Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

EDITORIAL: I love this story. I read this story in the paper this morning and I really love it. The Castlepoint Hotel is finally allowed to turn the beer taps back on after a six-month dry spell. Its got new operators,and has been granted their liquor licences after a pretty thorough hearing. I mean those liquor licensing hearings, when they've got a bone can go forever. They were questioned about staffing, training, duty managers and how they would handle the occasional belligerent punter. We always get the old belligerent punter don't we, that's a great word. And let's face it, is something every country pub has probably had to deal with since the first beer was poured. And good on them. Because I love the idea of a genuine local pub. Not a flash-Harry cocktail bar. Not somewhere with twelve-dollar bowls of fries or olives and a drinks menu you need reading glasses and a dictionary to understand. I mean a pub. A proper pub. The kind where everyone knows your name. You walk through the door and they're already pouring your usual. I should have got Grace to write, give us the music for cheers on this one, shouldn't I? Where you walk through the door and they're already pouring you your usual because they know where you are. They have Big Norm sitting in the corner. He's been sitting in that corner since the pub opened. You know that pub? Roaring fire in the middle of winter. There's a Sunday roast on Sunday. Someone's always holding court at the end of the bar, always someone telling a joke, silly old dad's joke. You know the pub I mean. It's like Cheers, except it's at Castle Point or the Wairarapa, not in Boston. Where have the days have those pubs gone? Particularly closer to the city. You know, we have so many trendy bars and cafes and wine bars, fashionable restaurants. We've pushed the old local completely out. I'd love to own a country pub in a place like town. Could you have one? Your local. Your local in your suburb that really is your local. Could you do that in our suburbs and create that country atmosphere? Nothing pretentious. Decent food, cold beer, friendly staff and a room full of people who actually want to talk to each other. So, have you still got a proper local? And if somebody opened an honest-to-goodness country pub in Wellington, would you go? Just hang out with your buddies. A $10 beer instead of a $17 beer. A bowl of fries that cost you 6 bucks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a busy week in the beehive, Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki join Nick Mills to dissect the hot topics of the week. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faced a vote of confidence yesterday and came out victorious. Chris Penk has been dropped as a minister. Costley says Luxon has the full support of his caucus as leader of the National Party. Our panel debate how unified the party are, and if the country is better off with Luxon as leader. Also on the agenda is the potential for forced council amalgamation, and the polls showing the Opportunities Party may be the deciders this election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Free Ambulance Board Chair Dame Kerry Prendergast joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to talk the record numbers of calls to ambulance over the last week. Prendergast said Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) responded to more than a third of the nearly 25,000 nationwide calls 111 on Saturday. She says WFA are experiencing high demand , but "have more staff than ever before". She stressed if you need the service call, don't hestitate because of the headlines. "If it's a genuine emergency, you must dial 111." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.