Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

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

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

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

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

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

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. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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