Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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