Herald this week.
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Nick Mills was joined by Bob Houston, the organiser of a gala dinner and debate raising money for the restoration of Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral on Hill St.
The high-profile debators, moderated by Speaker Gerry Brownlee, are battling for the Justin Du Fresne Cup - named in honour of the late Newstalk ZB host known as the "voice of Wellington".
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In this weeks Capital Letter, NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell talks a proposal floated to merge some of the region's councils and Mayor Tory Whanau's meetings with Hollywood heavyweights.
She also gives an update on Wellington's water emergency situation - and it's good news.
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A massive ukulele performance will form part of the annual CubaDupa festival in Wellington on Sunday.
The festival's teaming up with NZ Ukulele to put on a ukulele extravaganza, featuring 23 school, university and community ukulele groups for a massive collaborative project.
Organiser Sean O'Connor and members of Victoria University's Vic Ukes joined Nick Mills in studio to preview in the event, and gave some of the Newstalk ZB team some ukulele tips.
O'Connor also runs a Porowhita community singing event on Instagram, and is also running a sing-along event next month.
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For the first time this year Wellington mega-landlord Matt Ryan joined Nick Mills to talk all things property.
The pair talked prices, listings and the everpresent high interest rates.
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Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Winston Peters' state of the nation speech was "classic Winston" - taking potshots at the media and the opposition.
Jason joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
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Wellington City Council is planning to make about 2500 Newtown car parks time-limited, sparking concerns from Mary Potter Hospice that some families won't be able to spend as much time with their families.
CEO Tony Paine, who told the council the plan would be "catastrophic", spoke to Nick Mills.
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On Friday Faceoff this week Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty and Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Simon Woolf discuss the state of the Green Party and Wellington city's new district plan.
Also on the agenda was the possibility of the regional council buying more shares in Centreport and whether Ombudsman Peter Boshier should be allowed to continue in his role.
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Former Cabinet Minister and political commentator Peter Dunne says the allegations against Darleen Tana are a serious credibility issue for the Green Party.
He spoke to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills about turmoil yet again engulfing the Green Party.
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This week on Politics Thursday Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and Finance Minister Nicola Willis talk health targets, the Ruapehu bailout and the Ombudsman's age limit.
Nick Mills also asks if Police Minister Mark Mitchell advocated for a stronger police pay offer in cabinet, and if he came against a brick wall in the form of the Finance Minister.
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Wellington now houses the country's first community based Depression Recovery Centre.
Whakamātūtū : A place of recovery offers a therapeutic day programme for for people with moderate to severe mental health issues at purpose built premises on Cuba Street.
The director and driving force behind the new facility is mental health advocate and lawyer Brent Williams, who spoke to Nick Mills on site.
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On this week's Capital Letter, Nick and Georgina Campbell discuss the Transport Minister's refusal to commit to pedestrians and cyclists being able to use the new Mt Victoria Tunnel.
They also looked at the upcoming rates rise for Wellington residents, and fundraising efforts by Royal NZ Ballet.
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Today on music time, Nick and James celebrate the ninth album from multi Grammy winning musician Norah Jones, enjoy some humour metal from an A list Hollywood actor's band and just maybe you have this dusty old album from a New Zealand band in your attic that worth nearly $1000.
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On this week's Friday Faceoff, Dot Loves Data director and former Wellington mayor Justin Lester, and director of Iron Duke Partners Phil O'Reilly discuss the continuing public service cuts and how they're affecting the capital city.
They also assessed the new Government's first 100 days in office, the TVNZ job and programme cuts, whether the Hurricanes Poua should have made a political stand in their team haka and the Government's plans for a new Mt Victoria tunnel.
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In Politics Thursday this week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's Health and Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall react to the news that TVNZ is proposing to cut up to 68 jobs.
They also discussed the government's plans with emergency housing, continued public service cuts, the grounded Air Force Boeing 757 plane, National's new roading plan and how we can stop health workers being lured across the Tasman.
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The Hurricanes Poua team performed a haka before its first game of the Super Rugby Aupiki season last weekend, which was critical of the coalition government.
They altered the haka, and referred to people being "puppets of this redneck government".
Many times, over many years, I've said that politics and sport have no place on the same grounds. I've also felt that the respect that the haka is held in is sometimes questioned.
I have seen some of the most amazing haka performed that would bring tears to your eyes, and I've also seen it used in places that a haka shouldn't be. And I'm sure, yesterday at the Wellington secondary schools McEvedy Shield athletics meet, there would have been some of the best haka in the nation.
For a sporting team to use the haka for personal, political gains, for me is despicable. And for a team to use it as a statement about a political situation I feel is totally inappropriate.
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee initially said they were looking into it, but there was no intention for disciplinary action.
He made it clear they're not supportive of the language used in the haka and don't wait it used again.
Lee also said he would be apologising to the Government.
I feel for Avan Lee - he's in a position he didn't know he would be, the actions had nothing to do with him, and he's been pushed in front of a very loaded bus. How he's going to get out of this situation I don't know, and my thoughts are with him.
However, trustee for Women in Rugby Aotearoa Alice Soper backed what the players were doing.
Soper supported the players doing the same haka again in round two this weekend, because "women's sports have a history of their origins coming from protest."
Well, Alice, I hope you are in the stands and I hope you take a lot of friends, as there weren't many people in that stadium watching the haka the other day.
And if I was going to make a political stand in my haka, and I was in women's rugby, I'd be saying to people "Come on, the challenge is for you to come and support us, pack the stadium, pack the ground so we can get paid more money".
If this happened under my control, i.e. with the Saints basketball team, I'd have no hesitation in apologising quickly. I would say to all our stakeholders - our sponsors, our customers, people that pay to go and watch the game, and anyone that's associated with the club over all the years - I'm sorry.
And if players under my watch were involved in a political protest, using our Saints brand, that's been there for 40 years and with hundreds of players before them, and hundreds after them, they'd be given a severe speech.
I'd ask them if they wanted still to be involved in the organisation that was promoting them, promoting their sport, and paying them, and if you want to be political, go and be a politician.
Go and stand for a party and promote your personal thoughts and idealism.
We're a sporting team, and we're here to play sport and entertain. We're not a vehicle to promote your personal agenda.
Nick Mills is host of Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings show, and owner of the Wellington Saints NBL basketball team.
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In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell updates Nick on her investigation into whether the Wellington City Council's deal to by Reading Cinemas land is really fiscally neutral to ratepayers.
They also discuss a halt in some legal proceedings against those who built the Transmission Gully motorway.
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Former Wellington Mayor Andy Foster and political commentator Brigitte Morten joined Nick Mills on this week's Friday Faceoff.
They discussed the Wellington City Council's controversial Reading Cinema deal, the closure of Newshub, tougher laws announced on gangs, the staff still employed by Let's Get Wellington Moving and whether organisations should still provide bills on paper to those who want them.
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Wellington's controversial Reading Cinema deal has moved ahead, despite backlash and an eleventh hour twist.
The Wellington City Council's officially buying the land the boarded-up quake-prone site sits on - for $32 million.
A motion to block the deal from going ahead failed.
Philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik offered to buy the site yesterday, but his philanthropic offer didn't come to fruition after the council pushed their own deal through.
Prominent Wellington property developer Eyal Aharoni joined Nick Mills with his thoughts on the deal.
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In the latest edition of Politics Thursday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's housing and local government spokesperson Kieran McAnulty discuss the proposed closure of Newshub and if the Government should play a bigger role in supporting media.
They also discussed the Wellington City Council's possible purchase of Reading Cinema land, the repealing of smokefree laws, the government's crackdown on gangs and the ambitions laid by the new Government over housing affordability.
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The New Zealand Fringe Festival is underway in Wellington.
The New Blue is a unique performance showcasing the remarkable story and songbook of New Zealand's first recording pop star, Pixie Williams. Created by Williams' daughter Amelia Costello, it's the musical story of her life, crafted by people who knew and loved her. It's also a much wider story, exploring life in Wellington at the time, and the music industry machinations of the 1940s and 1950s.
Performers Kirsten Te Rito, Lisa Tomlins and Jacqui Nyman joined Nick Mills in studio for a chat and a live performance about the show.
The New Blue is on at Hannah Playhouse on Cambridge Terrace, this Saturday March 2nd and Sunday March 3rd.
More information can be found HERE.
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In today's Capital Letter, NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell talks to Nick Mills about the $32m Reading Cinema deal dividing Wellington, ahead of it coming before the latest City Council meeting.
They also look back on the recent Wellington City Council by-election, and update the situation around apartment owners struggling to find affordable insurance.
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In this week's Music Time, Nick and James rave about a global superstar who has just released his first new music in over 30 years
They also pay tribute to Clinton Brown, a New Zealand musician and all-around good guy who has played in some our country's biggest acts.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has admitted the secrecy around the $32 million Reading Cinema deal went on for too long.
The deal is finally set to be discussed in public later this week after every councillor the Herald spoke to on Saturday indicated support for it to be aired.
The cinema building was closed in early 2019 after an earthquake risk was discovered and it has since become a symbol of the tired state of Courtenay Pl - a street that has traditionally been a key part of the nightlife and entertainment offering in Wellington.
The deal has always been discussed behind closed doors to protect commercial sensitivity but details were first leaked in October 2023 and have since been widely circulated in the public domain.
The council plans to buy the land beneath the building for $32m, money which the cinema chain would use to strengthen the building and reopen the cinema and later have the option of buying the land back at the sale price, the Herald understands.
Whanau discussed the latest during her monthly slot with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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On this week's Friday Faceoff, Nick Mills was joined in studio by Infometrics principal economist chief economist Brad Olsen and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young.
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A twist in the Wellington City Council by-election.
Green Party candidate and renting advocate Geordie Rogers has won the Pukehinau-Lambton ward seat.
Final results show he beat businessman Karl Tiefenbacher by just 45 votes.
Provisional votes had Tiefenbacher ahead, before specials were counted.
Geordie Rogers says it looked like votes weren't going his way initially, but he's glad people have given him a shot, and it's important he doesn't waste it.
Tiefenbacher told Nick Mills the result is disappointing, but won't stop his work advocating for a better city.
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In today's Capital Letter, NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell discussed her latest opinion piece on the Government's plans for the future of the Cook Strait ferries.
Georgina and Nick also chatted about the tight race in the By-election for the Wellington City Council's Lambton Ward, and where things stand on the Council's proposed cutbacks to pools and libraries.
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An organisation that provides a safe space and a friendly face for young people out on Friday and Saturday nights is extending its service from mid-February through to April.
Take 10, with the support of Wellington City Council, has been parking up their mobile unit on the corner of Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street on Friday and Saturday nights since 2019.
Run by the Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust (VSCT), volunteers engage with Wellingtonians to share water, lollies, play a game or two or just have a chat from 10pm to 3am on both weekend nights.
From this weekend there will be additional support with a pop-up Take 10 going into the unoccupied site at 47 Courtenay Place.
It's importance is showcased at this time of year, with an influx of students in the city along with a list of large events and festivals.
The pop-up will provide more kaitiaki presence during the busiest time of year – in late summer large events and festivals are coupled with an influx of students for the beginning of the academic year.
Clint Schoultz from the VCST joined Nick Mills to talk about their service.
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St John isn't the only ambulance service under financial pressure.
The organisation's taking some ambulances off the road to save costs for when a worker is sick - or on leave.
Wellington Free Ambulance is also stretching the dollar further, and is asking government to take more of a responsibility to help and provide some security.
CEO David Robinson told Wellington Mornings they're having to ask more of their donors.
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On this week's Friday Faceoff, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and political commentator and lecturer Bryce Edwards spoke at the murmurings that Annette King was approached as a possible option as Commissioner for the under-fire Wellington City Council.
They also discussed the latest budget cuts made by the Wellington City Council to fund water infrastructure upgrades, David Seymour's pledge to fine parents to fix truancy, the future of the Interislander ferries, whether rugby is dying after news the Wellington Rugby Union is selling its stake in the Hurricanes and why Wellington trains are constantly being replaced by buses.
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In this week's Music Time, Nick chats with James Irwin about a global Soul and R&B superstar coming to town.
They also introduce you to an ex-pat Kiwi in France making big "sound waves" in the film score and soundtrack world, and marvel how Artificial Intelligence can turn your shopping list into your favourite hit song.
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Former Director General of Health Sir Ashley Bloomfield joined Nick Mills to talk about his involvement in Sunday's Southern Cross Round the Bays event - a sporting staple in the capital for 46 years.
Sir Ashley is an ambassador for Pause Breathe Smile – a mind health programme delivered in primary and intermediate schools – and his involvement in Round the Bays is also in support of increasing access and participation for children to participate through the Run and Become programme.
He also chatted to Nick Mills about leading the country through the Covid-19 pandemic, and life since then.
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For this week's Politics Thursday, National's MP for Otaki Tim Costley and Labour's Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall discussed David Seymour's plan to fine and prosecute parents whose kids aren't attending school.
They also discussed the prospect of more overseas landlords, the way ahead after Three Waters was axed, what's next for the Interislander Ferries and the ageing 111 system.
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In this week's Capital Letter, Georgina Campbell brings Nick Mills breaking news around the official end to Kiwirail's mega ferry project.
They also discuss where things are at with the secret deal to try and reopen the Reading Cinemas complex in Wellington, and the local reaction to the government's plans for water after Three Waters was dumped.
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New Zealand business leader Theresa Gattung's latest venture is a new professional matchmaking service - Compatico.
On Valentines Day, she joined Nick Mills to talk about the new service and who it tailors.
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Uncertainty around what lies ahead for the Wellington region with new water reforms coming into place.
The government is planning to axe its predecessor's Three Waters reforms, and make it easier for councils to establish council controlled organisations, for water delivery.
Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry chairs the Wellington Water Shareholders' group, and told Nick Mills what the proposed changes could mean for the region, in light of the current water crisis.
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A football theme to this week's Business Panel on Wellington Mornings, with Nick Mills joined in studio by Wellington Phoenix general manager David dome and owner of Napoli restaurant & former All White Raf de Gregorio.
They discussed the lower than expected crowds attending the Phoenix while top of table, the general feeling around business in Wellington, more businesses now using facial recognition software, and the new rule passed in Australia where workers now have the right to ignore communication from their bosses outside of work hours.
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On this week's Friday Faceoff Nick Mills was joined by two former Cabinet Ministers, Peter Dunne and Chris Finlayson.
They discussed the reception politicians received earlier in the week at Waitangi, and the ongoing discussion around David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill.
Also discussed was the growing costs GPs are facing to run their practices, the increased time many are spending on benefits, and the future of the Interislander ferries.
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In this week's edition of Politics Thursday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour MP Ginny Andersen spoke with Nick Mills about the new data showing expected time on Jobseeker and other main benefits has risen sharply in the past four years.
They also addressed the rise in unemployment reported this week, how commemorations went at Waitangi Day, cutbacks to CCTV monitoring in Wellington and the future of the Interislander ferries.
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KiwiRail bosses will front a select committee meeting next week where they are expected to face pressing questions about the future of Interislander’s Cook Strait ferries.
Plans to replace the existing fleet of three ferries with two new purpose-built mega ferries were thrown into disarray before Christmas.
NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell explained to Nick Mills what type of questioning the executives may face.
She also brought Nick up to speed on the likely new location for Wellington City Council staff, and why apartment owners in Wellington are battling with skyrocketing insurance premiums.
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Nick Mills was joined for the latest Friday Faceoff panel by former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast, and columnist & playwright Dave Armstrong.
They discussed the billion-dollar investment needed in Wellington's water network, a 15-percent rates rise for Wellington, a change in leadership at the Green Party, public service cuts and the safety of the waterfront crane.
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Nick Mills was joined for this week's political hour by Finance Minister Nicola Willis, and for the first time by Labour's Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall.
They discussed the Wellington water crisis and how much support councils should expect from central Government, and how the public service cuts are starting to impact Wellington.
Also on the agenda, the confusion around the Government's numbers for new Police recruits, and the funding for RAT tests extended until June.
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From now until February 17 at Circa Theatre, you can find Supper Club, where chanteuse Ali Harper will transport you to a bygone era of glamour and elegance – with a twist.
Ali Harper joined Nick Mills in studio to chat about the show.
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On this week's Capital Letter, the Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell brings Nick up to speed with the latest on the region's water crisis, and how close Wellington is to having tightened water restrictions.
She also discusses the latest death at the waterfront crane, and the new parking meters being rolled out around Wellington's streets.
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It's all about live gigs in Wellington for the first editing of Music Time of 2024.
Music guru James Irwin tells us what it was like being at Sky Stadium for the Foo Fighters concert on Saturday.
He also previews upcoming gigs by Fun Lovin' Criminals featuring Goodshirt, along with Hutt Sounds at Brewtown featuring Human League, Go West, Nik Kershaw, Choirboys and The Mockers.
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For the first business panel of 2024, Nick Mills was joined in studio by Wellington Beds Managing Director Patrice Green and broker at NZ Business Brokers Steve Smith.
They discussed the business year ahead and how the local business scene is feeling about the recent change in government.
Also on the agenda, inflation rates, an uptick in retirement-aged business owners looking to sell, the future of Wellington's golden mile and the boost to the city from big events like the Foo Fighters concert.
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Nick Mills was joined for the first Friday Faceoff of 2024 by Infrastructure NZ CEO and Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett, alongside political commentator Brigitte Morten.
They discussed the region's water crisis, political point scoring at Ratana, the NZDF deployment to the Red Sea, the cost of school uniforms, and is it rude to ask to split the bill on a first date?
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour List MP Ginny Andersen joined Nick Mills to debate the week's political happenings.
They discussed the annual political trip to Ratana, whose responsibility is addressing Wellington's water woes, the NZDF deployment to the Red Sea and the drop in inflation.
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In the first Capital Letter for 2024, NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell updates Nick Mills on the region's water woes and the likelihood of increased restrictions.
They also discuss Georgina's interview with Mayor Tory Whanau over the summer, and the challenges ahead for her in 2024.
Georgina also told Nick the latest disruptions to have hit the region's rail network.
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Miscommunication's being blamed after the new Local Government Minister issued a 'please explain' over Wellington's water woes.
Simeon Brown publicly criticised the Wellington City and Upper Hutt Mayors after he hadn't received answers to questions lodged via Wellington Water before Christmas.
But, Tory Whanau and Wayne Guppy have both hit back, saying it wasn't clear how much documentation was required.
Guppy joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Scott Robertson will become the All Blacks head coach from 2024.
The 48-year-old's been appointed for four years, through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He'll succeed current Head Coach Ian Foster, who will lead the All Blacks through the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, in France.
Those close to the game continue to scratch their heads over why an appointment needed to be made so early.
Veteran TV commentator Grant Nisbett told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings the way things have been handled by NZR is a "joke".
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Legendary sports broadcaster Grant Nisbett and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine join Nick Mills to wrap up sport for 2023.
Together they discuss the Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup, another season for the Warriors, and the FIFA Women's World Cup.
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Former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and political commentator Josie Pagani join Nick Mills for the final Friday Faceoff of 2023.
Together they debate Tory Whanau's pledge to live a sober life, the upcoming Lambton Ward by-election, the Government's decision to pull the plug on funding for the Cook Strait ferry project, and security at Te Papa after an activist group defaced a Treaty of Waitangi exhibition.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for the final political panel of 2023 on Wellington Mornings.
Together they discuss Nicola's decision to decline Cook Strait mega-ferry funding, the Government stopping blanket speed limit reductions, Fair Pay Agreement legislation being scrapped, and 90 day trials being extended beyond small businesses.
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Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young and Kaffee Eis founder Karl Teifenbacher join Nick Mills on the final Business Panel for 2024.
Together they discuss Karl's decision to run for council, 90 day trials being extended beyond small businesses, the toll of commercial rates, and spending figures leading up to Christmas.
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The extent of damage is still being assessed in the Hutt Valley, following yesterday's wild weather.
Strong winds uplifted roofs and downed power lines in Lower Hutt, with two people taken to hospital.
The Herald's Georgina Campbell was in the Hutt, and said it ripped through the community, and the damage is clearly significant.
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Wellington is in clean-up mode after yesterday's sharp bout of wild weather.
Lower Hutt was hit with what's being described as a tornado, with glass shop-fronts smashed, and one resident's garage completely flattened.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop's electorate office also bore the brunt of the storm.
He joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings the morning after the damage was inflicted.
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Wellington mega landlord Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for the final Hot Property slot of 2023.
Together they reflect on how the market has performed throughout the year, commercial rates compared to residential, a 'phenomenal' house flip in Miramar, and what's expected from 2024.
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The Wellington City Council by-election is heating up, with local businessman Karl Tiefenbacher now in the running.
Tiefenbacher, who owns popular coffee shop, Kaffee Eis, announced this morning he will contest the vacant seat in the Pukehinau / Lambton ward.
He unsuccessfully ran for the same ward last year, on a platform of scrapping the golden mile project, and focusing on infrastructure over "pet projects".
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Wellington's mayor says she's now committed to a life of sobriety.
In July, she admitted to being tipsy and failing to pay her bill.
Weeks ago, the mayor admitted a problem with alcohol following another intoxicated night at a central city bar.
Tory Whanau told Nick Mills that she decided to get help because “it happened again”, but she hasn't had a drink since that night.
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Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper join Nick Mills for Friday Sport.
Together they discuss how the start of the season has gone for the Phoenix men and women, and the Black Caps losing the first day of a two day test against Bangladesh.
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Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and Wellington columnist Dave Armstrong join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss Wellington Water woes, the council voting against commercial rates being alleviated by ratepayers, protests challenging the Government's policies on the Treaty of Waitangi, and whether they talk to strangers on the street.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
Together they debate the scrapping of Fair Pay Agreements, Mark Mitchell's open letter to Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, the Te Pati Maori led protests across the country, the state of the Government's books, and smokefree law changes.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week they discuss whether mortgage rates will come down in 2024, the biggest take away from this year financially, how to save around Christmas time, and how to ensure you stick to your New Year's resolution.
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Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty and Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate Tory Whanau publicly admitting to a drinking problem, the Government's 100 day plan, Winston Peters' lashing out at the media and banning gang patches.
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Wellington, we have a problem.
On Wednesday night I attended a Christmas function, and there was only one topic of conversation.
Apparently there's a video floating around of Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau at a bar which doesn't make for good viewing.
And now, she finds herself forced to defend drunken behaviour yet again.
She's come out and said she is flawed, but deeply cares about the city.
She's even admitted she has a problem with alcohol.
Remember four months ago Tory was on this show and said she'd no longer be mixing alcohol with her socialising in public.
I can remember like it was yesterday.
She looked me straight in the eye and I thought, good on you Tory.
Well last night in a statement Whanau said it was to her great embarrassment and shame, that her drunkenness seemed to have been recorded.
She also said she wasn't a career politician, and leadership positions in public office are not built for regular people who may have struggles with addictions, mental health issues or any other illness that has a stigma attached.
I'm sorry Tory, but on many occasions you have told me and this show that you are a career politician.
You had leadership positions within the Green Party, and you've have controlled the egos of many people in leadership positions.
You've said you were built for this.
Don't tell us now that's changed.
The most important thing right now is getting Tory the help she needs. That should be our first priority.
But if we thought we had problems with our city council before last night, it's just been exacerbated.
As a brand, this is embarrassing.
And for former Mayor Justin Lester to describe Whanau as a wonderful ambassador for Wellington, is ridiculous.
What rock are you living under Justin?
Anyone talking about Wellington, anywhere in the world today, will be talking about our mayor and her behaviour.
This is not great for our city in anyway, and for a former mayor to condone behaviour or the abuse of alcohol, is disappointing.
As a city we have a number of serious issues, and the latest supposed indiscretion by our mayor has set us back further.
So the the big question that faces us now, is whether Tory needs to resign and step down.
Personally I think she does need to resign.
I think she needs to resign both for her own health, and the good of our city.
It's a sad sad day, but I think the job is just too much for her right now.
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A Wellington Charity Hospital has been in pipeline for years and was set to be developed at 23 Adelaide Road.
The building consent had been granted and $150,000 worth of donations had been spent to get things rolling.
However it was revealed the land had suddenly been sold by the owners to Waka Kotahi, for potential Let's Get Wellington Moving work.
In just seven months since the developers originally bought the land, they'd made a $2 million profit.
It means the those behind the project have to go back to the drawing board.
Nick Mills met up with the chairman DR Graham Sharpe to find out what's next and if there's hope the dream will become a reality.
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Every fortnight one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to talk all things property.
This week he discusses how the market will and has changed under Christopher Luxon's Government, the biggest loss of any sale in the third quarter, and water meters being put on the back burner by the Wellington City Council.
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Police Minister Mark Mitchell has announced he intends to ban gang patches in public places within the new Government's first 100 days.
He said if the legislation is passed and gangs choose to ignore it, he expects police to take action.
Former gang member, Mike, rang up to share his thoughts with Nick Mills.
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We all know the new Government wants to cut the public service down to the numbers we saw in 2017.
That alone would mean 15,000 fewer public servants.
Remember, National campaigned on a 6.5 percent reduction on spending across the public service.
Apparently right now there's around 63,000 public servants, and about 28,000 of them live in Wellington.
A drop to 2017 levels would reduce the national count to 48,000, and could see as many as 6000 fewer jobs in the capital.
Nicola Willis, who is incoming public service minister said on Q&A there is no specific targets for the headcount reduction, but job losses were expected.
Then came David Seymour, who said 15,000 would be the most they'd cut, however about a third would be knocked off due to population growth.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus said senior managers and contractors would be most at risk and most public servants were probably not under great threat.
Well, I actually like this idea.
As somebody that's lived in Wellington since primary school, and as someone who has always had a great deal to do with the city, my thoughts are going to concern a few people.
For me, Wellington as a city has thrived most when it's been less about public servants and the government, and more about creativity.
Hear me out.
Who started the craft brewery trend in New Zealand?
Wellington.
Who started New Zealand's bright movie industry?
Yes the Jacksons, but also Wellington.
We as a city do far better when there's less government workers and more creative people in it.
I'm not saying lets get rid of public servants all together.
But so many public servants right now are former creatives that have worked in other industries, but have got dragged into working for the government during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Once again I'll say water finds its own level.
And if some of those people lose their jobs and go back into being in creative environments, that will help our city.
So let's not start panicking just yet.
I am excited for our future and I think this is a good thing.
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Compromise at the Beehive.
A split deputy prime ministership, with the role shared between New Zealand First's Winston Peters, and ACT's David Seymour.
Peters takes the job for the first one and a half years, Seymour the second.
Peters will also once again take on Foreign Affairs.
The 20-strong Cabinet's comprised of 14 ministers from National, three from ACT, and three from New Zealand First.
The Finance portfolio goes to National's Nicola Willis -- but the proposed foreign buyer tax will no longer go ahead.
Gerry Brownlee will be nominated as speaker.
Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says National's tax package will be funded via spending re-prioritisation.
Political commentators Peter Dunne and Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills as the coalition announcement unfolds, and provide analysis on Friday Faceoff.
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Compromise at the Beehive.
A split deputy prime ministership, with the role shared between New Zealand First's Winston Peters, and ACT's David Seymour.
Peters takes the job for the first one and a half years, Seymour the second.
Peters will also once again take on Foreign Affairs.
The 20-strong Cabinet's comprised of 14 ministers from National, three from ACT, and three from New Zealand First.
The Finance portfolio goes to National's Nicola Willis -- but the proposed foreign buyer tax will no longer go ahead.
Gerry Brownlee will be nominated as speaker.
Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says National's tax package will be funded via spending re-prioritisation.
Political commentators Peter Dunne and Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills as the coalition announcement unfolds, and provide analysis on Friday Faceoff.
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Hutt Valley Chamber CEO Patrick McKibbin and Wellington hospitality operator Greig Wilson join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they debate whether Petone needs to be changed officially to Pito-one, coalition negotiations still dragging on, whether the New Building Standards need to be reviewed, proposed bus lanes for the Hutt Road, and liquor licenses being opposed on Courtenay Place.
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Hutt Valley Chamber CEO Patrick McKibbin and Wellington hospitality operator Greig Wilson join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they debate whether Petone needs to be changed officially to Pito-one, coalition negotiations still dragging on, whether the New Building Standards need to be reviewed, proposed bus lanes for the Hutt Road, and liquor licenses being opposed on Courtenay Place.
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Three Wellington City Councillors are slamming proposed peak hour bus lanes on the Hutt Road.
Consultation has opened for the plan which aims to make the region's public transport more reliable.
It means there will be one less lane available to cars in each direction.
Diane Calvert, Ray Chung and Rony Randle shared their thoughts on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills.
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National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss the ongoing coalition negotiations between National, ACT and NZ First, fresh bullying allegations made against Ginny, the state of the Government's books, and pharmacists calling for prescriptions to remain free.
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The Rodger Fox Big Band has been invited to represent New Zealand at the 2024 Jazz Educational Network Conference in New Orleans early next year.
However he says his application to Creative New Zealand to fund the trip was declined.
It comes as Creative New Zealand looks to completely overhaul its funding model from March next year to try and alleviate competition.
It's left Rodger and his band short of $89,000, with the tour costing a total $182,000.
They're now appealing to the public for help
Rodger Fox joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Every week a member of the Newstalk ZB Parliament team joins Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
This week Senior Political Reporter Sophie Trigger discusses the how coalition talks are going between Luxon, Seymour and Peters, a recent poll, and final recount results.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she analyses Mayor Tory Whanau’s investigation into council leaks, Cook Strait ferries causing damage, and the sale of the council's airport shares being out for consultation.
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One of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills every fortnight for Hot Property.
This week he discusses unprecedented rates increases expected in the capital and how they'll affect the market, whether neighbours need to be notified of demolition, and how supply will be affected by the foreign buyers ban potentially being lifted.
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Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss how coalition negotiations are tracking, New Zealand now being the second highest vaping nation, allegations that Ginny yelled at a teenage volunteer on election night, the Electoral Commission facing counting errors, and Chris Hipkins changing his tune on tax.
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Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate whether the council should sell its shares in Wellington Airport, donations going to waste that were meant for a charity hospital, Wellington Water's billion dollar warning, and restaurants folding in the capital.
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I was driving home from work late yesterday afternoon listening to Heather du Plessis-Allan, and I started feeling slightly aggravated.
No, more than slightly aggravated, I felt a little bit angry.
I thought to myself, New Zealand has voted overwhelmingly for change.
We thought we were voting for a government led by a businessman, that would make decisions, like a businessman.
Yes, Christopher Luxon is a politician, but his history is running businesses.
Big businesses too, that I am sure some of us would have liked.
He's no doubt comfortable making decisions that would have huge ramifications, come at huge cost, and need to be made very quickly.
And I was thinking about John who called the show, and asked me why we were not talking about the new government.
John was right.
Why are we just sitting back and waiting?
And don't tell me it's only been a few days since last Friday when the final results came out.
Tomorrow it will be a month, and we are all sitting back saying nothing, waiting.
Remember the term is only 36 months, and we've already lost one.
Still we wait.
We voted for change and yet we've got the same.
I don't always get it right, but I really felt Christopher Luxon would have this one sorted, even though he was going up against one of the wisest and experienced heads in New Zealand politics, Winston Peters.
A smart businessman would have used those three weeks to have plan A, plan B and plan C sorted.
And I feel those who voted for change and voted for a positive future.
You've been let down.
Okay, we might find out today that the coalition has been sorted, but I doubt it.
I've had enough.
I don't want to wait anymore.
I don't want to sit in the background, waiting for the three leaders to come to some kind of compromise.
I want to be treated like I matter.
I want Christopher Luxon on a daily basis to let us, the people in New Zealand know, exactly what's happening in the conversations.
We need to know exactly what's happening with the coalition talks, and now.
I'm sick of it.
I'm sick of these silly games where everybody is playing hide and seek with cameras following their every move.
At the very least, put the stop watch on and give us a end date.
Stop treating us like we don’t matter.
We want to know, and we want to get on with making New Zealand great again.
The majority voted for that.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss whether she thinks the city council is facing financial crisis, a restaurant owner considering throwing in the towel, and a hospitality triumph.
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Restaurant Association of New Zealand President Mike Egan, who also owns Monsoon Poon, and Co Kids Childcare Director Steve Piper join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss what businesses want from the next Government, unemployment on the rise, hospitality venues closing down in the capital, and whether commercial rates are too high.
Both also voice strong opinions on the Let's Get Wellington Moving transport project, in particular the Golden Mile and Thorndon Quay cycle way.
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Wellington Water estimates it'll need one billion dollars a year, to fix its pipe problems.
The water authority says it's in a constrained budget year - as Wellington City Council will this Thursday discuss its financial state.
It comes after Newstalk ZB revealed Wellington Water was aiming to replace 100 kilometres of pipes a year, and had only managed 18.
Chief Executive Tonia Haskell says it's an eye-watering number that shows the level of under investment they've had to date.
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Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday following special votes being counted.
Together they discuss whether David Seymour and Winston Peters can work constructively, if recounts can make a difference, the Mongrel Mob seeking legal advice regarding the National Party’s gang policy, and Golden Mile contracts remaining unsigned.
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Political Commentator Josie Pagani and Wellington columnist Dave Armstrong join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss their predictions ahead of the special votes being counted, whether Oranga Tamariki is failing, Lewis Clareburt leaving Wellington for good, Mayor Tory Whanau moving forward with Golden Mile contracts, and her meeting with Reading Cinemas.
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There are growing calls for Oranga Tamariki to be shaken up, following new details about a toddler who was killed in Lower Hutt.
A homicide investigation's been launched into the death of Lower Hutt toddler Ruthless-Empire Wall, who was killed from blunt force trauma.
Our newsroom understands his uncle contacted Oranga Tamariki, wanting the toddler to be uplifted.
In July, Police conducted a welfare check in, with no concerns noted.
It comes after it was recently revealed 57 children have died since the agency was established.
Whanau Ora is now saying families need to take on greater responsibilities.
Nick Mills spoke to Mike on Wellington Mornings who shared his personal story.
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Labour Minister Ginny Anderson and National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis join Nick Mills ahead of special votes being counted.
Throughout the hour the pair exchange jibes over coalition negotiations, National's fiscal plan, new specialist wait time figures, and the Let's Get Wellington Moving transport project.
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Wellington's Mayor can't yet paint a clear picture of the city council's debt.
The council’s gross debt was 1.25 billion dollars at the end of the 2023 financial year.
Over the past five years, they paid an average of 25 million dollars annually in interest for the money it has borrowed.
A group of Wellington ratepayers say their independent analysis shows the council's facing a billion dollar hole.
Tory Whanau hit back at the accusations during her October catch up with Nick Mills, and defended the Golden Mile plans.
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All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper and Rugby Editor Elliot Smith join Nick Mills ahead of the All Blacks v Springboks Rugby World Cup Final.
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Former Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and City Councillor Ben McNulty join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
During the panel Ben explains why he didn't vote to continue funding the strengthening of the Town Hall, and Justin admits he would have never have approved the project if he knew it would cost $329 million.
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Racetech NZ Managing Director David Black and Cranfields owner Nicola Cranfield join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Over the course of the hour both David and Nicola discuss state of affairs at the Wellington City Council, plans to move forward with pedestrianising the Golden Mile, heritage buildings being neglected by their owners, and whether cash is a dying currency.
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Roger Walker is renowned for designing some of Wellington's most iconic buildings, including the Park Mews multi-unit development in Hataitai.
However at 81 years young, he has no intention of retiring anytime soon, but is preparing to sell his iconic home on Grant Road in Thorndon.
In the meantime he's using the space to exhibit his latest paintings, a hobby he has pursued later in life.
He sat down with Nick Mills for a feature interview to reflect on his career, and share some thoughts on the state of Wellington.
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Economic analysis of Wellington City Council's financial state suggest they're facing hundreds million dollars worth of unbudgeted costs.
The research done by Castalia was commissioned by a group of concerned Wellingtonians.
The analysis done off public records shows there's at least one billion dollars worth of expenditure not included in the council's long term plan and unbudgeted spending on projects.
Group member and Wellington Lawyer, John Swan says its evidence of reckless fiscal policy.
He says it reflects the council lurching from one issue to another -- and the expectation they'll be able to pay for projects with out being able to support it.
The council says the claim is based on old figures and the basis behind some costs is unclear.
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Three prominent Wellingtonians are so worried about the city council’s finances that they’ve paid for independent experts to take a look at the books.
The resulting economic analysis suggests the council could be facing a $1 billion funding gap in unbudgeted costs and is on track to breach its debt covenants.
At the same time Wellington City Council will today vote on whether to pour up to a further $147 million into the Town Hall strengthening project - a situation that’s prompted one councillor to ask on social media for a “wayback machine to avoid this sh*t show”.
New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss.
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Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine and All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper join Nick Mills for Friday Sport ahead of the All Blacks going up against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup semifinal.
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PR Specialist and former Labour Chief of Staff Neale Jones and former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast join Nick Mills on the Friday Faceoff.
This week they discuss the 2023 Election results, whether Chris Hipkins should stay on as leader, plans for a charity hospital in Wellington being derailed, and tensions at the Wellington City Council reaching boiling point.
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Real estate agents are reporting a massive influx of listings since the 2023 election result, some listing more than they did for the entire month of October last year.
Lowe and Co Managing Director Craig Lowe spoke to Nick Mills after listing 50 properties in just 12 days.
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Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills every fortnight to discuss all things money.
This week they discuss how the change of Government will affect the dollar, Christmas spending getting underway, and new Consumer Price Index figures and what it will mean for Kiwis at the checkout.
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Between 2001 and 2011 music group Gráda was a highlight of the traditional Irish music scene.
Now they're reuniting with a nine-date tour across New Zealand.
The tour will begin in Wellington before the group head all over the country.
With members from both Ireland and New Zealand, Gráda spent much of their time touring internationally, performing in over 1000 cities in 30 countries over the course of a decade.
Through their US Label Compass Records, the band sold over 50 thousand albums.
Gerry Paul, Andrew Laking, Nicola Joyce, Alan Doherty, and Tola Custy make up the group's current form.
They join Nick Mills in the studio.
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Rongotai's new MP has fronted up to media following the weekend's election result.
The Greens Julie Anne Genter won the Labour stronghold seat.
She explained to Nick Mills why she thinks she won.
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Greg O'Connor believes he's won the Ohariu electorate through his strong ground game.
Amongst a blue wave, the incumbent Labour MP beat National's Deputy Leader Nicola Willis in the seat over the weekend.
O'Connor thinks his omnipresence and determination got him over the line.
He says he's made a real effort to know the people of his electorate well during his six years in office.
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National doesn't have any plans to U-turn building a second Mount Victoria Tunnel, despite the Greens winning two central Wellington seats.
Over the weekend Julie Anne Genter won Rongotai and Tamatha Paul snatched Wellington Central, two previous Labour strongholds.
The Greens have campaigned against building a second Mount Victoria Tunnel, and instead wanted to prioritise light rail.
But National's Infrastructure Spokesperson Chris Bishop, who also won the Hutt Valley seat over the weekend, reaffirmed their priorities with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Wellington Central's new MP Tamatha Paul has revealed why she wouldn't talk to Mike Hosking during his election night coverage.
The Green candidate won the seat convincingly over the weekend, however refused to be interviewed by Newstalk ZB's Breakfast Host when asked.
She explained to Nick Mills why that decision was made.
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Former MP and Minister Peter Dunne and former MP and Attorney General Chris Finlayson joins Nick Mills for an election special of Friday Faceoff.
Together they break down the last leaders debate, the latest polls, the reality of working with Winston Peters, and who they back to win electorates within the Wellington Region.
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Tim Beveridge is bringing his show 'The Music Is Bond' to Wellington next week.
It's set to take audiences on a thrilling journey through the legendary soundtracks that have become famous alongside the James Bond movies.
From Goldfinger, to Live and Let Die, the show will pay homage to the incredible composers and artists who have contributed to the Bond legacy.
Accompanying Orchestra Wellington will be three incredibly talented soloists including Lavina Williams, Caitlin Smith, Naomi Ferguson, and Tim Beveridge.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills every week for A Capital Letter.
This week they discuss Wellington bar owners banding together to fight their opposed liquor licenses, Tim Brown wanting the council to sell its shares in the airport, and more budgeting issues facing the Interislander's new mega ferry terminals.
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Every fortnight one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week they discuss how the first home buyer market compares to two years ago, why listings are so low in Wellington, residents opposing social housing in Auckland, and where people should list their rental properties online.
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A Wellington City Councillor wants to take a leaf out of Auckland's book, encouraging the council to sell its airport shares.
Wellington City Council has a 34 percent stake in the capital's airport.
And Auckland Council recently sold seven percent of shares in Auckland Airport, to bring debt down.
Councillor and former Airport Chair Tim Brown says this would provide insurance in the case of a major earthquake.
He says Auckland encountered a massive storm with billions of dollars worth of damage, and people trying to find out how they'll cope.
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A Wellington City Councillor wants to take a leaf out of Auckland's book, encouraging the council to sell its airport shares.
Wellington City Council has a 34 percent stake in the capital's airport.
And Auckland Council recently sold seven percent of shares in Auckland Airport, to bring debt down.
Councillor and former Airport Chair Tim Brown says this would provide insurance in the case of a major earthquake.
He says Auckland encountered a massive storm with billions of dollars worth of damage, and people trying to find out how they'll cope.
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Former TVNZ Political Editor Mark Sainsbury and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro join Nick Mills for Politics Monday on election week.
Together they discuss the likelihood of a second election, what drives Winston Peters to be back in Parliament, whether National's tax plan was deceiving, and how the two major party leaders compare to each other.
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Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine and All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper join Nick Mills for Friday Sport.
Together they discuss the Black Caps nine-wicket demolition over England, and Wellington College winning a national school basketball title.
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Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and Political Commentator Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the race for Wellington Central, Winston Peters potentially making a comeback, the Town Hall's budget blowout, the council considering investing in the Reading Cinemas complex, and Mayor Tory Whanau hitting out at National and ACT.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses Wellington Town Hall's earthquake strengthening suffering a major budget blowout, but Mayor Tory Whanau denying the council is facing a financial crisis.
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Everybody Eats Restaurant Manager Jack Rainey and Lowe & Co Managing Director Craig Lowe join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss the Wellington Town Hall's skyrocketing restoration costs, the upcoming election, crime in the CBD, housing supply in the capital, and plans to remove cars from the Golden Mile.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week they discuss what 'lazy money' means, how to bring down credit card bills, and whether the Reserve Bank will likely increase interest rates.
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One of the country's most famous electorate seats is up for grabs this election.
For 15 years, Grant Robertson has held Wellington Central, but he's heading to Labour's list.
In his place is current list MP Ibrahim Omer.
The Greens are putting up city councillor Tamatha Paul, while National has lawyer Scott Sheeran.
Newstalk ZB reporter Nick James asked Wellington Central voters about the big issues this election.
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Wellington Central's candidates have shared their priorities if they get the seat.
The electorate will get a new representative, with Grant Robertson going on the list after holding it for 15 years.
The Green candidate, Tamatha Paul says the biggest barrier facing Wellingtonians right now is affordable housing.
National's candidate, Scott Sheeran also believes housing's an issue and that they have the policies to fix it.
Labour Ibrahim Omer thinks more needs to be spent on infrastructure.
The three battle it out on Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills.
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Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry and Wellington playwright Dave Armstrong join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the protest in Wellington led by Brian Tamaki, the Newshub Leaders Debate, National's proposed benefit sanctions, and Summer water restrictions already coming into play.
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Newstalk ZB's Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the Newshub Leaders Debate, the current polls, and unexpectedly passes the phone to Christopher Luxon during his live cross.
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New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings ahead of the 2023 Election.
Together they discuss the latest polls, Chris Luxon being prepared to work with him, National's proposed benefit sanctions, protesters descending on Wellington, and Let's Get Wellington Moving.
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This morning we hear that a nationwide UN conference, set to be held in Wellington, has been moved online due to safety concerns.
The move comes as authorities expect potential chaos in the capital over the next few days, as several groups of protesters including one led by Brian Tamaki are set to arrive into Wellington.
The United Nations Association of New Zealand was to have its conference at parliament on Thursday, the focus being on sustainable development.
However, the event had become a target of fringe groups and a decision was made last week to move it online, following Parliamentary Services' advice.
Misinformation was also being shared online, including by Brian Tamaki, who falsely claimed that the organisation was linked to BlackRock and the World Economic Reform.
But unfortunately it gets worse.
Parliament is bracing for a large protest from midday on Thursday with additional security measures to be put in place.
Now, we as Wellingtonians are being asked to work from home if possible.
So once again, productivity in every form in Wellington will be disadvantaged by protesters.
We all know the Destiny Church founder Brian Tamaki was heavily involved in the occupation at parliament last year, and in August 2022 he held a peoples' court on Parliament's steps for crimes against Kiwis.
So cringe.
Why do we allow these groups to come into our capital city and disrupt the whole city?
I understand the right to protest in a peaceful manner.
But what I don't understand, is how any group can cause so much disruption in a capital city.
Especially when it prevents people going about their normal day.
Have we not learned anything from previous protests?
The big disappointment for me here is we as a city are getting hugely disadvantaged.
We have one of the biggest events in our calendar on right now, WOW.
Visitors are arriving from around New Zealand and some even from overseas.
All while we are told to work from home, because of a protest.
No thank you.
I will not work from home. I will still go to WOW. I will still walk down Lambton Quay. I will still go about my normal day.
Why? Because I live here and it's my city.
Protesters, if you come into our city, and and march, and protest, do it under out rules, not yours.
Let us who live and go about our day as normal.
As I've said, we have a right to protest in New Zealand and I support that right.
But I certainly don't support any protest that disrupts our city, affects our productivity, and most of all has authorities worried about our safety.
As soon as public safety is involved, that's where we should be drawing the line.
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Every fortnight one of Wellington's biggest landlords, Matt Ryan, joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week he discussed how hard it is to insure seaside homes, nearly half of the country's young voters wanting rent controls put in place, the upside to apartment living, and what will happen to the market if interest rates are increased.
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It's Labour's to lose - in the traditionally red stronghold of Rongotai this election.
The electorate has been held by the Labour Party since its creation in 1996 -- first by Annette King, who held the seat till 2017 -- which saw Paul Eagle take over the seat.
But with Eagle bowing out of politics this year, the seat's set to get a new representative.
Labour's putting up Fleur Fitzsimons this election -- up against the Greens' well-known MP Julie Anne Genter, and National newcomer Karuna Muthu.
Newstalk ZB's Nick James asked voters, and non-voters in Rongotai what their biggest issues are.
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The candidates for Rongotai have clashed over the issue of transport.
Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings held its debate for the Wellington electorate this morning.
National Party candidate Karuna Muthu says they'll be ditching the Let's Get Wellington Moving plans for light rail.
He says there are a range of cost effective projects that should be advanced, rather than light rail.
Green Party Candidate Julie Anne Genter wants it prioritised.
She says it will enable a lot more housing.
Labour Party Candidate Fleur Fitzsimons wants Let's Get Wellington Moving accelerated.
She says they will bring the second Mount Victoria Tunnel and mass rapid transit projects forward.
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Newstalk ZB's music guru James Irwin joins Nick Mills to preview a new album by Fat Freddy's Drop, and pays tribute to a local Wellington band calling it quits.
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Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Wellington's All Sports Breakfast host Matt Buck join Nick Mills for Friday Sport
Together they preview the Warriors going up against the Broncos, South Africa v Ireland on Sunday morning and Wales v Australia on Monday, and discuss whether North Harbour could take the Ranfurly Shield?
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This week political commentator Peter Dunne and Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss reports Greg O'Connor told voters Labour would likely lose the election, the mood of the Ohariu electorate, the council's $50,000 Asia delegation, legal action being taken against Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Green Parrot being up for sale.
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Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to describe the current mood on the campaign trail, what the polls are saying and what people can expect from the next debate.
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National has vowed to scrap Golden Mile redevelopment if contracts remain unsigned
The project is part of the 7.4 billion dollar Let's Get Wellington Moving transport plan, and would see cars taken away between Courtenay Place and Lambton Quay.
Major works on it are set to start mid next year but, contracts for it haven't been signed yet.
The National Party's vowing to scrap the project as it currently stands if they get into Government and contracts still aren't signed off.
Their Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown is urging the Wellington City Council to refrain from doing so until at least after the election.
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The Thrive Collective Director Livia Esterhazy and Fidel's and Havana Bar owner Roger Young join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss the mood of Wellington, the council's spending and priorities, Lets Get Wellington Moving, cycle ways and how they're impacting businesses, and whether after work schmoozing is becoming a thing of the past.
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NZ Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss the mayor and council officials travelling to Asia at a cost of $50,000, and documents that show the new ferry terminals are still far from completion.
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Hutt South is being tipped as one of the most gripping electorate races this year.
The high-profile seat sees senior National MP Chris Bishop take on Labour's Justice and Police Minister, Ginny Andersen.
Bishop flipped the historically safe red seat blue in 2017, but Andersen took it back three years later.
Azaria Howell headed to Hutt City and Petone to gauge the mood of voters.
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Ōhāriu voters will soon get the chance to decide who represents them in the next Parliament.
Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings held a panel with candidates for the electorate seat.
Labour Greg O'Connor, National's Nicola Willis and TOP's Jessica Hammond shared what they thought were the main issues in the area.
They also debated how cost of living pressures can be alleviated, the Johnsonville Mall redevelopment and
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Politicians are in full-on campaign mode, trying to make it over the line in the Ohariu electorate.
The seat was held for years by Peter Dunne, the Labour MP turned United Future leader.
Labour's Greg O'Connor took the seat in 2017 after Dunne's resignation -- and has held it since.
Reporter Azaria Howell hit the streets of Johnsonville to find out if voters are going to back him a third time, and hear about the issues that people find important.
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Claims contracts haven't yet been signed on Wellington's Golden Mile project.
The development would see cars axed from a number of central city streets to prioritise public transit.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau previously told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings the project had been signed off and construction was definite.
However Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert claims otherwise.
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Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and former Wellington Mayor Justin Lester join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
This week they discuss the current polls ahead of the 2023 election, National refusing to release its tax plan numbers, city councillor Diane Calvert drawing attention to the council's books, and how Cuba Street can be improved.
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Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to discuss the latest polls, the ongoing battle between Hipkins and Luxon, and what to expect from upcoming debates.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to explain why she doesn't want dogs off the leash at beaches this summer, and major parking changes potentially coming to Newtown and Berhampore.
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Every fortnight Wellington mega landlord Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week he discusses the Wellington property market bouncing back especially with first home buyers, why real estate agents dress up, and what would make him leave New Zealand.
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A Wellington business owner is rubbishing claims retail spending isn't being hit by cycle ways.
The city council has released EFTPOS spending figures across areas where there have been major changes to street layouts.
The figures show spending dropped about 20% along Riddiford Street during the installation of the controversial Newtown cycle way, but recovered immediately after.
However General Grocer Owner and Newtown Spokesperson Urmila Bhana says the figures misrepresent reality.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills to talk all things money and answer listeners' questions.
This week they discuss saving for a holiday overseas, Christmas, and Marcus reveals some great spots to get a good deal at the petrol pump.
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Two Kiwi travellers are seeking compensation after being sat, cheek by jowl, for a 13 hour flight next to a flatulent dog.
Gill Press and husband Warren, from Wellington, were flying with Singapore Airlines from Paris to Singapore’s Changi Airport in June, when they learned they would be sharing the journey with a congested bulldog.
Saying they had not been warned of the pet ahead of travel, the Presses said they first noticed the dog’s heavy, fragrant snorting.
Warren Press joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Ginny Andersen, Chris Bishop and Neelu Jennings joins Newstalk ZB’s Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for a live Hutt South panel debate.
The trio, representing Labour, National and the Greens respectively, discuss the Melling Interchange and RiverLink project and National's promise to build the Petone to Grenada Link Road.
They also explain how each candidate can better support the Hutt Hospital and how they can crack down on crime in the area.
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Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they critique the first week of the 2023 election campaigns, whether it's possible for National to get construction going on a second Mount Victoria tunnel, Foodstuffs taking the city council to court over the Thorndon Cycleway and plans to build a charity hospital on Adelaide Road.
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Newstalk ZB's music guru James Irwin joins Nick Mills for Music Time.
This week they discuss The Rolling Stones releasing a new single overnight, a new five record box-set by one of New Zealand's best, and another scary glimpse at the world of AI music.
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Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Sophie Trigger joins Nick Mills on the Beehive Buzz.
This week she discusses how each major party is performing in the lead up to the 2023 election, the reaction to the CTU attack ads on Christohper Luxon, and an ongoing Trade Dispute between Canada and New Zealand which has now been resolved.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she explains why the end of the Shelly Bay development isn't cause for celebration.
She also analyses whether working from home is killing Wellington, and shares her thoughts on former Wellington Mayor Andy Foster running for NZ First in Mana.
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Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and Wellington Gold Awards Director John Dow join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss up the upcoming election and what businesses want from the next Government, National wanting to start construction on a second Mount Victoria tunnel in their first term, and the Shelly Bay development being gone with the wind.
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National's promising to build a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington in their first term, if they're in Government.
National Leader Chris Luxon sat down with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for half an hour and said they'll fast-track consents for that and upgrading the Basin Reserve.
He's also not putting too much stock in Roy Morgan's latest political survey, which has National falling by 2.5 points to 31.
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Wellington City Councillor Tamatha Paul and Iron Duke Partners CEO Phil O'Reilly join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate National and Labour's tax plans, Chris Hipkins ruling out Winston Peters, whether people should care where their KiwiSaver is invested, who is responsible for truancy, and new proposed rules for dog owners.
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Classical on Cuba is taking Wellington by storm.
There's over 80 shows, 40 music groups and 12 Venues right across Cuba Street.
It offers something for both the classical music lover, and the first-timer.
Punters will be able to up-close to musical shows in relaxed venues, all around the Cuba Street area.
Artistic director Elliot Vaughan joins Nick Mills in the studio along with Rupa Maitra and Owen Moriarty of Duo Tapas.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau sits down for her monthly catch up with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
This time they discuss in detail liquor licenses being opposed by the council and other agencies, the council delaying changes to how ratings are determined, and whether the Michael Fowler Centre and Opera House are still safe following their new earthquake ratings.
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Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has described National’s tax policy as “smoke and mirrors” ahead of the party’s announcement this morning.
Under National’s plan, a household earning $120,000 a year with no children will receive up to $100 a fortnight, the document shows, while an “average” household with children will get up to $250 a fortnight.
Hipkins told Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings’ Nick Mills that he will be keeping an open mind on National’s tax policy.
“There appears to be quite a lot of smoke and mirrors in what they’re talking about,” he said.
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A Wellington Principal believes everyone, and every agency, can do better to bring truancy down.
Internal reports to the Ministry of Education detail some schools refusing to enrol students in-zone.
Other complaints detailed schools were slow to report truancy.
Wellington College Headmaster Glen Denham says educational facilities are under-resourced, but it's also a family problem.
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Every fortnight mega Wellington landlord joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week he discusses the banks lifting deposit rates again, how foreign investors affect the market, whether wall colours can affect the value of a house, and how students can make a good impression on landlords.
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Labour MP for Hutt South Minister Ginny Andersen and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate the Prime Minister ruling out working with NZ First, concerns surrounding electronic monitoring and home detention, Labour's plan to cap vape retailers, the 1News Verian poll, and National MP Tim van de Molen being stripped of all portfolios.
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Playwright Dave Armstrong and political commentator Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they vigorously debate the state of New Zealand's education system, whether gang members should be eligible for home detention, Labour falling in the polls, and if alcohol is really behind trouble on Courtenay Place.
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Jason Pine and Max Towle join Nick Mills on Friday Sport to discuss the All Blacks going up against South Africa in London, the Warriors v Dragons tonight and the Tall Blacks opening their World Cup campaign.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week they discuss Hutt Hospital’s Heretaunga block potentially not being earthquake-prone afterall, and Kiwirail searching for a senior communications specialist to handle messaging for its beleaguered Interislander ferries.
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A Wellington bar owner is slamming Council, Police, and Te Whatu Ora for cracking down on fun.
The El Barrio and Vinyl Bar owner's attempt to open up a new spot on Courtenay Place, is being thwarted by the three agencies.
The new bar is nearly fully fitted-out, and almost ready to open.
Owner Greig Wilson, says some believe another bar would see more alcohol-related harm.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks following both major parties wanting to make financial literacy compulsory, and takes listeners questions around all things money.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for Hutt South Minister Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills on Politics Monday.
Together they debate compulsory financial literacy in secondary schools, ACT wanting to slash the public service, the Government's new transport plan, and whether foreign investors should be able to buy existing homes in New Zealand.
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Political commentator Bryce Edwards and Labour's Rongotai candidate Fleur Fitzsimons joins Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate whether MPs should criticise the judiciary, if the Michael Fowler Centre and Opera House are safe to be inside, GST being removed from fruit and vegetables, Lauren Dickason's guilty verdict, Wishbone shutting down and Let's Get Wellington Moving.
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Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss Labour's plan to make fruit and vegetables GST exempt, the Ministry of Pacific Peoples' spending under the spotlight again, and Elizabeth Kerekere taking swipes on her way out of parliament.
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Lazule Jewellery owner Olivia Amoah and Creative HQ Startups GM and Six Barrel Soda co-founder Joe Slater join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss Wishbone being liquidated, construction set to begin along the Golden Mile, net migration at an all time high, the gender pay gap, retail crime and whether dogs have a place in the office.
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I've always dreaded today.
I've dreaded having to do this story on the show.
It gives me anxiety, stress, sadness and a little bit of anger.
I feel anger because someone in the greater family, must have known how bad of a situation Lauren Dickason was in.
They call mental health the disease without any scars.
Yesterday Lauren Dickason was found guilty of murdering her three young children at their Timaru home.
The jury of eight women and four men reached a majority verdict.
The 42-year-old stood in the dock calmly, as she was convicted of three counts of murder.
She was taken out of the courtroom while justice Cameron Mander discharged the jury.
As the jurors left the court, some broke down weeping.
No one apart from that group of jurors will know what they've been through.
As Justice Mander said, it's been a difficult and gruelling trial.
He said, "you have had to deal with distressing evidence and this has likely taken a toll on you personally and you have made a considerable sacrifice."
Lauren Dickason never denied killing her three children in 2021.
But, she pleaded not guilty claiming she was severely mentally disturbed at the time, and did not know what she was doing was morally wrong, and shouldn't be held criminally responsible.
She faces a life sentence for the murder of each child.
Night after night we've had both TV channels covering the trial.
We've heard the sad underlining stories that kept coming through of immigrants that had moved to New Zealand for a new life, and it ended like this.
A family completely decimated.
The lawyers the jurors will take years to get over this case, if they ever do.
Spare a thought for those on the peripheral of this story.
Jurors, lawyers, specialists, reporters, all so visually very upset.
I can't help but think about the millions and millions of dollars that's gone into this trial.
Surely someone some of that money could have helped save these girls lives.
Do we really do enough to help in the mental health areas in this country?
Clinical Psychologist Dougal Sutherland said there will be parents watching this case unfold, who've had postpartum depression.
And as I've said before and I'll say again, mental health has no scars.
So does society really care enough?
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm fine...
No, I am not okay, is hard to say, and we feel it’s a weakness.
No blood, no scars, but not okay, that is mental illness.
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One of Broadway’s biggest blockbusters is landing in Wellington for the very first time.
Wicked, tells the story of what happened in the Land of Oz but from a different angle.
It's taking to the stage at the St James Theatre from Thursday and will run until the 3rd of September.
Heather Wilcock and Maya Handa-Naff play the two main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, and join Nick in the studio.
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Every fortnight Wellington landlord Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss all things property.
This week he discusses how net migration is affecting the market, what people should consider before embarking on a renovation, whether a swimming pool can improve the price of your home, rules around subletting, and where he sees house prices sitting next year.
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Labour MP for Hutt South Minister Ginny Andersen and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate Labour's new plan to remove GST off fruit and vegetables, National wanting to ban phones in schools, whether Winston Peters will make a comeback, The Ministry for Pacific Peoples spending nearly $40,000 on a farewell event, and the Green Party wanting to offer grants so homeowners and landlords convert to renewable energy.
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Legendary Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Political Commentator Josie Pagani join Nick Mills this week on Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate and analyse Winston Peters making a comeback, National wanting to ban phones in schools, Tory Whanau's dog being evicted from council offices and her plan to stop going out for a drink.
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Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joins Nick Mills to discuss the FIFA Women's World Cup coming to a close for Wellington, another gold for New Zealand at the cycling world champs, the warriors playing in Hamilton tomorrow night and surprises om tje Wallabies squad for the Rugby World Cup.
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The lads talk the revival of CDs, sample a new album of previously unreleased Nina Simone live recordings and discover the true originals of disco whilst putting on their dancing shoes.
Artificial intelligence also rears its head with a banger of Jazz versus Hip-hop track that melts minds and souls.
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Every Thursday a member of Newstalk ZB's parliament team joins Nick Mills for Beehive Buzz.
This week Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen discusses the Ministry for Pacific Peoples spending $40,000 to farewell its CEO, National wanting to ban phones in schools, and BlackRock Capital stumping up two-billion-dollars of private funds for renewable energy.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss Tory Whanau claiming her partying days are behind her, youth assaults allegedly taking place near Wellington schools, and bendy busses potentially coming to Wellington.
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Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa councils are planning a new governance deal in light of the proposed coalition of all the countries local authorities.
The three mayors say they'll even consider establishing one big council.
Ron Mark is the Carterton District Mayor and driving force behind the idea.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she will no longer go out on a Friday night for a drink and has been through a process of mourning her private life.
It has been a tough month for the mayor after her tipsy night out on the town when she forgot to pay the bill, then finding herself in breach of the council’s tenancy agreement by bringing her dog Teddy to the office, and ongoing criticism of her attendance at civic events.
Whanau told Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills if she could have changed something, she would have accepted earlier that she is a public figure and people are watching.
“I’ve gone through a bit of a process of mourning my past life, my private life, and I wasn’t letting it go. I’ve let that go and I’m ready to move on and focus on the city.”
Asked whether she would still go out on a Friday night for a drink, Whanau said she would not.
“This Friday I’m going to a theatre show. I’m still going to go out to stuff but I’m going to keep certain socialising to my home.”
The Wellington Mayor describes the adjustments she's had to make to her social life since becoming mayor.
Whanau said she wanted to remain authentic, which included her passion for the city and being able to have a laugh.
“It’s just I now realise the second I leave my house I belong to the public.”
Whanau has found the recent attention on her unusual and said it has been a big learning experience.
“The last two to three months going from being a backroom staffer for quite a long time to becoming a public figure has been an experience that people just aren’t really that equipped for. They don’t really teach you this stuff.”
But she was confident she could handle the adjustment.
This morning the Herald revealed Whanau’s dog Teddy would likely be sent out of town to live with family after his visits to the office were found to be in breach of the council’s tenancy agreement.
Whanau said she accepted the rules but described it as an “emotional hit” as her 12-14 hour work days would make it difficult to look after Teddy.
Tory Whanau explains to Nick Mills the situation with her dog, Teddy.
“Since the story broke, I’ve had some people reach out to me to try and help. People are like ‘justice for Teddy’ and they want to help keep him here in the city which I really appreciate,” Whanau said.
However, Whanau said Teddy will most likely be sent to Levin to live with her sister.
“I am sad... he’s my little baby and this job has long hours. It’s a lonely job and I’m single, so don’t have a support network at home, so Teddy was my support.”
Listen above for Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's interview with Nick Mills on Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings.
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Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills to discuss how people can make the most of Money Month, and answers listeners questions.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate making dental care free through a wealth tax, ACT wanting to cut down on public servants, Labour's new transport plan, splitting parental leave and the latest polls.
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Former Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and National's candidate for Remutaka Emma Chatterton join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate Tory Whanau facing criticism over a spate of frequent flights, let's Get Wellington Moving, a sportsman who was discharged without conviction for a sexual connection with a 15 year-old, and a controversial sex education book hitting New Zealand shelves.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Wednesday.
Together they discuss new retail crime data breaking records, the future of Let's Get Wellington Moving being up in the air, and Labour's mostly unchanged party list.
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Yesterday the National Party came out with their new transport plan, and their intention to scrap Let's Get Wellington Moving.
But, there was something missing.
What would happen with the Golden Mile?
None of us need reminding as to what Let's Get Wellington Moving plans to do.
They want to rid of cars and make way for very important buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
For a moment some people may have thought with a change of government would bring a change of plan, but unfortunately, you may have been celebrating too soon.
Construction is set to begin in September, meaning contracts have likely already been signed, or are about to be.
This was something our news room pointed out.
So, in comes National’s Chris Bishop, who says they're not a party that rips up contracts, but, encourages the Wellington City Council to reconsider.
He said there is significant opposition to the plan and there's a way to redevelop Lambton Quay that takes everybody on board.
Come in Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and new Transport Minister David Parker.
The pair were put under pressure to back the transport overhaul, which by the way is 60% government funded.
And, they refused to.
Hipkins said it was being reassessed as Labour developed it’s transport policy.
He even referred to it in past tense, and said he was unhappy with progress.
So where does that leave Wellington?
Now if like me, you wondered how Golden Mile construction can go ahead without Government funding, I'm sorry to say it’s already been taken care of.
Lucky for Let’s Get Wellington Moving, that part of the project is being funded by Waka Kotahi and the Wellington City Council.
So, we now have a Government saying it doesn’t know whether it can afford it.
The other party is saying if contracts are signed, they won’t rip them up.
The reality is, the Wellington City Council now faces a window
A short window where they can achieve their green dream of removing cars from the CBD.
Yes the future of the light rail and a second Mount Victoria tunnel may be up for debate, but now they have an opportunity to ensure they get their way when it comes to cars on our streets.
We need both major parties need to come up with a strategy, and now.
But looking at the facts in front of us, we know neither have one.
I think at the very least we need the Prime Minister to instruct Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Wellington City Council to make no commitments before the election.
This is one case where pressing pause, has to be a logical outcome.
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One of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills on Hot Property to discuss whether peoples should build or buy, what's drawing people to the Hutt, and how to stand out in a competitive market.
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A Wellington City Councillor's applauding National's new infrastructure policy, which would spell the end of Let's Get Wellington Moving.
The controversial multi-billion dollar transit plan would see cars scrapped from a number of centre city streets, in favour of greener options.
National's promising to scrap most of the controversial multi-billion dollar transit plan, including light rail, and removing cars from multiple CBD streets.
It plans to keep ideas around building a second Mount Victoria tunnel.
Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert is openly against Let's Get Wellington Moving, and joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills for Friday Sport.
This week they discuss Netherland's win over USA in the FIFA Women's World Cup, the All Blacks set to go up against the Wallabies, and the Netball World Cup starting tonight.
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Political commentator Peter Dunne and Newshub Political Reporter Lloyd Burr join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss whether GST should be removed from fruit and vegetables, if Labour can recover from the Kiri Allan saga, more car parks set to be removed from Cuba Street and calls for permanent barriers along Wellington's waterfront.
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This week the Wellington City Council will begin consulting with Cuba Street businesses on plans to remove 20 car parks between Ghuznee Street and Vivian Street.
The plan looks to pedestrianise the area on a trial basis, as part of the Let's Get Wellington Moving initiative.
Olivia Amoah owns the Lazulé jewellers with her mother, and is strongly opposed to the plans.
She joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Every week a member of the Newstalk ZB parliament team joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for Beehive Buzz.
Political Editor Jason Walls discusses the fallout following Kiri Allan's arrest, whether Labour can recover from it, and provides an update on various officials visiting from overseas.
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On Thursday the Willis Lane precinct will open its doors to Wellington and the world.
Boasting 14 food and drink outlets, an arcade and mini golf course, the precinct turns the former Taste on Willis food court on its head, drawing on inspiration from all around the world.
Nick Mills took Wellington Mornings inside for an exclusive look.
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A warning Wellington's train services will be busy today.
Before and after the Womens FIFA World Cup match between Sweden and South Africa on Sunday, train services became overwhelmed with people wanting to take them.
Greater Wellington Regional Council Transport Chair, Thomas Nash says they're putting on extra services for the Football Ferns match against Philippines this afternoon.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills to talk all things money.
This week they discuss the fact that Kiwis on average owe around $150,000 worth of debt, and various apps that can help bring costs down this Winter.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for Hutt South, Police Minister Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss Kiri Allan resigning from Cabinet, after being charged over a car crash in Wellington overnight, as well as a raft of youth crime policies announced by the Government.
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Nick Mills was joined for Friday Faceoff by former All White David Chote, and local writer and playwright Dave Armstrong.
They talked the FIFA World Cup, the decline of the Commonwealth Games, crime problems in the wake of the Auckland shooting, ending homelessness in Wellington and whether the Mayor should be allowed her dog in the office.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to preview all the Wellington action as part of the FIFA Womens' World Cup, and reflect on the historic opening game for the Football Ferns.
They also check in on the Wellington Saints, local golfer Daniel Hillier, and preview the Jubilee Cup club rugby final between Paremata-Plimmerton and Oriental Rongotai.
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Weekend Sport host and football commentator Jason Pine joined Nick Mills to talk about the significance of the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand, and the range of events in Wellington taking place to mark the tournament.
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In this week's Music Time, James Irwin introduces Nick to some dark brooding tunes from Wellington based musician LANEthen things turn upside down with some cynical power pop from Wellington's self-proclaimed "laziest band" - LAWNMASTER
Nick also wonders if AI has gone to far with this new Johnny Cash banger?
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FIND OUT MORE ON THE FEATURED ARTISTS BY CLICKING ON THEIR NAMES ABOVE
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Nick Mills was joined in the Newstalk ZB Wellington studio by two Wellington business people who've started companies in the capital that have become large juggernauts around the country and the world.
Adult Toy Megastore owner-operator Nicola Relph and Hell Pizza founder and director Callum Davies discussed their business journeys, along with a number of issues facing businesses right now.
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Landlord Matt Ryan joined Nick Mills for his regular Hot Property segment.
They discussed National's proposal to allow those under 30 to use Kiwisaver to pay for rental bonds, whether the foreign buyer ban will continue, and how the latest OCR and Inflation figures are affecting the property market.
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On Politics Monday, National deputy leader Nicola Willis and Police Minister & Hutt South MP Ginny Anderson joined Nick Mills in studio.
They discussed National's 500-million dollar road transport policy, campaign slogans, Labour's recent dip in the polls, Chris Hipkins ruling out a wealth or capital gains tax under his leadership, and the continued cost of living struggles.
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Nick Mills was joined for this week's Faceoff panel by two former City Councillors - Silvereye Managing Director Jo Coughlan and Labour candidate for Rongotai Fleur Fitzsimons.
They discussed Labour's recent slump in the polls, the Green Paty's push for Wellington, and Let's Get Wellington Moving's upcoming construction and how much support businesses will receive.
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Talented musician Jazmine Mary is currently on a nationwide tour after launching her latest album, 'Dog'.
Jazmine popped by the Wellington Mornings studio and chatted to Nick Mills, ahead of their performance at Wellington's San Fran bar.
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The annual net migration loss to Australia last year was the largest in almost a decade.
Data from Stats NZ for 2022 shows a net migration loss of 13,400 people from New Zealand to Australia, the largest annual loss since 2013.
Last year, 33,863 people migrated from New Zealand to Australia, and 20,431 moved from Australia to New Zealand.
Former Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Tim Fookes moved from Wellington to regional New South Wales in 2017, and talks about the differences between the two countries.
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Nick was joined by the NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell for this week's Capital Letter.
Georgina discussed her latest article on the news that the Wellington City Council considered a dangerous building notice well before the fatal Loafer's Lodge hostel fire, meaning the hostel would have had to be immediately evacuated.
They also discussed the probe into the Wellington City Council after a $250m data error and serious harm data breach.
Georgina also analysed the comments made by Let's Get Wellington Moving programme director Sarah Gardner on Wellington Mornings on Tuesday.
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Are Kiwis saving enough to survive the economic storm?
Savings fell to $653 million in the March 2023 quarter, an $874m decline from the December 2022 quarter’s $1.5b, according to Stats NZ.
Nick Mills was joined by Mortgage Ability director Marcus Hull for some saving tips.
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Waka Kotahi has signed off the funding for two of Let's Get Wellington Moving's first two major transport projects - the Golden Mile and Thorndon Quay upgrades.
Let's Get Wellington Moving programme director Sarah Gardner joined Nick Mills to discuss the impacts the construction work will have on businesses in the area.
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National Deputy Leader and Labour Ohariu MP Greg O'Connor joined Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
They discussed the Greens' push for major Wellington seats this election, funding for Let's Get Wellington Moving and ACT policies on crime and co-governance.
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Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and Director at Franks Ogilvie Law Brigitte Morten joined Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
They talked about the UFS Pharmacy in Courtenay Place deciding to shut down due to Let's Get Wellington Moving.
Also on the agenda, the seemingly large increase in drink driving, alarming wait times at Wellington region hospitals, Mayor Tory Whanau's Friday night out and National Leader Chris Luxon being confronted by a Tawa business owner during the week.
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In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell updates Nick on the Friday night incident at Old Quarter involving Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, after speaking with restaurant staff.
Georgina also informs us of a large data breach involving the Wellington City Council.
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READ GEORGINA CAMPBELL'S LATEST CAPITAL LETTER COLUMN HERE
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor joined Nick Mills for the Wellington Mornings' weekly politics segment.
They discussed the controversy around Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, Minister Kiri Allan's conduct, the latest Crown accounts, Te Whatu Ora's ambitious health recruitment drive, campaigning in Ōhāriu and Let's Get Wellington Moving.
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Further reports have emerged of the lengthy wait times Wellingtonians are continuing to face at the region's hospitals.
One mother has told local media she and her 4-year-old waited for 12 hours at Hutt Hospital's ED.
Neil Arvin Chua phoned into Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings, after his four-year-old son Sebby died while in ED care at Wellington Hospital last year.
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National Party leader Christopher Luxon has been challenged to “get out more”, with a supporter telling him people want change but “don’t know you”.
The comment follows longstanding questions about Luxon’s ability to convince the country to make him Prime Minister come October, having only been an MP since 2020 and Leader of the Opposition since the end of 2021.
The comments were made by the owner of Tawa cafe Urban Eatery, Michelle Cam.
She joined Nick Mills to discuss her take on the National Party leadership.
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Landlord Matt Ryan joined Nick Mills to chat all things property.
This week, Matt addressed concerns over the Green Party's proposal to cap rent rises each year, a spike in households missing mortgage payments, a drop in home consents, and what to do with the Oriental Bay band rotunda.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau joined Nick Mills in studio for her monthly chat.
She discussed allegations of drunken behaviour at a Wellington restaurant, the latest progressions with Let's Get Wellington Moving, various city infrastructure projects, and the treatment of Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt at Wellington City Council-run pools.
LISTEN TO TORY'S FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE
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Wellington Mayor says she was “tipsy” when she skipped the bill at a popular restaurant but has no regrets for supporting local hospitality.
In a statement, Whanau said she “strenuously denies” claims about drunken behaviour including asking a waiter “do you know who I am?” after being cut off.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings, she admitted she was tipsy while dining at the Old Quarter on Dixon St on Friday evening, but said accusations about her conduct and being refused service are “simply false”.
She told Nick Mills the failure to pay the bill was a “miscommunication” between friends, and she was “mortified” by the mistake and she apologised to the restaurant.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to chat about the Hurricanes bowing out of Super Rugby, the Hurricanes going up against the Blues in the semifinals, and whether the Saints can take a win over Taranaki.
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Property developer Ian Cassels and former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss New Zealand now being in a 'technical' recession, gangs shutting down the Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki, and public consultation moving forward on the Let's Get Wellington Moving.
Cassels even goes as far to say he may move if changes aren't made to the transport project.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills every week for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses Maritime NZ raising safety concerns before the Interislander ferry mayday call, and Wellington quickly running out of drinking water despite council's being warned.
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Sky Stadium CEO Shane Harmon and Porirua Mayor Anita Baker join Nick Mills for the final business panel in the Sky Stadium studios.
Together they discuss Porirua Business Month, FIFA Women's World Cup ticket sales, oral submissions being made on the LGWM Golden Mile plan, potential incoming water restrictions, and how businesses are feeling cost of living pressures.
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Mortgage Ability NZ Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills every fortnight to answer listeners' questions in regards to money, finance, budgeting, and just getting through tough times.
This week he discusses the KiwiSaver year ending, what bridging finance means, current mortgage rates, and the easiest way to spend money overseas.
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Cosi fan Tutte is taking to the stage at the St James Theatre in Wellington on June 14, 16 and 18.
Jonathan Abernethy performs as Ferrando, and is a born and bred Wellington.
He joins Nick Mills in the Newstalk ZB studio to discuss the show and his upbringing.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss Michael Wood's future, the Green Party's proposed wealth tax, National wanting to end the ban on gene editing and genetic modification, and money that hasn't been distributed to Hawke’s Bay businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
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Investigative journalist Nicky Hager and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss whether Michael Wood should be sacked from Cabinet, if buses are more important than cars, new recommendations for the electoral system and vaping laws.
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Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick Mills to preview the Hurricanes heading to Canberra to meet the Brumbies in Super Rugby quarterfinals, and the Saints hosting the Otago Nuggets.
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Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen join Nick Mills to discuss Michael Wood's suspension from his Transport Minister position, Jan Tinetti facing the Privileges Committee, and concern surrounding controversial social media star Andrew Tate.
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In a bid to curb youth vaping the Government has announced that disposable vapes will be banned from August, and all devices will need to have removable or replaceable batteries.
New vape retailers will no longer be able to operate within 300-metres of schools and marae.
Nick Mills spoke to one Wellington Mornings caller who had a close connection to the industry.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss the win Mayor Tory Whanau may have up her sleeve, a seventh councillor withdrawing their confidence from Let's Get Wellington Moving, and the capital's cycleway network winning an international award.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Wednesday.
This week they debate Michael Wood's temporary suspension from his position as Transport Minister, new vaping laws, and primary teachers voting to accept the latest Ministry of Education collective agreement offer.
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Every two weeks one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to talk all things property.
This time they discuss whether its worth investing pre-election, if leasehold properties are viable and what's going wrong in the tiny home market.
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Newstalk ZB music guru James Irwin joins Nick Mills to wrap up NZ Music Month, and gives listeners a sample of up and coming Whanganui artist Sophie Toyne.
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Green Party MP and Rongotai candidate Julie Anne Genter and former Wellington Mayor Andy Foster join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate Mayor Tory Whanau saying she was disrespected at a residents association meeting, councillors withdrawing their support from Let's Get Wellington Moving, and Tākina opening to the world.
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Wellington's new $195 million dollar convention centre, Tākina, is officially open.
It's the capital's largest built infrastructure investment since Sky Stadium was opened two decades ago.
It's first exhibition, Jurassic World by Ryan 'The Brickman' McNaught, which features life sized Lego dinosaurs, begins on Saturday.
An event to celebrate Tākina being opened to the public was held in the new building.
Nick Mills got an exclusive tour and spoke to array of distinguished guests, including the The Brickman himself, Dame Winnie Laban, and Commercial Development Manager David Perks.
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This Sunday Wellingtonians will have the opportunity to take part in a quiz night with one of the most beloved Chasers in television history, Shaun Wallace, the dark destroyer
They'll get the exclusive opportunity to hear from Shaun himself, and then put their knowledge to the test in a six-round quiz.
If their team emerges victorious, four members will get the chance to take on The Dark Destroyer in a live Final Chase.
Every dollar raised goes directly to Life Flight, a vital organisation that provides critical care to those in need.
Shaun Wallace joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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A Wellington City Councillor says she's lost confidence in Let's Get Wellington Moving because there's no money to deliver certain parts of it.
The 7.4 billion dollar transport plan includes removing cars from the Golden Mile, a second Mt Victoria tunnel, and mass rapid transit.
Six councillors filed a notice of motion against the project yesterday - saying they've lost confidence in it.
Councillor Tim Brown told Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings he's not supported the plan for a long time.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss six councillors losing confidence in Let’s Get Wellington Moving, developments to the Loafers Lodge fire investigation, and Kiri Allan expediting urgent advice on New Zealand’s ability to respond to a maritime disaster.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown join Nick Mills for Politics Wednesday.
Over the hour they debate investment in road maintenance, National withdrawing its support from the bipartisan agreement with Labour on housing density, and more money going into fog cannons and apprenticeship support.
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Today I read an article by Georgina Campbell that really confused me.
The Wellington City Council is forecasting its deficit to increase to $92.6 million.
Why?
They're blaming dwindling revenue from car parks, and the weather.
Wow, it's not often a marketing manager is annoyed when their campaign works.
The council's most recent quarterly report from January to March estimated a total deficit of $92.6 million, up from $79 million originally forecast.
At the time of the quarterly report, parking revenues were down $5.6 million.
That's apparently because people were adopting working from home as the new normal.
Are you kidding me?
Maybe it's because we've been persuaded into not driving, parking, and sadly shopping in town.
Has anyone thought of that?
Apparently car park occupancy hasn't fully bounced back after the COVID-19 pandemic, and is sitting about 54 per cent, falling short of the 80 per cent target.
Does that really surprise anybody?
All we ever hear is keep your car out of town, get on your bike, start cycling.
So we get all these cycleways, then suddenly we have lost money that normally goes into parking meters, and we ask why?
The report said the council's broader agenda of reducing reliance on cars would also be affecting the reduced parking revenues.
Whoever figured that one out deserves some big bucks.
I know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but it's hard not to be sarcastic when you read this.
Our very own council is saying fewer cars are coming in into town and parking, and we've got a cash flow problem because of it.
How does it make you feel when you know that your rates are going to go up again?
And trust me on one thing, it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Just imagine when they start the Let's Get Wellington Moving construction through the middle of the city.
How many people are going to be driving into town to go shopping when everything is closed?
Your vote, your people, running this once fantastic city.
Hard not to be sarcastic right now.
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It was a sad and reflective day on Friday for a man who never lost his smile.
People gathered last week at a funeral home in Newtown to mourn Mike Wahrlich,who died in the blaze at Loafers Lodge.
He was often seen juggling tennis balls in the CBD, notably by Westpac bank on Lambton Quay, and was nicknamed 'Mike the Juggler' by Wellingtonians.
Tennis balls were placed on his casket, alongside flowers, as people spoke of their memories of him.
Some also sung songs to farewell the man who was remembered as Wellington's entertainer.
His funeral was attended by the Mayor, a Police officer, a building inspector, a Black Power member, other street performers, locals, and his family.
Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell attended the funeral and compiled audio from the day.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau joins Nick Mills live on Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings.
Together they discuss the Loafers Lodge fire, public consultation ending for the Golden Mile project, hundreds of jobs likely to be cut at Victoria University of Wellington, and her missing the Wellington Region Mayoral Forum in Carterton.
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Former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate New Zealand's judicial system, whether Kiwis have lost respect for Police, if inflation has peaked, and why fewer students are enrolling at Victoria University of Wellington.
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Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
This week he discusses assaults on police nearly doubling, the recent OCR hike, and advice issued by the Government on how to combat the cost of living crisis.
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Property Developer Ian Cassels and Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss the effects of the Loafers Lodge fire, and how accommodation can become healthier, safer and more affordable in Wellington for those most vulnerable.
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Every couple of weeks Wellington landlord Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week he discusses whether landlords should be able to make rules around pets, if market predictions made in Budget 2023 are accurate, and reiterates the importance of fire safety.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week they discuss claims crime figures are only increasing due to improved reporting rates, the Government helping fund NZ Steel's move away from coal, and whether Budget 2023 will harm the New Zealand economy.
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The Government has unveiled its much-anticipated Budget 2023, with less than five months to go until the country heads to the polls.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen and political commentator Josie Pagani join Nick Mills for a special edition of Friday Faceoff to analyse the spending.
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Newstalk ZB's music guru James Irwin joins Nick Mills to talk all things music, and recognises some of Aotearoa's most legendary artists to continue celebrating NZ Music Month.
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The Finance Minister's getting ready to deliver his sixth budget.
At 2pm today, Grant Robertson will unveil the document he and his ministers have been crafting for months.
Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings as he prepared for the budget lock-up.
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The owner of Loafers Lodge in Wellington, where at least six people have died in a fire, says he’s in the dark about what might have caused the deadly blaze.
Gregory Mein told the NZ Herald his energy was focused on working with management, the bereaved and relocating displaced tenants.
Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to explain.
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Specialist Police staff have been brought into Wellington to help investigate the Loafer's Lodge fire that claimed six lives.
Built in 1971, it didn't have sprinklers - and wasn't required to.
Now there's talk that the fire could bring change to the building code.
The lodge had a Building Warrant of Fitness issued this March - and no concerns were raised by the independent inspector.
Fire Engineer Michael Belsham says sprinklers are important for saving lives, particularly in places where people sleep.
But he says they can't be put in every building.
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The Loafers Lodge fire could bring change to the building code.
At least six people died in the Wellington fire, with another 11 unaccounted for.
The lodge had a Building Warrant of Fitness issued this March - and no concerns were raised by the independent inspector.
Built in 1971, it didn't have sprinklers - and wasn't required to.
Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung says council will be pushing the Government to make sprinklers mandatory for all accommodation outlets.
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Every fortnight one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for Hot Property.
This week he discusses what landlords are wanting to see from Budget 2023, Wellington house prices continuing to drop, and explains why building inspections are important before purchasing a home.
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A facility has been set up at Newtown Park for those affected by the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington.
Police believe the number of fatalities is under 10.
More than 50 people have been accounted for and five are in hospital.
Parts of the building have collapsed with fire crews still dousing the roof with water from above.
Herald reporter Vita Molyneux visited the evacuation centre and updated Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Authorities are still working to determine the death toll from this morning's hostel fire in Newtown.
The blaze broke out in the Loafers Lodge on Adelaide Road just before 12.30am.
Newstalk ZB's Nick James was at the scene.
He told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings there's an eerie feeling.
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Many remain unaccounted for since a deadly fire that broke out in Wellington just after midnight, which has claimed at least six lives.
Police believe the number of fatalities at Loafers Lodge in Newtown is under 10.
More than 50 people have been accounted for and five are in hospital.
Parts of the building have collapsed with fire crews still dousing the roof with water from above.
FENZ Deputy National Commander Brendon Nally says it's not possible anyone could still be alive inside the building.
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Eleven people remain unaccounted for since a deadly fire that broke out in Wellington just after midnight, which has claimed at least six lives.
Police believe the number of fatalities at Loafers Lodge in Newtown is under 10.
More than 50 people have been accounted for and five are in hospital.
Parts of the building have collapsed with fire crews still dousing the roof with water from above.
Wellington's Mayor Tory Whanau says a Mayoral Relief Fund has been set up to support affected residents.
She described the deadly blaze to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings as a 'truly tragic outcome'.
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A former Wellington Mayor says there needs to be a change at the top for Gore, one way or another.
Mayor Ben Bell is facing a vote of no confidence at a District Council tomorrow.
Meanwhile, an online petition is circulating calling on Council Chief Executive Stephen Parry to resign.
Dame Kerry Prendergast says the pair need to work together, possibly with the help of a facilitator.
But she says despite his inexperience, Bell does have a mandate.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for Hutt South Minister Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills on Politics Monday.
Together they debate the significance of Te Pāti Māori come election time, what we can expect from Budget 2023, and whether an increase of police officers across the country is having any effect on public safety.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to discuss the Hurricanes going up against Moana Pasifikia, the Phoenix losing eight players, and a huge game for the Central Pulse at sold out TSB Arena on Sunday.
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Former MP Peter Dunne and political commentator Josie Pagani join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the Wellington City Council's planned Kilbirnie to Thorndon cycleway, demand for police outgrowing officer numbers and analyse Christopher Luxon's falling favourability.
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Porirua's Pak N Save has come under fire for what's been called a "misogynistic" social media giveaway for Mother's Day.
The store said it was "feeling generous" and had three "pamper packs" made up of laundry products, air fresheners and a box of chocolates for someone who deserves it.
After plenty of debate in the comment sections - the store clarified there was no "hidden agenda or meaning".
Foodstuffs has apologised for the post, saying it missed the mark.
Nick Mills asked callers what they thought of the gift.
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Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, the ongoing effects of Meka Whaitiri defecting from Labour, and what Kiwis can expect from Budget Day next week.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss how much of a dive KiwiRail's reputation has taken following Wellington's major rail disruptions and a subsequent inquiry.
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Fiso Investment Group Chairman John Fiso and Retail NZ Public Affairs & Policy Manager Aimie Hines join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss record low business confidence in the capital, the Let's Get Wellington Moving Golden Mile plan, retail crime continuing to rise, and what businesses want to see from Budget 2023.
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The Defence Force is getting a massive boost in pay to the tune of $419 million over four years.
Their earnings will increase between $4000 and $15,000 from July.
It comes as 10 percent of New Zealand's Defence Personnel hung up their boots in the past year.
The Defence Minister says that's about 800 people, and concedes Force pay rates have fallen behind comparable civilian roles.
Heather Roy was the Associate Minister of Defence under ACT between 2008 and 2010.
She's says higher salaries is not necessarily the answer.
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Every two weeks Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week he discusses how dangerous 'buy now, pay later' schemes can be during desperate times, mortgage rates exceeding what many were stress tested at, and even reveals an affordable way to buy vegetables.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South and Police Minister Ginny Andersen and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills on Politics Monday.
This week they butt heads over whether juvenile detention facilities would help curb youth crime, if the Government's Winter health plan will alleviate pressure, and what Meka Whaitiri's defection from Labour says about the Government.
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Newstalk ZB's music guru James Irwin joins Nick Mills in the studio to discuss New Zealand Music Month and gives a listeners a taste of just some of the tunes they get amongst during May.
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All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB All Blacks commentator and Deputy Sports News Editor Elliott Smith join Nick Mills for Friday Sport.
Together they preview the Wellington Phoenix facing their biggest game of the year, the Hurricanes in action against the Fijian Drua in Suva, reports that Shaun Johnson may leave the Warriors again, and whether the Saints will have another win against the Rams in Christchurch.
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Newstalk ZB Early Edition host Kate Hawkesby joins Nick Mills live from London ahead of Prince Charles' coronation.
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National Party candidate for Wellington Central Dr Scott Sheeran and political commentator Bryce Edwards join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss Scott's National Party bid for Wellington central, Meka Whaitiri defecting from Labour to Te Pati Maori and whether New Zealand should crack down vaping laws.
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Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to explain how Meka Whaitiri's defection from Labour unfolded, and also discusses current vaping laws in New Zealand and changes to the clean car rebate scheme.
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Every month Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau joins Nick Mills in the studio on Wellington Mornings.
This time Nick questions the Mayor on 30kph speed reductions set for 93 percent of the capital's streets, the council flip flopping on whether to review sport facility fees and even finds out how much ratepayers have forked out for the Wellington Zoo's new snow leopards.
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An Auckland community lawyer says his clients have been targeted by an early morning raid just a fortnight ago.
At around 5am a father of four was allegedly removed from his home by police and immigration officials as his scared children watched on.
The children were beside themselves and became worse when they realised they were coming to take their dad away.
Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills says under no circumstances should raids like this ever occur, and asked callers for their memories of the 1970s Dawn Raids.
Susanne was a primary school teacher at the time and shared her experience.
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An Auckland community lawyer says his clients have been targeted by an early morning raid just a fortnight ago.
At around 5am a father of four was allegedly removed from his home by police and immigration officials as his scared children watched on.
The children were beside themselves and became worse when they realised they were coming to take their dad away
Ken Laban is a highly respected Polynesian leader and broadcaster in Wellington.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss the rail disruptions plaguing the capital, all while Restore Passenger Rail protesters continue to hold up Wellington traffic.
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Every fortnight one of Wellington biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to talk all things property.
This week they discuss how a Capital Gains Tax would affect the property market, whether auctions is still a preferable way to sell a house and the National Party wanting to let landlords evict tenants without cause.
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Wellington sporting organisations are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of transparency from the Wellington City Council around the pricing of sports facilities.
The group Affordable Sports for Greater Wellington asked council candidates before last year's election for an independent review of pricing for the likes of football fields, basketball courts and artificial turfs.
Although 13 members agreed to the pledge, a recent letter from Mayor Tory Whanau says the council will not support a review.
Wellington City Councillors Nicola Young and Ray Chung tell Nick Mills they had no idea the review wasn't happening.
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KiwiRail has formally apologised for the disruption expected this week on Wellington train services.
A 70 kilometre per hour speed limit is in place on the Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Wairarapa lines after a specialist track evaluation car which was set to inspect the infrastructure broke down.
Track assessments will get underway today but aren't expected to be complete till Friday -- meaning reduced services will be in place till then.
KiwiRail Executive General Manager of Operations, Paul Ashton says the situation is solely their making.
He says they take full responsibility for the reduction in train services.
KiwiRail will be undertaking an internal investigation into the incident.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills on Politics Monday.
Together they debate National's new health policy, and clash over the intentions behind the recent wealth report that found New Zealand's richest pay less than half the tax of ordinary people.
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Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett and playwright Dave Armstrong joins Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate speed reductions set for Wellington, Let's Get Wellington Moving's plans for the Golden Mile, and whether anything should be done to stop Restore Passenger Rail protesters from causing more disruption.
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New Zealand First is trying to claw its way back into Parliament by running a “two-tick” campaign in Northland
The man they've brought back for the job is veteran MP Shane Jones.
The party tumbled out of Parliament in 2020, when Jones was also running a two-tick campaign in the seat.
He came third, more than 10,000 votes behind National's Matt King.
Now he's back visiting Wellington and joins Nick Mills in the studio.
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A plan to put the brakes on Wellington speed limits is going to public consultation.
Wellington City Council have voted for people to have their say on the changes which would slow speeds to a max of 30 kilometres an hour, for local streets.
However National Party Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown says National will stop and change the proposed reductions if it were was to get into power.
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Today the Wellington City Council is voting on whether to reduce speeds on 80 per cent of our local roads to 30kph an hour.
Why? I hear you ask.
Well, it's part of their contribution to New Zealand's Road to Zero campaign.
If the vote goes through the plan will go out to Wellingtonians for public consultation.
You see the council is required to introduce safe speed limits of 30kph near 40 per cent of our schools by June next year.
They're then required to introduce safer speed limits all of our schools by the end of 2027.
At first glance that makes sense, but wait, it gets worse.
Because Wellington City has a high density of schools, this would mean reducing speed limits on 80 per cent of our streets in and around Wellington.
So 80 per cent of our streets, going down to 30kph.
A few main routes would remain at 40kph an hour, and even fewer at 50.
Overall, up to 93 per cent of our streets could face some kind of speed reductions.
The move is the council's approach to the government's Road to Zero campaign which aims to reduce death by 40 per cent by 2030, and eliminate deaths on our roads by 2050.
You all know how I feel about the Road to Zero campaign, it's simply not possible
Whenever I read that our council is going to consult on something I shake my head. Has anything really ever changed because of public consultation?
Counsellor Iona Pannett is behind lowering the speed limits in Wellington City. Remember though, she's never or owned or even driven a car.
Iona was quoted as saying sometimes slow transport movement is a better way of enjoying life.
Hang on a second, she's meant to be the chairperson of the Wellington City Council's Planning and Environment Committee.
Do we have any hope of fair and open discussion?
Think about our traffic conditions now, then imagine what it's going to be like when we reduce the speed to 30kph.
We all want it to be safe around schools, preschools and kindergartens. But 80% of roads in our city?
Come on.
My experience of Wellington City Council is they get everything they want. And it sounds to me like they want this.
So, it's coming to a street by you.
This is no different to the cycleways. One car at a time, gone. That’s what they want.
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Concerns a lack of safety measures on the Wellington waterfront is putting people at risk.
Christchurch Primary School teacher Issac Levings accidentally drowned after falling into the harbour after attending a concert at TSB Arena on Wednesday last week.
The body of the 25 year old was later found by Police in the harbour on Friday.
Wellington Skipper, Kieran Boyle told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings there should be balustrades stopping people from going into the water.
He says at night the waterfront can be dangerous.
30 year old Sandy Calkin died in the area in 2021.
His father Roger Calkin told Nick Mills - that more needs to be done.
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Wellington landlord Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to discuss disputes over rental damage, and how inflation is translating into the property market on Hot Property.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss how Issac Levings' parents are coping after he accidentally drowned in Wellington's harbour, as well as those in the capital being fed-up with disruptive protests.
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Wellington's Mayor has taken the offer to meet with disruptive climate protesters off the cards.
Tory Whanau was willing to speak with Restore Passenger Rail supporters after they'd sat in traffic in a demonstration on Monday.
She was prepared to advocate for their demands, in good faith.
But Mayor Whanau says she's disappointed the group hit the streets again today, and blocked traffic on Adelaide Road.
She says a lot of the buses were backed up due to the protest and she can understand if people are frustrated.
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Legendary Commonwealth Games commentator John McBeth joins Nick Mills to discuss whether its viable for New Zealand to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games.
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Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick Mills to discuss Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returning to NRL and the Warriors, the Pulse on a new winning streak and the Phoenix facing Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.
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Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown and Former MP and lawyer Stephen Franks join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the IPCA's finding's from its parliament protest review, whether Kiwi prisoners deserve better conditions and who they think is best fit to take on the Wellington central seat.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to update him on the chaotic state of Wellington Harbour, including a container ship breakdown.
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Newstalk ZB's Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen speaks to Nick Mills following the resignation of National's Taieri candidate Stephen Jack, and the IPCA releasing its report into the anti-mandate Parliament protests.
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A preschool teacher has managed to hang on to her teaching licence despite four drink driving convictions.
In 2020 the woman was caught driving over the limit before entering her work.
She'd already had three drink-driving criminal prosecutions, however the the Teaching Council’s disciplinary tribunal decided not to terminate her teaching licence.
Nick Mills asked callers if this was the right decision and spoke to Mary, who had to battled with alcohol for two decades.
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Preston Corp CEO Hamish Preston and Werk Agency Co-founder Robbie Lawton join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they delve into Wellington's public transport system, the Covid-19 isolation period remaining, ASB's grim predictions for the year ahead financially, and what businesses need from the next Wellington Central MP.
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ASB is predicting a deeper recession than originally thought.
The bank expects overall GDP to full a further two percent by early next year, more than half the decline seen during the Global Financial Crisis.
Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull explains to Nick Mills how people can prepare on Money Talks.
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Wellington's Mayor promises to take a tough approach to disruptive protesters.
Four Restore Passenger Rail protesters glued their hands to state highway one yesterday, before being arrested.
The group conducted multiple protests at the end of last year, calling for more investment into rail services.
Tory Whanau wants to meet with the group and told Nick Mills she agrees with the message -- but strongly condemns their actions.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South and Police Minister Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills on Politics Monday.
Together they discuss reports that Rimutaka Prison is bursting at the seams, Labour's plan to reduce class sizes by one student, the Affordable Water Reforms and
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Ngati Toa Rangatira Chief Executive Helmut Modlik and National's candidate for Remutaka Emma Chatterton join Nick Leggett on Friday Faceoff.
During the hour they tear apart the Three Waters reform, and discuss who should be held responsible for falling Wellington street lamps and whether the capital needs light rail.
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17-thousand Wellington City Council street lights aren't equipped to cope with strong wind gusts, and are now getting a fix up.
The adaptor on the LED lights, installed in 2018, has broken on a number of lamps -- causing 17 to smash to the ground, and 161 to droop.
The lights were tested with weights that did not move.
Former city councillor Chris Calvi-Freeman raised the issue earlier this year after he noticed several missing lamps and, upon closer inspection, saw the posts had wires hanging out of them and jagged metal.
He was stunned when he then discovered a heavy street lantern on the ground near his home.
He joins Nick Leggett on Wellington Mornings.
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A cancer patient given eight weeks to live, was told he faced a 12-week wait to see a specialist.
His story is part of a critical report by the nation's health watchdog into the Southern District Health Board, now Te Whatu Ora Southern.
It reveals significant delays in delivering non-surgical cancer care between 2016 and 2022 harmed patients - and breached their rights.
Te Whatu Ora Southern says it apologises unreservedly to patients who have experienced distress - and are implementing change.
Nick Leggett asked callers on Wellington Mornings whether things were just as bad in the capital, and spoke with Marty.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Leggett to discuss her latest column, which details how scrapping light rail might keep everyone on board with Let's Get Wellington Moving.
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A Wellington business leader wants a clearer picture from the Government about the future of Covid-19 restrictions.
Cabinet has decided to keep the seven day isolation rule for Kiwis that test positive for at least the next two months.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus says there needs to be more guidance for businesses.
He says the lack of a plan around the restrictions makes it very difficult for businesses to plan around growth.
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An investigation into dangling and falling street lamps in Wellington City will be revealed this week.
The 15 kilogram lights have been seen drooping over streets, prompting concern.
Councillor Diane Calvert speaks to Nick Leggett on Wellington Mornings.
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A tornado has damaged at least 20 properties on the Kapiti Coast.
A 16-year-old is in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, after the wind destroyed his sleep out.
Four homes at least are reported to have lost their roof, and another was knocked off its piles.
An Urban Search and Rescue drone crew will do an aerial assessment this morning.
FENZ Assistant Commander, Steve Hudson says it was a big blow.
New Zealand Herald Reporter Vita Molyneux joins Nick Leggett on Wellington Mornings.
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Labour MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti Meka Whaitiri and National MP Chris Bishop join Nick Leggett for Politics Tuesday.
Together they discuss Green Party MP Elizabeth Kerekere calling colleague Chlöe Swarbrick a "crybaby", Waka Kotahi fixing 54-thousand potholes on the state highway network during 2022, and what will come of the Three Waters overhaul.
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Yesterday the first sod was turned at the Aotea Quay roundabout, which is set to replace a traffic light-controlled intersection just North of Sky Stadium.
The new roundabout is at one of Wellington's key arterial routes, that carries more than 32-thousand vehicles a day. It's set to streamline access to the ferry terminal and freight yards in the city centre.
Let’s be clear, after spending the last ten months based at Sky Stadium I think this roundabout is a great idea. Well, as long as it doesn't congest the traffic heading North at peak time.
But what really concerns me, is the comment Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau made during the ceremony.
She said Wellington is in for a decade of pain as infrastructure is improved, but it has to happen.
She warned we will see a lot more road cones, but likes to think of them as markers of progress.
Please think about that.
More cones around the city? We have more cones around Wellington right now than Tip Top ever made.
I'm sorry, but I can’t even imagine more cones.
Have you driven around Wellington lately?
There has been talk around town following Cyclone Gabrielle as to whether funding for existing projects will be reprioritised.
However Transport Minister Michael Wood is adamant Let’s Get Wellington Moving projects will be unaffected.
But, and there is a big but, he said Let's Get Wellington Moving is not future proofed against a change of government.
Remember National and Act firmly oppose this, so who knows what will happen if they take over.
But Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she’ll advocate for the project regardless of who is Prime Minister. She’s already met with the opposition and has made it clear that investment is needed.
Although I strongly want our city to move forward, and to be better, I am completely opposed to Let’s Get Wellington Moving.
I, like every Wellingtonian, want to move forward, but can’t we improve just one step at a time?
Completely pedestrianising our CBD will never work either in the short term or long, purely because of weather.
Finally, I see an out.
A change of government could stop Let's Get Wellington Moving completely.
I must admit, Tory Whanau saying we are in for a decade of pain, terrifies me.
That could be the true Let’s Get Wellington Moving moment.
However, the moving will out of the city, and far away.
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Labour candidate for Rongotai Fleur Fitzsimons and Transporting New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate investment in Wellington infrastructure, Tory Whanau continuing to defend rates increases, if cyclists should be fined for using the footpath and whether youth criminals should appear in court.
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Stewart and Tricia Macpherson are celebrating 50 Golden Years of bringing musicals to Wellington and New Zealand.
To celebrate being the country's longest serving producers, they're bringing the best and the brightest back to the stage.
It's called 50 Golden Years of Musicals, featuring global phenomenon Paul Potts.
It starts on the 11th of April at the Southwards Museum Theatre, and is touring right around the country.
Stewart Macpherson and Paul Potts join Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Stewart and Tricia Macpherson are celebrating 50 Golden Years of bringing musicals to Wellington and New Zealand.
To celebrate being the country's longest serving producers, they're bringing the best and the brightest back to the stage.
It's called 50 Golden Years of Musicals, featuring global phenomenon Paul Potts.
It starts on the 11th of April at the Southwards Museum Theatre, and is touring right around the country.
Stewart Macpherson and Paul Potts join Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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The Wellingtonian of the Year for 2022 has been awarded to a man who's sole mission is to 'save families from cancer'.
Ralph Highnam founded Volpara Health along with three colleagues in 2009, and has since screened more than 13.5 million women across 39 countries for breast cancer.
He joins Nick Mills in the studio on Wellington Mornings.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Police Minister Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate what is continuing to drive youth crime, National's renewable energy policy, whether the minimum wage increasing is enough for struggling Kiwis, and what legacy Jacinda Ardern will leave behind as she makes her valedictory speech this week.
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It's been one year since the controversial 1.25 billion dollar Transmission Gully motorway opened to Wellingtonians, and the nation.
So far there have been no deaths or serious injuries on the road, despite it enduring more than nine million trips.
Nick Mills celebrates and reflects on how the motorway has changed the Wellington Region.
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Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and NZME's Head of News for Wellington Adam Ray join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff on Wellington Mornings.
Together they discuss the Prime Minister's office knowing Stuart Nash had breached Cabinet rules, Christopher Luxon wanting an apology from Marama Davidson over her comments at the Posie Parker counter protest, parking in Wellington, and they even try some local Wellington donuts.
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It was nearly a year ago when Andrea Sanders presented her then show Cringeworthy the 80s.
Now she's back, this time with Cringeworthy - Swinging in the '60s!
It starts at Circa Theatre on Saturday April 1, and is set to transport punters to the GROOVIEST era of all.
She joins Nick Mills in the Wellington Mornings studio with some of the cast.
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Bad luck if you performed well on the Wellington sporting scene this year.
This year's Sport and Recreation Awards in the region have been paused, with the future of the event under review.
Nuku Ora, formerly Sport Wellington, wants to review how the awards can better reflect the organisation's long term strategy.
In a letter to stakeholders, new boss Andrew Leslie says they want to quote: "reset and consult, to ensure we include our diverse range of stakeholders and communities in this process and to bring you all on the journey of change with us".
He joins Nick Mills live on Wellington Mornings.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for Politics Wednesday.
Together they discuss whether Stuart Nash should resign from his Napier Seat, if Marama Davidson's apology was enough following her comments regarding white cis men committing violence, and if child poverty numbers are a broken promise by Labour.
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Wellington landlord Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to discuss what should be built at the Mt Crawford prison site, whether the Government is to blame for increased rents, and what he hopes will happen with St Gerard's Monastery.
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Jon Stevens is returning to New Zealand for his Noiseworks and INXS Collection Tour.
He's performing in Wellington at the Hunter Lodge on April 6.
Punters can expect a night full of sensational hits such as Take Me Back, New Sensation, Touch, Don't Change, Hot Chilli Woman, Never Tear Us Apart, No Lies and more.
It's being described as an assault of the senses that will transport you back to 1987
Jon Stevens joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Every month Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau sits down with Nick Mills to discuss local issues and what's on her agenda.
During their March catch up they discuss Posie Parker fleeing the country, Let's Get Wellington Moving consultant costs, the new 'city of impact' slogan proposed for the council's long term plan, and the Mount Crawford housing development.
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Political commentator Peter Dunne and lawyer Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they delve into what's behind New Zealand's unchanging poverty figures, the new slogan proposed for Wellington, National's education overhaul, anti-transgender activist Posie Parker coming to town and whether Ginny Andersen will make a good police minister.
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The All Whites coaching staff are putting a communication breakdown between two senior players down to the realities of playing positive football.
A mix-up between goalkeeper Sail and defender Tommy Smith over who would collect a pass in last night's nil-all draw with China, led to Smith being sent off.
Assistant coach Simon Elliott says the team moved on from the issue well.
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Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Sophie Trigger joins Nick Mills to discuss how Ginny Andersen is performing as Police Minister, the decision to allow Posie Parker into New Zealand, and previews National's new education policy.
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After a tough couple of years, the jewel in the crown of Wellington’s street festivals will be returning to Cuba St.
CubaDupa will kick off on Saturday, with two days jampacked with art, food and culture taking over the inner-city streets. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to Wellington’s CBD over two days to take in the sights of the street festival.
The last time the festival went ahead in 2021, around 120,000 people visited the festival over the 19 hours it ran.
Newstalk ZB's music maestro James Irwin joins Nick Mills to chat about all the bands and gigs expected to take place throughout the festival.
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Scott Robertson will become the All Blacks head coach from 2024.
The 48-year-old's been appointed for four years, through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He'll succeed current Head Coach Ian Foster, who will lead the All Blacks through the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, in France.
Those close to the game continue to scratch their heads over why an appointment needed to be made so early.
Veteran TV commentator Grant Nisbett told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings the way things have been handled by NZR is a "joke".
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Visa WOAP Head of Programming Beth Brash and Tommy's Real Estate CEO Ben Castle join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss Scott Robertson being announced as the new All Blacks coach, how businesses are feeling with a recession looming, whether their should be an inquiry into the banks, when a pay rise is justified and rising business costs.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week he discusses how the latest GDP figures are affecting mortgage rates, whether Kiwis are feeling the effects of the United States banking sector issues and if money can truly money really buy happiness...
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Life Flight rescues about 1200 people every year in and around Wellington, and more than 50 percent of its funding comes from donations and the community.
Nick Mills met with Chief Executive Mark Johnston for an exclusive tour around the Life Flight base ahead of its annual open day.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Over the hour they discuss and clash over climate initiatives, whether Stuart Nash should lose his Cabinet portfolios, Chris Luxon's popularity and cost of living support.
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Even just one week on the Super Rugby sidelines has made Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea restless for a return.
The skipper's back for tonight's match against the Waratahs in Wellington after a one-match suspension following a throat-slitting gesture being made towards an opponent.
The 70-test loose forward admits it was a struggle having to sit in the stands as his team were pipped by the Blues last weekend.
He joins Nick Mills live in the studio.
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Former MP and Attorney-General Chris Finlayson and Green MP and Rongotai candidate Julie Anne Genter join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss Stuart Nash resigning from Minister of Police, but clash over the teachers going on strike and cycleways through Wellington.
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Newstalk ZB's Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen and Nick Mills disagree over whether Stuart Nash should have lost his job as Police Commissioner, and discuss the breaking news that New Zealand is half way to a recession.
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Wellington Opera presents Lucia di Lammermoor.
It takes to the stage from Saturday with an all New Zealand cast
The romantic tragedy is set in the stark beauty of New Zealand's deep south.
Performed for the first time in Wellington in 12 years, and is being accompanied by Orchestra Wellington in the pit
Soprano Emma Pearson joins me in the Wellington Mornings studio.
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Former Green Party advisor and PR specialist David Cormack chats to Nick Mills about the tension that appears to be increasing between the Green Party and Labour, and why so many people are calling for James Shaw to resign.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to explain why she's so sick of people saying Wellington is dying, and why Nick needs to start having constructive conversations if he wants the city to be great again.
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New figures show retail crime skyrocketed by 39 percent last year - with 292 incidents being reported a day, up from 140 back in 2018.
Numbers have soared in Canterbury and South Auckland - rising 53 and 63-percent respectively.
Wellington businesses are also feeling the pressure.
Lower Hutt hair salon owner, Christine, says owning a shop in the area is becoming really unsafe.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate why retail crime figures are so high, how it can be alleviated, teachers going on strike for betting conditions, whether we need an inquiry into the banks and their massive profits, recent polls and Te Whatu Ora constantly under the spotlight.
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Every fortnight Newstalk ZB's music maestro James Iwrin joins Nick Mills in the studio for Music Time.
This week he predicts the birth of New Zealand's next big international star, the death of a musical legend and an album love affair that's 40 years old this month.
Could you be holding a piece of NZ cinema vinyl history? Find out in this weeks cash in the attic!
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Emergency department wait times have increased at the majority of the country's hospitals.
Data revealed to Newstalk ZB shows ED wait times increased in 32 out of 37 Te Whatu Ora hospitals in 2022, compared to 2017.
Royal New Zealand College of GPs Medical Director Dr Bryan Betty says staffing shortages is a major contributor.
He says it's causing many GPs to become burnt out.
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NZ Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams and Labour candidate for Rongotai Fleur Fitzsimons join Nick Mills for the Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate whether teachers should be going on strike, ED wait times, National's plan to cut Government consultants, and whether median barriers are affective at making our roads safer.
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The Greens, ACT and Te Pati Maori have fallen in behind National's call for a select committee inquiry into the sector.
However, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says it's not currently on the agenda.
Simplicity KiwiFund Managing Director Sam Stubbs says the country's four most profitable companies are banks.
He says the profit levels are higher than both Australia and the world.
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Vicki Greco is a well known Wellingtonian, or at least she was.
She was preciously a vocal Island Bay resident, and was heavily against the Island Bay cycleway
She made headlines for calling councillors a disgrace, and dramatically stormed out of the meeting where the project was signed off.
Since then she and her husband have relocated to Tauranga.
Nick Mills asked her why she and so many others are deciding to leave the capital.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses the final touches being made to Wellington's new convention centre - Tākina, Labour selecting Fleur Fitzsimons as its candidate for Rongotai, and 14 exemption applications being filed over new drinking water standards.
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Umbrella Wellbeing CEO Dougal Sutherland and Hnry CEO James Fuller join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they dive into what they thought of Census 2023, Rob Campbell's sacking and whether the same impartiality applies to the private sector, bullying in the workplace, National's plan to axe Government consultants and the concept of 'quiet quitting'.
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Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills every fortnight for Money Talks.
This week he discusses whether there should be an inquiry into bank profits, if one percent loans are still possible for green investments, and why pocket money is a great thing for parents to introduce.
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Today is Census day - a nationwide headcount of everyone in New Zealand and where they are living or staying.
It’s an important five-yearly data collection event that provides a snapshot of our nation at a point in time, including providing detailed information about New Zealand’s small communities.
It helps the Government know who you are, where you are, and what resources your community needs.
Census data is used to plan infrastructure like water and roads, and services like schools and hospitals.
NZ Herald Head of Newsroom Data Chris Knox joins Nick Mills to explain its importance.
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Low confidence in the delivery of the capital's water repairs.
Wellington City Council have turned down a ten million dollar funding plea from Wellington Water.
They're instead willing to fork out 2.3 million dollars for the service, as council sees it as more achievable.
Long Term Plan Committee Chair Rebecca Matthews says funding is a priority, but they need to see better results first.
She says currently there's a crisis in our water system that we can all see.
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On Friday night the the Warriors squad triumphed against the Newcastle Knights 20-12 in a spirited contest.
Nick Mills went along to the game at Sky Stadium and spoke to some high-spirited Australian fans.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for Politics Monday.
Together they debate National's new Family Boost programme, Labour confirming Fleur Fitzsimons for the Rongotai electorate, the Government's new transport strategy and Rob Campbell's double sacking.
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All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper and former Newstalk ZB producer and now Warriors Commercial Sales Manager Thomas Harris join Nick Mills for Friday Sport.
Together they preview the Warriors first home game in three years against Newcastle, the Track and Field nationals at Newtown Park, and wrap the Black Caps v England tests.
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Journalist and mental health advocate Jehan Casinader and former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate school bullying, Rob Campbell's sacking, and clash over whether Lotto is an appropriate way to fundraise for the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery.
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Former Wellington mayor Andy Foster has opened up about the handling of the Parliament Protest.
It's one year to the day since the 23 day occupation that took over the Parliament Precinct and part of central Wellington was brought to an end by police.
Foster told Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings Police Commissioner Andrew Coster was put in the difficult situation of how to handle the group.
He says there was a real concern of a breakdown in law and order -- and if the police went in hard they could end up with 100s of people causing damage.
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The Rodger Fox Big Band is marking its 50th anniversary.
To celebrate they're heading out on tour, starting with Palmerston North, Wellington on March 8, then onto Christchurch, Auckland and Hamilton.
Rodger is travelling with an array of celebrated artists including some of the worlds most famous drummers.
Rodger Fox and LA based trumpet player Jon Papenbrook join Nick Mills in the studio.
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Newstalk ZB's Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss how TikTok staff overseas can access New Zealand user data, Rob Campbell's sacking from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, and how those in the Beehive are feeling one year after the anti-mandate protest.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses her trip to Hawke's Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle, Wellington's rates set to increase 12.9 percent, and Consumer NZ lodging a complaint against the Cook Straight ferry operators.
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On Tuesday afternoon the Black Caps claimed victory over England by one-run in the second test at the Basin Reserve.
It's their first win in eight attempts since last summer against South Africa.
They have levelled the contest 1-all and extended their home undefeated record to 11 series.
Batsman Tom Latham joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Yesterday 66-year-old Brian Lewis was sentenced at the Greymouth District Court to three years and two months in prison, after admitting drink driving causing death and two counts of drink driving causing injury.
On April 30 Lewis crossed the centre-line near Stillwater, about 20 kilometres east of Greymouth, and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Kathy Sexton was killed and her two teenage passengers were seriously injured.
Lewis has 43 previous driving convictions, but has only lost his licence for four years.
Nick Mills asked Wellington Mornings' callers whether Lewis should be banned from driving ever again.
Steven shared his story.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Tuesday on Wellington Mornings.
Throughout the hour the pair clash over ED wait times, National's alternative policy to Three Waters, whether local councils need more power and how former National MP Chester Burrows will be remembered.
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Every month Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau sits down for a catch-up with Nick Mills live on Wellington Mornings and takes listeners' calls.
This time they discuss National's policy to scrap Three Waters, why young people might not be moving to the capital, if rates increases are imperative and troubles with the Cook Straight ferries.
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Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss the Black Caps going up against England at the Basin Reserve, Super Rugby kicking off and the Phoenix men v Central Coast.
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PR specialist Neale Jones and Iron Duke Partners Director Phil O'Reilly join Nick Mills on the Friday Faceoff panel.
Together they debate the new Recovery Visa, a ministerial inquiry being launched into forestry slash, Three Waters and the Cook Straight ferries.
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There's confidence one of Wellington's most famous buildings will sell.
The St Gerard's Church and Monastery has gone on the market today.
The site requires significant earthquake strengthening to get it up to building standards.
Tommy's Real Estate Agent James Copeland, who tasked with selling it says there will be buyers out there.
He says it will be on the market for three weeks, which will attract interest both in New Zealand and internationally.
Nick Mills shares on Wellington Mornings who he thinks should buy the iconic building.
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Someone could soon own a significant piece of Wellington's skyline.
St Gerard's Monastery - overlooking Oriental Bay from Mount Victoria, is going on the market today.
Significant earthquake strengthening is needed for it to meet building standards.
Tommy's Real Estate's, James Copeland is tasked with selling it.
He's confident someone will want it.
He says the position of it, and the views it gets is like nothing else in Wellington city.
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Wellington Beds Director Patrice Green and Pizzeria Napoli owner Raf De Gregorio join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Throughout the hour they chat about Let's Get Wellington Moving, how businesses will recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, preparedness for earthquakes in the capital and the minimum wage increasing.
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Newstalk ZB reporter Shannon Johnstone joins Nick Mills to update him with the situation on the ground in Hawke's Bay following Cylone Gabrielle.
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One of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to discuss rent owing to Kāinga Ora and how the housing market is going to change following Cylone Gabrielle.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss the Hawkes Bay having to endure a massive spike in crime following cyclone Gabrielle, how the country will afford the recovery, Kāinga Ora tenants not paying their rent and whether Royal visits are worth paying for.
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Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and playwright Dave Armstrong join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss how New Zealand will recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, Wellington's bus network and how prepared we are for an earthquake in the capital.
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Tinui residents have a massive clean-up job on their hands after the edge of Cyclone Gabrielle tore through their isolated Wairarapa community this week.
There are two rivers in Tinui which meet just outside the village, she said.
On Tuesday those rivers burst their stop banks, causing widespread damage across farmland and the few buildings that remained on the floodplains.
Many buildings had been moved to higher ground after a similarly devastating flood in 1991.
One of Nick Mills' callers on Wellington Mornings wanted to remind those listening not to forget about those struggling.
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The lower North Island has escaped any major damage, after a 6.3 magnitude quake struck off the coast of Paraparaumu shortly after 7.30 last night.
Over 60,000 people have reported feeling the shake across the country.
WREMO Regional Manager Jeremy Holmes joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to reiterate how households can stay earthquake prepared.
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Every week Nick Mills is joined by a member of the Newstalk ZB parliament team for Beehive Buzz.
This week Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen discusses the house being adjourned for a week due to Cyclone Gabrielle, how Chris Hipkins has responded, and whether the focus on climate change has sharpened.
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Act Party Leader David Seymour joins Nick Mills live in the Wellington Mornings studio to chat, and take listeners' calls.
Together they discuss co-governance, Cyclone Gabrielle, what he thinks of the Prime Minister and how he would help local councils.
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One of New Zealand's legendary divas Ali Harper is bringing Judy Garland back to life on Wellington's Opera House stage.
It features Garland's most beloved songs, including the smash hit and name of the show -
'End of the Rainbow'
It's described as tearing down the bright lights of Hollywood to reveal a thrilling tale of passion and fame.
Ali Harper joins Nick Mills in the Wellington Mornings' studio.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National's Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Over the course of the hour they discuss Cyclone Gabrielle, Luxon compared to Hipkins, the TVNZ and RNZ merger and minimum wage being increased.
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Rates across Wellington City have been forecast to rise around 12.8 percent, with the council blaming inflation, under investment, higher debt repayment and insurance costs.
Rates are based on a property's independent value, determined every three years.
However Tommy's Real Estate Sales Director Nicki Cruickshank says a blanket approach is more common than people think.
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Host of Wellington's All Sports Breakfast show Adam Cooper joins Nick Mills to discuss the Wellington Blaze going up against Canterbury in the Women's Twenty20 final, a Basin sellout for the New Zealand v England test and Dane Coles announcing his retirement.
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Public relations specialist Jo Coughlan and political lecturer Bryce Edwards join Nick Mills on the Friday Faceoff.
Following expected rates rises they debate Wellington City Council spending, the capital's hotel industry, the Prime Minister's policy cuts and whether the Gordon Wilson flats should be demolished.
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Sewage has likely been leaking into Wellington's harbour for years.
A wastewater pipe on Manners Street had been incorrectly connected to the stormwater network and spewed waste into the harbour.
The issue has been fixed, but it's once again brought the capital's water systems into question.
Wellington's Chief Wastewater Advisor, Steve Hutchinson, says it's not a rare occurrence as the region has a large network.
He says there's more than 150-thousand connections for wastewater and stormwater, so they're reliant on proper inspections -- and this specific inspection was likely years ago.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss a driver shortage impacting rubbish and recycling collections, and the ferry service between Seatoun and Eastbourne being canned.
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Kāpura CEO Jamie Williams and Brendon Foot Supersite Director Matt Foot join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss staff shortages, Wellington not hosting any All Blacks test matches in 2023, the Interislander ferries and Let's Get Wellington Moving.
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Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills every fortnight to chat all things property.
This week they discuss how the Government can get involved in tenancy disputes, and how important reliable builders reports are.
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Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Tuesday.
Over the hour they debate wait times for trials and court cases, the recent Cabinet reshuffle, cutting fuel taxes and who will make a better MP for Ōhāriu out of the two of them.
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Tamatha Paul is promising she can continue to do a good job on city council while running for Wellington Central.
Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw's announced he's not running for the seat, instead endorsing Tamatha Paul.
The city councillor currently has one of the biggest roles around the table, chairing the Environment and Infrastructure Committee.
However Paul says she's confident she can continue performing the role.
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Tonight, Newtown Park hosts the annual Capital Classic athletics meet - an event that's been staged for almost 20 years.
It'll feature more than a hundred Wellington athletes, along with many of the country's top athletes as they build up to next month's nationals which are also being held at Newtown Park.
Headlining tonight's meet - two-time Commonwealth Games champion, two-time Olymipic bronze medallist, and three-time world champion shot putter Tom Walsh.
Nick Mills caught up with him soon after he'd arrived in Wellington on Wednesday.
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Last night Ed Sheeran played to a 48 thousand strong crowd at Wellington's Sky Stadium.
During the performance, the global pop superstar seemed to have forgotten the lyrics to one of his smash hit songs -- Galway Girl.
He asked a member of the audience to come on stage and help him out -- with Pippa heeding the call.
Her father Tim Guerin told Nick Mills how she was feeling.
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Transporting NZ CEO Nick Leggett and political commentator Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they analyse James Shaw endorsing Tamatha Paul for the Wellington Central electorate, how Mayor Wayne Brown has performed during the Auckland floods, Chris Hipkins continuing the fuel tax cuts and his Cabinet reshuffle.
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A sports consultant says FIFA's rumoured Women's World Cup sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia is problematic.
Both Football Australia and Football New Zealand have written to FIFA urgently, asking it not to sign a partnership deal with Visit Saudi, the Kingdom's national tourism board.
The move faces stiff opposition from human rights activists, following the nation's widely publicised history of oppression of women.
Ex Women in Sport Aotearoa CEO Rachel Froggatt says the deal goes against the core values of the tournament's pitch.
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Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to analyse the latest Cabinet reshuffle, the extension of fuel tax cuts and what Prime Minister Chris Hipkins hopes to achieve in Australia.
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Ginny Andersen says she feels humbled by her promotion to Cabinet.
The Hutt South MP has been boosted to number 19 as part of yesterday's reshuffle.
She's picked up the portfolios for small business, seniors, and digital economy and communications.
Andersen says she was overwhelmed when Chris Hipkins told her.
She spoke to Nick Mills as she and her family made their way to her swearing in.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to explain what really caused the Interislander Kaitaki ferry to issue a mayday call over the weekend.
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Every month Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau sits down with Nick Mills live on Newstalk ZB.
During their January catch up they discuss Wayne Brown's emergency management of the Auckland flooding, how prepared Wellington is for a similar situation, Grant Robertson retiring from his Wellington Central seat and the heritage buildings being demolished at Shelly Bay.
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The upper North Island's state of emergency is prompting reminders to those in other parts of the country.
Wellington's hilly terrain makes it prone to land slips, and heavy rain last year caused around a thousand slips across the city.
Flooding is less common, but residents are still urged to make plans.
Wellington Emergency Manager Jeremy Holmes says we can all learn from this.
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Information's coming out on the Interislander's emergency distress call in the Cook Strait on Saturday.
The Kaitaki made a mayday call after losing power.
All 800 passengers donned life jackets, and ambulances waited on the shore - just in case.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating.
Interislander General Manager Walter Rushbrooke shared more details with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills every week for Politics Monday.
This time they discuss the devastating floods across Auckland, whether Wellington is prepared for similar disasters, increasing the minimum wage and developments to the Three Waters entrenchment saga.
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Political Commentator Peter Dunne and Former Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons joins Nick Mills on the first Friday Faceoff panel for 2023.
Together they debate Labour's future following Chris Hipkins' appointment as Prime Minister, whether the minimum wage should go up and if there's heritage worth saving at Shelly Bay.
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Saturday marks the 150th Wellington Cup Day, making it one of the oldest sporting events in New Zealand.
Legendary Racing Broadcaster Des Coppins attended his first Wellington Cup Day in 1972 ... making this his 52nd.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Stats NZ figures show consumer prices have risen 7.2 percent in the year to December, the same increase recorded in the year to September.
The price of housing, household utilities and food are driving the historically high inflation rate.
Wellington Budgeting Services Manager David Cameron says over the past few years, the price to feed a family has skyrocketed.
He says people have great difficulties making ends meet, and he's seen quite a lot of standard families having to rely on foodbanks.
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Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Sophie Trigger joins Nick Mills to discuss Rātana Pā celebrations, Jacinda Ardern handing over the reins as Prime Minister to Chris Hipkins, and what he will change.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses a massive spend-up to clear the way for the Ōtaki to north of Levin road, a near miss at a controversial pedestrian crossing and good news for Wellington wildlife.
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Upper Hutt's mayor is proud to see a boy from the Hutt in the political hotseat.
Wayne Guppy says he's worked with Remutaka MP and incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on a number of issues.
Guppy says Hipkins is more focused on policy than politics.
He says he quickly grasps the issues on the table and works to fix them -- and is a good communicator and easy to work with.
Guppy expects the country will be in for some major changes with the new leadership.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Tuesday.
To start off the year they discuss Jacinda Ardern's shock resignation, how Chris Hipkins will perform as Prime Minister and what policy changes he needs to make.
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Newstalk ZB All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joins Nick Mills to talk sport for the last time in 2022.
Together they chat about TVNZ becoming the exclusive TV broadcaster of New Zealand cricket and Argentina going up against France in the FIFA World Cup Final.
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Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast join Nick Mills for the final Friday Faceoff of 2022.
To take out the year they debate what kind of Prime Minister Grant Robertson would make, whether private landlords should be regulated, Jacinda Ardern calling David Seymour 'such an arrogant prick’, how they'd confront a burglar and which kind of Christmas tree is best.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson joins Nick Mills live in the studio for the special Christmas edition of Wellington Mornings.
Together they discuss MP safety, Three Waters, co-governance, Restore Rail Protesters and how 2022 has been in general for politics.
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The big screen is back and it’s better than ever!
IMAX has landed in Wellington and the thrilling cinema experience is set to open its doors in December.
Six years after damage from the Kaikoura earthquake forced its closure, Lower Hutt’s EVENT Cinemas Queensgate is reopening, with an all-new look.
The complex houses seven screens, a brand-new arcade for the kids, and a café and bar for the grown-ups.
The sprawling atrium is state of the art and offers something for everyone – including a double-wide popcorn machine.
General Manager of EVENT Cinemas New Zealand Carmen Switzer and Cameron Mitchell from Imax Australia take Nick Mills and Wellington Mornings on an exclusive tour ahead of the grant opening.
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Newstalk ZB's Deputy Political Editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills for the final Beehive Buzz of 2022, where he wraps up the year of politics including Jacinda Ardern calling ACT Leader David Seymour, 'such an arrogant prick."
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Beauty and The Beast - The Pantomime - is taking to the stage in Wellington until Sunday the 18th of December.
Adapted by ingenious writer and director Gregory Cooper, it's being described as having more twists than a snake
The cast includes What Now star Erin Wells and The Voice Australia all star Caleb Jago-Ward.
They both join Nick Mills live on Wellington Mornings.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses two of National’s most senior MPs staking their reputations on loosening Labour’s grasp on the Wellington Region, a Wellington preschool facing closure due to a shortage of teachers and Wellington’s digital tech sector starting to ‘soften’ as Australia beckons.
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Sky Stadium CEO Shane Harmon and Gubbs Shoes Owner Julie Gubb join Nick Mills for the Christmas edition of the Business Panel.
Together they discuss Julie's upcoming closure, Guns N' Roses coming to town, emergency housing, changes to New Zealand's immigration settings and the rise in food prices.
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Newstalk ZB's resident muso James Irwin joins Nick Mills for their last jam before Christmas. Together they find out what Christmas sounds like both right here in New Zealand, and around the world.
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NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills every week for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses changes to New Zealand's immigration settings, what mortgage holders can expect from rising interest rates and the challenging year ahead for Finance Minister Grant Robertson.
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Despite it being quite a common crime, burglary victims can experience serious mental health impacts.
A home in the Wellington suburb of Southgate was recently targeted and a man experienced serious injuries trying to restrain the alleged offender.
Victim Support says it's a hugely violating crime to experience and claims it takes about eight months on average for burglary victims to feel safe in their homes again.
Victim Support New Zealand spokesperson Petrina Hargrave says a number of reactions are normal.
She says there's definitely a sense of anger, mistrust, isolation, fear, and anxiety -- and it's very normal to be jumpy afterwards.
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Wellington's Summer could soon be plagued by water restrictions.
Wellington Water says the capital is losing 27 Olympic swimming pools worth of water every day through leaks, estimating 40 percent is wasted.
Laurence Edwards, Chief Drinking Water Advisor at Wellington Water, says they're trying to get on top of the five-thousand leaks before restrictions come into play.
He says over the last two months, they've repaired one-thousand-300-and-41 leaks, and says they'll continue to work as hard as they possibly can.
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Every week Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week they debate what was behind National's win in the Hamilton West by-election, expected retirements within the Labour Party, Three Waters passing into law and youth crime.
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Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick Mills every Friday to talk sport.
This week they discuss the Breakers suffering a loss after a strong start to the NBL season, the FIFA World Cup into quarterfinals, a groundbreaking new cricket training facility opening near the Basin Reserve and WNBA player Brittney Griner finally is coming home.
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Newstalk ZB Deputy Political Editor Jason Walls and The Hits Wellington Day Host Hayley Dath join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate Three Waters being passed into law, Jacinda Ardern saying retirements within the Labour Party are coming, Police looking to start chasing fleeing drivers again and whether the glory days are gone for office Christmas parties.
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The Opposition Leader says the Local Government Minister should be sacked for "sneaky" conduct.
It comes after the Government dropped an entrenchment clause to lock in public water ownership, in the controversial three waters reform -- added under urgency last month.
National's Chris Luxon claims [told Heather du-Plessis Allan] Nanaia Mahuta went against a Cabinet agreement not to introduce entrenchment.
He says it shows Jacinda Ardern's lost control.
Former MP and Political Commentator Peter Dunne joins Nick Mills to share his thoughts.
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Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills just moments before the Three Waters Reforms Bill passes into law.
He also discusses the possible existence of an offshore Chinese police centre here in New Zealand, and Willie Jackson's diabolical interview on Q + A.
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National wants disruptive protesters to be behind bars rather than in the Transport Minister's office.
They're furious Michael Wood met with the Restore Passenger Rail group, as their protests caused major roads across the capital to temporarily close.
Opposition Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown drafted a Bill for harsher penalties on highway obstructions.
An offender may face two years in prison and a 20-thousand dollar fine.
He hopes it combats behaviour he's calling unacceptable.
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Every fortnight property expert Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week they discuss a new survey that found a third of Kiwi renters are living with mould, auction sale rates taking a dive and how real estate agents are coping.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
Today she discusses the Reserve Bank’s most controversial Covid-era economic support programme coming to an end, and the Commerce Commission's final report into the residential building supplies industry.
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The Act Party Leader's calling for a halt of the RNZ-TVNZ merger.
The Government's plan to merge the two organisations is inching closer, as the select committee process is finished, with a report due back in January.
The new entity is expected to receive 109 million dollars a year.
Act's David Seymour says the project will be slashed if a National-Act government is elected next year.
He says he can't think of a worse minister to be in charge of media than Willie Jackson.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate the entrenchment clause in the Three Waters legislation that sparked outcry, just 22 percent of Kiwis supporting the TVNZ and RNZ merger, the murder of Malachi Subecz and crime across the country.
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Nick Mills and All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper are joined by Athletics Wellington GM and 1984 Olympic runner Tony Rogers following the death of Sir Murray Halberg.
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PR Specialist and former Labour Party Chief of Staff Neale Jones and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Over the course of the hour they debate cycleway plans through Aro Valley, how tough it is to immigrate to New Zealand, the report into Malachi Subecz's murder and whether money is the answer for retailers enduring crime.
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Every week Nick Mills is joined by a member of Newstalk ZB's team at Parliament for the Beehive Buzz.
This week Deputy Political Editor Jason Walls analyses Christopher Luxon's first 12 months as National's Leader, how the Make it 16 campaign is progressing and whether Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will toughen up on Australia's approach to 501s.
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Every week National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills to talk politics.
This week they debate a recent amendment to the Three Waters Reforms, support to retailers enduring crime, Waka Kotahi's speed reduction plan and The ACT Party's truancy policy.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills every week to discuss her column 'A Capital Letter', as well as other news concerning the Wellington Region.
This week they discuss her belief that Wellington's new motorways are cursed, a first-time mum forced to give birth on the side of a busy road and concerns children are putting their lives at risk at Days Bay.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills to discuss new data confirming banks are well placed to help those in strife, and the Retirement Commissioner is calling for the asset cap on the accommodation supplement to rise.
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Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills every fortnight for Money Talks.
This week they discuss Black Friday sales, affordable ways to travel to the airport and the FTX Crypto Exchange collapsing.
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The Mental Health Foundation says the Government's failing and without a plan to address the sector's woes.
It comes as data shows acute mental health bed numbers remain at 608, the same as in 2017.
Chief Executive Shaun Robinson says the Government has tried to make a difference, and had some successes, but lacks an overall plan to deal with the scale of the issue.
He says they're picking bits to work at, but have been distracted by the health reforms while things on the ground worsen.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills to discuss BusinessNZ now helping its members negotiate Fair Pay Agreements, the OCR hike expected today and good news on the horizon for airlines.
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New Zealand Restaurant Association President Mike Egan and Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss mental health support, whether the Government should lower the voting age to 16, how new housing set for Trentham Racecourse will help the area and what the future holds for women's sport.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills ever week for A Capital Letter.
This week Georgina discusses remedial work already being done to Transmission Gully and an Oriental Bay cycleway, and a warning that a building boom could see homes built in ‘terrible places’.
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Every fortnight Nick Mills is joined by property expert and one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan.
This week they take listeners' calls, chat about changes to the Healthy Homes standards and creative ways people are enticing buyers.
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New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has announced his party is back with a vengeance, but has completely ruled out working with Labour.
Peters says he won't be lied to twice, and the Government can't be trusted.
Former leader of the United Future Party Peter Dunne previously formed a Government with both Labour and National.
He says Peters is being very presumptive.
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Every week Nick Mills is joined by National's Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen for Politics Monday.
This week they debate Winston Peters ruling out ever working with Labour again, Nicola now officially running for the Ōhāriu seat, National's plan to tackle youth crime, amendments to hate speech laws and Healthy Homes standards.
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Nick and James go deep with the new soul/R+ B covers album from Bruce Springsteen, play a hit from the biggest album in the world from 40 years ago and drag a NZ vinyl banger from the crates that could make you a lazy $100.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to discuss the Phoenix women's first ever home game, the Black Caps v India series getting underway and the All Blacks wrapping up the year against England.
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Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and former MP and lawyer Stephen Franks go to head to head in one of Wellington Morning's most fiery Friday Faceoff panels yet.
Together they debate National's plan to tackle youth crime, Waka Kotahi's plan to reduce speeds across the country, Let's Get Wellington Moving and councillor salaries.
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Every week Nick Mills is joined by New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell for A Capital Letter.
This week they discuss Mayor Tory Whanau opting not to renew her Green Party membership, slips likely becoming more common in Wellington and a change of the times for those that commute by train.
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Retail NZ CEO Greg Harford and The Thrive Collective Founder and CEO Livia Esterhazy join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Throughout the hour they discuss Wellington's infrastructure, calls for the Black Ferns to be paid the same as the All Blacks, getting people back into the city, immigration, sales leading up to Christmas and the wellness of New Zealand's workforce.
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Waka Kotahi NZTA is proposing sweeping speed limit decreases on state highways right across the country.
It's part of a wider campaign to minimise road deaths - and consultation on the changes closes on December 12.
Transporting New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett joins Nick Mills to share his thoughts.
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Every week Nick Mills is joined by New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny for Tuesday Business.
This week she explains why the Reserve Bank's self-review took her back to the summer of 2020/21, what the housing market says about our economy and upcoming OCR forecasts.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week they discuss ways Kiwis can make Christmas more affordable and how people may benefit from open banking.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills every week for Politics Monday.
This week they debate whether student nurses should be paid on placement, changes to Three Waters legislation, The Reserve Bank's performance over the past five years and Adrian Orr being reappointed as Governor.
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Political commentator Bryce Edwards and former Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
During a fiery hour they debate the Wellington transport system, recent decisions by Tory Whanau, the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll and truancy throughout the country.
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Wellington woman Philippa Thompson Ng flew off her bike after colliding with a car outside Wellington Hospital.
On the day of the incident, the controversial Newtown cycleway was closed.
She says had it been open, the incident may never have happened.
Green MP and longtime cycling advocate Julie Anne Genter speaks to Nick Mills following the incident.
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Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick Mills to preview the Black Ferns final against England, the Black Caps bowing out yet again in a world cup playoff match, the Wellington Phoenix back at home and the All Blacks facing up against Scotland.
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An eye catching campaign is highlighting nationwide concerns with aged care.
Advocacy group Aged care Matters have put up billboards around Wellington with eighty year old versions of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.
It's part of them urging the Government to boost the funding for elderly care beds and for them to address the nursing shortage.
Head of an Upper Hutt aged care facility Upper Hutt Dr Chris Gallivan says the industry is facing big challenges.
He says it's a sector that's on the brink of collapse which is in nobody's interest.
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Rennie Pearson is taking his solo show of Celtic traditional music on the road around New Zealand.
He's touring extensively this spring across the North Island and will embark on a South Island tour early 2023.
He joins Nick Mills live in the studio.
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Every week a member of Newstalk ZB's team at parliament joins Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.
Following the Labour Party annual conference Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the highlights and to break down the latest Newshub-Reid Research poll.
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The Wellington Phoenix women’s side will play the first-ever A-League women’s match in New Zealand in just over a week.
The first home game of the season is on Sunday November 20 at Sky Stadium against Melbourne City FC.
Coach Natalie Lawrence, club captain Lily Alfeld and scholarship player Michaela Foster join Nick Mills in the studio ahead of the game.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills to chat business.
This week they discuss Adrian Orr being reappointed as Reserve Bank Governor, banks taking huge profits and the concept of open banking.
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Every fortnight one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This week they discuss Wellington's market taking a dip of more than 20 percent, renters moving around less often and how common negative equity may become.
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The Greens and Labour have taken out Wellington's top spots, chairing all three City Council Committees.
Mayor Tory Whanau says she selected the candidates on the basis of trust and experience, but City Councillor Tim Brown says otherwise.
He says some really experienced councillors such as Diane Calvert and Iona Pannett missed out.
Tim Brown says he'd like to see some independents selected to chair the committees, and says there's not a lot of inclusiveness in the Mayor's appointments.
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Metlink Group Manager Samantha Gain chats to Nick Mills about the network currently being 120 drivers short and the process they face in alleviating the gap.
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Glen Denham sits down with Nick Mills to discuss his career and life leading up to taking the role as headmaster of Wellington College, and what he hopes to achieve during his tenure.
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Every month Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau sits down with Nick Mills on Wellington mornings to discuss local issues and what's on her agenda.
During their November catch up they discuss the citywide bike network plan, the Central Library upgrade, councillor Laurie Foon being appointed as her deputy and what the Fifa Women's World Cup will bring to the city.
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Every week Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This time on the panel they discuss the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll, the Government's latest childcare support policy, Grant Robertson taking potshots at Chris Luxon and warnings from the Reserve Bank.
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All Sports Breakfast host Matt Buck chats with Nick Mills about the Black Ferns going up against France on Saturday, what we can expect from the All Blacks match against Wales and the Black Caps last chance to get into the T20 World Cup semis.
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Wellington City councillor Diane Calvert and Wellington playwright and author Dave Armstrong join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate gambling being associated with charities, liquor law reforms, Three Waters, cycleway plans for Aro Valley and whether fireworks should be banned for private us.
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Tough times ahead for mortgage holders.
The Reserve Bank has predicted lending rates and household debt will continue to rise, while house prices will trend downwards.
They're now warning around two percent of Kiwis are facing negative equity, where people owe more than the value of their house.
There's fears that could even rise to 35 percent if house prices continue to fall.
Property expert Matt Ryan shares his thoughts with Nick Mills.
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The father of a man who died falling into the Wellington waterfront is calling for the area to be made safer.
30 year old Sandy Calkin died last year after he fell into Wellington Harbour.
Now his dad's calling for more safety protections to be implemented, to prevent this from happening again.
Roger Calkin says the area is full of trip hazards right by the water.
He says in any other setting, things around the waterfront would be considered hazards and would need to be urgently dealt with.
The Wellington City Council says safety improvements are ongoing, including extra lighting and more life-rings, they're also considering adding 'unobstructive fencing'.
Roger Calkin joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Nick and James reflect on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis whilst trying to avoid being cancelled by the 'swifties' as they chat the biggest album in the world.
Maybe your attic has this $1000 New Zealand Record just lying around?
Find out what it is in 'cash in the attic'.
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Newstalk ZB's deputy political editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to discuss the saga surrounding Hamilton West Labour candidate Georgie Dansey, the country's ramped up response against Iran and how hate speech laws are set to change.
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Head of News for NZME Wellington Adam Ray updates Nick Mills on the cycleway plans for Aro Valley, the Central Library upgrade and Metlink helping fundraise for Movember.
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Minx Retail managing director Angela Buswell and LINK Business Brokers general manager Dave Morgan join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss liquor law reforms, the SBS Bank refusing to refund a scammed pensioner, whether the living wage is enough, Starship Hospital refusing donations linked to gambling and how businesses are feeling leading into Christmas.
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Mortgage Ability director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills every fortnight to chat all things money.
This time they discuss the living wage, more pressure to regulate 'buy now, pay later' schemes and what Kiwis can do to combat expected price hikes.
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New Zealand Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills to discuss economists' predictions around unemployment and wage growth, Kiwis borrowing more than ever and how business numbers are growing despite low confidence.
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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is standing strong in her support of Three Waters.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger have teamed up to propose an alternative to the Governments three waters proposal to ensure water ownership stays the hands of local councils rather than being centrally owned.
Whanau says three waters needs some altering, but it will ultimately help Wellington move on from its water woes.
Tory Whanau says the alternative proposals wouldn't work for our city.
She joins Nick Mills in the studio.
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National's deputy leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Throughout the hour they discuss proposed liquor law changes, the national health plan, a proposed windfall tax, lifting bus driver wages and MP safety.
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Newstalk ZB sports hosts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to reflect on Wellington's big NPC win against Canterbury, a big name being back for the Wellington Phoenix and what lies ahead for Saturday's epic evening of sport.
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Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson and former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
During a fiery hour they discuss their first jobs, Fair Pay Agreements, Health New Zealand, Tory Whanau being inducted as mayor and TV and streaming coverage of Auckland First XV rugby games being scrapped.
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A change of direction on broadcasting Auckland school rugby - is putting the emphasis on kids' mental health.
Principals of Auckland schools in the 1A First XV competition say they'll no longer live broadcast games from next year.
The 12 competing schools say that screening the games has made players subject to unhealthy scrutiny off- and online.
College Sport Wellington CEO Brian Dickinson says they discussed the matter two years ago to understand the issue.
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Newstalk ZB's chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's office being attacked, the Fair Pay Agreement Bill becoming law and community service hours wiped due to Covid-19.
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After appearing on one of Wellington Mornings business panels, founding director of EasyBuild Homes Mike Fox invited Nick Mills to an exclusive tour around his factory and showroom in Upper Hutt.
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The opposition are calling on the government to take hospital wait times seriously after the death of a 4 year-old child.
Sebby Chua died waiting for medical treatment in Wellington Regional Hospital.
He was previously sent home and told to sleep off his illness, believed to be tonsillitis, as his family claim doctors brushed off concerns and told them not to worry.
His family have since lodged a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner.
National Party Health Spokesperson Shane Reti says political action needs to be taken to prevent this from happening again.
He says the government need to take emergency department waiting room targets seriously.
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New Zealand Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills to discuss how our economy today compares to the 1987 market crash, what implications Domino's new plant-based meat could have and why people are still keen to work from home.
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Since the clean car rebate came into effect of April this year, $35 million has been paid out to buyers of Tesla cars - which have a starting price of about $70,000.
At the same time, it's taxed farmers and tradies who currently have no alternative vehicle option to do their job.
Editor of car buying guide Dog and Lemon Clive Matthew-Wilson says Tesla rebates don't achieve behavioural change.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week they discuss how inflation is affecting mortgage rates, whether or not tax cuts are fair and how people are going on cost of living diets.
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All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joins Nick Mills to chat about Wellington's NPC final against Canterbury, the Breakers' momentum halted after a promising start and the Silver Ferns being at risk of losing the series against Australia.
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An iconic Wellington church sitting atop Oriental Bay is set to be redeveloped into a hotel.
St Gerard's church and monastery was built in 1908 and had to close last year due to earthquake concerns.
Now, the church will undergo millions of dollars worth of repairs by businessman Richard Burrell to change it into hotel accommodation.
However Nick Mills thinks it should be converted into a casino.
He pitches his idea to Wellington City councillor for the Lambton Ward Nicola Young.
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Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen and Wellington City councillor Iona Pannett join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate whether Wellington needs a casino, new benefit numbers, mayor elect Tory Whanau, St Patrick’s College Silverstream refusing to remove a portrait of an alleged sexual offender and inflation.
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It could be a slow trip for some commuters on the roads, as farmers take a stand against the Government.
Thousands are expected to gather in the country's main centres today in retaliation to the proposed livestock emissions plan.
Groundswell's Bryce McKenzie isn't expecting chaos, but says there'll be some disturbance on the roads as tractors can only travel at 40 kilometres per hour.
He says they want to send a strong message on how disastrous it will be.
McKenzie claims the policy will take 26 per cent of farms out of production in New Zealand - and if that happens there'll be massive repercussions.
Edwards joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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The actions of a man who tried to stop protesters blocking Transmission Gully are being applauded.
The group Restore Passenger Rail have stopped peak hour traffic in Wellington five times in the last two weeks.
That includes yesterday when they stopped all southbound lanes of Transmission Gully.
A video has since emerged of a driver getting into one of the protester's vehicles and momentarily unblocking the road.
The motorist Wayne Hirst told Nick Mills most people support what he did.
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Newstalk ZB's deputy political editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to discuss the Groundswell protest, National's 'new' welfare plan and Gaurav Sharma's political resignation.
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Every fortnight resident muso James Iriwn joins Nick Mills for Music Time.
This week he shares a recent encounter with Wellington singer Louis Baker, the results of the Silver Scroll Awards and Troy Kingi's new album.
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Hoff Hospitality director Matt McLaughlin and Wellington Chamber CEO Simon Arcus join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss mayor elect Tory Whanau, inflation, inner city safety, Let's Get Wellington Moving and how important walkability is to the capital.
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National Party leader Christopher Luxon joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to talk politics and answer the tough questions.
Together they discuss his time as leader, crime, and family life in politics.
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Every week New Zealand Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses the consequences being felt by the Reserve Bank for pandemic era money printing, and breaks the latest inflation figures live.
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Every fortnight property expert Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to chat about the housing market and answer listeners' questions.
This week they discuss the support still needed for build-to-rent developments, getting building consent from the council and the rights neighbours have to determine what you do on your land.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together the discuss Winston Peters wanting to make a political comeback, attrition rates within the military, the Government's emissions pricing plan, the latest Curia Market Research poll and food prices.
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Wellington City Mission says we need to reconsider how produce is priced -- as struggling families feel the squeeze of inflation.
Supermarket costs for Kiwis are at a 13-year-high, with fruit and vegetables seeing one of the the biggest jumps.
City Mission Chief executive says there's enough food in New Zealand to feed everyone -- yet somehow those in need are priced out.
He says the stuff that's good for you is the stuff that's getting expensive -- so struggling families are getting the worst products in the supermarket, because that's all they can afford.
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Emotions are running high for Ben Bell, a 23-year-old with no political experience, who has been elected Gore's new mayor.
An ecstatic Bell found out the news at about 4pm and said it was still sinking in.
"The mix of emotions has just increased really. I'm extremely humbled that the community has chosen me. I don't think the relief has quite kicked in yet. But what an exciting race."
The polling victory over incumbent Tracy Hicks makes Bell the youngest mayor in New Zealand's history.
Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry, who previously held that title, speaks to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to discuss the Wellington Lions hosting Auckland in NPC Semifinals, the Wellington Phoenix being unbeaten one match into A-League season and the Rugby League World Cup beginning this weekend.
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Wellington City councillor Nicola Young and former MP Hon Peter Dunne join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss mayor elect Tory Whanau, food prices being at a 13 year high, 23-year-old Ben Bell being elected as mayor of Gore, heavy rail protests in Wellington and ACT's anti co-governance proposals.
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Newstalk ZB's chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the Beehive's reaction to local body elections, the Government's farming emissions plan and NZ-linked Russian Oligarch Alexander Abramov being sanctioned.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny chats with Nick Mills about staff turnover at the Reserve Bank hitting a record high, why term deposit rates are unlikely to rise as much as mortgage rates and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts going into voluntary administration.
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Nick Mills sits down with Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry, Porirua mayor Anita Baker and Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy following local body elections.
Together they chat about their campaigns and what they plan to achieve during their first 100 days.
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Canadian soul American artist Frazey Ford is kicking off her New Zealand tour in Wellington.
She's finally returning after five years, performing her critically acclaimed album 'U Kin B the Sun'.
It's the first time the album will have been performed live in New Zealand since its release in 2020.
Frazey Ford is performing on Saturday the 12th of October at San Fran from 7pm.
Tickets are still on sale at Moshtix.co.nz
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A warning not to fall into the trap of lumping everything into the co-governance basket.
Former Attorney General, and ex-National Party Treaty Negotiation Minister, Chris Finlayson, has added his voice on the issue.
Act's David Seymour says a referendum on it, would be an election bottom line.
Finlayson says people need to understand what co-governance is.
He asks if what's being proposed in the health area is co-governance, or a health initiative to focus on particular problems.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National MP Chris Bishop joins Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week they discuss local body elections, child poverty, Peter Ellis’ convictions being overturned, US President Joe Biden pardoning thousands of Americans convicted for cannabis possession and the cost of living payments.
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Former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau has claimed Wellington's top job and will be the city's first Māori mayor.
Under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, Whanau romped home with a landslide majority of 16,426 votes over incumbent Andy Foster.
She joins Nick Mills in the studio on the day of her induction.
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Wellington Lions captain Du'Plessis Kirifi and halfback TJ Perenara join Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings ahead of their Saturday game against Hawke's Bay.
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Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and former Porirua mayor Nick Leggett join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff ahead of the local body election.
They also discuss the Peter Ellis appeal case, Malachi Subecz's death and Manurewa police posing as window washers.
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James Irwin joins Nick Mills to fill him him in on all the trendiest gigs on in Wellington, as well as using some musical inspiration to get young people to vote in the local body elections.
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Newstalk ZB deputy political editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to discuss the TVNZ and RNZ merger, the Solomons' foreign minister visiting and Treasury reporting a budget deficit of 9.7 billion-dollars.
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National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Ginny Anderson joined Nick Mills on Parliament's recess week.
They discussed the PPTA's push to abolish streaming in schools by 2030, and the escalating tensions in Asia, among other big talking points of the week.
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On today's Capital Letter, Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell tells us why the bus driver shortage in Wellington is only set to get worse.
She also discusses the return of fluoridating Wellington's water, and the main reason authorities opted against proposing light rail to Wellington Airport.
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New Zealand Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills to discuss homebuyers needing to satisfy the banks that they can service debt, the Reserve Bank expecting to deliver a another 50 basis point hike to the OCR and KiwiSaver members considering their contributions.
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Every week property expert Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to talk all things property and to take listeners' calls.
This time they discuss developers breaching boundaries, shared mortgage responsibility and rateable values.
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Wellington’s mayoralty race enters its final week with Tory Whanau, Paul Eagle and Andy Foster going head-to-head on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills.
New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick straight after to pick apart the debate and answer listeners' questions.
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Wellington’s mayoralty race enters its final week with Tory Whanau, Paul Eagle and Andy Foster going head-to-head on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills from 10am. It’s the final countdown.
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Newstalk ZB sports host Jason Pine joins Nick Mills to discuss the NRL Grand Final, womens sport and the New Zealand National Football League.
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This week on Friday Faceoff Nick Mills is joined by Franks Ogilvie director Brigitte Morten and Iron Duke Partners managing director Phil O'Reilly.
Together they debate Jayden Meyer's rape sentence being appealed, Kelvin Davis' comments regarding ACT MP Karen Chhour, the latest 1news Kantar Public Poll, police falsely reporting vehicles as stolen and the Road to Zero initiative.
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The World of Wearable Art Awards will take the stage tonight in Wellington, after a two-year hiatus.
It means finalists from last year's show,100 designers from 20 countries, finally get their chance to shine.
Director of the show Malia Johnston joins Nick Mills ahead of the grand opening.
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Chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the latest Kantar Public Poll, Queen Elizabeth's memorial day, whether New Zealand may become a republic, and the first ever U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit.
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A staple of Wellington's events calendar is back for 2023.
The Homegrown festival has faced cancellations both this year and in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
But for its 15th anniversary it returns with a line up that includes Drax Project, Shihad and Sir Dave Dobbyn.
Homegrown festival director Andrew Tuck says other events have started switching to international artists, now the borders are open.
But he says Homegrown will stick to its roots and celebrate supporting New Zealand music over the past 15 years.
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Former Wellington City councillor and public relations specialist Jo Coughlan and Wellington Gold Awards founding director John Dow join Nick Mills for a local body election expert panel.
Over the course of an hour they discuss each main mayoral candidate's campaign and the issues they face.
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Police falsely reported cars as stolen to gain access to powerful databases that record number plates when hunting for the women whose travel sparked the Northland Covid-19 lockdown last October.
Detectives identified the cars associated with the women then listed the vehicles as stolen which opened access to Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems operated by two private-sector companies with a massive network of CCTV cameras.
National's police spokesperson Mark Mitchell joins Nick Mills to discuss the revelations.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr's speech at a Council of Trade Unions event, and how IRD and Treasury opposed the Government's decision to give the owners of "build-to-rent" housing a tax break.
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Every fortnight property expert Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to chat all things property and answer listeners' questions.
This week they discuss the idea of a single building standards authority across the Wellington region, how state housing affects the market, prefabricated homes, flatmates sharing agreements and building from scratch.
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Newstalk ZB host Jason Pine joins Nick Mills to chat about the Lion's hopeful defence of the Ranfurly Shield against Waikato, the Bledisloe Cup and the All Whites going up against Australia.
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PR and events specialist Catherine Rossiter-Stead and political lecturer Bryce Edwards joins Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss whether the Government should expel the Russian ambassador to New Zealand, the latest annual Mood of the Boardroom Survey, Tāme Iti's controversial alteration of a painting at the QT Hotel, MP safety, local body elections and Ed Sheeran cancelling his first Wellington show.
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Newstalk ZB deputy political editor Jason Walls chats to Nick Mills live from New York as he covers the Prime Minister's trip to the United Nations' 77th General Assembly.
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Newstalk ZB's music guru James Irwin joins Nick Mills to chat about all the songs that became legendary during the Queen's 70 year reign.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses Interislander's 'horror year', the World of WearableArt show getting up and running and how a Wellington mayoral poll is a rude awakening for Andy Foster.
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Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Patrick McKibbin and Tommy's Real Estate sales director Nicki Cruickshank join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss gender pay gaps, Ed Sheeran's cancelled concert, local body elections, Let's Get Wellington Moving, ram-raids, home loan interest rates tipped to push higher and the Covid-19 Protection Framework being scrapped.
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Every week New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses The Child Poverty Action Group's concerns with the Government's proposed income insurance scheme, mortgage rates tipped to rise and the consequences supermarkets will now face if they don't comply with Government rules.
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Mortgage Ability director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills to discusses taking on debt, ensuring you can service it and whether he recommends reverse mortgages for retirees.
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Wellington 19
Hawke's Bay 12
Wellington will hold the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 2009, ending Hawke's Bay's impressive defence with some inspired defence of their own.
The Lions have been luckless in recent decades when playing for the Log O' Wood, experiencing only one six-game tenure in the last 40 years.
But that history counted for little tonight at McLean Park as they prevented the second-highest scorers in the competition from crossing the tryline.
That rearguard looked like it could crack after the hooter had sounded, with a 14-man Wellington defending a couple of lineout drives from the masters of that move. But repel them they did, ending the Magpies' reign at 14 and sparking wild celebrations among the visitors.
"It means a lot," victorious captain Du'Plessis Kirifi told Sky Sport. "It's an awesome thing in New Zealand rugby - playing for a piece of silverware like this is a bloody brilliant thing.
"In the week, we just talked about building pressure. That's something we haven't done right in the last few weeks - grind out a game and finish it off. So I'm really proud of the boys."
Despite the defeat, pride was the overriding emotion for Hawke's Bay skipper Tom Parsons, after his side had equalled the second-longest defence of this century.
"It's something that we've really relished and got up for - and I know Wellington will now as well," Parsons said. "It's a special thing, the Ranfurly Shield. We're just proud that we've been able to defend it for this long."
Wellington's attempts to do likewise will be immediately tested. Next Saturday, they make their first defence against unbeaten conference leaders Waikato.
The Lions - who moved above Hawke's Bay and into second behind Waikato with their win - can lock away the Shield for the year if they win that match. And as long as they defend they way they did tonight, it shapes as an enjoyable summer for the province.
Wellington's last two challenges, in 2014 and 2020, resulted in comprehensive defeats at McLean Park. But this one appeared much different from the opening stages, as their physicality prevented Hawke's Bay from converting an initial edge into a significant advantage.
As a result, the first half featured a lack of continuity and a total absence of expansive attack, with Lincoln McClutchie and Aidan Morgan trading penalties.
The last of those left it 9-9 at the break and followed what became a crucial moment, as Joe Apikotoa was sent to the sin bin for a no-arms tackle on Asafo Aumua.
TJ Perenara took particular exception to the hit and would have taken extra satisfaction from scoring the game's only try while the hosts were short in numbers, kickstarting the second half after strong carries from Julian Savea and Peter Lakai.
Morgan's fourth penalty extended the Lions' lead to 10 with half an hour to play and left them dreaming of a famous victory, with Hawke's Bay unable to respond until McClutchie slotted his fourth 10 minutes from time.
After Morgan shanked a straightforward kick that would have sealed the game, the Magpies had one last chance deep in Wellington territory. But with Perenara having seen yellow for infringing at the breakdown, Wellington held firm against a couple of dangerous drives to walk away with the old trophy.
Wellington 19 (TJ Perenara try; Aidan Morgan 4 pens, con)
Hawke's Bay 12 (Lincoln McClutchie 4 pens)
Halftime: 9-9
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss Wellington's mayoral race, gang numbers, Queen Elizabeth's funeral, and the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land.
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A new political poll shows Labour Rongotai MP Paul Eagle has a narrow lead in Wellington's mayoral race.
The Kantar Public poll was commissioned by current affairs programme Q+A and surveyed 500 eligible voters between August 31 and September 8.
It showed Eagle on 28 per cent and former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau close behind him on 26 per cent.
Incumbent Andy Foster languished on 20 per cent.
However, 47 per cent of the eligible voters said they either didn't know who they will vote for, refused to express their preference, or said they did not plan to vote.
The poll took into account that Wellington City uses the Single Transferable Voting (STV) system.
Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester joins Nick Mills to explain the system.
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Legendary sports commentator Grant Nisbett joins Nick Mills to chat about the All Blacks win over the Wallabies, Roger Federer retiring and the passport dramas that's delayed Jamaicans' departure for the Silver Ferns series.
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Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen and World Wildlife Fund Wellington CEO Livia Esterhazy join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the council's plan to lower the speed limits throughout the city, local body elections, the Covid-19 Protection Framework being scrapped, Māori Language Week, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, an understood spy meeting in Queenstown, chaos at Spring Hill Corrections Facility and new gang statistics.
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Property expert Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to discuss the luxury home market, Wellington's rental prices and whether signing a holiday home onto Airbnb will make you money.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to explain how WellingtonNZ is struggling to justify its existence and recaps how the Chamber of Commerce mayoral debate went last week.
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Each week Nick Mills is joined by New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses business reaction to the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Day, how the Government is re-looking at proposed changes to how it pays recruiters and whether an economic slowdown will see interest rates fall.
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A sense of shock continues to ripple through Kaikōura in the wake of the loss of five lives in a boat capsize.
Ten members of the Nature Photography Society were on board, along with the skipper, when tragedy struck on Saturday.
One of the survivors remains in Christchurch Hospital in a stable condition.
The cause of the capsize hasn't yet been established -- with authorities unable to confirm whether a whale was involved.
Herald Reporter Katie Harris says locals have told her they never expected something like this to happen so close to shore, and for it to be so deadly.
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Every week Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis for Politics Monday.
They debate whether there should be a public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, expected changes to the mask-wearing rules and the traffic light framework, the Northland lockdown debacle, emergency housing and Lotto.
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An ex-Herald photographer whose photo of the Queen swept around the world nearly 70 years ago says the late monarch was idolised by the New Zealand press.
Graham Stewart was just 21 when he snapped the picture of the Queen smiling and waving to crowds in Pukekohe during her royal tour in 1954.
Stewart, who received a Queen's Honour for services to historical research and photography, told Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills how he and the other members of the media had to gather the day before the Queen's arrival to rehearse how they would capture their photographs.
It was early 1954 and cameras were far less mobile and user-friendly at the time, so even more work than usual was needed to catch a photo of the Queen as she walked by.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived on their royal yacht and disembarked at the wharf in Auckland, he said.
"At the time she stepped ashore, all the church bells right around Auckland, you could hear the bells pealing. It was such a magical time in our history."
Stewart said the Queen had been unwell during the trip so didn't smile much, but he was able to capture a shot of her holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling and waving to the gathered fans in Pukekohe.
The photograph was published around the world and adapted by the New Zealand Post for a stamp in the 1990s. It was also used as the title photograph for the BBC's four-part TV series Queen & Country, for Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee.
Stewart, who photographed the Queen on more than one royal tour, said he had "so many warm memories".
"We just all idolised her, she was so nice to us . . . we could tell she was looking sideways to us as if to say 'have you got your photograph'.
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Queen Elizabeth II has died - sending the world into mourning for a monarch who reigned supreme for 70 years. King Charles takes the throne immediately and will be known as King Charles III.
The 96-year-old, who died peacefully at Balmoral early on Friday NZT, was the longest-serving monarch in the history of Britain and the Commonwealth, having acceded the throne in 1952.
Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff and look back on the Queen's legacy.
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Newstalk ZB's music whizz James Irwin joins Nick Mills every fortnight to talk all things music.
This time he demonstrates how remixes and sampling is dominating over what we used to call 'normal'.
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Each week Nick Mills is joined by a member of the Newstalk ZB Parliament team for the Beehive Buzz.
Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen discusses expected changes to New Zealand's Covid restrictions, the Northland lockdown debacle, youth crime and 71 projects set for funding.
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This week Nick Mills is joined on the Business Panel by Wellington Airport CEO Matt Clarke and Vance Vivian owner Hamish Vance.
Throughout the hour they discuss emergency housing, Wellington's mayoralty, Covid-19 restrictions, cycleways and Wellington Airport's extension.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses a recent sting operation by police, how Frank Kitts playground won't open in time for summer and provides an update on the local body election.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses how the Government didn't consult with individual fund managers on GST changes and the opposition's warning about 'dubious' Reserve Bank board appointments.
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Each fortnight Mortgage Ability Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This time he discusses how young Kiwi's can feel secure in light of record inflation, how people can ensure they have a good credit score and what will make retirement easier.
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Each week Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
During the segment they debate the KiwiSaver U-turn, Christopher Luxon ruling Brian Tamaki out, the cost of living payment and Gloriavale.
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Labour Rongotai MP Paul Eagle, who is also vying for the mayoralty of Wellington, has announced a new policy on Newstalk ZB.
Speaking on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, Eagle revealed he plans to in-source council works.
"I want to announce I'm concerned about basic issues," he said.
"I'll be looking at in-sourcing council work. When I was last on, we outsourced because it was easy to do but with the pipes, civil works, slips - we need to look at a whole new way of delivering services."
Eagle is pitching stability after a term of in-fighting, exploding pipes and plummeting confidence in the council's decision-making.
"Wellingtonians expect the city to pull its weight," he said.
He wants to run a ruler over council spending to reprioritise funding and get back to basics (parks, pools, pipes, and potholes).
He told Mills he believes his chances of winning the mayoralty are "10 out of 10" - and if not, then he's definitely in the top three he joked.
Recently, Eagle has been embroiled in controversy over accusations he put up his election hoardings early - a claim his spokesperson has denied.
Georgina Stylianou said the allegations were not true.
Frames and posts were dropped off by Eagle and his volunteers at all 29 public sites on Friday from first thing until midnight, Stylianou said.
"A volunteer crew constructed the frames in the Lambton and Onslow-Western wards after midnight. The corflute arrived from the factory around 11pm."
"After unpacking it, Paul personally went out with additional volunteers around 1.30am and put these on the frames in the Onslow-Western ward only."
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Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and former MP for Ōhāriu Hon Peter Dunne join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss local body elections, Victoria University banning staff-student relationships, the Government's KiwiSaver tax u-turn, Myles Gazley's cycleway proposal and Otago Medical School's selection process.
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Wellington mayor Andy Foster is seeking re-election in the next local body election.
He sits down with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss his campaign and what he hopes to achieve if he manages to hold on to the top job.
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Wellington Mayor Andy Foster has distanced himself from a fellow election contender, the state of local government today is just as much the fault of voters as it is the politicians, and treasury officials will report back to Cabinet early next year with a plan to fund billions of dollars' worth of mass rapid transit.
Each week New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
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The Black Grace dance company was founded in 1995 and has evolved to be one of New Zealand's leading contemporary dance companies.
After a two year hiatus they're embarking on a New Zealand tour including Wellington.
They'll perform a unique and original programme of dances choreographed and inspired by the childhood of founding Artistic Director Neil Ieremia.
He joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Every fortnight property expert and one of Wellington's biggest landlords Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills for Hot Property.
This time he discusses changing mortgage repayment rates, how first-home buyers are feeling, Phil Twyford's housing fixes potentially coming to fruition and the Government's new KiwiSaver tax system.
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Mayoral candidate Tory Whanau sits down with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss her campaign as the race for the city's top job heats up.
Her fellow mayoral competitors will feature on the show at the same time on Wednesday and Thursday.
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A group of women who spent most of their lives at Gloriavale allege they were employees and not volunteers during their time at the secretive Christian community.
Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valour and Virginia Courage say they were effectively born into and kept in "servitude" - which is illegal in New Zealand - and had no power to choose their own path while living at the West Coast sect.
Gloriavale Leavers Trust manager Liz Gregory speaks to Nick Mills from the Christchurch
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New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses a Phil Twyford-era housing plan potentially making a debut in Porirua and the ongoing debate around whether mortgage rates have peaked.
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Gazley Motors managing director Myles Gazley joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to explain his alternative option to the proposed Newtown cyleway plan.
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National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they debate National's calls for harsher ram raid penalties, Gaurav Sharma, Trevor Mallard's new position as ambassador to Ireland, Winston Peters criticising Labour's co-governance policies and how much ministers travel internationally.
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New Zealand Herald personal finance editor Tamsyn Parker discusses Fisher Funds buying Kiwi Wealth, Naomi Ballantyne making a billion dollar sale and what she expects from the next Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate announcement.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills each week for Politics Monday.
This week they discuss Labour MP Gaurav Sharma alleging bullying is rampant throughout Parliament, Uffindell, the new 'build to rent' scheme, Stuart Nash's latest comments as the minister for tourism and the Government's plan to overhaul how reading and writing is taught.
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Jason Pine, host of Weekend Sport on Newstalk ZB chats to Nick Mills about the All Blacks v South Africa series, Wellington Lions v Canterbury and Ross Taylor's new book.
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Dame Kerry Prendergast and Former chief of staff to the Labour Party Neale Jones join Nick Mills this week for Friday Faceoff.
During the segment they discuss Labour MP Gaurav Sharma's claims of 'rampant' bullying in Parliament, Sam Uffindell, local body elections and the threat of slips facing the capital.
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On Music Time this week James Irwin pays tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John and Judith Durham, while also shedding some light on up and coming artists.
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Newstalk ZB deputy political editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to discuss Sam Uffindell's scandalous week, the latest polls and the three strikes bill being repealed.
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Part of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway is being ripped up before the road has even opened because bottom asphalt layers have not met quality standards.
There are almost 100 earthquake-prone hospital buildings across the country, of which a third are so important they must be operational immediately after a disastrous event.
A tradie ended up on a "wild goose chase" around central Wellington after a man allegedly tried to steal half a dozen mountain bikes from an apartment garage.
New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss the three.
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EasyBuild Homes managing director Mike Fox and Wellington Gold Awards director John Dow join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss National MP Sam Uffindell being stood down, the effects cost of living is having on the market, the flu season, National's new welfare policy and spending within central Wellington.
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Every fortnight Mortgage Ability NZ Director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills to talk all things money.
This time they discuss new research showing 12 percent of Kiwis are keeping debt a secret from their partner, how amendments to lending laws affects borrowers and what 'money week' entails.
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Kiwibank will soon start offering businesses that need finance for "sustainability initiatives" loans at discounted rates.
It will from September 26 join other lenders in offering a sustainable business loan product.
New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to discuss.
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National leader Christopher Luxon has warned young unemployed people their "free ride" under Labour would come to an end if he wins the election next year.
"To young people who don't want to work: You might have a free ride under Labour, but under National, it ends," Luxon said, unveiling a policy that would cut money from the Ministry of Social Development and use it to fund community providers to provide job coaching.
Green MP and social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March shares his thoughts with Nick Mills.
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National deputy leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for a fiery debate.
This week they clash over what's caused inflation, how to tackle it and National's new welfare policy.
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Newstalk ZB host Adam Cooper and Newshub Wellington Sports Reporter Luke Robinson join Nick Mills for sports.
Together they discuss Lewis Clareburt stealing the show at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the All Blacks making some surprising changes for the South African series and Wellington starting its NPC campaign against Bay of Plenty.
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Transporting New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett and Wellington mayoral candidate Tory Whanau join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
During the hour they discuss the Commerce Commission's report into the building supplies sector, potential water restrictions for Wellington, the Government's climate change strategy, rates increases and council housing.
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The Come Together 2022 rock concert series is kicking off next week.
It will see a rockstar super-group perform three iconic albums over three separate months.
This month is David Bowies album Ziggy Stardust, which the group will perform at Wellington's Opera House on the 11th , then in Christchurch and Auckland.
Shihad''s Jon Toogood chats with Nick Mills about his role.
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Newstalk ZB deputy political editor Jason Walls joins Nick Mills to discuss the cost of living payment debacle, the Government's plan to boost health worker numbers and National having to can a key policy.
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Each week New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for A Capital Letter.
This week she discusses endless bus cancellations plaguing the capital, another Wellington Water woe and a stand out Visa Wellington On A Plate event fit for the Queen.
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Each month Wellington mayor Andy Foster sits down with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to have a catch up and answer listeners' calls.
For August they discuss the recently announced rates increases, house prices, cycleways, cbd safety and social housing.
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The coach of New Zealand Commonwealth Games swimming sensation Lewis Clareburt has suggested a lack of support from Swimming New Zealand has left his build-up to the 2023 Paris Olympics in a dire state.
Lewis' father David Clareburt joins Nick Mills to share his thoughts and what it's like to parent a child destined for greatness.
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Property expert Matt Ryan joins Nick Mills to discuss the Quinovic protest that took place in Wellington, house prices taking another dive, building consents at a record high and whether buyers care about climate change.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny discusses the issues plaguing the cost of living payment, Infratil's share price reaching a record high and housing debt moving slower than last year.
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Thousands of Wellingtonians will fork out for a rates increase of more than 15 per cent, due to a higher-than-average increase in their property's revaluation last year.
This is almost double the average rates increase for the incoming year of 8 per cent.
Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week on the panel they debate the cost of living payment, calls for an inquiry into the Government's Covid-19 economic response, reviewing the Official Information Act process and the Samoan cross-party delegation.
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Newstalk ZB host Adam Cooper and 1news sports reporter Guy Heveldt chat with Nick Mills during the first day of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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Former Wellington Airport chair Tim Brown and Wellington City councillor Iona Pannett sit down with Nick Mills to Faceoff on a Friday.
The pair clash over Steve Hansen's recent All Black comments, calls for an inquiry into the Government's Covid spend, Ashley Bloomfield, absentee rates, James Shaw's leadership struggle and what they both intend to do in the next local body election.
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This week on Music Time James Irwin showcases the anthems that accompanied some of our most iconic sporting events, and what lies ahead at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen chats with Nick Mills about James Shaw's co-leadership challenge, deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson latching onto Christopher Luxon's social media oversight and Dr Ashley Bloomfield's last few days as Director-General of Health.
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Interislander's Cook Strait ferry service will be reduced to just one passenger ship as it struggles with an increasingly unreliable and ageing fleet.
Thousands of Wellingtonians will fork out for a rates increase of more than 15 per cent, due to a higher-than-average increase in their property's revaluation last year.
Wellington mayoral candidate Paul Eagle is promising to run the ruler over council spending, a new City Development Authority, and a world class arts precinct.
New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills on Capital Letter.
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Wellington Culinary Events Trust programming director Beth Brash and O'Reilly's Garage owner Simon O'Reilly join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
During the hour they discuss social media, holding employees accountable, ram-raids, local body elections, Wellington On A Plate and staffing shortages.
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Mortgage Ability NZ director Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills on Money Talks to discuss food inflation, whether meal kits are economical, student loans and cancelling direct debits.
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Former Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler says central banks made serious errors in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills to explain Wheeler's claims and how policymakers' responses to Covid-19 has taught us there's no such thing as a free lunch.
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James Shaw has confirmed he will contest the Green Party's co-leadership after being ousted from the role.
"I am in it to win it," Shaw told reporters saying he had spoken to party members and family and had decided to stand again as Green Party co-leader.
Shaw made the announcement after failing to get the 75 per cent votes of delegates at the party's online annual meeting at the weekend to be reconfirmed in the role. Co-leader Marama Davidson was reconfirmed by delegates.
This opens up the co-leadership role this week to challengers.
Former communications and policy director to the Green Party David Cormack joins Nick Mills to analyse the situation.
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Wellington mayoral candidate Paul Eagle is promising to run the ruler over council spending, a new City Development Authority, and a world class arts precinct.
The Labour MP for Rongotai is taking leave and donating his salary to charity while he campaigns for the city's top job.
Eagle has formally launched his campaign after confirming his bid a month ago.
He's vowing to run a ruler over council spending and reprioritise money, where possible, to turn the focus back to the likes of parks, pools, pipes, and potholes.
Fellow mayoral candidate Tory Whanau joins Nick Mills to share her thoughts.
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
During the hour they clash over drugs and alcohol rehabilitation programmes and discuss James Shaw not being confirmed as the Green Party's co-leader.
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Jason Pine and Adam join Nick Mills to chat about the All Blacks coaching debacle, a Bulgarian international being signed by the Phoenix, club rugby and the Wellington Saints continuing their mid-season resurgence in the NBL.
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Newstalk ZB host Jason Pine and Netball Central CEO Fran Scholey join Nick Mills this week for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the Wellington to Lower Hutt cycleway budget blowout, euthanasia, the All Black's coaching debacle, police harassment, a second Mount Victoria tunnel and the importance of having good neighbours.
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Beehive Buzz: Inflation, Ardern photographed maskless and Three Waters
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Lisa McCune chats with Nick Mills about Girl From The North Country
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Act says a "bonkers" billion-dollar Government plan will drastically reduce the capacity of Wellington's existing Mt Victoria tunnel for just 6,000 walkers and cyclists. The preferred option for the Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) transport plan includes a second Mt Victoria tunnel with two lanes for private vehicles and two lanes for public transport. The existing tunnel will be converted into one for walking and cycling. Written parliamentary questions by the Act Party show it's estimated about 3000 bike trips will be made through the converted tunnel per day, provided there is a connected cycle network in the central city. It's thought between 2400 and 3600 pedestrians will also use it on a daily basis. This is compared to up to 55,000 motorists who currently use the tunnel every day. Act transport spokesman Simon Court criticised the Government's preferred option for providing no additional capacity for vehicles. LISTEN ABOVE
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NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell sheds some light on Wellington only offering one special voting site, the Newtown cycleway stoush being settled out of court and Andy Foster running for mayor and mayor only. LISTEN ABOVE
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This week on Hot Property Matt Ryan explains to Nick Mills how to make the most of an auction environment, the role of property in a divorce, inflation within the construction industry and how house prices are continuing to drop. LISTEN ABOVE
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Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National MP Chris Bishop join Nick Mills in the studio for Tuesday Politics. Together they discuss record inflation, fuel tax, the Pacific Islands Forum and Christopher Luxon's abortion stance affecting the polls. LISTEN ABOVE
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New Zealand Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills on Tuesday Business. He discusses inflation hitting 7.3 percent, fuel prices beginning to shift and central Wellington businesses receiving financial aid following the 23 day Parliament protest. LISTEN ABOVE
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to discuss the final All Black's v Ireland test, Wellington Cricket captain Michael Bracewell stealing the show, Sky Stadium memories and the Open Championship golf getting underway. LISTEN ABOVE
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This week on Friday Faceoff two of New Zealand's most legendary rugby commentators Grant Nisbett and Keith Quinn join Nick Mills ahead of the the final All Black's v Ireland test match. Together they discuss their expectations of the game, challenges currently facing the team and highlights of their careers. LISTEN ABOVE
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A series of moves have been unveiled to try to combat gangs – including a new crime of firing a gun with intent to intimidate that comes with jail time. Other changes announced by Police Minister Chris Hipkins and Justice Minister Kiri Allan this morning include: • Expanding the range of offences where police can seize and impound cars, motorbikes and other vehicles • Police and other enforcement agencies able to seize cash over $10,000 when found in suspicious circumstances • Watches, jewellery, precious metals and stones, motor vehicles and boats added to list of high value goods prohibited for sale for cash over a specified value • Work underway to strengthen sector-wide approach to address youth crime and reduce offending • New targeted warrant and additional search powers to find and seize weapons from gang members during a gang conflict Lifetime Black Power member and community advocate Denis O'Reilly joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings. LISTEN ABOVE
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On a special edition of Music Time James Irwin uses the power of music to predict who will come out on top of the All Blacks v Ireland test week. Who do you think has produced the better tunes? LISTEN ABOVE
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On Money Talks this week Marcus Hull discusses the Reserve Bank lifting the OCR 50 basis points to 2.5 per cent in its latest bid to head off inflation, low interest rates being offered and budgeting tips. LISTEN ABOVE
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All eyes are on Fiji - where Pacific Island Forum leaders are now in all-day closed-door talks. Climate change is a burning issue - and hopes are high the delegates will come up with plans for concrete action. Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen is in Suva. He says locals are desperate. LISTEN ABOVE
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Sky Stadium CEO Shane Harmon and D4 Irish Bars owner Dermot Murphy join Nick Mills on the Business Panel during test week. This week they discuss the All Black's upcoming test against Ireland, Let's Get Wellington Moving, labour shortages, the risk of Red and Air New Zealand's flexibility policy. LISTEN ABOVE
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By New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell Heads are yet to roll at Wellington Water, despite a damning report revealing water in the region hasn't been fluoridated properly for six years. There has, however, been a new appointment to the water company's board, after it was found none of the directors had practical or leadership experience in water services. A review was launched after revelations Wellington Water turned off fluoride at two plants last year without telling the board, councils or residents. It found fluoride was administered effectively less than 20 per cent of the time at those plants, which supply Upper Hutt, Porirua and Wellington City residents. The Herald asked Wellington Water whether anyone had lost their job, considering the extent of the failure and, if not, why it was appropriate for those in leadership positions to remain. Wellington Water Board chairwoman Lynda Carroll said the board's approach in commissioning the inquiry was not to apportion blame. "It was to determine what went wrong, how it went wrong and to identify issues, resolve them and deliver on our responsibilities for the future. "I am confident that the governance and management teams will do so," she said. They have accepted "collective accountability" and have already implemented significant change, Carroll said. "However, there are performance issues that we will address as part of our normal performance management processes." The inquiry found Wellington Water had lost sight of the importance of fluoridation in favour of providing safe drinking water. Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said it was disappointing Wellington has had low and inconsistent levels of fluoridation in the region's water supply for years. "However, I welcome the efforts Wellington Water is making to reinstate fluoridation, and to implement recommendations of the report." Verrall said the Ministry of Health was developing a process to better monitor the levels of fluoridation in drinking water. She said this was to ensure levels met those required for optimum oral health protection. Wellington Water is working towards reinstating fluoridation by September this year. The board will implement all of the review's recommendations, including that Wellington Water should have a relentless focus on fluoridation, Carroll said. "That work, along with significantly expanded performance reporting will provide the public and councils with the assurance that we have learned from this experience and are delivering on our obligation to fluoridate drinking water." Another recommendation was to ensure the board has the right collective experience and knowledge to govern effectively. The review found none of the directors had water services experience so when it came to fluoride, the board "did not have the expertise to identify the gap and the issue wasn't visible to them". Alexandra Hare has now been appointed to the board and brings more than a decade of experience in leadership of water operational engineering divisions. She is currently the water industry leader for engineering, design and advisory company Aurecon. LISTEN ABOVE
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Hurricanes fullback Josh Moorby speaks with Nick Mills ahead of his Māori All Blacks debut against Ireland. LISTEN ABOVE
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Wellington Chamber CEO Simon Arcus joins Nick Mills this week for Tuesday Business. He discusses the Let's Get Wellington Moving Golden Mile plans now out for public consultation, regional business confidence and how life compares to the US. LISTEN ABOVE
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The countdown has begun for the opening of Wellington's new Convention and Exhibition Centre, Tākina. It's the city council's largest infrastructure investment under construction since Sky Stadium, and it's set to be open in 12 months. The ground floor will provide an internal walkway linking Wakefield and Cable Street. An exhibition space is located in this part of the building as well as a cafe, which will spill out into a courtyard that's become known as a sun trap. Overall there is 18,000sq m of space over three main levels, plus mezzanine floors. The upper levels are dedicated to convention and business events. Nick Mills got an exclusive tour around the building. LISTEN ABOVE
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Labour MP for Hutt South Ginny Andersen and National MP Chris Bishop join Nick Mills for Politics Monday. Together they discuss the ACT Party's 100 day plan, changes to the 501 deportation system, the possibility of Red, Wellington Water, Boris Johnson and Andy Foster seeking re-election. LISTEN ABOVE
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Sir John Kirwan is embarking on a landmark road-trip across the country, in a bid to change the course of mental health in Aotearoa. New research has indicated 75% of Kiwis believe this generation of children are at greater risk of mental health issues than the generations that preceded them, and 60% of Kiwis don’t think we’re doing enough to tackle the growing mental health issue. Sir John's road trip stretches from Auckland to Invercargill, to raise funds and awareness for his charitable initiative Mitey – which teaches mental health principles in a school-based curriculum. He hopes to raise enough money to roll out Mitey to 40 more schools, benefiting 11,000 Kiwi kids across the country. During his stop in Wellington he made time to chat with Nick Mills at Island Bay primary school. LISTEN ABOVE
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Jason Pine discusses the All Blacks v Ireland second test in Dunedin on Saturday, the Māori All Blacks also going up against Ireland, Rafa Nadal pulling out of Wimbledon and the Wellington Sports awards . LISTEN ABOVE
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This week former mayoral candidate and Wellington city councillor Jo Coughlin and former MP for Ōhāriu Honourable Peter Dunne join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. Together they discuss Mark Dunajtschik's donation to Hutt Hospital, New Zealand's relationship with Australia, mayor Andy Foster seeking re-election and Let's Get Wellington Moving. LISTEN ABOVE
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A staffing crisis at a psychiatric facility for teenagers with severe mental illness got so severe that employees worried it would lead to "serious injury or death", according to damning inspection reports obtained by the Herald. Inspectors from the Children's Commissioner's office visited the Regional Rangatahi Adolescent Inpatient Service (RRAIS), a 12-bed facility in Porirua, twice in the past year-and-a-half and found a multitude of alarming problems relating to staffing, the physical state of the unit, and the wellbeing of patients. Their reports, which have not been made public until now, detailed numerous examples of poor design and maintenance – including broken windows, no curtains in the girl's bedrooms, "tired and depressing" decor, numerous ligature points, and broken locks – that made the building unsuitable for highly vulnerable patients experiencing conditions such as psychosis. The inspectors also expressed alarm that distressed teenagers were held for up to two-and-a-half days in a cold, barren seclusion area where some were given cardboard potties nicknamed "cowboy hats" to go to the toilet in, and the only outdoor space was a "small cage covered with mesh" visible from a public street. Safety issues at the "rundown, decaying" facility were compounded by a critical shortage of skilled employees to care for the young patients, the inspectors said. "Staff were concerned about the safety of mokopuna at the unit and were afraid of serious injury or death," they said in one of the reports. "They described the unit as 'chaotic' or 'in crisis' as a result of unsafe staffing levels and a chronic shortage of experienced staff." RRAIS, part of the Kenepuru Hospital complex, is one of three specialist inpatient psychiatric units for young people in New Zealand, serving patients from Gisborne to Wellington. It was operated by the Capital & Coast district health board until a major restructuring this month merged all DHBs into a national operating body known as Health New Zealand. Children's Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers speaks with Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVE
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Newstalk ZB deputy political editor Jason Walls discusses whether New Zealand could be put back into the red traffic light setting, Ardern meeting with Anthony Albanese and the Pacific Islands forum starting.
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Wellington mayor Andy Foster has announced on Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings he wants another term in the job. Foster promised host Nick Mills months ago he would announce what his intentions were for the mayoralty on the local show. Foster said he was absolutely committed to Wellington. "I've been privileged to be the mayor for the last two and a bit years. It's been an extraordinarily tough time. We've got an enormous amount done in that period of time and I don't think we've necessarily been given the credit for doing it." LISTEN ABOVE
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Property expert Matthew Ryan joins Nick Mills to discuss ramifications of the NZX falling, how IRD are focusing on construction companies and whether they face a similar fate to those in Australia. LISTEN ABOVE
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Mayoral hopefuls might be tempted to relitigate Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) with new transport policies, but I am respectfully asking them not to. New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss column this week amongst everything else concerning Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE
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Mayoral hopefuls might be tempted to relitigate Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) with new transport policies, but I am respectfully asking them not to. New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss column this week amongst everything else concerning Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE
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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has arrived in Melbourne for a packed five-day schedule after her trip to Europe, saying it was "excellent" to get her business mission under way at last. Ardern was welcomed with a ceremony by Wurundjeri elder, Aunty Joy Wandin-Murphy, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today. Afterward, she told media the trip had been long-planned. Ardern had intended to visit Australia with a delegation in 2021 but that was scrapped after the spread of the Delta variant closed the travel bubble. New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joined Nick Mills live from Melbourne. LISTEN ABOVE
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Taxpayers have so far paid more than $140 million worth of subsidies to help produce the upcoming sequels to the Avatar movie. According to figures from the New Zealand Film Commission, the cash rebates for the upcoming movies will be the second largest in the agency's history. The only production to have received more taxpayers' cash is the Hobbit movies – which received more than $161m between 2012 and 2015. But, given the last of the four Avatar sequels is not due to be released until 2028, it's likely the government cash it will receive in total will overtake the Lord of the Rings prequels at some point soon. The Act Party wants the Government to immediately stop providing subsidies to studios producing movies in New Zealand. Deputy leader Brooke van Velden joins Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVE
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Labour MP for Mana Barbara Edmonds and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis debate labour shortages within hospitality, New Zealand's free trade deal with the EU, Parliament's independent watchdog, visa changes for young Kiwis in Britain and Health New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper discuss the All Blacks v Ireland series beginning and the historic new women's National Basketball League. LISTEN ABOVE
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Former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. Together they discuss New Zealand's free trade agreement with Europe, Let's Get Wellington Moving, the possibility of a super city, Paul Eagle, the fatal Timaru crash and Roe v. Wade. LISTEN ABOVE
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The families of five boys killed in a drink-driving accident say a two-and-a-half year prison sentence is far from enough to address the lifetime of suffering they'll endure without their loved ones. Tyreese Stuart Fleming, 20, was the driver and sole survivor of an overloaded car which smashed into a power pole near Timaru last year. The force of the crash split the car in two, instantly killing the five teenage boys in the car. Alison shared her similar story with Nick Mills and Wellington Mornings. LISTEN ABOVE
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In 2015 the St James Theatre, a Category 1 Heritage building on Courtenay Place, was found to be earthquake-prone. The work to strengthen the theatre to a minimum of 67% of the New Building Standard started in April 2019 On Saturday the 2nd of July it will officially open its doors for a public open day. Nick Mills went along for a sneak peak. LISTEN ABOVE
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Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Jason Walls explains how he thinks the Roe v. Wade decision has affected the National Party and updates Nick Mills on the Prime Minister's trip to Europe. LISTEN ABOVE
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An eclectic group of guys with a love of Americana folk music are urging audiences to ditch the Covid blues for their high-energy tunes. T-Bone - guitarist and songwriter Gerry Paul, American fiddler Richard Klein, multi-instrumentalist Cameron "Dusty" Burnell, bassist Aaron Stewart and guitar and mandolin player Michael Muggeridge – released their debut album Good 'n Greasy on June 17. The North Island release tour kicks off on Thursday in Wellington and will be at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on July 4. Gerry and Dusty join Nick Mills in the studio. LISTEN ABOVE
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The Government is moving ahead with a second Mt Victoria tunnel for Wellington and light rail running from the central railway station to Island Bay as its "preferred choice".
Upgrades will also be made to improve traffic flow at the Basin Reserve, which involves the extension of the Arras Tunnel.
The package is estimated to cost $7.4 billion in 2030 dollars.
New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell breaks down the announcement with Nick Mills.
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Managing director of Gazley Holdings Myles Gazley and sales director of Tommy's Real Estate Nicki Cruickshank join Nick on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss Let's Get Wellington Moving, lack of faith in the council, Paul Eagle running for mayor, inflation, the Prime Minister's trip to Europe and mental health issues within business.
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The Government has announced more free flu vaccines and a second Covid-19 booster for groups of people at risk of hospitalisation.
Health Minister Andrew Little said an extra 800,000 New Zealanders will be eligible for free flu vaccines from Friday July 1.
This will include children aged 3-12 and people with serious mental health or addiction needs.
Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre Dr Nikki Turner joins Nick Mills to explain the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny discusses how retail investors are more pessimistic in NZ than in Australia, how interest-only home loans are getting harder to obtain and what she expects from the latest bank lending data.
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Every fortnight Director of Mortgage Ability NZ Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills for Money Talks.
This week he analyses ANZ's new lending conditions, why Millennials may be living pay cheque to pay cheque and an interesting new company credit checking tool.
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Labour MP for Mana Barbara Edmonds and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss Paul Eagle running for Mayor, the Roe v. Wade case, Wellington's livability, the Prime Minister's Europe trip, Kris Faafoi departing politics and the likelihood of a recession.
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After months of rumour and speculation, Labour Rongotai MP Paul Eagle has formally announced his campaign to be Wellington's next mayor.
"I'm running because Wellington needs new leadership that's strong and stable and they need someone who's prepared to put the mojo back into the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand," he told the Herald.
Eagle criticised incumbent Andy Foster for his inability to bring people together and have a plan, despite being on the council for nearly 30 years.
"He's had his shot and his time's up."
Eagle joins Nick Mills on Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings.
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This week on Faceoff Nick Mills is joined by Chairman of the National Maori Authority Matthew Tukaki and Director of Franks Ogilve Brigitte Morten.
Together they discuss ambulance response times, Wellington's District Plan, transgender athletes and celebrating Matariki with a public holiday for the first time.
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Newstalk ZB's chief political reporter Jason Walls discusses whether the Prime Minister should apologise to Charlotte Bellis and how Chris Hipkins is performing as Police Minister.
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A Wellington man was found dead in his doorway six hours after calling an ambulance complaining of chest pains.
The man's family don't know how long he was waiting for help to arrive, but were told his death was being referred to the Coroner due to the hours-long wait for the ambulance to show up.
The 73-year-old's daughter-in-law, who wanted to only be referred to as Katrina, spoke to Nick Mills.
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Property expert Matt Ryan analyses a recent tenancy tribunal case from Dunedin, revisions to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act and how property is currently comparing to other investment avenues.
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Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter has criticised the idea of a second Mount Victoria tunnel proposed under the Let's Get Wellington Moving project.
She says a second tunnel would make barely any difference to motorists and should instead be specifically for walking and cycling.
She joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss how her working arrangements have changed forever and how Hutt Hospital's improved earthquake status is no saving grace.
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Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joins Nick Mills for his monthly catch up in June.
This time he discusses whether he supports a second Mount Victoria Tunnel, the St James Theatre reopening, the new District Plan and Matariki.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny sheds some light on a potentially major conflict of interest created by finance minister Grant Robertson, and how the cost of importing petrol has hit a new record.
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Wellington Rugby is receiving criticism after deciding to hold a premier women’s rugby grand final on the day of the inaugural Matariki public holiday.
It comes after a women’s rugby club couldn’t start in the planned week and the season had to be re-jigged.
TJ rang up Nick Mills to share what he thinks of the decision and what Matariki means to his family.
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National’s Nicola Willis and Labour’s Kieran McAnulty join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week they discuss the fatal crash in Picton, Matariki, Trevor Mallard’s diplomatic posting, Sam Uffindell’s win in Tauranga and what lies ahead for immigration minister Michael Wood.
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A Toyota Hiace mini-van carrying nine family members and travelling to Picton was ripped apart after colliding head-on with a refrigerated truck, leaving seven people dead.
Seven people, including an infant, were killed "in the blink of an eye" when their silver mini-van appears to have crossed the centreline on State Highway 1 south of Picton about 7.30am and collided with the truck.
The family was returning home to the North Island after attending a loved one's funeral in Dunedin.
The crash, one of the worst road accidents in recent New Zealand history, has devastated first responders and local residents, some of whom heard the sickening impact from their homes.
Former professional motorcycle road racer Aaron Slight shares his thoughts with Nick Mills.
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This week's Friday Faceoff features Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett, and Newstalk ZB & NZ Herald's Wellington head of news Katrina Bennett.
They discussed whether local MP Paul Eagle's survey could have anything to do with a Mayoral run.
Also on the agenda - regulating AirBnb's in Wellington, Patrick Gower's booze documentary, Transmission Gully's 337-thousand dollar opening ceremony and whether Welligtonians will miss David Jones.
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Nick was joined by sports hosts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper to talk about the mouthwatering Super Rugby final ahead this weekend, and who may be playing for All Blacks jerseys in the match.
They also looked at roster changes already for our champion Central Pulse netballers, and pay tribute to iconic Wellington cricket historian Don Neely.
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On Money Talks this week Marcus Hull discusses fixing home loans, the battle to pay for food, opting out of KiwiSaver and whether now is the time to invest in a business.
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This week on Beehive Buzz New Zealand senior political reporter Thomas Coughlin discusses pre-departure testing being scrapped, new GDP figures and the Australian Foreign Minister's first visit to New Zealand.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses Chris Bishop testing positive for Covid-19, the potential for electric trains in the lower North Island and how the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway's opening is on a knife edge.
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Monsoon Poon owner Mike Egan and Gubb's Shoes director Julie Gubb join Nick Mills for the fortnightly Business Panel.
Together they discuss the cost of Transmission Gully's opening ceremony, the use of Te Reo, David Jones closing, inflation and the employment market.
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Porirua's Mayor is livid over the cost of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Transmission Gully.
The 1.25 billion dollar motorway north of Wellington opened at the end of March after years of delays and budget blowouts.
Taxpayers picked up a bill of nearly 337-thousand dollars for costs associated with the opening, such as planning and equipment hire.
Anita Baker who attended the event says it's a waste of money.
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National's Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for Hutt South Ginny Anderson join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss Cabinet being reshuffled, National's new gang policy, Australia's 501 deportation system, the He Waka Eke Noa emissions pricing plan and changing Māori electoral voting laws.
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More than 300,000 Wellingtonians will converge on Council candidates, demanding a review to lower the cost of playing sport in the region.
Five codes have come together for Affordable Sports for Greater Wellington, lobbying ahead of the local body election to reduce facility fees.
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joins Nick Mills to discuss the issue.
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Independent economist Rodney Jones is urging the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) to stop figuratively printing money, with inflation at a three-decade high.
New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny explains.
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Annelisa Lummis has been awarded almost $10,000 after she was fired from the Stokes Valley New World in Wellington, for refusing to wear a hat to hide her blue hair.
However the owners of the supermarket said the problem was the worker's failure to meet reasonable requests rather than the colour of her hair.
Lummis speaks to Nick Mills.
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Former Labour party campaign manager Hayden Munro and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young join Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff.
They discuss truancy, Alan Hall seeking compensation, a fatal Newlands shooting, a man's body being stolen in Lower Hutt and whether employers can discriminate against those who dye their hair.
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Economist Tony Alexander says the 'fear of overpaying' mentality may have taken a grip on New Zealand's housing market as prices start to soften.
Wellington property developer and expert Matt Ryan shares his thoughts with Nick Mills.
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Newstalk ZB's chief political reporter Jason Walls discusses National taking aim at the Government's approach to gang violence and what to expect from the Prime Minister's trip to Australia.
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This week James Irwin gives listeners a preview of T Bone's upcoming gig at San Fran on June 30th, where they'll be promoting their debut album Good 'n Greasy.
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A woman with a chronic pain condition says she "wasn't treated like a human being" when forced to sit in urine-soaked clothes for six hours in Wellington's emergency department.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has supported staff at Wellington Regional Hospital to issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) to management, regarding unsafe staffing affecting eight inpatient wards.
Wellington nurse Carol shared her thoughts with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Property expert Matt Ryan chats with Nick Mills about a bargain he found in Stokes Valley, whether landlords can discriminate against gang members and his advice for young home buyers.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell shares the latest on the fatal shooting in Newlands and why she thinks it's too late for the Wellington City Council to call time on the Town Hall.
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Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry and Porirua mayor Anita Baker join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together they discuss the Newtown cycleway, police bias towards non-pakeha, Andrew Coster reviewing the pursuit policy, supermarkets being put on notice and the New Building Standard.
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This week on Beehive Buzz Newstalk ZB political reporter Aaron Dahmen discusses the Prime Minister’s trip to the US, supermarkets being put on notice and the lack of record keeping within our prisons.
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Business confidence has fallen on "intense" inflation pressure, the latest ANZ Business Outlook survey shows.
While some sectors were holding up well with regards to employment and investment intentions, the outlook for the residential construction sector was "deteriorating rapidly", said ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner.
New Zealand Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann reports on Wellington Mornings.
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This week on Money Talks Marcus Hull discusses how Kiwis can shop conservatively and where they can tighten their belts in light of rising interest rates.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell explains why central city offices are being evacuated, what’s happening at the Mahanga Bay occupation and what she thought of Julie Anne Geneter’s secret 2019 letter.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny discusses petrol prices remaining eye-wateringly high and the Reserve Bank hiking interest rates to try to curb inflation.
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China's foreign minister met with the leaders of Samoa on Saturday on the third stop of an island-hopping tour aimed at deepening China's ties with Pacific nations.
Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre and an Associate Professor at Victoria University Jason Young shares what he believes it could mean for New Zealand.
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This week on Politics Monday National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Kieran McAnulty discuss China’s presence in the South Pacific, the PM’s trip to the US, Nanaia Mahuta, LGWM and criticism on the 2022 budget.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper react to NBA coach Steve Kerr's powerful plea following a tragic school shooting.
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Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons and political commentator Bryce Edwards join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Together the debate the Prime Minister’s trip to the US, whether Wellington should pay to preserve historic buildings, the New Building Standard and whether a gun register is the answer to solving gun crime.
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This week on Music Time James Irwin showcases two young Kiwi artists, Reb Fountain and Louis Baker. He also dusts off a famous record by famous NZ Garage rock band The La de Das for Cash in the Attic.
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Newstalk ZB political reporter Aaron Dahmen discusses the Prime Minister’s trip to the US and Nanaia Mahuta having no contact with the New Zealand ambassador to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.
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This week on Hot Property Matt Ryan discusses rent control, investing in earthquake-prone buildings and whether landlords are obligated to fill commercial properties.
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Managing director of East By West Ferries Jeremy Ward and owner of Smith the Grocer Mary Meachen join Nick Mills on the Business Panel.
Together they discuss the independent panel reviewing our electoral laws, cycleways, Te Reo within business, this year’s budget and whether Wellington is bouncing back after lockdown restrictions.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses why the Wellington City Council should reconsider selling the airport and the latest update on the capital’s unfluoridated water supply.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenee Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses how inflation was the driving factor behind this year's budget and how the Reserve Bank is likely to raise the Official Cash Rate.
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Labour's Kieran McAnulty and National's Paul Goldsmith joins Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week they discuss the Australian election, the Government's 2022 Budget, pay rate increases and whether the voting age should be lowered to 16.
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Pay rates are rising as much as 33 per cent in some sectors as competition for workers heats up amid the labour crunch.
According to Seek, manufacturing, logistics and transport had the highest salary growths of 27 to 33 per cent in one year.
Seek Country Manager Rob Clarke joins Nick Mills.
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Coastguard Wellington has been gifted a new response vessel through a partnership between Team Emirates New Zealand and Lotto NZ.
Nick Mills met with Coastgaurd Wellington as the vessel was delivered.
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This week on Sports Adam Cooper discusses a tough season for the Phoenix and an upcoming home game for the Hurricanes.
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Director of Franks Ogilvie Brigitte Morten and Managing Partner of Iron Duke Partners Phil O'Reilly join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
Throughout the hour they discuss the Government's new budget, local council, a lack of pride within Wellington and Hutt Hospital's main building being deemed earthquake-prone.
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Singer and founder of The BeatGirls Andrea Sanders is bringing her new show 'Cringeworthy the 80s' to Wellington this weekend.
She joins Nick Mills for a preview.
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The Cancer Society is wanting to raise awareness around the link between alcohol consumption and seven types of cancer.
Cancer Society co-medical director Dr George Laking chats with Nick Mills.
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Newstalk ZB political reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills ahead of the 2022 Budget Day announcement.
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Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.
This week she discusses Hutt Hospital's maternity upgrade being paused, Wellington Airport reporting a profit and a recent victory for Victoria University students.
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The main building at Hutt Hospital, the Heretaunga Block, has been deemed earthquake-prone.
Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast District Health Boards chief executive Fionnagh Dougan said they have some years to bring the building back to acceptable levels but the work would disrupt patient care.
Anything less than 34 per cent of the New Building Standard is considered earthquake-prone. The DHB would not disclose the building's rating, but confirmed it was below 34 per cent.
Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry joins Nick Mills to share his thoughts.
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The main building at Hutt Hospital, the Heretaunga Block, has been deemed earthquake-prone.
Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast District Health Boards chief executive Fionnagh Dougan said they have some years to bring the building back to acceptable levels but the work would disrupt patient care.
Anything less than 34 per cent of the New Building Standard is considered earthquake-prone. The DHB would not disclose the building's rating, but confirmed it was below 34 per cent.
Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry joins Nick Mills to share his thoughts.
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This week on Money Talks Marcus Hull discusses the cryptocurrency market crashing, drawing up a prenuptial agreement and what falling house prices means for those looking to take out a mortgage.
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Over a third of cars on the road will be electric or hybrid - and high-emitting vehicles will be banned - under a significant plan unveiled by the Government.
The $4.5 billion in funding announced on Monday will help reduce global warming and avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Editor of car buying guide Dog and Lemon Clive Matthew-Wilson shares his thoughts with Nick Mills.
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New Zealand Herald's new Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business.
This week she discusses effects to come of rising interest rates, the Government's new Emissions Reduction Plan and Budget Day.
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New Zealand On Air has been labelled out of touch and wasteful for awarding $200,000 of taxpayer money on a documentary about Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick.
ACT Party Leader David Seymour says Swarbrick should reject any role in the publicly-funded documentary.
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Labour's Kieran McAnulty and National's Nicola Willis join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
This week they discuss the Government's Emissions Reduction Plan, the cost-of-living crisis, budget day, recent polls and the Australian election.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper discuss the playoffs for the Phoenix, unrest within Basketball and what's ahead for the Warriors.
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The Honourable Peter Dunne and Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert joins Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.
This week they discuss the Road to Zero campaign, workplace bullying and whether gangs could ever be made illegal.
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On Beehive Buzz this week Newstalk ZB political reporter Aaron Dahmen discusses the Government's new immigration policies and a feud between opposing MPs.
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This week on Music Time James Irwin showcases three terrific local musicians and bands.
From Kiwis smashing it offshore to locals writing cracking tunes - we celebrate all things terrific about NZ music month of May.
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New Zealand Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses her weekly Capital Letter column, cosmetics giant Sephora coming to Wellington and the Cobham Drive pedestrian crossing getting underway.
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This week on Hot Property Matt Ryan discusses the pressures first-home buyers are facing, Kiwibank increasing its home loan stress test rate and what the future looks like for Wellington's market.
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Hospitality New Zealand CEO Julie White and Shoe Clinic founder Neville Mcalister join Nick Mills this week for the business panel.
Together the discuss new plans for the David Jones building, the possibility of congestion charges and how hard it is for anyone to recruit staff.
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The Helen Clark foundation has found more research is needed into whether congestion charges could be fairly implemented in Wellington.
Mayor Andy Foster chats to Nick Mills about the findings.
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New Zealand Herald's Business Editor at Large Liam Dann discusses the global share markets, unemployment and the ripple effects Armstrong Downes' liquidation may have.
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More than $550 million in funding for more frontline police, a new firearms unit and a package to help businesses protect themselves from ram raids has been promised in a Government Budget pre-announcement.
National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Kieran McAnulty debate the particulars, as well as recent polls and ACT's alternative budget.
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The public has registered a vote of no confidence in Police Minister Poto Williams as youth crime spirals out of control.
The latest Newshub-Reid Research poll asked: Is the current Police Minister too soft on crime?
More than two-thirds - 68.3 percent - said yes, while just 18.3 percent said no.
National's Police spokesperson Mark Mitchell says he's not surprised.
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Jason Pine discusses the A-League playoffs for the Phoenix, the Hurricanes' upcoming match against Fijian and the Saints going head-to-head with the Otago Nuggets on Saturday.
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Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and former Porirua mayor Nick Leggett join Nick Mills for this week's Friday Faceoff.
Together they debate Countdown's price freeze, whether Poto Williams has been effective as Police Minister and who they think will be Wellington's next mayor.
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On Beehive Buzz this week Newstalk ZB's chief political reporter Jason Walls discusses the latest Newshub-Reid Research poll, Simon Bridges' departure and Winston Peters being trespassed from Parliament.
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Former Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast's gut feeling is this year's bid for the city's top job will be a two-horse race.
The contenders are likely to be incumbent Andy Foster and Labour MP for Rongotai Paul Eagle, although both are yet to confirm whether they're running.
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Winston Peters has been trespassed from Parliament after attending the Wellington convoy protest earlier this year.
Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson spoke with Nick Mills about Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard's decision.
On the Capital Letter Georgina Campbell explains how Transmission Gully has been performing during its first month and when public transport will turn digital.
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Marcus Hull explains how people can safeguard themselves when investing in units by plan and how ANZ customers can prepare for changing test interest rates.
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Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joins Nick Mills for his monthly catch-up of May.
While answering listeners questions he discusses the liquidation of Armstrong Downes, co-governance, rising sea levels and the Shelly Bay occupation.
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New Zealand Herald's Business Editor at Large Liam Dann discusses the growth of Rocket Lab, how Air New Zealand measures up and what he expects from set to be released unemployment figures.
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National's Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Labour MP for Hutt South Ginny Anderson join Nick Mills for Politics Monday.
Together they discuss new climate change data, youth crime, Three Waters and the state of mental health services.
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Jason Pine and Adam Cooper discuss sport for the week with Nick Mills.
Top of their list is the Hurricanes upcoming match against the Brumbies, a hopeful win for the Wellington Phoenix and the opening of the NBL season.
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Former Attorney-General and Cabinet minister Chris Finlayson and former Wellington City Councillor Jo Coughlan join Nick Mills for Friday faceoff.
Together they pick apart the new developments of the Three Waters reforms, the future of co-governance and how crime is affecting the capital.
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With New Zealand Music Month upcoming James Irwin takes a closer look at the career and music of Tami Neilson.
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Newstalk ZB reporter Aaron Dahmen updates Nick Mills on MIQ being found to be unjust, David Parker's tax plans and Christopher Luxon's awkward week of interviews.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss her latest Capital Letter column 'House or Travel'.
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Property expert Matt Ryan shares his thoughts on the house or travel debate, how inflation is affecting rents and what tenants should do if they wish to buy off the landlord.
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Retail NZ CEO Greg Harford and Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus join Nick Mills for the fortnightly Business Panel.
Together they to discuss the potential impacts of crime, the planned revamp of Wellington's library and how the building consent process may be holding up business growth.
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New Zealand Herald’s Business Editor at Large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business, where they discuss Elon Musk buying Twitter and measures the Government can take to ease inflation.
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Jason Pine discusses Wayne Smith taking over as the Black Ferns coach, the Hurricanes upcoming match against the Reds, and the Wellington Phoenix set to play Western Sydney Wanderers at Eden Park on Sunday.
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Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett and hospitality leader Matt McLaughlin faceoff with Nick Mills over children being pepper sprayed, inflation and the planned expansion of Wellington Airport.
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Newstalk ZB political reporter Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills live as StatsNZ releases its latest Consumer Index Figure data.
He reports that annual inflation has hit 6.9 per cent for the year to March 31, the largest movement since the June 1990 quarter.
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Annual inflation has hit 6.9 per cent for the year to March 31, the largest movement since a 7.6 per cent annual increase in the year to the June 1990 quarter.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen joins Nick Mills to share his first impressions.
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Marcus Hull joins Nick Mills to discuss the importance of keeping your will up-to-date and the effects expected inflation figures may have.
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Georgina Campbell joins Nick Mills to discuss Wellington's two ongoing protests and the Twitter saga surrounding councillor Sean Rush.
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It's been revealed that children as young as 10 and 12 are being pepper sprayed by our Police, with more than 480 children and teenagers sprayed between 2017 and 2021.
Children’s Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers joined Nick Mills to share her thoughts.
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New Zealand Herald's Business Editor at Large Liam Dann explains his analysis of March data from the Real Estate Institute, and why he believes inflation is about to get bigger than Texas.
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The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has decided not to put the historic pay-equity settlement to its members for a vote.
Aaron Dahmen updates Nick Mills straight out of the press conference.
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Politics lecturer Bryce Edwards and Franks Ogilvie Director Brigitte Morten join Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff ahead of the long Easter weekend.
They discuss Let's Get Wellington Moving, new rules around mask wearing, Louisa Wall's departure from Parliament and the protesters camping at Mahanga Bay.
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New Zealand Herald Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell recaps Iona Pannett’s brutal week in local politics and the results of Let's Get Wellington Moving's public consultation.
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One Roof has found the majority of Kiwis and Wellingtonians don’t think they’ll ever be able to buy a house.
Property Expert Matt Ryan shares his take on the findings and answers your questions.
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Former Wellington Airport Board Chairman Tim Brown and Operator of the Newtown General Grocer Urmila Bhana talk business with Nick Mills.
Both share insights into the planned cycleway through Newtown, the future of the David Jones Building and the Warehouse looking to compete with supermarkets.
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This week's Friday Faceoff featured Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper and PR and events guru Catherine Rossiter-Stead.
Among the topics were a hunt for any other reasons behind the resignation of Ashley Bloomfield as Director General of Health, and whether large advertising screens for the Embassy Theatre are a good idea to fund a $1m upgrade.
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Reality is starting to hit for those affected by the Wellington City Council's bike network plan
Last month the council approved a plan which will see separated cycleways on more than 20 per cent of Wellington's streets - the current 23 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes in our city will soon be 166 kilometres.
The Newtown to City route, heading along Kent and Cambridge Terraces, will see 150 carparks go.
Kent and Cambridge Terraces will lose more than 50 carparks, and the side lanes which allow u-turns between the two streets.
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joined Nick to discuss the proposals, ahead of a council meeting on Thursday, April 14.
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Reality is starting to hit for those affected by the Wellington City Council's bike network plan
Last month the council approved a plan which will see separated cycleways on more than 20 per cent of Wellington's streets - the current 23 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes in our city will soon be 166 kilometres.
The Newtown to City route, heading along Kent and Cambridge Terraces, will see 150 carparks go.
Kent and Cambridge Terraces will lose more than 50 carparks, and lose the handful of turning lanes between both streets.
Prominent businessman Myles Gazley sells cars in the area, and joined Nick to share his concerns.
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NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell reacted to Nick's in-studio discussion with Mayor Andy Foster, over how Governments are prioritising bringing staff back into the CBD.
Georgina also discussed more Wellington apartment owners being available for loans to help with repairs for earthquake-prone buildings.
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Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joined Nick Mills in studio to discuss a range of hot topics, and take calls from listeners.
He said that a move to the orange Covid alert setting would have made a big difference for local businesses.
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NZ Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann gives Nick Mills his take on Kiwibank's rising interest rates, potential labour shortages and National's plan to tackle inflation.
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National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Kieran McAnulty join Nick Mills for Politics Monday, ahead of Cabinet reviewing the Covid traffic light settings and the scrapping of vaccine passes.
They discuss Covid restrictions, Beehive culture, the dangers of social media and Transmission Gully.
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Newstalk ZB sports hosts Adam Cooper and Matt Buck sit down with Nick Mills to discuss the Hurricanes, club rugby and the exciting times ahead for the All Whites.
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Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert and Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen Faceoff with Nick Mills over Transmission Gully, Electric Cars and the risk of Kiwis leaving the country this year.
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During his first trip through Transmission, Gully Nick Mills catches up with Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand CEO and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett to hear his initial thoughts.
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After learning John Lowry-McCausland first began campaigning for Transmission Gully way back in 1967, Nick Mills took him along for Newstalk ZB's first drive through.
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As Nick Mills completes his journey broadcasting through Transmission Gully, he reflects on the importance of the road and what it means to the Wellington region.
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Property expert Matt Ryan explains to Nick Mills how to pick and pay an agent, and what he believes the opening of Transmission Gully will do to the Wellington market.
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With less than 24 hours before Transmission Gully opens to traffic, Nick Mills talks with Sarah Meikle and John Allen; two of Wellington's most influential business people and advocates.
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Nick Mills quizzes Labour's Kieran McAnulty and National's Nicola Willis on the America's Cup, Covid-19, Māori co-governance and even shoes.
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Newstalk ZB sports hosts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to talk about the passing of basketball legend Kenny McFadden, sport to keep an eye on and the Wellington Phoenix returning home.
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Dame Kerry Prendergast and Honourable Peter Dunne sit down with Nick Mills to discuss mental health, the Wellington City Council and the possibility of Peter running for Mayor.
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Host of Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings Nick Mills pays tribute to long-time basketball legend Kenny McFadden, who sadly passed away.
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Aaron Dahmen joins Nick Mills to discuss the buzz around the Beehive after the Government unveiled changes to its Covid-19 response.
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Nick Mills chats to mortgage broker Marcus Hull about getting control of your money, micro-investing and concerns first home buyers may have around house prices being set to drop.
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Capital Letter with New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell: Mayor Andy Foster was out for lunch when Wellington Water explained its mismanagement of fluoride in the city's water.
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NZ Herald's Business Editor at Large Liam Dann joins Nick Mills for Tuesday Business, discussing new consumer confidence figures and the impacts of China's Covid elimination strategy.
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Nick was joined by National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Kieran McAnulty for this week's Politics Monday.
Among today's topics was the current Covid Traffic Light settings and the seriousness of long Covid.
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Friday Faceoff this week featured Wellington hospitality operator Matt Mclaughlin, and Economist at Sense Partners Rosie Collins.
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Transmission Gully, the troubled $1.25 billion road out of Wellington, is set to open to traffic by the end of the month.
The four-lane motorway has been bogged down with delays, construction defects, and budget blowouts.
Nick Mills spoke to Wellington Mayor Andy Foster, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, and Kapiti Mayor K Gurunathan to chat about the news.
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This week James and Nick dissect some punishing crimes against music in celebration of St Patrick's Day and realise that Boybands were massively over represented in Ireland in one hot minute of time.
Find out how much every leprechaun's favourite band U2 might be worth on vinyl.
You may just be finding that pot of gold in ye attic!! To be sure to be sure!!
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Hot Property with property expert Matthew Ryan: There's been a market shift, so is now a good time to buy and sell? Plus Matt shares his tips on how to succeed at an auction.
Capital Letter with NZ Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell who argues if Wellingtonians don't snap out of their self-imposed mini lockdowns, there won't be much left of the city as we know it to come back to. She also talks about cheaper public transport and Transmission Gully - could it be open by Easter?
There're no signs of vaccine passes becoming optional at Wellington's council facilities anytime soon.
The Taupo District Council no longer requires people to show proof of vaccination for council offices, public pools, museums and public toilets.
But others may soon follow suit, including Upper Hutt City Council.
Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy was initially on the fence when vaccine mandates were introduced to Council facilities.
He says introducing them at the time was the right move but mandates for council facilities could be dropped soon.
"That is under review now," he said.
Guppy told Nick Mills the change could happen in a matter of weeks.
"We can't keep having an excluded part of the population within the community"
Political Panel with Labour MP for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty and National Party Deputy Leader and Wellington-based MP Nicola Willis: The cost of living 'crisis', what we can do about fuel prices, Kainga Ora spends millions on an office upgrade, and would you pay $25 to ask Labour leader Jacinda Ardern a question?
Wellington mayoral candidate Tory Whanau and Louis Houlbrooke from the Tax Payers' Union provide a reaction to the latest 1News Kantar Poll, the debate over a cost of living crisis, a controversial crossing is set to go to court and things heat up over sick leave.
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A Let’s Get Wellington Moving leader is defending millions being spent on consultants.
The transport plan's spent 35-million-dollars on consultants since 2017.
Over the same period, just over 250-thousand-dollars was spent on construction work.
National's transport spokesman Simeon Brown said the Government has been getting Wellington consulting, not getting it moving.
But Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter says told Nick Mills it’s a necessary cost.
Good news for cyclists in the capital.
Yesterday, Wellington City Council voted in favour of significantly expanding the city’s bike network.
It will increase the current 23 kilometres of cycleways across the capital to 166 kilometres.
The plan brings to life the $226 million dollar cycling spend councillors agreed on last year.
Councillor Nicola Young voted against it while Cycling Action Network's Patrick Morgan is for it.
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The Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls: Russia Sanctions Bill passes unanimously meaning New Zealand can now impose sanctions on Russia and the great debate over whether we have a cost of living crisis.
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Local councils still have mixed views on the Three Waters reforms.
The independent group of council and iwi representatives has recommended a public shareholding structure to maintain public ownership of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.
Wellington mayor Andy Foster these changes are heading in the right direction.
"We have got to see all the detail, how it lands and the legislation but it's a definite step in the right direction," said Foster.
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First responders are begging the public to only call for an ambulance in proper medical emergencies.
It comes after delays of seven minutes were seen in answering some phone calls on Sunday - which saw record amounts of triple one calls.
Wellington Free Ambulance's Kate Jennings told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings that non-emergency calls are significantly increasing the workload of staff already under pressure.
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The Commerce Commission has released its final report into our supermarket sector -- stating competition isn't working well.
It recommends freeing up land for supermarket development, a mandatory code of conduct for suppliers and the major operators offering wholesale supply on a voluntary basis.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Nick Mills the Commerce Commission has backed down from the findings of last year's draft report.
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The Commerce Commission has released its final report into our supermarket sector -- stating competition isn't working well.
It recommends freeing up land for supermarket development, a mandatory code of conduct for suppliers and the major operators offering wholesale supply on a voluntary basis.
NZ Herald Wellington business editor Hamish Rutherford says told Nick Mills we shouldn't underestimate this.
He says they're still meaningful changes, but will be seen over time and not in the short term.
The Government will now review and consider the recommendations.
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Political Panel with Labour MP Kieran McAnulty and National Deputy Nicola Willis on the National Party's promise to get rid of taxes Labour has introduced since 2017 - if elected, what more New Zealand can do to support the people of Ukraine and why aren't people self-reporting Rapid Antigen test results.
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Wellington Airport CEO Steve Sanderson has slammed the planned installation of a pedestrian crossing on State Highway One at Cobham Drive.
Construction of the crossing near the ASB Sports Centre will begin next month, despite a survey showing a large majority of local residents and businesses oppose the idea.
Steve Sanderson spoke to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Friday Faceoff on Wellington Mornings: Former mayors Justin Lester and Kerry Prendergast discuss how the Parliament occupation ended, social cohesion, why politicians don't apologise more often and Let's Get Wellington Moving.
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It's all on with James and Nick musing antiwar songs, find out which famous musicians are connected to the Ukraine and listen to one of Kyiv most popular bands.
Finally let's make some cash out of your old records while saluting some of the true heroes of the occupation of Parliament.
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Wellington Airport CEO Steve Sanderson has expressed his surprise and disappointment at the planned installation of a pedestrian crossing on State Highway One at Cobham Drive.
Construction of the crossing near the ASB Sports Centre will begin next month, with the speed limit dropping from 70km per hour to 60, and from 70 to 50 on Ruahine St.
Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships and Let's Get Wellington Moving spokesperson Emma Speight told Nick Mills there is support for the crossing.
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Wellingtonians are banding together to clean up their city in the wake of the chaos and damage anti-mandate protesters caused outside Parliament over the past three weeks.
Keith Ng is behind the fundraising effort and joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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The Beehive Buzz on Wellington Mornings with Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen on what it has been like covering the occupation at Parliament and the shift to violence yesterday as the occupation was cleared.
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Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard believes a wall around Parliament may be needed after the anti-mandate protest turned into a violent yesterday as police cleared the grounds.
Deputy Prime Minister and local MP Grant Robert is not sold and says we need to look at safety but a balance needs to be struck as the grounds are a special part of the city.
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Hot Property with expert Matt Ryan on Wellington Mornings: House price growth rates is the lowest its been since September 2020. What's going on? Is it a bad time to sell? How do buyers make the most of the current market?
Matt answers your questions.
Wellington Mornings Business Panel with Zealandia CEO Dr Danielle Shanahan and businessman Paul Ridley-Smith on how a brain drain could impact Wellington, what we want tourism to look like when international visitors return, the protest at Parliament and their top spots in the Capital.
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Wellington mayor Andy Foster has stepped up over the Parliament protests and what will keep young people in Wellington now international travel is back on the cards.
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New Zealanders returning home will soon be able to do so without going into isolation - does this mean we are likely to have a brain drain? New Zealand and the UK have signed a free trade agreement overnight, is it a good one?
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Monday Political Panel with Labour MP for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty and National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis on self-isolation for kiwis returning home from overseas, making it easier to get rapid antigen tests and Russia wages war on Ukraine so what can New Zealand do?
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Nick was joined for Friday Faceoff this week by Victoria University Political lecturer Bryce Edwards, and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young.
Did Nicola spill the beans on a possible Wellington mayoral candidate for this year? Listen to find out!
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Following the overnight news that Russia had launched its invasion of Ukraine, Nick received a call from Jake, a Wellingtonian, who moved to New Zealand from Ukraine at a young age.
Jake and his wife still have friends and family back home.
He also talked about how the Wellington Ukranian communiy are responding to the developments.
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This week on Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB's Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls: The latest on the protest at Parliament which has had a turbulent week, what does Phase Three look like and are more young people keen on the National Party?
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The two Hutt Valley mayors have confirmed they'll both stand again at this year's Local Body Elections.
Campbell Barry believes he's earned another term as Lower Hutt Mayor, having become one of the country's youngest mayors in 2019 at age 28.
He told Nick Mills it's been a successful three-year stint.
Upper Hutt's Wayne Guppy has also confirmed his intention to run for an eighth mayoral term.
He sees his experience as key to bring better prosperity to the entire region - even beyond Upper Hutt.
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster is yet to reveal if he's to run again - but has promised to eventually reveal his intention first to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Wellington's mayor has defended his decision to engage with Parliamentary protestors.
Andy Foster has met with "influencers" within the occupation, drawing criticism from fellow councillors.
Nicola Young has called the move an "embarrassment to the city".
But Foster told Nick Mills he's showing leadership by talking with the protestors.
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Capital Letter with New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell: What it is like for residents near the protest at Parliament, Mayor Andy Foster talks to protest influencers, bus fares could change in the Capital and an update on Transmission Gully.
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The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is playing a series of shows to audiences of 100 in the Capital. The free shows in the 'Daily Catch' series see NZSO musicians perform small ensemble and solo works. They decided to put the concerts on in Wellington after their North Island tour was canned due to covid-19.
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The iconic Cable Car has been running for 120 years today.
The red cars run every ten minutes carrying Wellingtonians, visitors and even dogs up and down the line between Lambton Quay and Kelburn from 7.30 in the morning to 7pm at night.
Nick Mills took a ride on the Cable Car with the chief executive Cesar Piotto to celebrate.
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Wellington Mornings Monday Political Panel with Labour MP for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis: Residents have had enough of the protest, which is in day 14. Police laid down concrete blocks this morning to stop it from growing but is that enough? Plus, is it time we engage with those we disagree with and how accessible are Rapid Antigen Tests?
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Friday Faceoff with lawyer Brigitte Morten and Wellington City Councillor Simon Woolf: Is it time MPs engage with the protestors at Parliament? Let's Get Wellington Moving has spent almost $250,000 on consultants for the Cobham Drive pedestrian crossing, and should you be fined if you don't show up to your reservation as the hospitality sector battles to survive?
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The Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB's Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls on Act leader David Seymour's meeting with spokespeople for the Convoy 2022 protest and New Zealand's reaction to the growing tension between Russia and the United States over Ukraine.
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Hot Property with property expert Matt Ryan on the fast-changing housing market, tips for first home buyers and what to do amid a construction supply shortage.
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After an Indian summer full of good tunes, James returns lamenting the crimes against music happening outside parliament and treats Nick to some of the greatest protest songs ever written.
Discover which new book on High Priestess of Music Nina Simone had James frothing, and can local lads fat Freddy's Drop save everything with some well needed "hope" in this weeks "cash in the attic"?
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Almost $250,000 has been spent on consultants for a new pedestrian crossing on State Highway 1 near Wellington Airport.
The crossing at Cobham Drive is part of the multi-billion-dollar Let's Get Wellington Moving project.
The proposal is to reduce the speed limit from 70 to 60 kilometres per hour and build a crossing controlled by traffic lights.
But many are of the opinion, most notably Wellington Airport, that the crossing will increase congestion and delays for 35,000 daily road users and an overbridge should be built instead.
The consultancy fees were revealed in response to a written parliamentary question from National's Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown.
He says it's a huge amount of money and Wellingtonians want to see transport improvements, not endless cash for consultants.
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Capital Letter with New Zealand Herald's Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell on anticipation around the $1.45 billion dollar Interislander upgrades, the protest and events in the capital.
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Wellington Mornings Business Panel: Wellington retailer owner Hamish Vance and Tommy's Sales Director Nicki Cruickshank on how the anti-mandate protest is hampering the city, house prices are softening but are houses selling? And should mayor Andy Foster stand again in this year's local body election?
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With anti-mandate protesters camped out on Parliament's lawn National's deputy leader has heavily criticised Trevor Mallard's actions against Parliament's illegal occupiers.
Mallard turned sprinklers on and blasted some of the world's most hated songs in a largely unsuccessful attempt to move protesters on.
Here is what MPs Nicola Willis and Kieran McAnulty told Nick Mills on Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings.
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Tuesday Business with New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford: The anti-mandate protest is on its eighth day so how are businesses coping? Food price hikes and is the housing market in Wellington softening?
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Veteran activist John Minto believes the protest at Parliament is suffering from a lack of direction.
The occupation is now in its eighth day - with no sign of a resolution or even dialogue.
Minto told Nick Mills it's not entirely clear what the protesters want.
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The SPCA has renewed calls for more nationwide legislation to tackle cat management issues.
While it doesn't have a specific plan, the SPCA says cat laws would improve feline welfare and the environment.
In Wellington, cat owners are encouraged to keep their pets in at night.
But businessman Gareth Morgan told Nick Mills that does not go far enough and believes domestic cats should be contained to their properties.
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Friday Faceoff with Jo Coughlan, Managing Director of Silvereye, and Wellington City Councillor Sean Rush: Their thoughts on the protest, how it has been handled, vaccine mandates, Transmission Gully and the upcoming local body elections in Wellington.
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In November the Council put forward a proposal to try and fix the controversial cycleway once and for all.
On-street parking spaces would be reduced by about 80 to 100 in an effort to improve safety.
Submissions on the proposed changes close on Sunday at 5pm.
Local businesses are worried that the loss of parking spaces will only make tough times tougher.
Empire cinema owner Pat Vinaccia is encouraging the public to make a submission and told Nick Mills the Council have not consulted with local businesses well in the past.
The capital's business sector is calling for more clarity about when Transmission Gully will be open.
The Wellington, Kapiti and Porirua Chambers of Commerce are calling for an urgent independent inquiry into the 1.25 billion dollar motorway.
Another independent review is already underway into a road, but its complete findings won't be out until the project's finished.
Porirua Chamber of Commerce Chair Hamish Mexted says we need answers and we need a review now.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell provides the latest on Transmission Gully and the council walks back late-night parking costs in the capital.
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Petrol soars to the $3 mark in the capital and NZ Herald Business Editor Hamish Rutherford shares his concerns about Wellington's CBD.
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A noisy convoy of cars, trucks and motorbikes has arrived at Parliament, causing major backlogs on the main roads into Wellington.
They're protesting against the Government's ongoing Covid rules and restrictions.
Newstalk ZB reporter Jack Crossland told Nick Mills protestors had made it 'impossible to drive up Molesworth Street'
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Pregnant kiwi journalist Charlotte Bellis' fight to come home from Afghanistan, Wellington faces a rates hike and how do we get the most out of our council ahead of the local body election.
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Award winning singer Ali Harper has a show on at Circa at the moment called 'A Natural Woman'.
She joined Nick Mills to talk about the show, what it's like to perform in the red traffic light system and even gave us a taste of what audiences can expect.
For tickets head to: https://www.circa.co.nz/package/a-natural-woman/
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Businesses and employees are encouraged to have their say on a proposed income insurance scheme. Workers will be paid up to 80 percent of their salary if they're made redundant, or stop work for medical reasons.
It'll be funded by a 1.39 percent levy on both employers and workers.
But New Zealand Herald Political Reporter Thomas Coughlan told Nick Mills the timing is all wrong.
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The Prime Minister has confirmed fully vaccinated Kiwis in Australia can travel home and self-isolate, rather than going into MIQ, from 11.59pm on February 27.
Two weeks later, fully jabbed New Zealanders coming from other parts of the world will also be able to travel here without MIQ.
Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls joined Nick Mills to break down the announcement.
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Landlord and property expert Matthew Ryan joins Nick Mills to answer your questions on the ever-changing property market.
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New Zealand Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell believes young people have been ripped off by Covid-19 and it seems that a lot of the time no one really cares. Campbell also reports councillor Jill Day will not be running again in this year's local body election.
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Mary Meachen, owner of Smith the Grocer, and Jonty Hendry Chief Executive of Bats Theatre talk about the impact of the Red Traffic light setting with Nick Mills. Meachen opened up about the trickle-down effects from a struggling sector.
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It seems harder than ever to find a rental property in Wellington at the moment. Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford agrees the capital's rental market is "cooked" and says it comes down to rental stock with intensification to bolster stock one solution.
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Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joined Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills to talk about the still closed Transmission Gully, rates, the looming local body elections, and he takes your calls.
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Our first Politics Monday of the year saw Labour Wairarapa MP Kieran McAnulty and ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden in the Newstalk ZB studio.
They discussed how soon the plug should be pulled on MIQ, what Jacinda Ardern's covid exposure shows about the contact tracing system, and more.
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A Christchurch hairdressing has given gendered pricing the chop.
Women often pay more to have their hair styled, and RU&CO hair salon said the decision fits with their inclusive values.
"We feel the old way isn't fair anymore. Why should women pay more for the same service as a male?" RU&CO hair salon's Jordan James told Newstalk ZB.
But a Wellington hair salon, Calibre Salon, says pricing is not based on gender, but rather time spent with the client.
Salon owner Craig Stinson told Wellington Morning's host Nick Mills "with a woman you generally spend more time on them."
Listen to the full interview.
The Wellington Cup is still going ahead this Saturday, albeit under the red traffic light setting. Racing expert and broadcaster joins Wellington Mornings on Nick Mills to give you the inside word on which horses to watch.
Beehive Buzz on Wellington Mornings with Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls: The Prime Minister visits a vaccination centre, inflation hits a 30-year-high and the government is under fire over the way it has acquired rapid antigen tests.
Capital Letter with New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell: The latest on the Island Bay cycleway, and a bar owner, a lawyer and the former chairman of Wellington Airport Tim Brown are eyeing up a bid at Wellington City Council in this year's local body election.
New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford on what the red traffic light setting means for Wellington's CBD, are we going to have supermarket shortages, and the Government has passed a new piece of legislation that was meant to crack down on loan sharks - but it seems to be making it harder to get a loan from a bank
Deputy Prime Minister and Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson housing, Covid-19, business support and key Wellington issues including social housing and Transmission Gully.
He also shared his highs and low of 2021 with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
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Wellington City Council has won an appeal in the High Court to take possession of two earthquake-prone buildings, strengthen them, and charge the costs back to the owners.
The decision sets a precedent for future cases as it's the first time a council has applied for such an order.
Wellington developer Maurice Clark told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings he supports the decision.
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The borders are open and the first passengers arrived at Wellington Airport this morning. Newstalk ZB reporter Nick James was there as flights touched down and told Nick Mill about some of the emotional reunions.
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From big waves on the South Coast to a late-night email by the mayor that caused drama, and of course, Transmission Gully, Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell wraps the year in local news on Wellington Mornings.
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On Wellington Morning's Amalgamation special, former Wellington Mayor Dame Fran Wilde talks what went wrong a 2015 bid she backed for councils in the region to be merged into a Super City, like Auckland.
"I think the local politicians didn't want to give up their roles, to be blunt, and campaigned against it," Wilde said.
Dame Fran told Nick Mills she still backs the idea.
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On Wellington Morning's amalgamation special, Porirua mayor Anita Baker and Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy renew calls for a Wellington Super City that would blend four councils in the region.
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In our last political panel of the year, Labour's Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor and National deputy leader Nicola Willis discussed the confirmation that Transmission Gully won't be opening this side of Christmas.
They also looked at the imminent announcement about Auckland's traffic light level, and the government's latest plans to curb smoking.
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The parents of a teenager who won an award for her heroism have spoken of the pride they have for their daughter.
In February, 15 year old Jemima Gazley was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, and past away in October.
Following the diagnoses she started a give-a-little page to help Australian researcher Doctor Matt Dun find a cure for the disease.
The Wellington teenager's now been named the Herald's 2021 'Our Heroes' award winner for her campaign - which raised nearly 700 thousand dollars.
Jemima's parents Oliver and Ray joined Nick Mills in the Newstalk ZB studio.
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James and Nick chat about a new entry to the New Zealand music hall of fame, discuss a terrific hip-hop podcast series and find out who was a surprise big player in the NZ Hip Hop scene that we all know.
We commiserate that its 41 years since the world lost one of its greatest musicians and Cash in the attic lets you find out how much one of his NZ pressed albums could be worth.
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Friday Faceoff with former Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast and managing director of Iron Duke Partners Phil O'Reilly: The doctor captured giving out fake vaccine exemptions in Canterbury, new smokefree rules look to ban smoking for the next generation and the Wellington City Council releases its top dog names.
Wellington City Councillors are calling on the Government to help with the large costs of strengthening earthquake-prone buildings.
There are 590 quake-prone buildings in the city.
The deadlines for strengthening them spike in 2027 when 228 notices will expire.
Wellington City Council is in the dark about the future of hundreds of these buildings, despite the expectation the capital will have a significant earthquake in our lifetime.
City Councillor Sean Rush told Nick Mills Wellington is currently struggling to fix basic pipe infrastructure, let alone quake-prone buildings.
"We need to go to Government and have a korero with Grant Robertson, he's the Wellington Central MP"
Asked how he sleeps at night knowing people are living in yellow-sticker apartments Rush said "we all live with risk"
"If a big earthquake happens people will die. We are sitting on a time bomb," he said.
Listen to the full interview on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills
The Government makes a major smokefree announcement, how was Chris Luxon's first week in the House? And a look ahead to Monday's Cabinet decision, when will Auckland move to green?
Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls joined Nick Mills.
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A cafe in Wellington, Elements, has decided to pivot from sit-in dining to takeaways under the Traffic Light System.
Under the new system, hospitality operators have to require customers to show their vaccine passports if they are going to have people inside their cafes.
Elements has decided not to do that and instead operate as takeaway only, while also running a small retail store.
But owner Angela Slaughter says it is not an 'anti-vax' decision but rather a moral and financial one.
"We have families where the parents are vaccinated and one of the children is 13 so isn't yet. That whole family is no longer able to come into our restaurant"
Slaughter did not want to shut the door on people and told Nick Mills it was also about staffing levels.
"I don't have an A and B team. If they are all off for seven days, how do we open without them around?"
Slaughter says financial certainty was a factor too.
"We looked at the long-term picture and thought it could be really rocky in terms of those practicalities as well."
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Long-time Wellington retailer and owner of Gubb's Shoes, Julie Gubb, and CEO of Cricket Wellington Cam Mitchell talk vaccine passports, how summer is shaping up in Wellington under orange, Let's Get Wellington Moving's impact on the city, and how we can make the capital a better place for business.
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Wellington City Council is in the dark over quake-prone buildings, despite the expectation there will be a significant earthquake in our lifetime and Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell makes the case for pay increases for councillors.
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Tuesday Business with Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford on small electricity retailers, Grant Robertson warning that some households will have to cut their cloth because of higher interest rates, and what Hamish makes of the National Party's shakeup.
A coffee wholesaler - and former cafe owner - is warning a large cup of coffee could cost you more than $7 from next year.
Richard Corney, who is the general manager of flight coffee, says that's because the cost of running a cafe has gone up.
Richard also manages The Flight Hanger in Wellington, where he upped the price of a large coffee earlier this year.
He broke down the cost for Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Time is running out for Wellingtonians to have their say on four options put forward by Let's Get Wellington Moving for the future of the capital's transport systems.
Consultation closes on Friday, December 10.
LGWM's Acting Programme Director David Dunlop joined Nick Mills to update how consultation has gone and what happens next.
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READ THE OPTIONS AND HAVE YOUR SAY HERE
Wellington Mornings Political Panel with Kieran McAnulty Labour MP for the Wairarapa and the National Party's Chris Bishop on the first weekend in the traffic light system, house prices, summer travel, and National's shadow cabinet.
A Wellington property magnate says investors aren't to blame for high house prices.
A new Kantar OneRoof survey shows more than 80% of Kiwis think house prices are too high and 60% are blaming property investors, and more than half pointing to overseas buyers.
But Wellington Investor Matthew Ryan told Nick Mills it's not that simple.
He says investors don't buy properties that compete with families or first home buyers.
Ryan is also predicting a wind change that could see the market cool off.
Listen to the full interview with Nick Mills.
Friday Faceoff with singer Frankie Stevens and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young: The Traffic Light System is here, are retirement villages a thing of the past and has the Upper Hutt Council made a mistake not requiring vaccine passes at all council facilities?
An Upper Hutt City Councillor has slammed his council's decision not to mandate vaccine passes for its facilities.
Wellington, Porirua and Hutt City Councils have mandated the passes for their facilities, such as gyms, pools and libraries, but Upper Hutt City Council is not requiring them.
Councillor Dylan Bentley told Nick Mills the decision was made at an operational level.
"There was a risk assessment taken out by staff, the executive leadership team and councillors were informed late Wednesday night. Quite a few of us were flabbergasted," he said
Bentley says they're holding an emergency meeting at midday to discuss the decision.
This week on the Beehive Buzz: The latest with the National Party's new leadership and Christopher Luxon is asked about how many houses he owns and how much they have increased in value.
After about two months without a sponsor, the Phoenix women have secured one at the eleventh hour.
A deal fell over just last week, and the team were starring down the barrel of playing their first game tomorrow without a main sponsor.
Today it was announced team finally have not one sponsor but two.
They are New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) - which is has signed on as the principal partner and Comrad Medical Systems has also stepped to become a premium partner.
General Manager David Dome says it's taught him just how hard it is to get support for women's sport.
"A lot of people pay lip service to gender equality and wanting but when push comes to shove very few people come through, and we're lucky today," he told Nick Mills.
Listen to the full interview on Wellington Mornings.
Police don't believe the circumstances of a Waikanae man's disappearance are suspicious.
Joe Pryor went missing from his workplace on Friday morning when he left a note saying he would be back by 10.30am, but never returned.
His disappearance is considered extremely out of character and there are serious concerns for his wellbeing.
Anyone with any information on Pryor's whereabouts is being asked to contact police on 105 or 111 quoting file number 211127/1938.
Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis are the "reset" the National Party and New Zealand needs.
This was the message during Luxon's first press conference as National leader.
With new deputy Willis next to him, Luxon said it was "an incredible privilege and honour to be elected as National Party leader today".
Wellington-based National MP Nicola Willis spoke to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills about where the party is headed next.
Tuesday Business with the NZ Herald's Bussiness editor at large Liam Dann on how the latest variant of Covid-19 has hit the money markets and who his pick is for the next leader of the National Party.
The countdown is on till the National Party's 3pm caucus meeting in which the party is set to make a decision on its new leader.
Here's what Newstalk ZB's political editor Barry Soper told Nick Mills hours out from the meeting.
From December 16, Wellington will be home to the Southern Hemisphere's first fully electric passenger ferry.
The new East by West Ferry will begin operating on the Wellington to Days Bay route, and eventually to other harbour locations.
Covid-19 has delayed the project and subsequent sea trials, with the vessel originally meant to launch in the middle of last year, then in September this year.
Nick Mills went along for a ride on the ferry and spoke to East by West Managing Director Jeremy Ward, and several others, on board.
READ MORE HERE
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Friday Faceoff with Wellington City Council Jill Day and Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen on the National Party leadership spill, Let's Get Wellington Moving spending and what to do about bad haircuts.
Plans to remove cars from the Golden Mile may be overshadowing the Black Friday buzz for central Wellington retailers.
Today marks one of the busiest shopping days of the year but Retail NZ says for those operating in Wellington's CBD there's a sense of gloom.
Retail NZ Chief Executive Greg Harford says its partly because there's less foot traffic in general, but the Let's Get Wellington Moving project also has everyone on edge.
Listen to his full interview with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
Wellington Mornings Business Panel with Brooke Roberts Co-CEO of Sharesies and David Kelly chief executive of the Registered Master Builders Association.
Outgoing city councillor Simon Woolf has nine months to go in his job
Woolf announced on Facebook earlier this week he will stand down at the next election, having represented the Wharangi Onslow Western ward for the last three terms.
Woolf says we need new blood on the council and it's time to let other people take up the mantle.
But he also told Nick Mills a culture of a lack of trust played a part in his decision.
Woolfe is also calling for party politics to take a backseat when it comes to Council.
With his book National Identity on the shelves, National MP Simon Bridges is opening up about his life.
But will he make another bid for the National Party leadership?
Listen to the full interview on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills.
Wellington Mornings Monday Political Panel: Labour MP for Hutt South Ginny Andersen and Wellington-based National Party MP Nicola Willis on the latest Newshub Reid-Research poll, did Groundswell miss the mark on the weekend? and what does a Covid case mean for the highly vaccinated Wellington population?
A witness of a Saturday football game says he watched a player with a broken leg wait nearly 40 minutes for an ambulance before he was taken to hospital in a courier van instead.
Former All White David Chote was at the game.
He said player Jorge Akers was badly injured and "in real pain" as he waited after 111 was called.
An ambulance never arrived, Chote says.
"In the end, it was a club member who grabbed his courier van, they got that onto the park, put him in the back and got him off to hospital"
Chote says there was confusion and concern at the park over the delay.
Listen to his full interview on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills.
Wellington Free Ambulance is yet to respond to an interview request.
Friday Faceoff with restaurateur Roger Young and Council for International Development Director Josie Pagani: What should happen as tension rises at Shelly Bay? An emotional week for the Pike River families, and facing our drinking culture.
This week on Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls: The Auckland border is going to open from December 15 for the vaccinated and for those who test negative for Covid-19, a political poll on Monday causes a stir and the latest on the National Party.
Wellington City Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow has doubled down on her decision to close public space at Shelly Bay due to health and safety concerns.
She made the call on the basis of imminent construction on the developer's adjoining land and asbestos risk on council land.
Her decision has been challenged by way of a Notice of Motion drafted by Councillor Sean Rush and supported by Mayor Andy Foster.
It would allow Mau Whenua, the group occupying the land, to stay on their current site but in a reduced area.
Foster told Nick Mills he does not want there to be any physical confrontation.
A dangerous 20-kilometre-stretch of the road likely won't be getting any slower.
50 people have died between Western Hutt Rd and Kaitoke since 1987.
The Transport Agency has been looking at how to eliminate fatal crashes and found lowering the speed limit would help, and made a submission.
But the council has said no to lowering the speed limit
Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy says that will be a cheap, quick fix and longer-term improvements are needed, like physical changes to the road.
He spoke to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
Wellington City Council is closing the public space at Shelly Bay from 6pm today and has asked protesters there to move.
It's been occupied by Mau Whenua for a year. The group claims the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust went against the will of its people when it sold its land for development and that the deal was done in secret.
Last week Shelly Bay Ltd served the occupants with a notice to leave the site within seven days.
But on Monday the occupation remained, despite it being a week since the notice was issued.
Mau Whenua's message was clear: "We won't be going anywhere".
Now, the council says it will be closing the public space at Shelly Bay because of the health and safety risks, including imminent construction on the developer's adjoining land and asbestos risk on council land.
From proposed changes on Cobham Drive to the removal of car parks in Thorndon, Wellingtonians have voiced frustration and confusion over Let's Get Wellington Moving.
Let's Get Wellington Moving's Programme Director David Dunlop joined Wellington Mornings to answer listeners' questions on the project.
Tuesday Business: New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford talks net migration, which has fallen to the lowest level since 2012 and when the border reopens, will we have a brain drain?
Monday Political Panel: Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor and Wellington-based MP Nicola Willis talk ACT Party leader David Seymour's call for a testing alternative to vaccine mandates, anti-vaxx protests, COP26 has been called a failure by advocates and how do we make SH1 safer south on Levin.
Author and Researcher Max Rashbrooke is voicing concern over the growing gap between rich and poor.
"It's pretty striking. The wealthiest 1% of New Zealanders own about a quarter of the country: houses, businesses, and land. So, it doesn't leave much left over for the rest of the country"
Rashbrooke warns those wealthy people could become insular and detached from how normal Kiwis live.
"If they lose their understanding of how the other half lives, they will start to lose their trust in each other, compassion for each other and the country becomes more divided"
Max Rashbrooke suggests starting Kiwisaver younger or introducing a wealth tax as possible solutions.
"We have to do something"
Listen to the full interview with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
This week on Friday Faceoff: Former International Footballer and Busines Owner Raf de Gregorio and World Wildlife Fund NZ CEO Livia Esterhazy talk Labour's result in the latest political poll, the Council has agreed on a solution for the Island Bay Cycleway, and are we seeing a rise in hostility aggressive people and what's the best way to deal with it?
A Wellington lawyer says the Three Strikes Law did not do what we were told it would do.
The Government's scrapping the law created by Act in the National-lead coalition Government 11 years ago.
It meant people convicted of a third serious violent, sex or drug offence should get the maximum sentence without parole.
Criminal barrister Elizabeth Hall told Nick Mills the terrible law shouldn't have passed.
She says it does not keep violent offenders off the street as promised
"It leads to grossly unjust and awful results that judge, lawyers and even the police acknowledge was not the intention of the legislation"
Hall says that is because the legislation removed the ability for the judge to impose an appropriate sentence.
"Our Supreme Court has said this legislation results in punishments that are well beyond excessive, that are absurd, perverse and breech our bill of rights"
National Party justice spokesman Simon Bridges is against the repeal.
"It will put public safety at more risk and it will result in more victimisation of victims," he said.
The Beehive Buzz: Newstalk ZB's chief political editor Jason Walls gives Wellington Mornings the latest on APEC, Ardern's visit to Auckland and what it was like when a major protest saw Parliament lockdown earlier this week.
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In this week's Music Time, James discusses the passing of a reggae legend and Nick discovers what "Toasting" is, they introduce a new segment called second hand songs where they dissect the back story of a chart topper that we can all hum along to but didn't realise was written and released by someone else.
And finally, have you got this hugely popular LP that could net you $150 with "cash in the attic"?
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Tuesday Business Panel: Steve Sanderson, Wellington Airport's CEO, and Vance Vivian Owner Hamish Vance talk issues in the capital and how to get through them with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
Kāpiti's mayor is demanding urgent safety action to fix the "killing fields" stretch of State Highway 1 where four people died yesterday.
Four people died in the crash involving a truck and a van south of Levin yesterday.
Kāpiti Coast Mayor K Gurunathan described the stretch of State Highway 1 between Ōtaki and Levin as the "killing fields highway".
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden is joining that call.
Both mayors spoke to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
NZTA is working to build a new highway. A November update on the Ōtaki to north of Levin project says the highway is for the end of the decade.
Inland Revenue has started writing to hundreds of New Zealanders it believes have a net worth of at least $20 million indicating it wants details of exactly what they own, and warned it will check the answers against those of their spouse.
New Zealand Herald Wellington Business editor Hamish Rutherford gives Nick Mills the inside word.
There are calls for Shelly Bay occupiers to move off the land so developers can move forward.
The Mau Whenua group has been occupying the site since November last year, protesting the legality of the land sale to the Wellington Company.
The latest development in the saga happened yesterday when occupiers were served with a notice to vacate the whenua within seven days.
Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust Chief Executive Lee Hunter hopes Mau Whenua will leave peacefully.
He spoke to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
Monday Political Panel: Labour MP Kieran McAnulty and National MP Nicola Willis talk the uncertainty around Christmas, calls to change our migration policy, and the PM has been accused of using taxpayer money to poll Facebook posts.
This week on Friday Faceoff: Former Chief of Staff to Jacinda Ardern and managing director of Capital Government Relations Neale Jones and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young on euthanasia legal on Sunday, Transmission Gully, Let's Get Wellington Moving, Anti-vaxxers disrupting the PM's pressers and Wellington's Central Library.
Two options have been revealed to fix Island Bay's botched cycleway, five years after it was first completed.
A short-term fix would remove 101 residential car parks by April next year... at a cost of $2-$3million dollars.
The other improvement is more long term.
It would see the removal of 71 residential carparks and 15 in the town centre - and cost up to $14 million dollars.
Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett says she hopes the two options will give some confidence to the community.
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This week on the Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls: What on earth is happening with Covid and Christmas, why did Climate Change Minister James Shaw miss a big announcement at COP26 and the upcoming Labour Party conference.
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CoreLogic’s House Price Index shows Wellington has topped the main centres for house price growth over the past year.
Houses now average just over 1.1 million dollars in the capital.
Greater Wellington also saw major growth with the Kapiti Coast and Lower Hutt's average house prices rising by nearly 40 percent over the same period.
This week on Money Talks, Mortgage Ability's Marcus Hull give you tips on how to get on the housing ladder.
A commuter parking levy is being investigated for Wellington of up to $2,500 per car park.
Details of what a levy could look like have been revealed in documents proactively released by Let's Get Wellington Moving.
The aim of the levy is to reduce the number of commuters driving into the CBD and parking in the morning peak-hour traffic period. If implemented, a levy could result in 4,500 fewer of these trips.
The preferred option is to charge $2,500 per year in the Thorndon and Lambton areas and $1,750 in Te Aro and Pipitea.
Wellington Mornings host got the latest from Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell on Capital Letter.
Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills catches up with Horse Racing Personality Des Coppins ahead of the running of the Melbourne Cup.
Tuesday Business: In a major speech this morning Adrian Orr has warned again that house prices are "unsustainable", statistics New Zealand will tomorrow release a survey giving us the latest picture of the jobs market and today is the final day of the Commerce Commission's hearings into the grocery industry.
There are hopes a new online tool will not only help address crime in Wellington but its causes.
Wellington City Council has launched an interactive map, where residents can pinpoint areas they've experienced or witnessed harm or felt unsafe.
The map also records graffiti and dark places.
City Councillor Tamatha Paul told Nick Mills the data will help to pick up trends and patterns where people feel unsafe so that the Council can take steps to improve the city.
But she says the reporting will be "helpful as long as it's met with action" and takes more than beefing up police presence in those trouble-spots
She says that's just a band-aid solution and they need to address the root causes of crime.
Monday Political Panel: Kieran McAnulty Labour MP for the Wairarapa and Wellington-based National Party MP Nicola Willis on announcement NZ will halve net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, COP26 is underway in Glasgow, MIQ escapees, should we have a domestic no-jab no-fly policy, and the National Party call for an inquiry into the Government's latest covid response.
Friday Face-Off: Informetrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen and Lawyer Brigitte Morten talk shorter MIQ stay, Three Waters reforms causing a splash, new no jab no job rules, and were Wellington City Councillors right to split a retried councillors salary between themselves instead of getting a new colleague or giving the money away?
Nick and James give a shout out to Wellington High pupils who give hope for the future of radio, sample terrific album releases from Hollie Smith, Lake South and others and tell you all about Wellington's unique Herb's Mobile Record Store.
They both froth at the vinyl reissue of an iconic New Zealand Album that is surprisingly 20 years old and has links to Nicks favourite band of all time.
And maybe you have cash in your attic? This week's album has links to the global mega hit “how bizarre” and could net you a cool $200.
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Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta confirmed yesterday she's pushing on with creating four regional water entities for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
Councils around the country largely responded with concerns and criticism but they can no longer opt out of the changes.
Wellington Morning host Nick Mills spoke to Wellington Mayor Andy Foster, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy to get their thoughts on the changes.
While Baker welcomes the change, other mayors in the region were disappointed.
Kāpiti mayor K Gurunathan did not respond to Newstalk ZB's request for an interview.
Capital Letter with Georgina Campbell: A big move on Three Waters, Te Papa's venues and the new convention centre is set to be run together and there won't be any additional lanes for cars in the 6.4 billion dollar Wellington transport plan.
Tuesday Business with Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford: Are four-day working weeks a good idea, how have businesses reacted to the new Covid traffic light system that will eventually replace Alert Levels and the big electricity review coming out tomorrow.
The Wellington City Council is developing a Green Network Plan, which would see trees and green space in the city increase over the next 30 years.
It has released the plan and is discussing it at a council meeting this week.
The Council has approved $30 million for the acquisition and development of centralcity parks and to enable more street tree planting and parks in the Central City.
Emma Gieson is an expert in developing community spaces from Trees that Count.
In an interview with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills Gieson makes a cases for the green spend-up.
Fran Scholey and Chris Gollins joined Jason Pine to discuss the Government's Covid announcement, Let's Get Wellington Moving and the theft of part of Wellington's bucket fountain.
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Owner of four Toy World stores throughout Wellington and Manawatu, Phillip Bramley, chats to Jason Pine about expected delays and toy shortages ahead of Christmas.
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New Zealand and the United Kingdom have agreed the details of a free trade agreement, which officials believe will be worth $1 billion to New Zealand's GDP.
Jason Walls joined Jason Pine on Wellington Mornings to tell us what this means.
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The Consumer Price Index has surged 2.2 per cent in the September 2021 quarter, much more than economists had expected.
Excluding quarters impacted by increases to GST rates, the September quarter movement was the highest since the June 1987 quarter, which saw a 3.3 per cent rise, Stats NZ said.
So how do we deal with the continued cost of living? Marcus Hull joined Nick to discuss.
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Money Talks is brought to you by Link Business Brokers - Multi award winners, and Wellington's leading business brokerage.
This week on Capital Letter with Georgina Campbell: Where you won't be able to build in Wellington due to flood risk, Wellington's Prefab opens new coffee bar offering after staff redundancies, and Freyberg Pool is potentially earthquake-prone.
Part of "a sustained attack on localism"
That is how our Mayor Andy Foster is describing the new housing rules announced by both Labour and National Party MPs yesterday.
The new rules could mean homeowners can subdivide and build up to three homes, three storeys high as a default, without a consent fight.
It is expected to mean up to 105,500 new homes built in the next five to eight years.
But Wellington Mayor Andy Foster was set to release his city's new draft plan and Council was discussing it today.
Foster says the council now is going to have to tear the residential part of it up and they'll have to re-think roads, pipes and bus routes.
He told Newstalk ZB central government needs to work and communicate with local government.
But National MP and spokesperson for housing and urban development Nicola Willis told Nick Mills Foster should welcome the policy.
Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills asked Willis if government ministers don't trust councils to sort out big issues.
Tuesday Business on Wellington Mornings with NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford: Inflation hits a 10 year high and a call for the Government to change the law to prevent criminals from salting away proceeds of crime into their KiwiSaver account and then withdrawing it.
The cost of living has risen.
The Consumer Price Index rose 2.2 percent in the September quarter - bringing annual inflation to 4.9 percent.
Excluding quarters impacted by GST increases - the September quarter movement was the highest since the quarter to June 1987.
Vegetable prices rose 19 per cent, making it the second largest upwards contributor to inflation. This was influenced by higher prices for tomatoes, lettuce and broccoli.
Petrol prices rose 6.5 per cent in the quarter and 22 per cent for the year.
The inflation jump means if you have not had a pay rise in the last year then it's costing you to stand still.
Brad Olsen is a Principal Economist and Director at Infometrics.
He gave Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills the rundown on what this means for New Zealander's pockets and say the majority of workers have not had a pay rise that keeps pace.
Monday Political Panel: Kieran McAnulty Labour MP for the Wairarapa and Wellington-based National Party MP Nicola Willis on a call for a 'Freedom Day' to get vaccine numbers up, could a traffic light system replace covid-19 alert levels, delays to our climate change response, and do we need to make the Remutaka Hill Road safer after a fatal crash.
In total 130,002 received a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Super Saturday.
Now there are calls for the Government to keep that momentum up.
ACT Party leader David Seymour says Super Saturday was a "fun but desperate event"
He is calling for an Australian-style 'Freedom Day' that would see New Zealand set a date to reopen, "supercharge" the vaccine roll out, and say goodbye to Covid-restrictions on that date.
Seymour told Nick Mills we should aim to remove restrictions by December.
Friday Faceoff with business leader and Iron Duke Partners Director Phil O'Reilly and Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett on Wellington Mornings.
A Super Saturday event is aiming to vaccinate hundreds of Pasifika youth in "the heart of Porirua" this weekend.
With free gaming, barber cuts, food and craft stalls, the 'Do it for the East' Pasifika Youth vaccination event kicks off at 9am in Cannon's Creek Cage, Porirua.
It runs in conjunction with New Zealand's national 'Super Saturday' push to drive Covid-19 vaccination rates.
Last week the Ministry of Health released national first and second dose data broken down by suburb.
22-year-old Porirua East resident Jaistone Finau is part of the organising committee responsible for the event, and say the stats showed many younger people were unvaccinated.
He told Nick Mills the event is like a festival with music, games and even special guests.
Nick and James talk heroes in the music industry who are promoting the vaccine, The VAX4LIVE project launched by music promoter Brett Eccles and we play some of the world’s funniest Vaccine Parody songs alongside the Worldwide premier of parody banger “ Hit me with your vax shot” by the NZME Allstars.
Also what hero slab of black wax will we find in the attic this week that’s worth a small fortune!!
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HEAR THE FULL VERSION OF 'HIT ME WITH YOUR VAX SHOT' HERE
Wellington Mornings Business Panel: Jewellery designer and Village Goldsmith owner Ian Douglas and Tommy's real estate sales director Nicki Cruickshank on an AUT survey that shows more workers are thinking about leaving their jobs, the loss of car parks due to Let's Get Wellington Moving, how businesses can get vaccination rates up, and a look ahead to the rest of the year.
Beehive Buzz: Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls gives Wellington Mornings the latest political news and the inside word from Parliament.
Our weekly Money Talks contributor, Marcus Hull from Mortgage Ability, has teamed up with one of our Newstalk ZB colleagues to help him budget for his dream trip - heading to the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Hear what Marcus and Hamish discovered about how making just some small changes to spending and saving can make this dream come true.
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Money Talks is brought to you by Link Business Brokers - Multi award winners, and Wellington's leading business brokers.
In this week's Capital Letter, our Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell reacts to comments by Shelly Bay developer Ian Cassels that the occupation on the site will soon be over.
Georgina also discusses her column today on where Wellington Airport sits among the region's mass rapid transit plan, and why Wellingtonians should be keeping a close eye on proposed changes to the city's district plan.
HEAR IAN CASSELS' INTERVIEW WITH NICK MILLS HERE
FOLLOW GEORGINA CAMPBELL ON TWITTER HERE
Developer Ian Cassels says the land occupation at Wellington's Shelly Bay will be "coming to an end reasonably soon".
The $500 million development planned there, featuring 350 new homes, has been bogged down in legal challenges and disputes since its conception.
Cassels told Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills the development was the "most misunderstood item in Wellington".
But Mau Whenua member Catherine Love says that's news to her.
It's been occupied by Mau Whenua since late last year. The group claims the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust went against the will of its own people when it sold its land for development and that the deal was done in secret.
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A "selfless" and "courageous" Wellington teenager who spent her last week alive fundraising for brain cancer research passed away peacefully last night.
15-year-old Jemima Gazley was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 brain cancer in February, and in the past 10 days has raised nearly $450k through a Givealittle page for research into a cure.
Her father, Oliver Gazley joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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READ MORE HERE
New Zealand's largest fuel company appears to be headed into Australian ownership as Z Energy's board of directors recommended its shareholders accept a marginally improved $2 billion offer from Ampol.
Structured as a scheme of the arrangement, the deal values Z Energy at around $2 billion, well down from the company's peak in 2016 when shares in Wellington-headquartered Z Energy traded at more than $8.50.
New Zealand Herald Business Editor Hamish Rutherford tell Nick Mills what this particular means for the Capital.
Wellington's Kāpura hospitality network has launched the 'Take 2 for the Team' campaign.
It's 900 employees are given an hour off work and a 25 dollar food voucher for each Covid-19 vaccination they receive.
When one of Kapura's 35 venues gets a 90% vaccination rate ... the team gets 500 dollars to share.
Kāpura CEO Jamie Williams says so far everyone is on board.
He says there was a risk some people would push back...but no one has...as there seems to be a willingness for the country to get to 90%.
Williams told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills it would be helpful if the government made it mandatory for hospitality workers to be vaccinated.
Luke MacLean-McMahon was 31 and in the shape of his life before being hit by Covid-19.
Nearly 19 months later he can't do the sports and exercise he used to love, after the disease damaged his heart and caused a host of other health problems.
He'd dismissed the early media reports of a virus spreading from China as overly hyped. Besides, the advice was that for most people it would be a mild illness.
LISTEN ABOVE TO LUKE'S CHAT WITH NICK MILLS
READ MORE ON NZ HERALD HERE
Monday Political Panel: Kieran McAnulty Labour MP for the Wairarapa and Wellington-based National Party MP Nicola Willis on what to do as Covid cases trend upwards, how often the Prime Minister should front on case numbers, a call for more Pharmac funding, and should we have roaming bouncers in Wellington to tackle violence?
A new Colmar Brunton survey has found Kiwis have little faith they can access medicine.
Forty percent of respondents weren't confident they could get the best medicine available ... if diagnosed with a disease or illness.
Patient advocate Fiona Tolich says 70 percent also believe Pharmac needs more funding.
She says there new drugs are becoming available every day so they need about a billion dollar boost.
Tolich told Nick Mills she knows families who have moved overseas just to access medication not funded here and families who have stayed in New Zealand and lost children.
Friday Faceoff: CID Director Josie Pagani and former MP and United Future leader Peter Dunne talk the possibility of mandatory vaccines for teachers, a gang member was given an essential worker exemption to go to Auckland, Mood of the Boardroom Survey show attitudes towards our Prime Minister have soured with business leaders, and should vaccines be mandatory for domestic flights?
A selfless Wellington teenager with inoperable brain cancer has raised more than $200,000 for cancer research in just four days.
15-year-old Jemima Gazley was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in February this year.
"It was so hard to hear, it was the biggest news of my life. But I'm so glad to still be here today," she said.
Jemima's Dad Oliver Gazley said the page was a reflection of her kind nature and selfless character.
Oliver joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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READ MORE HERE
Wellington City Council's discussing how to save its financially troubled social housing portfolio - heading for insolvency by next June.
City Housing covers more than 19-hundred properties, with about three-thousand tenants.
The council's been begging the Government to let it access the Income Related Rent Subsidy, with rents already higher than in Kainga Ora state housing.
The other option is selling the portfolio to a Community Housing Provider, that can access the subsidy.
But the Herald's Georgina Campbell says the council has a lot of will to turn things around and continue its proud legacy as a landlord.
This week on Money Talks director of Mortgage Ability NZ Marcus Hull talks good debt and bad debt with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger says he supports longer parliamentary terms.
The Government's announced a two-year review of New Zealand's electoral rules.
It will look at the parliamentary term, and consider whether the voting age should be lowered.
Bolger told Nick Mills when he was PM, he was in favour of four years.
"I felt three years was too short, five years was too long and four was about the right level given the complexity of modern government and given the time it takes to make the change that is needed," Bolger said.
Every option being developed for the big-ticket items in Wellington's $6.4 billion transport plan will include mass rapid transit routes to both the eastern and southern suburbs.
The original proposal in Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) was to create a mass rapid transit route from the central city to the airport. Later in the project it was revealed a route to Island Bay was also in the mix.
Now, LGWM Governance Reference Group chairman Daran Ponter has confirmed it's not a matter of one or the other.
Both routes will be included in every package of options set to be revealed to the public for consultation in early November.
Wellington Issues Reporter shares the inside word with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
Wellington's Mayor Andy Foster joined Nick Mills to talk issues in the city, Covid-19 and take questions from listeners.
Foster says it's inevitable Covid-19 will spread beyond Auckland and Waikato.
A person understood to be a close contact of a Hamilton East case has tested positive in Kawhia today - outside the North Waikato Level Three boundary.
Andy Foster says he expects Covid to eventually spread to Wellington.
He says in reality, it's a truck drive or one person away from getting into any community now.
Foster says vaccination is the answer now, not lockdowns.
More than 91% of Wellington's eligible population has had at least one dose.
Meanwhile, Waikato District Health Board has set up a testing station at Lake Karapiro, south of Cambridge, but officials won't reveal if there's a case in town.
Waipa Deputy Mayor Liz Stolwyk says she hasn't heard anything official - only rumours - and she's been told to wait until the one-pm announcement.
The Government has announced that the Earthquake Commission is going to take on twice the amount of risk in a natural disaster, raising its cap from $150,000 to $300,000.
The change will take effect over the 12 months from the October 2022 change, as people’s policies come up for renewal.
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster welcomes the change.
“This announcement will help go some way to building confidence with a level of surety for the future that supports the commercial and social wellbeing of our cities and, small urban and rural communities,” he said.
Our business editor Hamish Rutherford explains to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills what it means for the city.
Monday Political Panel: Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw and National Party MP Nicola Willis talk Covid lockdowns in Waikato and Raglan as a government announcement looms, a truck driver has tested positive for Covid-19 after travelling from Auckland to Palmerston North, what can be done to prevent anti-lockdown protests, and a brawl saw a busy Wellington street come to a standstill on Friday.
Rob Hewitt was out diving with friends in 2006 off Mana Island when he drifted out to sea for four days and three nights in an incredible story of survival.
He told Nick Mills panic set in when the sun began to set on the first night.
"It was about facing my greatest fear and my greatest fear is dying," he said.
In the hours that followed Hewitt imagined what that would be like.
Having been in the navy for 20 years, Hewitt then got comfortable in the water and prayed to his ancestors.
Hewitt became hypothermic, with no food, waking up from sleep when water was in his mouth.
"It was all about getting through the days" as he looked for rescue from the air.
On the fourth day, he'd resigned to the fact he'd never been found when he was spotted by diving friends searching for him.
This week on Friday Faceoff: Former ACT MP Heather Roy and managing director of Capital Government Relations Neale Jones talk the family finally found after 17 days in the bush, the one-off visa announced by the Immigration Minister this week, Covid plans from Sir John Key's to ACT's, and a Petone store closes after customers were rude to staff.
National Party Leader Judith Collins joins Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about the party's Covid-reopening plan, recent political polls that have seen Collins dip as preferred PM and what she need to do to gain public trust and support.
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Raj is a Wellington chef - who's been separated from her husband and nine-year-old daughter for three years.
Her family are in India and have not been able to join her in New Zealand.
She's relieved at the news of the 2021 Resident Visa.
Raj says told Nick Mills the past few years have been difficult because .
She says it's very hard for her without her husband and daughter, and is especially upsetting when she gets sick.
Raj has already heard from Immigration New Zealand, which gave her hope.
"I have a little bit more trust with immigration because for the last few years we have not had hope," she said.
Staff in retail stores and call centres are facing so much abuse from angry customers that some feel it is unsafe to come to work. Jane Phare reports.
A Wellington business manager has closed her boutique Petone shop until further notice, to protect herself and her staff from customers whose abusive behaviour caused her to be on the verge of burnout.
Ana Warnock, who is in the process of buying The Sewing Depot in Petone from the previous owner, told customers in a Facebook post last week that she was forced to close the store due to the "backlash and bad behaviour from a large number of our normally lovely customers."
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Our music reviewer James has a strange theory that music that is either number 1 on the charts or released in the golden month of September in the last 50 years is superior to all other music!!! What????
Listen to Nick and James journey from Earth, Wind and Fire to Kool and the gang, Grunge and the Gorillaz and in cash in the attic, find out if you are hoarding a 45 jukebox record that's worth as much as Nick's Hilux!
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A summit is underway today asking how New Zealand can keep teenage girls in sport.
Sport NZ has found the amount of time teen girls spend playing sport drops between the ages of 15 and 17-years-old.
CEO Raelene Castle says it's a complicated situation and sports uniforms may play a role.
She told Nick Mills part of a strategy could be to have more women not only participating in sport, but managing and coaching sport too.
NZ Herald's Wellington Business Editor joins Nick for his weekly slot, talking more rising house prices in the capital, the Government's self-isolation trial to run instead of MIQ, and the Wellington Mayor's plans to insure the money the Wellington City Council invests into big events.
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Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry joined Nick Mills in studio and chatted a number of topics, including housing affordability, the Government's Three Waters proposals, and the nearly $25,000 paid out after the council's chief executive launched a personal grievance claim, arguing that it had not provided a safe working environment for her.
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With 54 of Wellington's suburbs now having a median value of $1 million, the housing market has become "fiercely competitive" - and first-time buyers have little hope.
The latest CoreLogic data has revealed there are now 54 $1 million-plus suburbs in the Greater Wellington region – up from 42 recorded in the last quarter.
Seatoun is the region's priciest suburb with a median value of $1.93 million.
Infometrics senior economist and director Brad Olsen joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Wellington Mornings Monday Political Panel: Labour MP for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty and Wellington-based National MP Nicola Willis debate John Key's criticism of the government's Covid response, Amazon taking Lord of the Rings production to the UK after an idea for private MIQ was shot down, and calls to tackle a crisis of violence against women following the death of Auckland woman Lena Zhang Harrp.
Transmission Gully is driving frustration throughout the Wellington region.
The 1.25 billion dollar motorway North of Wellington was set to open today.
But it's been pushed back by the resurgence of Covid-19 in August, compounding earlier delays.
Transporting New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett says told Nick Mills he is not happy.
He says it's been dysfunctional project from the start and the cost and time involved is unacceptable.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says told Nick Mills the partnership between the private builder and the Government has been a failure.
She says they used to be built without partnerships and were completed much more quickly.
Transport Minister Michael Wood declined an interview request from Wellington Mornings, as did Waka Kotahi.
In a statement, a Waka Kotahi spokesperson told Newstalk ZB "Waka Kotahi and WGP (Wellington Gateway Partnership) will provide an update once the additional time required to complete the road for public use has been agreed. No further comment can be provided until then."
Sir John Key says our country can't go on living like a hermit kingdom.
The Former Prime Minister's slammed the Government's Covid response, accusing it of ruling by fear.
He's also labelled the MIQ lottery system a national embarrassment.
Sir John has put forward five ideas to re-open NZ to the world including giving young people $25 vouchers to get vaccinated before December 1st and telling the public when the borders will reopen.
He also says the Government should stop ruling by fear.
Wellington-based expert and director of the Malaghan Institute Professor Graham Le Gros told Nick Mills we are currently living in fear of the virus when we don't need to.
"We are in a much stronger position than we were a year ago," he said.
This Week on Friday Faceoff on Wellington Mornings: Business leader Rachel Taulelei and Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury talk the new police tactical response model, businesses giving cash bonuses to jabbed employees, should Wellington have more MIQ hotels, and was $129 thousand too much to spend on saving Toa the stranded Orca?
Wellington is a step closer to getting more cycleways.
City councillors have agreed to start consultation on a plan to build 147 kilometres new cycleways over the next decade.
Councillor Iona Pannett says getting to this stage is exciting.
Pannett says it's the first time they've made a real commitment to increasing cycleways.
But Councillor Simon Woolf was one of just two who voted against it.
He told Nick Mills it was not an easy decision to make and there needs to be a balance between car parks and cycleways.
But Woolf says if the public are against the plan they should act.
Councillor Tamatha Paul, who is for the plan, did not respond to Wellington Morning's interview request.
Police are scaling up firearms training and will create a new tactical response team in response to increasing violence against officers.
More police will have armed offender squad training following a $45 million Government investment in frontline officers' safety.
They will be rostered on to double-crew dog handler teams and bolster planned operations to arrest high-risk offenders and combat organised crime.
The Police Commissioner says the death of Constable Matthew Hunt was the driving force for a complete rethink of frontline safety.
But one police officer told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills it's a good step but would likely not have saved Matthew.
He says were his life in danger he would want to be armed with a firearm.
Wellington Mornings Business Panel: Gazley Motors Managing Director Myles Gazley and Founder and CEO of Nisa, Elisha Watson join Nick Mills for a pulse check on business in the Capital post Level Three and Four.
Light fittings and chairs are among the items being saved from within Wellington's 30-year-old closed central library building because of their heritage value.
The library is being packed up over eight weeks so it can be earthquake strengthened.
All the books have already been removed and are being stored at a warehouse in Johnsonville.
The library - opened in 1991 - has been listed as a Category 1 Historic Place.
Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell explains the situation to Nick Mills.
Today on Tuesday Business with Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford: James Shaw taking a delegation of 14 to COP26, indoor gathering limit under Level 2 increases to 100, and does it look like the America's Cup isn't heading overseas after all?
A Wellingtonian in London is pleading with the Government to listen to those abroad.
About 30-thousand people logged into the new MIQ lobby yesterday morning, vying for 3200 spots.
More will open up up fortnightly.
But Kiwis overseas have expressed frustration
Paul Henderson told Nick Mills he's been criticised online for not coming home sooner.
Henderson says people have different circumstances that mean they can't comeback instantly.
Monday Political Panel with Wellington-based National Party MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty: Cabinet is set to announce alert level decision today, is it time we accept eliminating Delta is a dream, is lockdown tolerance waning, last week's poll results, New Zealand is left out of a major international security deal and the Black Caps game in Pakistan in canned over security issues
The Black Caps' cricket tour of Pakistan was cancelled over the weekend due to a security threat.
Players never made it to the ground after being told to stay inside their rooms at their hotel, situated roughly 15 minutes from the venue.
New Zealand Cricket then announced that the tour had been called off, and the players would be heading home, due to increased security concerns.
The New Zealand Government's stood by the decision to call off the game.
The players and support staff are now in Dubai, with most due to return to New Zealand in the coming week.
It has been reported by Stuff that a Black Cap is understood to have received a death threat prior to departing on the cricket team's tour to Pakistan.
Questions have been raised around why the team went to Pakistan in the first place.
Veteran cricket commentator Bryan Waddle was in Pakistan in 2002 when a bomb went off near outside the Black Caps' hotel.
He says the recent threat brought back 'chilling memories' but told Nick Mills he was not opposed to the 2021 trip.
"They did all the could to ensure players' safety..other sides have been there and not faced issues," he said.
Former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and current Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy discuss the 226-million dollar plan to install a 147-kilometre long cycle network through Wellington's streets.
We looked into the latest issues around the National Party, whether it's OK to ask childcare centres if staff are vaccinated, and the panel's Te Reo was put to the test for Maori Language Week.
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This week we celebrated Māori language week by paying respect to our musical Kaumātua's of Aotearoa- Pixie Williams, Prince Tui Teka and Maui Dalvanius Prime, whilst also looking to the future with wāhine toa Taylor-Rose Terekia and her Korean pop bangers translated to Te Reo.
Also find out how much that Pātea Māori Club record really is worth in Cash in the Attic!
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Check out the K Pop Bangers in te reo Instagram @taylor_androses
And for more examples of New Zealand musicians who have re-recorded their hits in Te Reo, check out https://www.waiataanthems.co.nz/
Nick Mills invited Cycling Action Network Project Manager Patrick Morgan into the studio to address people's concerns around the Wellington City Council's $226m plan to build a 147km network of safer bike routes around the city.
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Listen back here to Nick's interview with Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett who pushed for the project.
A rural medical centre that pleaded with the Immigration Minister to help retain their young migrant GP is baffled to see residency reportedly granted to convicted criminals.
Ōtaki GP Dr Harding Richards, originally from Wales, left New Zealand in June after a year waiting in limbo to lodge a residency application.
Because of Covid's impact on the immigration office, the Government suspended Expressions of Interest (EOI) selections for the skilled migrant category (SMC) last year, closing a pathway to residency for many migrants.
Reeling from the loss of the young doctor – who had 1354 patients registered to him - Ōtaki Medical Practice was forced to close its doors to new patients over a busy winter.
Last week Newshub reported Associate Immigration minister Phil Twyford had granted residency to three convicted criminals – with 10 convictions between them - since December.
Ōtaki Medical Centre Chief executive Kiwa Raureti told Nick Mills he was baffled when he saw the news.
'It was really heartbreaking,' he said.
Raureti said if they cannot get residency for Richards and other migrant GPs the Ōtaki Medical Centre is at risk.
This week on Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls: A Curia poll puts National on just 21.2 per cent - while Act is on 14.9 per cent, former National Party Press Secretary Janet Wilson criticises Judith Collins in a Spinoff interview, and the Māori has launched a petition to change the official name of New Zealand to Aotearoa.
The Wellington City Council has confirmed to Newstalk ZB that more detail on a 147km cycleway network for the Capital will be released this afternoon.
The network could see hundreds of carparks go in the next 10 years.
Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett has defended the plan on Wellington Mornings.
She told Nick Mills 'cyclists are not safe at the moment so the plan means we can meet health, climate and economic goals'.
Asked if businesses voices would be listened to on the matter Pannett said the council has 'consulted to death on the project'
This week on Money Talks director of Mortgage Ability NZ Marcus Hull gives us tips on how to get you small business going after lockdown, along with advice on personal budgeting, getting on the housing ladder and managing your savings.
This week on Capital Letter with Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell: Businesses are threatening legal action over the loss of 72 car parks on Thorndon Quay, the need for a pathway to Level One for regions outside of Auckland and the van that fell off a Wellington street yesterday.
Businesses on Wellington's Thorndon Quay are threatening the city council with legal action over the removal of car parks, which they say is "totally tone deaf".
Angle parks are being replaced with parallel parking spaces to make it safer for cyclists along the busy gateway to the city. It means there will be 72 less car parks.
Thorndon Quay Collective chairman Paul Robinson said businesses were surprised to receive letters that work would be starting a few days after the city shifted to Covid-19 alert level 2.
"It's totally tone deaf", Robinson said.
Robinson told Nick Mills they will also consider starting a petition to save the parks following a lack of consultation from the Council.
Wellington City Councillor Simon Woolf told Nick Mills he is "disturbed" about the plan to remove car parks from the area.
"The engagement and consultation has not been great. If the Council had have engaged with business owners early and got them on side there would have been a solution or collaboration," Woolf said.
But the council's transport and infrastructure manager Brad Singh said the parking changes were included in Let's Get Wellington Moving consultation.
Singh noted the collective was also given the opportunity to make both written and oral submissions to council.
Doubts over name suppression for an Auckland couple who reportedly left lockdown for their Wanaka holiday home.
The pair have temporary suppression, to allow their lawyer to apply to the High Court for longer suppression.
Wellington lawyer Stephen Franks told Nick Mills in a case like this, shame should be the first penalty.
He believes when name suppression's given, it's a judgement the embarassment or reputation of a person is more important than the law.
The couple were dobbed in online, and Police are considering charges under the Covid-19 health act.
Hamish Rutherford updates Nick on the week's top business stories, including what the lockdown's done to the latest stats on the capital's housing market.
They also look at why some Wellington businesses may have difficulty in qualifying for the latest Government relief to deal with the latest Covid restrictions.
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A review into the Wellington City Council's communication and engagement function has called for the Council's corporate identity and external branding to get a refresh.
The 23-page-long review, released last week, pointed to issues with public perception of the council that includes dysfunction among Council staff and a feeling that Wellington City Council staff talk 'to and at community groups rather than listening to them'.
But Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons told Nick Mills the Council should not be worried about its 'brand' and instead focus on fixing issues in Capital, like water infrastructure woes.
"I don't think that is the way to go given the massive issues Wellington is facing at the moment," she said.
The review points to a potential lack proactive communication from the communications teams.
Fitzsimons says a new strategy is not necessary.
"The very best media strategy you can have is doing things well."
Review author Ross Tanner and the council’s chief strategy and governance officer, Stephen McArthur, declined Newstalk ZB's interview requests.
Monday Political Panel: Labour MP for Hutt South Ginny Andersen and Wellington-based National MP Nicola Willis debate the backlash National leader Judith Collins is facing after calling microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles a 'big fat hypocrite' over a trip to the beach, how vaccine passports could be used domestically, support for business in lockdown and alert levels.
Friday Faceoff: WWF NZ CEO Livia Esterhazy and Business Leader and Iron Duke Partners Manager Phil O'Reilly debate whether Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw is a hypocrite for flying to COP26 in Scotland later this year, how Delta Level Two is hampering Wellington businesses and if mask wearing should be mandatory in schools.
High profile Wellington café Prefab is ceasing operations immediately and staff have been given notice of redundancy.
Delta level 2 has proven too restrictive for Prefab to re-open. Under the rules there is a limit of 50 people at hospitality and event venues, while outdoor venues can have up to 100 people.
Prefab Eatery, the 180 seater flagship café for the ACME brand, was founded in 2013 by Jeff Kennedy and Bridget Dunn.
The Herald understands staff have been told this week the decision has been made to cease Prefab café operations immediately and all café positions would be redundant.
New Zealand Herald Reporter Georgina Campbell breaks the story on Wellington Mornings.
This week on Capital Letter with Georgina Campbell: A mysterious long tunnel that was mentioned on the contents pages of heavily redacted documents won't see the light of day in Wellington's $6.4 billion transport plan.
A long tunnel was not part of Let's Get Wellington Moving's (LGWM) recommended programme of investment, nor the package that was endorsed by the Government.
But all of a sudden it was being talked about behind closed doors earlier this year when alternative projects were being planned.
But LGWM Governance Reference Group chairman Daran Ponter told the Herald the long tunnel had been considered and rejected because the cost is eye-watering.
Nick and Georgina also talk parking tickets and a $ 3.1 billion cash injection for Wellington transport from Waka Kotahi.
It's Level Two but not as we know it for Wellington Businesses today.
Under Delta Level Two indoor gathering are limited to 50 people.
Iain Macleod from Penthouse Cinema in Brooklyn told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills cinema's that would normally fit 100 people look very different.
He says people also have to wear masks.
In his weekly Tuesday business slot, NZ Herald's Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford tells Nick Mills how the Wellington economy can bounce back during the revised Alert Level 2 restrictions, and also addresses the issue of products getting into the country due to shipping delays.
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Wellingtonians have been slapped with more than 800 parking fines on the first day of paid parking since the Covid-19 lockdown.
Some motorists have been particularly unlucky and have landed themselves with double tickets.
Wellington's mayor admits his council's parking wardens were too heavy-handed during lockdown.
Other councils around the country waived their fees.
Andy Foster told Nick Mills it was the wrong approach.
Nick also asks Foster about Level Two for the Capital, Let's Get Wellington Moving, and a much-loved slide that is coming down.
Not everyone in the Capital is happy about new Level Two rules
All of New Zealand, except Auckland, will move to Alert Level Two from midnight tonight but it won't look the same as it did last time.
Masks are mandatory in most public venues - there's a limit of 50 people for indoor gatherings, 100 for outdoors.
There's mandatory record keeping at bars, restaurants, cinemas, churches and hairdressers
Two metres must be kept between people in place like libraries, gyms and museums.
But Hospitality New Zealand says the new Level Two is hard on its members
CEO Julie White told Nick Mills Wellington businesses fear they won't turn a profit under the fresh gathering restrictions.
She has asked Finance Minister Grant Robertson for an urgent meeting on business support.
On Wellington Mornings Political Panel MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty talk possible changes to our terrorism suppression laws in the wake of Friday's attack, should Hipkins get a break to focus on Covid-19, what is the feeling in the National Party after a shake-up, and is it time to change the way we give out the pension?
In the wake of the terror attack at Countdown New Lynn on Friday, focus has turned to a gap in our anti-terror legislation.
The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill is at the Select Committee stage.
The Government's now moving fast to pass through terrorism suppression laws, which would criminalise planning and preparing a terrorism act though opinion are split on whether that would have prevented Friday's attack.
Wellington-based Massey University Counter Terrorism Specialist Dr John Battersby told Nick Mills the Government 'fell back asleep' after the March 15th attack in 2019.
He says we need to get the new law across the line before the end of the month.
Wellington Morning's host Nick Mills interviews rising Wellington musician Louis Baker on his success, music in lockdown and writing his first song in Te Reo called Te Utu o Te Aroha.
This week on Friday Faceoff: Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen and Lawyer Brigitte Morton talk the man who escaped from an Auckland MIQ, what's wrong with out MIQ system, MPs returning to Parliament this week, why 90% of us pay a 'lazy tax' for not trying to get better deals, and China limiting kids gaming time.
The drive continues to stop Lower Hutt's Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre closing.
The only non-hospital birthing centre in the Wellington region will shut this month, after its owners decided it was no longer sustainable.
Call for local DHBs to fund the centre have so far failed, but a 6000-strong petition has been presented, pleading them to reconsider.
Birth educator and member of Hutt Families for Midwives Sarah Adams says Hutt Hospital will struggle to cope with the extra 200 births a year it'd have to handle.
She told Nick Mills the maternity service in the Hutt Valley is already in crisis.
This week on Beehive Buzz with Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen: Parliament ressumes this week in small numbers despite Covid-19 lockdowns, the demand and supply debate over vaccines, why does the Prime Minister hold up charts during the 1pm press conference and the social media splash they are making.
In this week's Music Time, James Irwin looks at a "so bad it's fun" Bee Gees tribute album by the Foo Fighters, under the guise of The Dee Gees.
We mark some pillars of the music world who've passed away.
It's 25 years since the Macarena started punishing our ears, and a classic Rolling Stones record is this week's Cash in the Attic.
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A call for the Capital's transport plan to change it's approach.
The Road Transport Forum says Let's get Wellington moving has been a mess from the start.
It's CEO Nick Leggett is calling on those running the project to focus on big ticket items and long term decisions - instead of smaller shorter projects like speed reduction.
His organisation is also part of 'Progress Wellington' a coalition of businesses and industry groups that formed over the 6.4 billion dollar transport plan.
The Chair of Let's Get Wellington Moving's Governance Reference Group Daran Ponter says they put smaller initiates first to get work underway.
He says the management team has had a makeover in the last month and is "working very well."
Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills interviews both to get two sides of the Let's Get Wellington Moving issue.
This week on Money Talks: Financial expert Marcus Hull from Mortgage Ability talks how to sort you finances out if lockdown has given them a knock.
This week on Capital Letter: Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell talks what life in Wellington is like in Alert Level Three and the Wellington City Council is looking at a referendum on the issue of Three Waters Reforms.
Wellington might be in Alert Level Three but that still means we are to stay in our bubbles which can take a toll on our mental health.
Nick Mills talks to leading mental health advocate Mike King about how to re-frame the way think about lockdown.
But King says the government don't think about the toll Covid-19 takes on our mental well being.
This week on Tuesday Business: Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford talks the impact WOW's postponement will have on the Capital and how much Alert Level Three will help local business.
The World of Wearable Arts show (WOW) has been postponed due to the Covid-19 Delta outbreak.
With the country's ongoing alert level restrictions organisers believe opening on September 30 wasn't achievable.
The show was expected to hit the stage from September 30 to October 17.
"The WOW Team is deeply disappointed we have had to postpone the 2021 World of WearableArt Awards Show," organisers said in an email.
The Wellington City Council agreed to underwrite the event in February.
A spokesperson for the Council says the funding agreement is still in place but it hasn't been triggered by the postponement
WOW Chief Executive David Tingey told Nick Mills cancelling the sell out event is not an option.
Professor Graham Le Gros is the Director of the Malaghan Institute in Wellington.
People are now pouring in, at a rate of 90,000 a day on Friday, all keen to do their bit for the country by getting a jab.
As the Prime Minister remains coy on how many doses of the vaccine are left amid a period of high demand, Dr Le Gros is concerned we could run out before a large shipment of Pfizer arrives in October.
Jacinda Ardern says it's not a matter of running out, it's a matter of being in a position of slowing down the demand for vaccinations.
Le Gros told Nick Mills there is emerging evidence AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines can be used in combination.
In our weekly catch-up with National's Nicola Willis and Kieran McAunulty, we debate the issues around how to ensure our vaccination rates align with supply, and how important is it to be holding Parliament when some or all of the country is at level 4?
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A call from a Wellington business to move Father's Day because of Covid lockdowns.
Owner of wholesale company Moana Road Paul Ballentyne says delays will mean presents in the post will be late for Father's Day
He told Nick Mills businesses are crying out for a boost but likely won't get it if Father's Day remains on September 5th.
This week on Friday Faceoff: Business leader and Managing Director of Iron Duke Partners Phil O'Reilly and Council for International Development Director Josie Pagani talk possible alert level changes, trust in the government's handling of the latest Covid-19 outbreak, MFAT's halting of resettlement applications for people from Afghanistan and who would win in dancing with the stars Ashley Bloomfield or Michael Baker?
Wellington Swimmer Lewis Clareburt made his Olympic debut in Tokyo a few weeks ago, finishing seventh in the men's 400 metre individual medley.
The 22-year-old's had to come straight out of MIQ to be in level 4 lockdown, so Nick Mills decided to give him a call.
Read the full story on whether Lewis Clareburt will stay based in Wellington on New Zealand Herald Premium at https://bit.ly/3Djq5ll
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Tilly Lloyd from Unity Books updates Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills on how the iconic book store is coping in Level 4 before reviewing Commercial Hotel by John Summers.
The National Party is calling for more government transparency when it comes to Covid-19.
Criticism comes after revelations people in Auckland and Christchurch may have received Covid-19 vaccines that were just made up of saline solution.
Saline solution is not harmful but National's Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says the government needs to be more upfront on contact tracing, vaccines and modelling of the outbreak.
Prominent Businesses in Wellington say while this lockdown has been more relaxed this time around, it's still damaging for business
Gazley Motors says it can sell online but not deliver and Low & Co says real-estate is hampered too
Low & Co director Anji Foster and Gazley Motors managing director Myles Gazley joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for a business panel and both said they want clearer, faster information from the government when it comes to Covid-19.
Transport Minister Michael Wood says the opening of Transmission Gully will likely be delayed again due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
It's the latest blow to the troubled $1.25 billion road project, which has already been the subject of budget blowouts, delays, and bailouts.
The Minister can't yet say when the road will open.
New Zealand Herald's Wellington Issues Reporter talked the latest with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
With Wellington tied up in the latest Covid-19 Delta outbreak Wellington Morning's host Nick Mills speaks to Mayor Andy Foster.
Foster says he found slowness of information on Covid-19 cases in the Capital and on locations of interest frustrating.
He told Nick Mills if we all keep doing the right thing we will get through this faster.
All this comes as a survey revealing residents' satisfaction with the Wellington City Council has plunged to a significant low due to concerns with infrastructure, safety and council in-fighting.
Foster admits the council needs to do better.
If you're income has taken and hit or your worried about lockdown impacting your spending Financial Advice NZ CEO Katrina Shanks shares tips on how to cope with Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills.
With the country in lockdown and Parliament suspended Finance Minister Grant Robertson fronted a Select Committee this morning to talk about the Covid-19 response.
Wellington business editor Hamish Rutherford tuned in and spoke to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
The butchery industry is trying desperately to help its members open their doors.
Under Alert Level 4, only contactless home deliveries are allowed, which many small operators can't afford to do.
Owner of Island Bay Butcher, Krissy Mackintosh told Nick Mills Retail Meat New Zealand is lobbying the government.
But she says their heads against a brick wall.
Mackintosh says it's actually safer to buy meat from a butcher's shop than a supermarket because in a supermarket, many customers can touch the packets, while in a butcher's shop, only the butcher is handling the meat.
On Wellington Mornings Political Panel MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty talk new mandatory scanning rules, lockdown compliance in the capital, how the country would manage varying alert levels throughout the country, and should we be taking refugees from Afghanistan, and should butchers open under Level 4?
This week on Friday Faceoff: Former ACT MP Heather Roy and Council of Trade Unions President Richard Wagstaff talk Delta arriving in Wellington, was our rescue mission to Afghanistan too late and should supermarket workers and police have been vaccinated weeks ago.
With New Zealand in a snap lockdown amid a Covid-19 outbreak of the Delta strain, questions are being asked of the Government's elimination strategy to manage the virus going forward.
Medical professor Des Gorman told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills we need the elimination strategy until our population is vaccinated and after that we will need a new approach.
Our music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills socially distanced safely from home for "Lockdown Rockdown".
He looks at what Metallica's doing to celebrate its 30th anniversary of the release of The Black Album.
He also told us which version of a classic AC/DC record you'll need to make the most money off it!
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Frustration for domestic tourists trying to get home.
Air New Zealand has been trying to quickly relocate people since the move to Alert Level Four, with the 48-hour deadline due to expire on Thursday night.
New Zealand Herald Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford has been holidaying in Wanaka and still doesn't have a confirmed flight back to Wellington.
He joined Nick Mills to talk through his options.
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On the first day of Alert Level Four Wellington Mayor Andy Foster told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills what lockdown means for the capital.
Wellington Central MP and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for the latest on the Covid situation.
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Principal Economist and Director at Infometrics Brad Olsen talks tomorrow's OCR announcement, Amazon's Lord of the Rings leaving New Zealand and the fall out for business of a half full rugby stadium.
For Wellington On A Plate’s Burger Welly festival Everybody Eats is trying to sell the world's most expensive burger.
Everybody Eats rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and turns it into three course pay-as-you-feel meals so everyone can afford to eat well.
They are raising money by selling a burger on TradeMe, in the hopes it will sell for $10,000 making it the world’s most expensive burger.
Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills gave the burger a try and chats to Everybody Eats founder Nick Loosley.
National MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty debate what New Zealand can do to help 38 Afghan civilians who assisted the New Zealand Defence Force, whether the government could have done more to keep Amazon's Lord of the Rings production here, and our handling of the vaccine roll-out.
Pressure is mounting for the Government to put everything behind getting people in Afghanistan with New Zealand links, to safety.
Taliban forces are sweeping across Afghanistan.
Cabinet's met this morning to see what it can do to help up to 47 New Zealand citizens and their families.
It's also reviewing immigration cases for around 38 Afghan interpreters and other civilians who have helped our military in the past.
Green MP Golriz Ghahraman has been in communication with those who assisted our defence force and told Nick Mills those have huge targets on their backs so urgent action is critical.
This week on Friday Faceoff: World Wildlife Fund NZ CEO Livia Esterhazy and broadcaster and former Wellington City Councillor Simon Marsh debate whether we should let dogs ride the Cable Car, a 'code-red' climate change report and Hurricanes Shareholder Troy Bowker's controversial comments.
As the embattled business man and Hurricanes shareholder Troy Bowker stays silent over a controversial comment one sponsor is calling for Bowker to cut ties with the team.
Businessman and franchise shareholder Bowker has described entrepreneur Ian Taylor's support for calling the country Aotearoa - "sucking up to the left Maori-loving agenda".
All Blacks and Hurricanes star TJ Perenara yesterday labelled the comments as racist and insulting.
CEO of Hurricanes sponsor Kapura, Jamie Williams, told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills Bowker's comments don't align with what they believe the Hurricanes organisation is all about.
In our first book review Unity Books book worm Tilly Lloyd tells Wellington Morning host what is so special about MINE! by James Salzman and Michael Heller.
On our first Money Talks segment Nick Mills asks Financial Advice NZ CEO Katrina Shanks how we can make the most of our money even if we can't invest in property.
In this week's Capital Letter Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell talks to Nick Mills about a stoush over Wellington train station's quake status, mayor Andy Foster's upcoming meeting with the housing minister, and red flags raised about Transmission Gully.
Shihad Frontman Jon Toogood talks to Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills about growing up in Wellington, playing cricket, finding music and the love of his life along with lockdown in Melbourne and his upcoming Wellington gigs.
National MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty give their thoughts on went down at the National Party conference over the weekend, how we can prevent tragic car crashes like the one in Timaru, a petition calling for changes to our MIQ system, and reaction to changes to the health system.
This week on Friday Faceoff Lawyer Brigitte Morton and broadcaster Jason Pine discuss an on-going bid to lower the voting age, nine business forming a coalition to stand-up to Let's Get Wellington Moving, should a student have been expelled for swearing at a teacher, and the dawn raids apology.
Central Pulse and Silver Ferns netball centurion Katrina Rore (nee Grant) is leaving Wellington after more than 10 years at the Pulse.
Rore was an influential figure in the Pulse's two ANZ Premiership championship titles in 2019 and 2020.
Rore and husband Joel have moved to Rotorua after giving birth to their daughter in May.
After more than a decade in Wellington, Nick Mills wanted to thank Katrina for her immense contribution to the capital's sporting scene, and find out her future plans.
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Businesses and industry groups have formed a coalition following concerns about the progress of the capital's $6.4 billion transport project, Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM).
The group called Progress Wellington launched today. It says LGWM is no longer focused on getting Wellington's transport network moving forward.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Arcus said the city needed a system where people can move easily and safely at all times of the day.
"We need to speed up the major infrastructure projects, those that will achieve the aims of getting Wellingtonians moving, rather than on the projects that are slowing things down - we can't grind our city to a halt."
Members of Progress Wellington include Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ, Restaurant Association, Property Council, Road Transport Forum, SOS Courtenay Place, Wellington Airport and Porirua Chamber of Commerce.
A review of LGWM late last year found the plan was at risk of failing to deliver a cohesive package, had a detrimental culture, and was inadequately resourced.
In response, one of the things Transport Minister Michael Wood was particularly keen to act on was a clear plan for implementing "low hanging fruit"- projects around walking, cycling, and public transport.
These quick wins include projects like removing private vehicles from the Golden Mile, changes to Thorndon Quay, and a pedestrian crossing on Cobham Drive.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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James Irwin reviews Shady, the new single from Wellington’s Fat Freddy’s Drop, takes a trip down Olympic ceremony memory lane, and looks at the new posthumous album by Prince, Welcome 2 America.
And one of James’ R.E.M collections is the subject of this week’s Cash in the Attic.
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The Environment Court has issued the builder of Transmission Gully with a $70,000 fine following a prosecution over four earthworks-related charges.
It's the latest development in what is becoming an increasingly woeful environmental track record for the $1.25 billion road.
But, Wellington Issues Reporter told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills that pales in comparison to fines the builder will face if they miss the looming completion date.
Wellington's pain is Auckland's gain.
The capital had been due to host two All Blacks tests this year ... the first set down for August 28 against Australia, and then September 18 against Argentina.
The pause on the travel bubble has seen those arrangements scrapped.
Auckland was already set for the first Bledisloe test this Saturday and NZ Rugby says the only date open to Wellington was the 14th.
Sky Stadium is already booked that day - hosting the two day Beervana beer festival.
Stadium CEO Shane Harmon told Wellington Morning's Host Nick Mills he is disappointed with the outcome.
National MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty respond to the latest Newshub-Reid Research poll, talk long wait times at Wellington Hospital's Emergency Department, the Human Rights Commission's housing inquiry and whether or not the MPs have been vaccinated yet.
This week on Friday Faceoff former MP Peter Dunne and Council for International Development director Josie Pagani discuss the medevac of a UN staffer from Fiji to New Zealand, a commerce commission draft report on how much we are paying for groceries and U.S. gymnast Simon Biles calling time on the Tokyo Olympics.
Former broadcaster Keith Quinn talks to Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills about the Olympics and the 1981 Springbok tour, and how there was a moment he feared for his safety.
Heritage NZ has come under criticism for taking issue with a wheelchair ramp at the front of the Wellington railway station and the colour and position of new ticket validation machines.
The wheelchair ramp was proposed in 2019, and after years of disputing it Heritage NZ has recently given the ramp its support.
Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills asked Heritage NZ CEO Andrew Coleman if our heritage obsession had gone too far.
Coleman says Heritage NZ is making a positive contribution to the Capital.
Wellington Airport is opposing a new crossing with traffic lights on Cobham Drive, proposed as part of the Let's Get Wellington Moving project.
The proposal would also slow down speed limits on the State Highway One road.
For the first time, Wellington Airport's CEO Steve Sanderson is publicly criticising the plan, which could impact travel to the airport.
He told Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills there should be an overpass instead.
Condemnation of proposed changes to Wellington's Airport route.
Lets Get Wellington Moving has proposed a raised pedestrian crossing, with traffic lights, on Cobham Drive on State Highway One, near the ASB Sports Centre.
It's also wanting to reduce speed limits from Hataitai to the airport.
Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Nick Leggett says it's ridiculous.
Let's Get Wellington Moving programme director Siobhan Procter joined Nick Mills to discuss the plan.
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On the Wellington Mornings political panel this week Labour MP Kieran McAnulty and National Party list MP Nicola Willis debate whether health experts should run our Covid-19 response, emergency housing, property becoming our leading industry, climate change and United States-China relations.
Property is officially New Zealand's largest industry bigger than manufacturing and agriculture, according to the Property Council.
Renters United organiser Robert Whitaker told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills it's concerning but not surprising, and as the housing market remains hot renters are paying the price too.
Former Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast and Infometrics senior economist Brad Olsen talk the debate on arming police, calls for the police minister to resign, and whether heritage protection in Wellington has gone too far, with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
As the Olympics gets underway in Tokyo, One News Reporter Guy Heveldt talks to Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills from Japan about what it's like, how the New Zealand athletes are shaping up and how the 2021 Olympics will 'be a games like no other'.
Our Wellington Mornings music guru James Irwin joined Nick to discuss the upcoming Wellington gig featuring Benee and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
We also look at local artist Pickle Darling, and discuss how extensive people's record collections can be.
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Following revelations They Are Us director Andrew Niccol did not want Jacinda Ardern's Office to read script, which could get $20m taxpayer funding, Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills asks should the government be subsidising films at all.
President of the Screen Industry Guild Brendon Durey argues there are a host of reasons for taxpayers to chip in for film-making in New Zealand.
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New Zealand made $156 million loss on hosting this year's America's Cup.
Sports broadcaster John Mcbeth has covered four America's Cup events in his career.
He told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills the government's spend wasn't worth it without international visitors and any economic benefit did not trickle down to the capital.
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In this week's Capital Letter, Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell talks to Nick Mills about the city's heritage issues, water woes and how a now famous Wellington horse is recovering after a dramatic flood rescue.
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Read Georgina's fortnightly column here: https://bit.ly/3hSObLp
All Blacks and Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara shared tips for going vegan with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, and even said Wellington had better vegan restaurants that Japan.
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Porirua Mayor Anita Baker talks Transmission Gully, housing, water infrastructure and Porirua's temporary resident orca whale Toa with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills.
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The Act party wants electronic income checks for gang members to prevent them from spending any welfare money on alcohol, gambling or tobacco.
Black Power Life Member Denis O'Reilly told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills gangs should not be such a political issue.
O'Reilly says gang leaders he has spoken to also worry about their families and employment.
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After flooding hit the South Island and wild weather soaked the capital Wellington Mornings Host Nick Mills takes a look at what is inside a typical Newstalk ZB reporter's civil defence emergency 'go bag'.
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New Zealand Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell reports that NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi doesn't appear to share the confidence of those building Transmission Gully that the road will open by the agreed date of September 27.
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National MP Nicola Willis and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty talk support for flood-hit regions, and debate the 'Howl of a Protest', how we keep our police safe, National's calls for the Auditor-General to investigate $2.75m a Mongrel Mob-led rehab program, and COVID-19 in the Olympic village.
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Wellington mornings host Nick Mills went above and beyond to make sure one of his listeners received the Covid-19 vaccine.
83-year-old Gloria phoned up the show last week saying she was unable to get the vaccine due to her frail health.
Nick subsequently promised to transport Gloria to the Heretaunga Christian Centre to receive the injection, on what turned out to be a wet and gloomy Wellington Monday.
Gloria said she did not feel nervous given how important it is to get the vaccine ahead of her hip operation in the coming months.
"Especially while I'm going to be in the hospital because there'll be thousands of diseases in that place.
"I don't worry, my mother always said 'If worrying would solve your problems, I would tell you to worry', so I never worry."
Gloria added it was a smooth process in booking her vaccine.
WATCH NICK MILLS TAKE GLORIA TO GET HER COVID-19 VACCINE ABOVE
Newstalk ZB caller Gloria, from Upper Hutt, is nearly 84 and explained to Nick that she was going to struggle to get to her Covid-19 vaccination appointment when it was sorted.
Nick made the promise he could take her there, so once her appointment was locked in Nick was more than happy to keep his promise, and he's heading out to take Gloria there with producer Rosie Gordon on Friday afternoon.
LISTEN TO GLORIA'S CALL ABOVE
Economist Brad Olsen and lawyer Brigitte Morten joined Nick in the studio to wrap the week, discussing the farmer protests, Covid vaccines and the Viking Bay's arrival in Wellington with Covid-infected crew members.
Also on the agenda - why Wellingtonians suddenly became interested in a baby orca and English football on the same week!
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Wairarapa MP Kieran McAnulty says today's Howl of a Protest event across the country will undermine the good work that farmers are doing in regards to the environment and climate change.
Friday's protest sees thousands of farm vehicles rumbling through cities in protest against what farmers say is increasing interference from the Government, unworkable regulations and unjustified costs.
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Tommy's Real Estate Sales Director Nicki Cruickshank told Nick Mills people are moving out of central Wellington as the housing stock dips and the capital's housing market becomes one of the hottest in the world.
It comes as soaring house prices saw the city ranked as the third hottest housing market in the world in the first quarter of 2021, according to the latest Knight Frank Global Residential Cities Index.
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Berhampore School Principal Mark Potter told Nick Mills a number of parents at his school have offered to pay for teacher aides, but the school does not accept that money.
Potter said childrens' education is suffering and more resource is needed for government-funded teacher aides.
It follows an Auckland mum being told she can't keep paying 10-thousand dollars a year for help for her eight-year-old son.
It came after she emailed Education Minister Chris Hipkins, arguing there's not enough support for all learners at existing state schools, and suggesting the ministry pay for the help.
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Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre will be lit up in the colours of the transgender flag while the controversial group Speak Up For Women holds an event there on Thursday night.
In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell told Nick the group opposes proposed amendments in a Bill enabling people to self-identify their sex on their birth certificate without going to the Family Court.
Georgina also told Nick about a new housing development for Porirua, and celebrated one of the world's much loved musicals coming to Wellington's St. James Theatre next year.
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Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry told Nick Mills areas such as Petone have boomed, but this success has come at a cost to issues such as housing.
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Thirteen more crew members have tested positive for Covid-19 in managed isolation after coming off a ship docked at Wellington - and another ship has docked at Port Taranaki with crew suffering "flu-like" symptoms.
The Ministry of Health confirmed new cases aboard the Viking Bay in Wellington on Tuesday morning.
Two members of the crew tested positive last week. At least one has the highly infectious Delta variant.
The 15 crew members are now being transferred to a quarantine facility in Wellington.
Auckland University professor Des Gorman joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings.
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Nick Mills talks to former Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings presenter Tim Fookes who's now in New South Wales about the state's Covid-19 outbreak.
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A ship carrying two mariners with Covid-19 has docked in Wellington.
Deep-sea fishing vessel Viking Bay, has been off Taranaki's coast since they tested positive.
Strict controls are in place for its arrival, but it has still prompted some concern from locals.
Labour MP Ginny Anderson told Nick Mills there's no need to be concerned.
"It's not like they are going to be standing out the front catching an Uber.
"They will be monitored in a way so there is no public interaction with them."
But National MP Chris Bishop told Nick Mills he is slightly worried about port workers.
"45 percent of port workers have not had a single vaccination, so about 1,000 port workers around the country."
All 20 crew will have health checks, with most going into MIQ, and a few remaining in isolation on board.
Listen to the rest of our Political Panel above, as the two MPs also discuss MIQ staffing and the vaccine rollout
In the return of the Friday Faceoff Panel, Nick Mills is joined by Josie Pagani and Kerry Prendergast to discuss the National Party's latest damning poll, nurse strikes, Wellington's character protected housing, and how the city has lost its shine recently.
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Almost 90 per cent of land parcels in Wellington's inner residential zone are covered by character protection, it can be revealed.
The figure has left city councillor Laurie Foon angry.
She told Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings she "felt really sick and stunned" when she found out just how much of the city has been protected from development.
Foon said the inner suburbs were exactly where the council should be enabling young people to live.
"Enabling more people to be living in the central city close to good amenity and be able to move about the city in low carbon ways.
"A city doesn't work unless we're fair and at the moment we're not providing fair housing."
Foon said she has seen families "disappear overnight" at her local school in Berhampore because they have had to move elsewhere to find more affordable housing.
Wellington City Council has recently signed off on its spatial plan, which outlines how the city will prepare for between 50,000 and 80,000 more people over the next 30 years.
The plan shrinks protected character areas by almost three-quarters, allows at least six-storey developments in suburban centres and along key transit routes, and expands walking catchment areas for railway station stops and the central city.
The most heated debate was over how much protection character areas in the city should get.
Character areas have blanket heritage protection where a resource consent is required to demolish any buildings built before 1930.
These areas, as they are currently, have been described as only accounting for about 7 per cent of the city's overall housing stock.
But following further questioning from Green Party councillor Laurie Foon, it has now been revealed how much this character housing accounts for in inner-city suburb stock.
Wellington City councillor Laurie Foon. (Photo / Mark Mitchell)
Council officials have reported back to Foon that 87.9 per cent of land parcels in Wellington's inner residential zone are under character protection, and 75.9 per cent of units.
The inner residential zone is the area mainly between the town belt and CBD area, encompassing suburbs like Mt Victoria, Thorndon and Newtown.
Foon earlier told the Herald she was stunned by the current amount of character protection.
"The general public needs to know how much of our inner city has been stitched up for 30 years and this is not enabling Wellington to do its bit in providing more homes close to the city centre."
Foon said it confirmed the case for why character protection was reduced by almost three quarters in the spatial plan councillors signed off.
The decision means 219ha will be freed up for development.
Foon said she was angry Wellington has been in the current situation for so long.
"It is impacting so many people that we need to make our city vibrant and function, who can't find or afford a warm, dry home in Wellington."
Initial consultation on potential growth scenarios for Wellington showed majority support for a high-density CBD and inner suburbs along with developing around existing suburban centres.
Only 24 per cent agreed a new suburb in Ohariu Valley was the best path to go down.
Just 29 per cent were keen to extend suburbs around Takapu Valley, Horokiwi, and Owhiro Bay.
As Tokyo authorities prepare to declare a state of emergency weeks out from the Olympics, we catch up with Dave Clareburt, the father of Wellington swimmer Lewis Clareburt who's off to his first Olympic Games this month.
He told Nick Mills he trusts organisers to take care of his son and the rest of the competitors.
"We're going to trust the people in charge... we don't have any major concerns, we're just hoping it all goes well for him."
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Nick Mills and Adam Cooper from Newstalk ZB Sport joined 13-year-old Ben Pettit in between training at North City Tenpin in Porirua, following him claiming the National Open Tenpin bowling title.
Ben's parents Paul and Paulette also joined in the discussion.
Watch the video as Nick and Adam attempt to match Ben's class on the lanes!
Nick's first weekly chat with NZ Herald Wellington Issues Reporter Georgina Campbell focuses on the thousands of monthly cancellations the regions bus services are facing, along with an explanation of the Three Waters Reform and where things are at with the quake repairs of Wellington's Town Hall and the St. James Theatre.
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Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joined new ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for the first time this morning.
The two discussed Wellington's ongoing infrastructure issues, where the Three Waters plans fit into that, how well the council reacted to the weather last week, a car-free Wellington CBD, and whether he would have stood for Mayor if he knew how severe the problems are with the council - and whether he plans to run again next year.
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Wellington Mornings returns on July 5th, with well-known Wellington identity and entrepreneur Nick Mills to host the Newstalk ZB morning show.
Nick Mills has been a long-time owner of the Saints basketball franchise and owns several restaurants and bars in the capital.
“Nick is as passionate about the Wellington region as anybody I know, but he has also proven he’s prepared to speak out when things aren’t right and will call local decision makers to account,” said New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) Head of Talk Jason Winstanley.
Newstalk ZB has remained committed to a local morning show since previous host Heather du Plessis-Allan moved to take over the network’s nationwide Drive show.
“I’ve had plenty of correspondence from our Wellington listeners and council leaders keen to know when our local show is coming back, and I’ve had to ask for patience while we took the time to find the right host,” said Winstanley.
In 2012 Mills was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to basketball supported by his commitment to youth and community programmes aimed at steering young people from Wellington to better lives both on and off the court.
“With so many years connected to Wellington communities through sport and also through the hospitality industry – you get pretty well connected. Naturally, I love a good yarn and there are many, many things going on in Wellington that deserve a good discussion at a local level. And trust me - some tough questions need to be asked too,” said Nick Mills.
Vanya Pyne NZME’s Greater Wellington General Manager said “Having a new host on the local show is great news for our Wellington commercial partners who now have the added bonus of a dedicated show with an engaged local audience that we can help them connect with”.
Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings 9am-12pm with Nick Mills on 89.3FM and iHeartRadio from Monday 5 July 2021.