Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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