Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Things get fiery this week on Politics Thursday with Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. They join Nick on the show to talk about the biggest issues in politics this week - including the rough sleeping move on orders announced by the government. Can our police force cope with this with their resources and where are these people being moved to? Following Mayor Andrew Little's swim in Lyall Bay to prove water quality is safe , would our politicians join him for a swim after the Moa point leak? They discuss the effects, the inquiry and what should happen for impacted businesses. Plus Labour's state of the nation speech - when can we expect to see big moves from Labour? And should banks be required to accept cash? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting tonight 6pm at Fringe Bar, Silver Tongues perform as part of the Wellington Fringe Festival. The group comprising of comedians all over the age of 50 take the stage over 4 nights with their stand up routines "showing that the silver haired are also silver tongued". Nick is joined in the studio by performers Neil Thorton, Ganesh Cherian and Darrell Phillips to talk all thing Fringe, performing, what to expect from the show, and why being old is a source of comedy, not just trauma. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phoenix striker and Nepalese football star Sabitra Bhandari, also known as Samba, has raised over $57,000 NZD for a surgery. After tearing her ACL, Samba wants $135,000 NZD treatment in Qatar, where she went to previously. The Phoenix insurance policy has offered 25,000 surgery and rehab in NZ, and the Nepalese governing body is contributing $6,000 NZD. Nick speaks with co-founder of Give A Little JD Trask on the purpose of the app, and if this cause is over the line in what is expected from the app. Since this interview Samba has requested supporters stop donating as she has reached her the amount needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick chats with political commentator Peter Dunne about Labour's State of the Nation speech. What is this year looking like for Labour? Are they playing it safe? Dunne analyses the address to Labour supporters and what this means for their policy announcements coming up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ has handed out 7000 vapes and over 6500 refills for free in two months. This is part of an intitaive to help smokers quit - and includes a $500k contract to NZ vape company Alt. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths tells Nick what the decision was behind this initiative, what opposers are saying and how this plan compares worldwide. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our business panel this week Nick is joined in studio by Steve Walters and Mark Quinn Walters is the general manager of Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay and Rongotai Business association and helped establish the iconic Wellington Seven. Quinn is a respected commercial property figure with strong insight into retail, development and business trends across the region. They discuss how the Moa Point sludge disaster is affecting confidence, particularly for east coast businesses already struggling with high rates. How much is council policy helping — or hindering — growth? The panel will also weigh in on intensification, resistance to development, and whether Wellington needs a serious “shot in the arm” to revive confidence. And what would it take to bring back the energy and vibrancy of the Sevens-era glory days? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend, the Phoenix were slammed against Auckland FC, losing 5-0 with an own goal. An hour later manager Giancarlo Italiano resigned. Nick is joined by former All White David Chote to give his insight into the failure of the Phoenix. They chat about heir predictions for a replacement, as well as theorise if Italiano was pushed to resign. Is there enough room for two clubs in NZ? Chote gives his analysis of the match, the goal, and the management. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced they will give more power to police to "move on" rough sleepers for 24 hours to people as young as 14. Nick speaks to Karl Tiefenbacher who is a Wellington City Councillor and business owner on his perspective from both these lenses. Tiefenbacher shares what the council have been doing to help this issue, and what needs to still be done. And does he agree with Police Association President Steve Watts, who said the police do not have the resources to be able to move people on. And where will they go? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wraps the week with former MP and Attorney General Chris Finlayson and director of NZ Infrastructure Commission and ex councillor Tim Brown. Moa point continues to be an issue. Is it a long time coming? Brown and Finlayson face off on funding, spending and leadership of the plant and Wellington Water. Then they get into the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. What does this unprecedented scene mean for the future of the royals? And things get fiery over Minister Bishop's suggestion the government are reconsidering the state highway 1 improvements. We also get their hot or nots of the week plus former minister Finlayson's thoughts on Seymour's plan to decrease portfolios and merge ministries. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick is joined by ZB UK correspondent Gavin Grey to get the latest update on the arrest of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The arrest was made on suspicion allegations the former Prince shared sensitive information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. Grey shares the mood in the UK right now, and how this will impact the future of the royals and their reputation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB's sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine. It's a big weekend for sport in the capital this weekend. The Hurricanes have their first game tonight at Sky Stadium against Moana Pasifika and then the Saturday night the Phoenix are playing Auckland FC at Sky Stadium. The crew discuss how our teams are looking, their predictions and is this a chance for both teams to make a mark? Plus the Firebirds are playing tonight, how's it looking? Find out on Friday Sport kickoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics Thursday is back with Labour list MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. They join Nick in the studio to tackle the political issues this week. First up — is the second Mt Victoria tunnel up in the air? Or will congestion charges mean we don't need it? We also confront some tough social issues. The new review from the Independent Children's Monitor shows more should be done when it comes to protecting our children? And with serious dog attacks happening right now, are current laws strong enough, or do they need tightening? Plus do we have too many ministers around the Cabinet table? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the Fringe Festival currently taking over the capital, Nick was joined by show creator Arlo MacMillan and 'Geoffrey Beaver'. Beaver is the host of his own show, Geoffrey Beaver Podcast Live! at Fringe as a failed journalist/talkback host/legend trying to make his big comeback. Macmillan also discusses his show The Lizards Lie Within: A Lizardmen Movie Play Musical. They tell Nick about what to expect from their kooky theatre shows, what Fringe offers to Wellington and to them as creatives. LISTEN ABOVE Check out the satirical comedy presented by Geoffrey Beaver at the Gods Paramount on March 1st and 7th. Tickets: Fringe Festival Geoffrey Beaver And The Lizards Lie Within: A Lizardmen Movie Play Musical at Bats Theatre from 25-28th of February. Tickets: Fringe Festival LizardmenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Music Time Nick and James listen to a stunning new album by a New Zealand musical legend , get excited with the return to our shores of 80s rockers Tranvision Vamp and reveal a not so secret gig by hometown heroes Fat Freddys Drop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick was joined in the studio by Hurricanes CEO Tony Philp and co-owner Malcolm Gillies to discuss the season ahead. They share their plan ahead to bring back life to the game and initiatives to bring the community back to the team, and the team back into the community. Do we stand a chance at the Super Rugby championship? Plus, they take calls from you on improvements to the fan experience. The first game for the canes is this Friday 20th Feb at 7.05pm at Sky Stadium against Moana Pasifika. Link to tickets here LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick speaks to Sam Bishop, a spokesperson from the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office on the latest update for the storm battering the lower North Island. A link to the NZ Herald live blog is below. Weather live updates: Evacuations as storm hammers lower North Island, thousands without power amid localised flooding - NZ Herald LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by former Hutt City Mayor and ex-committee chair of Wellington Water, Campbell Barry, along with broadcaster Mark Sainsbury. They discussed the latest issues and accountability around the Moa Point sewage crisis, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little's pledge to cut commercial rates, the Government's LNG proposals and whether having a degree these days is important. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major golf event is underway at the Royal Wellington Golf Club. The Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship is being held in New Zealand for the first time. It features more than 80 players from around the world - including 10 New Zealanders - with the winner receiving entries into three women's majors this year. More than 300 people are volunteering for the event. Nick spoke to Royal Wellington general manager Dylan Lindstrom to find out how the course is looking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday, and today Nick is joined by Tim Costley, National MP for Otaki and Ayesha Verrall, Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues. Starting with breaking news - parts of Transmission Gully are moving to 110kmph speed limits. Then onto the news of the week including the RBNZ Covid Inquiry - is it a political move or for the good of the country. Our politicians face off about the timing of the results, due six weeks before the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick is joined by Fringe CEO Kim Bailey in the studio to talk about the Wellington Fringe festival - starting this weekend! The festival includes over 150 acts from Wellington and around the world and is on from February 13th to March 7 2026. In it's 36th year the festivals brings theatre and fun to Wellington at many venues all across the city. Kim tells us a bit about the festival, what it brings to Wellington and what acts are a must see this year. Link to tickets and the programme here: Fringe FestivalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on our Business Panel Nick is joined in the studio by mother-daughter Tommy's real estate duo Alexia and Danielle Stoddart. The panel focuses on the realities of doing business in Wellington's property market, and how hard is it working with your family? They unpack what it really takes to operate and stay resilient in the capital's changing property landscape. From market conditions and buyer confidence to the pressures they share their insights— and discuss where the opportunities and risks are as Wellington's property sector continues to shift. How is the election effecting the property market, and how are people affording homes in the cost of living crisis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Azaria Howell joins Nick to discuss the week in politics. Azaria breaks down what unfolded over Waitangi Weekend—from speeches and protests to the policy signals shaping the election. Also the announcement of Peeni Henare leaving politics. Are the Greens distancing themselves from Te Pati Māori? As both the greens and labour make a push for the Māori seats, will we see Te Pati Māori in parliament at all next year. And the Moa Point sewage leak – how are our local MP and Prime Minister reacting to this?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Walters is the general manager of Kilbirnie, Rongotai and Lyall Bay business association. He joins Nick on the show to discuss the impact of the Moa Point sewage leak on local businesses, including disruption, financial pressures, and what support business owners are calling for as the situation continues to unfold. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Leggett is the Chair of Wellington Water. He joins the show to talk through the latest updates on the Moa Point sewage leak, including how the response is progressing, how long we will have to wait till its safe again and what it means for Wellington's coastline and local communities going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faceoff was on a Thursday before the long weekend, and Nick was joined by Capital NZ Director, and Jacinda Ardern's former chief of staff Neale Jones, along with BRG senior consultant, and former chief press secretary to Chris Luxon, Hamish Rutherford. They discussed the major failure of Wellington's Moa Point treatment plant, what to expect politically from Waitangi Day, and possible coalition agreements after this year's election. Also on the agenda was this week's driver licensing changes, and has Petone's Jackson Street taken the "cool" away from Wellington's Cuba Street? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grim prediction, as Wellington Water crews return to the city's wastewater treatment plant to determine what's caused Wednesday's catastrophic failure. Heavy rain's caused the Moa Point plant to shutdown, sending wastewater into the capital's South Coast. Crews are trying to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the equipment and operations. Wellington Water CEO Pat Dougherty told Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills it'll be months before people can safely go in the water, as sewage floods out to sea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Music Time, James Irwin joins Nick in the studio and they chat Nick's own picks for his summer BBQ playlist, plus Piney. What are the vibes of their BBQs? James gets to the bottom of it. Plus, how does James find all this music? He shares his tips and tricks to discovering albums, both old and new. And some great gigs are lined up for our city. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined by Nick Leggett and Nicola Young. The three Nic's debate the issues of the week – starting with the rates mess up at the council again with levies. Should we have consequences or is it just a case of human error? They discuss if Wellington is ready for a natural disaster, after the tragedy at Mount Maunganui. Landslides kill more people than earthquakes in Wellington – are we prepared for them? And on the two enquiries for the landslide at the mount, is it necessary to have a central and local government look into the response? They dissect the response, including from local Marae. The Nicks also debate the post office closures around Wellington, the pressure on ambulances with record numbers of call outs, Judith Collins retirement and where her portfolios should go. As well as horse meat pies – would they eat one? Where are the best pies in the region? Plus, Leggett and Young give their hot or nots for the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio today to discuss the latest Infometrics report that suggests the economy will not recover convincingly this year. Willis shares what she thinks the economy will look like this year, and Nick asks about interest rates, OCR hikes and manage the banks power. They also talk about the tragedy of Mount Maunganui, and how politics should play out during disasters and why the government and council's have to do separate enquiries. Willis shares the feelings in the National Party after Judith Collins departure from politics and what is next for her many portfolios. And finally – the budget was announced for 28th May. What are the priorities? What can we expect? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB's sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine. Starting with the Wellington Blaze, our women's cricket team has a 50% win rate of winning the championship, so will they have a threepeat on their hands this weekend? The Phoenix have their 500th game this weekend. Pine reminisces on their legacy and thinks back to their first game back in 2007. They discuss their memories, highlights and some lowlights of the Wellington Phoenix. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Politics Thursday, Nick is joined in studio by Deputy Prime Minister and ACT leader David Seymour and Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues Ayesha Verrall. They debate the political issues of the week, including the latest data that shows fees free university incentives did not increase the number of disadvantaged students studying. Seymour and Verrall discuss the tragedy of Mount Maunganui, coalition talks including Te Pati Maori's policy to abolish prisons, and the prep for the election year ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington City Council's made another embarrassing blunder on ratepayer bills. Mayor Andrew Little's told Newstalk ZB ratepayers have been overcharged by about 10 dollars each - for the Greater Wellington Regional Council levy. He says it'll be rectified in the next bill. Last month, it was revealed the council had undercharged ratepayers by almost 3.5 million dollars for its sludge levy. Construction costs soared in building the city's first sludge minimisation plant, meaning households needed to fork out between 3 dollars and 100 dollars each, with an average undercharge of 40 dollars per levy-payer. Speaking to Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, Little this morning defended the council's Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves, insisting she's still doing a great job. He says she recognises the problem and has independent people coming in and telling her what has led to the mistakes. Little says he's revealed this second blunder out of full transparency. "Part of [being mayor] it is about changing the culture of council, and getting those things ironed out," he says. "But also when things do go wrong, let's just step up and say it, and fix it, and trying to do that." Reeves previously apologised for the sludge levy error, saying to prevent this happening again, stronger internal controls and review steps had been put in place. The Greater Wellington levy funds regional services like biosecurity, flood protection and regional transport. The Wellington City Council is apologising for the second accounting error, but says it means ratepayers will pay less than previously thought. It says it's confident all rates assessments are now correct. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hnry, the Wellington founded accountacy firm has taken over the name of Wellington Regional Stadium (formerly Sky and Westpac respectively). CEO James Fuller joins Nick Mills on the show to talk about the news, and the excitement of taking the stadium over. They talk about the reason behind it, and all the details of the new name - Hnry Stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills was joined by Stewart Macpherson for a tour of Michelangelo's art at Takina. The exhibition Michelangelo 'A Different View' has been extended for two weeks till Sunday 22nd February. Nick had the opportunity to walk around the full gallery, taking in the prints of the paintings during his interview with Stewart. Buy tickets here: Buy Tickets - MICHELANGELO - A Different View LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the Business Panel this week Nick is joined by the new Business Central and Chamber of Commerce CEO, Hayley Horan and Raygun co-founder and CEO, JD Trask. Horan and Trask start off with the use of AI in business. They discuss the ways they implement it into their lives and businesses and discuss the future of it in different sectors. They then go in depth about how politics are affecting their respective businesses. Should we have a four-year term? Do we need more bipartisanship? Trask and Horan also discuss how they are focusing on business fundamentals, what's happening in the job market, and what they are doing to stabilize their businesses in this political and financial climate. How is business confidence going with the new council? And what can the council do to continue the positive trajectory? Trask and Horan share their expertise on the panel this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wraps the week with CEO of NZ Child Fund Josie Pagani and Director of the Democracy Project Dr Bryce Edwards. They tackle the issues of the week, including the election date announcement of November 7th. The latest they could push it – what does this show? Josie and Bryce give their predictions on how the year will pan out political. They analyze the polls, discussing what the next government will look like, what will happen with the minor parties, how coalition talks will play out and Winston Peters, what will his position be as kingmaker? They take an in-depth look at the state of our health system. What needs to be changed? Between the$26 billion ACC deficit and the 575 code reds in our emergency department last year, its clear our health system needs change. Bryce and Josie then hit other issues from the week including neighbour complaints about dog barking, when is it too whiny? Bryce tells us about having chickens in the CBD. Plus they tell us their new years resolutions and if they've stuck. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, Nick is joined by Newstalk ZB's sports gurus Adam Cooper and Jason Pine. Starting with the biggest sporting news at the moment – Razors replacement. They give their takes and predictions on the coaching saga of the All Blacks. Who will take over the mantle? They also discuss the USA All Blacks vs Springboks game set to be in Baltimore. And will the Phoenix make the playoffs? Find out on Friday Sport kick-off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics Thursday is back with National MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick and Labour MP Ginny Andersen. They join Nick Mills to talk about the political issues of the week. Starting with the election date announcement - 7th November 2026. What are their plans leading up to it, what are their priorities? Plus, they discuss the state of the health system, what will they do to lower the volume of code reds in Wellington Hospital. There were 575 code reds in 2025, how will the health system cope? We find out what each party will do on Politics Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington is buzzing with the arrival of Ed Sheeran tonight at Sky Stadium, but what happens to the city's event scene after he leaves? Nick is joined in the studio by WellingtonNZ Chief Executive Mark Oldershaw to talk the year ahead and our upcoming events calendar. How are we going to continue to bring life and money into the CBD? Mark tells us WellingtonNZ's plans and hopes for the year, and the success of the announced events like the sold-out Ultra Music festival. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Music Time, Nick and James give their takes on what makes a summer BBQ playlist. They also play (and judge) the crew's own playlists. What would each of their BBQs look like? - James has the answers on Music Time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wraps the year with former Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and legendary broadcaster and journalist Mark Sainsbury. Are we in for a positive turn around with the new GDP growth? They face off live at Prefab, about the outlook going into the new year. Prendergast and Sainsbury then face off on the issues of the week, including the council's sludge levy mistake. What do they think of it? Should there be penalties? As well as the new merger MCERT and subsequent job losses, McSkimming's sentence, Avatar, James Cameron's worries for our film industry and the Phoenix –how are we looking, and what do our guests think of Nick's idea to move the team to Christchurch. Then it's Christmas time! What are Sainsbury and Prendergast doing for the holidays plus they give their highlights and lowlights for the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills live at Prefab for a look back on our economy this year. They reflect on the year that has been, and their hopes for the next year, election year. Why is the Willis v Richardson debate not happening? Is the GDP rise a sign of hope? Nick asks Nicola Willis the big questions. And they get in the Christmas spirit with some gift giving. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.