Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Jason Pine joins Nick on the show live from Vancouver to share his the rundown of yesterday's All-Whites vs Egypt game. They discuss if there's any chance the All Whites can succeed against World Number 6 Belgium. Pine analyses player performances, and what we need to do to continue in the tournament - win. Plus, Pine shares his thoughts on the referee's questionable calls during the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For today's Business Panel, Nick Mills is joined by 24/7 fitness co-founder Troy Rorason and O-Studio founder Kate Twigg, to get insight into the success of the wellbeing industry during these economic times. It's been just over a year since Kate last joined us on the panel, so we find out how it's been going building her business in the CBD and for Troy they have expanded their business and opened a tenth gym on the Kapiti Coast. How is it operating a business in the capital right now? Are we too harsh on Wellington? And did the panel notice a change in the city after the Hurricanes win? The panel share advice on adapting with the complicated external factors with the economic downturn and council issues. And we find out why they have chosen Wellington to set up their businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a weekend for Wellington! The Hurricanes obliterated the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final 60-5 in a packed Hnry Stadium. To celebrate and share the story behind the success Hurricanes Flanker Brad Shields joins Nick Mills on the show this morning. Brad talks about his decision to sign on for another year, and how it feels to be the only Hurricane with two championship titles. How do we keep this momentum going and growing the sport in NZ? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: Well, it's done and its dusted. The biggest decision Wellington has made in years has finally been made, and the Golden Mile, as we knew it, is effectively dead. And before anyone starts celebrating too loudly, let me say this: I think it's the right decision, right now. I think common sense has prevailed. I think if the council had pushed ahead with years of construction through Courtenay Place and Lambton Quay, there would have been a trail of closed businesses behind it. Not a few. Not one or two. Dozens. I've spent my entire working life around hospitality and retail. I know how hard it is right now. Costs are through the roof, customers are watching every dollar, and many businesses are still hanging on by their fingernails. You only have to walk down Courtenay Place in daylight hours to see it. Empty shops. For lease signs. Businesses trying their guts out to survive. Then imagine putting that area through years of roadworks and disruption. Nine out of ten businesses wouldn't have survived it. So yes, stopping the project was the right decision. But here's the part nobody should be celebrating. This wasn't a decision about Wellington's future. This was a survival decision. That's the difference. A city that is not confident, not growing, is a city under financial pressure. It starts cancelling projects because it simply can't afford them. And that's where Wellington finds itself today. Because let's be really honest. Courtenay Place is a mess. It's grotty. It's tired. It's dirty. I have a business on that street. I know landlords who have spent millions of dollars, in some cases more than a millions dollars, into strengthening buildings, upgrading premises and trying to create something better. But there are landlords that have done nothing, that have land-banked and its time the council put huge pressure on them to do their bit and do something. Yesterday I walked through Courtenay Place and counted 26 people loitering around, not a good look. We used to talk about street kids. Now we've got street adults. Fighting. Yelling. Drinking. Defecating in public spaces. Intimidating people trying to walk down the street, do a bit of shopping, have a drink or go to work. You can spend $100 million on footpaths and bus lanes, but if people don't feel safe, they won't come. That's the reality. If somebody handed me the job tomorrow and said, "Nick, fix Courtenay Place", the first thing I'd do wouldn't be redesigning intersections. That would be the bottom of my list. I'd clean up the social disorder. The moving in laws have to come in so we can move on. Because until people feel safe walking the street, until businesses feel supported, until customers want to come back, nothing else matters. The Golden Mile might be gone. But the challenge remains. Wellington avoided a potentially disastrous contract. Now the hard part starts. Because Courtenay Place still needs fixing. And unlike the Golden Mile, that problem isn't going away. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Hurricanes vs Chiefs final tomorrow, Nick is joined on the show by starting fullback for the Hurricanes, Callum Harkin. Only two years ago Harkin was working full time as a builder, he talks with Nick about his rapid rise to starting in a grand final, preferred positions and how his dad is his biggest supporter. With the team prep Harkins says they are focused on getting started earlier than they did in the Blues semifinal and the anticipation coming up to his first final. As for selling out Hnry Stadium and potentially lifting the Super Rugby Pacific Trophy Harkin said it could be one of the best moments of his life so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a special weekend for Wellington, with the Hurricanes earning a grand final at home on Saturday night against the Chiefs. To chat all things Hurricanes and other hot topics from the week, Nick is joined by Managing Director of Gazley Motors Myles Gazley and legendary broadcaster Grant Nisbett for Friday Faceoff. With the vote yesterday that put a stop to the Golden Mile, our panel discuss what can be done to improve not just Courtenay Place but also all of Wellington and get the city pumping again. Also on the agenda is the waste of $33 million from a failed MBIE project hidden from the minister, Shane Jones overspend of 30 grand on a work trip and all the Tiaki Wai troubles from this week. And our floating crane Hikitia on the waterfront - scrap it or save it? Plus, the panel give their hots and nots from the week and predictions for the Hurricanes vs Chiefs final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes play the Chiefs tomorrow night for a home grand final at Hnry Stadium. To celebrate it's a Hurricanes special on Friday Sports Kick-off! Nick Mills kicks off Friday Sports with All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB Rugby Editor and commentator for the game Elliot Smith. Who will lift the Super Rugby Pacific Trophy on Saturday night? They give their score predictions and chat anything and everything Hurricanes vs Chiefs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington City Council has officially ended the dream of the Golden Mile after voting to scrap the project Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills to discuss the next steps to improve the area - while keeping it affordable. He says it's important to get the balance right, but something must be done to Courtenay Place. "We have to do what's right for the city right now." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queen Margaret College Choir is about to jet off on the trip of a lifetime. Students from the 'Voces Luces' high school choir, Millie Williams and Molly Sherriff along with Choir Director Mark Stamper join Nick Mills in the studio to discuss the fundraiser for their upcoming Europe trip. 34 girls are travelling to Europe, partaking in workshops, performing in Golden Hall in the Musikverein in Vienna and competing in the Summa Cum Laud Festival - a major international competition for young singers and musicians. Millie and Mollie share their excitement for the trip and the showcase where they will represent New Zealand to an international audience. The choir need to fundraise to get there and this Sunday at 5pm at Queen Margaret College they will perform their showcase in a concert. Tickets are available here: Voces Luces Fundraiser TicketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Politics Thursday this week, Nick Mills is joined by National Minister Tama Potaka and Labour MP Ginny Andersen. We hear their reaction to the latest GDP figures of 0.8% and if the economy on the right path - even with the looming results of the quarter impacted by the Iran War and oil crisis. Then onto the top stories of the week - the MBIE $30 million scandal. What needs to happen with employees involved with hiding the failing BCU project from the Minister? How is it being ensured it will not happen again? And is a yearly loss of $8.7 billion to our economy from injuries acceptable? Our panel take a look into ACC and the viability of its current system. Plus, Potaka and Andersens view on the Green's proposal for a budget office, and a battle of the Chiefs and Hurricanes - who has it in the bag? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jammie June aims to fund 3400 pairs of pyjamas for kids in need through the Wellington Hospitals Foundation (WFH). As winter starts to bite, a pair of pjs can significantly help keep vulnerable kids warm. WFH Chief Executive Guy Ryan joins Nick Mills in the studio to celebrate the effort of Jammie June. Guy shares how the initiative works and the change you can make if you donate to the cause. As donations are being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, it's more important than ever to support the 'Jammie Army'. Click here to donate or check out more information: Wellington Hospitals Foundation's Jammies for June LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverside Medical opens in Lower Hutt this August, it's the dream of Javier and Chantelle Stroud who saw a gap in GP access that needed fixing. Dr Javier Stroud is the lead GP of the practice and along with his wife Chantelle, who is a lawyer, are accepting patient enrolments now and gearing up to open in August. The Strouds join Nick Mills to discuss their new venture and why the Hutt? Chantelle says the Hutt Valley is in one of New Zealand's GP "red zones", ranking among the worst areas in the country for access to general practitioners. And more than 13,000 residents are still not enrolled with a GP. They share the struggles of keeping GPs in New Zealand, and how technology is advancing the medical field and their own productivity. Check out more information on the practice on their website riversidemedical.co.nz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites play their first game against Iran as part of the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles at 1pm today. ZB Sports host Jason Pine joins Nick on the show to discuss our first game, before he flies out to Vancouver to report from the FIFA Football World Cup. Piney shares what he wants to see tonight, and what the team needs to do to get out of the group stage. You can watch it live on TVNZ+. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes CEO is in disbelief after tickets to the final against the Chiefs sell out Hnry Stadium in only 15 minutes. CEO Tony Philp joined Nick Mills on the show this morning to announce the sellout. He shared how hard the entire team have been working to reach the finals and to "fill the tin to the brim." Philp says they are working on bringing in temporary seating to make sure as many fans as possible can get behind the boys. The Hurricanes play against the Chiefs on Saturday with kick-off at 7.05pm for the Super Rugby 2026 title. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes have made it to a home semi-final against the Blues on Saturday, to celebrate Hurricane Billy Proctor chats to Nick Mills. Proctor talks how the team are prepping, their mindset going into the game and can they feel the pressure? They chat about Proctor's relationship with fellow mid-fielder Jordie Barrett and defence coach Cory Jane. And how is the mission to fill the tin going? What does having the crowd show up mean to the boys? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday Faceoff, Nick is joined in the studio with political commentator, Lawyer and Director of Franks Ogilvie Brigitte Morten, and political commentator and former Chief of Staff to Jacinda Arden Neale Jones. Starting with the Golden Mile. The review is in, and unsurprisingly over budget. Morten and Jones share their thoughts on blowout of consultancy spend, the next steps for Courtnay Place, and the barring of Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher's vote due to a conflict of interest. The panel face off over Labour's newest policy - a $20 fare cap for public transport. Are the numbers even correct? What sort of narrative does this set for Labour? Morten and Jones clash over whether this policy will make a different for voters. Then onto the revelation KiwiRail stalled system upgrades for the Wellington train networks due to funding. Nick and the panel debate where the priorities lie in terms of government spending and campaigning. Also on the agenda is the controversy of Superintendent and Labour candidate Rakesh Naidoo. Has Police Commissioner Richard Chambers made the situation too political and publicised? Plus, Monday's state of emergency for the coast, how do we get Wellingtonians not in the affected area to not overreact? Should coward punch law changes go harder? Is TOP the party to watch? And the panel give us their hot and nots. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a weekend for the Hurricanes. Newstalk ZBs sports experts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills in the studio to talk the sports weekend ahead. Fill the tin! Over 20,000 are expected to be at Hnry Stadium backing the boys in yellow. Will the Hurricanes beat the Blues and get that home final? The crew chat the season so far, the success that has got them to this point and what to expect from Saturday nights game. They look into the coaching team, and acknowledge the incredible work of Clarke Laidlaw. Can the canes lock in these big coaching names? Plus, the Pulse play their last game this weekend, the crew talk the season and what could happen next with broadcasting rights and should the team be worried? And the Saints have what Nick is calling the "season defining game" - will they beat the Tuatara? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its Politics Thursday and this week Nick is joined by National MP Tim Costley and Labour MP Camilla Belich to discuss the top political issues of the week. Labour's new policy $20 cap for public transport - is it too good to be true? The panel look at the viability of the $65 million cost and is it fair to rural taxpayers? Then onto the investigation launched by the police commissioner into conduct of superintendent Rakesh Naidoo whilst announcing his candidacy for the Labour Party. The panel discuss the labour list rankings, and Greg O'Connor's departure from politics. Also charter schools - a mixed bag of results, are they worth it? Would Labour keep them? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Julia' at Circa Theatre is earning rave reviews, star Lara Macgregor graces the studio this morning to chat with Nick Mills. Julia centres around former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, diving into her life and legacy leading up to her landmark 2012 "misogyny speech". The play examines gender, power and the pressures of political leadership through Julia's lens. Lara talks about her research and experience stepping into the shoes of Julia, but also the sexism she has experienced herself in the theatre world. Lara says, "Women deserve a better standard than this." Nick and Lara discuss if pressure eased for women in politics or is it still just as brutal now as it was for Julia Gillard? Check out the hit play 'Julia' on at Circa Theatre till Saturday 27th June. Buy tickets at circa.co.nz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dire Straits saxophonist Chris White makes his return to NZ with 'The Dire Straits Experience'. The tribute group brings back the hits from the iconic 80s band to Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre this August. Chris joins Nick on the show today to reminisce on the old days with the original band and frontman Mark Knopfler. Chris and Nick talk his return to NZ, the success of tribute bands, bringing the music back to the stage and his favourite songs to play live. Get tickets for the Dire Straits Experience at Michael Fowler Centre August 20th on Ticketmaster.co.nz LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: Can I ask a simple question this morning? At what point does being prepared become being overprotective? Now before anyone jumps on me and has a crack at me, let me make one thing crystal clear. Safety comes first. If lives are genuinely at risk, authorities should act. Nobody wants to see people injured or killed because someone was too slow to make a decision. And I'm certainly not suggesting we ignore severe weather. In fact, the latest figures show between March 2025 and the end of February this year, we had a damaging storm every eight days on average. More than 33,000 insurance claims were lodged for flooding, wind and storm damage. The risks are real. But Wellington has now been through another state of emergency over predicted waves and high winds, and the reality is that what was forecast simply did not eventuate. Mayor Andrew Little himself acknowledged that the predicted conditions "hadn't materialised.” There had been no reports of major damage. The state of emergency has now been lifted. So, my concern now is: are we becoming too quick to shut the city down? I did some rough calculations this morning, because this whole thing concerns me greatly. Wellington's economy is worth around $56 billion a year. Spread that across a normal working year and you're talking about roughly $200 million of economic activity every weekday. Even if only 10 or 20 percent of that is disrupted because people stay home, businesses close, customers disappear and workers can't get into the city, that's potentially tens of millions of dollars affected. Yesterday I walked into a well-known clothing store in the CBD and asked how it was going, didn't even think about the state of emergency. The answer? They hadn't had a single customer all morning. Is that because of the weather? Maybe partly. The weather was fine in the city. Is it because the city was under a state of emergency? I'd bet dollars to donuts that played a major role. If you're told your city is in a state of emergency, you're probably not heading into town to buy a new jacket. Then think about the ripple effects— Parents scrambling with childcare, employees worried about getting home and small businesses, already battered by years of economic hardship, losing yet another trading day. Preparation and resilience are good things. Panic is not. And here's the other thing. We are Wellingtonians. We are proud to be Wellingtonians. We live in one of the windiest capitals in the world. Windy Wellington. We know what a southerly look like, and some of us actually love southerlies. We know what big seas look like. We live on a coast. Storms are part of living here. Meanwhile, Wellington Airport remained open and aircraft continued landing. State of emergency and our major international airport was open. Life carried on, in many respects. But in the back of everyone of everyone's minds: state of emergency. Panic, panic, panic. Of course, authorities acted on the advice they had, and Mayor Little has defended the decision by pointing to the destructive 2020 storms and the uncertainty of forecasting. I'm not saying what we did was wrong, I'm saying do we need to be more careful. There will also be a review of the declaration, and that's exactly as it should be. But perhaps we need a wider conversation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's semi-finals time for Wellington's Hurricanes and the mission is 'fill the tin." Owner Malcolm Gillies and CEO Tony Philp join Nick Mills in the studio to celebrate the semis and reach their goal to sell 25,000 tickets. Gillies talks bringing the life back to super rugby, and what the future holds for privatisation. Philp and Gillies say the team is ready for the clash against the Blues, and there's lots of excitement coming up to Saturday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor joins Nick Mills this morning to talk his exit from politics, the Labour list and Rakesh Naidoo candidacy controversy. After three terms as the Ōhāriu MP for Labour, O'Connor is calling it quits. He chats to Nick about the reason, and if it has anything to do with the list rankings released yesterday. O'Connor says he wouldn't have enjoyed being a list MP as much as looking after his electorate. They look back at his successful political career and forward to his future, and if he could appear in another party one day. Then O'Connor shares his thoughts on the Labour list, including Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo. Naidoo has appeared 13th but has been in hot water over informing Police Commissioner Richard Chambers later than Chambers believed was acceptable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Music Month lives on into June, on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills and James Irwin. The crew discuss which Kiwis have had major global success and what are the top hits from 2000 to now. They also take a look at Pagan records and the huge names that have bloomed from the label. And James shares his story of hitch-hiking with one of the most beloved New Zealanders ever. Find out who on Music Time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A state of emergency is in place for areas of the Wellington region due to heavy swells on the coast. A mandatory evacuation order is in place for about 350 homes from Ōwhiro to Breaker bay - excluding Lyall Bay. MetService issued the warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in Wairarapa. Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) urge people to take the warnings very seriously. WREMO spokesperson Dan Neely told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings there are roadblocks in evacuated areas and emergency services cannot reach those who stay. Official advice is to stay away from coastal roads, don't put yourself at risk. Neely said these were the highest waves he's seen in his time here. Call 111 if you are in an emergency, and stay away from the coast. Get the latest updates here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician, actor and producer Troy Kingi joins Nick Mills on the show today to talk his latest show 'Night Lords'. The concert hits Wellington at Meow Nui as part of the winter Lōemis Festival on June 18th. Kingi talks his latest album - the ninth in his 10/10/10 series. In 10 years Kingi has attempted to create 10 albums in 10 different genres. 'Night Lords' blends hip-hop and RnB. They also chat about Kingi's acting endeavours and what does the future look like after he completes the much anticipated tenth album? Grab tickets on the Lōemis website for Troy Kingi Presents: Night Lords here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Andrew Little joins Nick in the studio to talk the latest wins and losses of the city from the last month. Mayor Little says he is "angry" and "horrified" over the $600,000 cost for the promotion website for Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library. Nick asks the tough questions around accountability, Little says he still has faith in CEO Matt Prosser and CFO Andrea Reeves after yet another cost blowout. Although rates have had the lowest rise in years, has the council really got financial restraint after another ghost is shaken from the finance team? Also on the agenda is the latest updates on Moa Point and council amalgamation, Tiaki Wai changes and authority, Wellingtonians leaving for Australia and what we can do to keep them here. And what will happen to the Citizens Advice Bureau after large cuts put it's existence at risk? Could the decision be overturned? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its Friday Sports Kick-off and it's a Hurricanes special as Brad Shields joins the show today! Tonight is the quarter final at Hnry Stadium for Hurricanes and Brumbies, and the fight for the home semifinal. Shields shares an inside look coming up to the challenge of finals. Shields compares the current line up to the 2016 team, and says the boys are excited and working hard to win tonight. Then back with ZBs sports gurus Jason Pine and Adam Cooper. They talk our chances, analysing our last game against the Australian team where we won 45-12. And what lies ahead for the Canes - if they win or lose tonight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The radio gang is back together - Nick Mills is joined for Faceoff this week by legendary broadcasters Polly Gillespie and Nick Tansley. Starting with arming police, should they be able to carry guns on their hip? They faceoff on gun safety and how this would affect Kiwis. The law only allows for 3 days bereavement leave. The panel discuss the balance between dealing with grief but considering the employer. Is there a time limit to overcome something like the death of a loved one? The panel also faceoff on solar panel homes, frequent ambulance call outs, house prices, council amalgamation deadlines and which is better Wellington or Christchurch? Plus, with the increase of 49% for liquidations of hospitality businesses the panel dissect the changes in trends with dining out? And Gillespie and Tansley share their hot or nots from the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cult hit "Heathers the Musical" has taken Wellington by storm. The edgy comedy based off the 1988 film Heathers is touring Aus and NZ, finishing it's Wellington run this Sunday at the Opera House. Lead "Heather" Calista Nelmes joins Nick in the studio to teach him a thing or two about being a 'heather' and the success of the globally renowned musical. If you're in the mood for show stopping voices, dancing and snappy comedy grab tickets here. This weekend is your last chance to see the worldwide phenomenon at the Opera House before they wrap their tour in Auckland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest festival to hit Wellington is Lōemis, a celebration fo both local and international music and art. Nick is joined in the studio by Lōemis director Andrew Laking to find out what the festival is all about. Laking shares what acts to look out for and why this festival is perfect for a Wellington winter. Bringing in acts from all over the world including Japan and New York City, the festival is a mix of music, food, immersive art, spoken word and film. The festival is all over the city and runs from 9th-21st June. Check out the programme and get tickets on their website - Lōemis.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday, Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to debate the hot political issues of the week. Starting with the TVNZ situation - is the public entitled to transparency around the resignation of their political editor? And the heartbreaking story of Sheena Hemens who lost her daughter and is now fighting for bereavement leave to be extended from three days to ten. Costley and Andersen debate if the law should be changed. Then the changes to local government, both to stop unelected members from voting on council decisions and Mayor Andrew Little's concern on the amalgamation deadline. Will Upper Hutt be dragged into something they don't want? A lobbyist influence was hiding from the OIA in the personal email of the Prime Minister's chief policy advisor. Has enough been done to prevent this happening again? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little spoke to constituents and officials this morning outlining the way forward for council amalgamation, as only ten weeks remain for the government's deadline. Mayor Little joins Nick on the show this morning to discuss his thoughts and plan as the deadline looms. With talks of a referendum, Little says if he had to decide today, he would go through with the amalgamation of the "core four" - Porirua, Hutt City and Upper Hutt. Nick finds out the latest on Upper Hutt's involvement, the effect on rates, what WCC have learnt from the Auckland Supercity merger and the possible structures that could sustain local voices. Little shares what the next steps look like, including potential of a referdendum. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday Faceoff and this week Nick is joined in the studio by Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and Wellington's Chamber of Commerce CEO Hayley Horan. It's a post-budget day special. Yesterday Nicola Willis released her much anticipated budget, the panel dissect the winners, the losers and what they think is missing from this year's "sugar-free" budget. We hear what Horan has heard from businesses, does the budget lack vision? And what does it do for Wellington? Then onto Wellington City Council who had a week of ups and downs. A lower-than-expected rates rise was announced at 5.9%, yet a day later it was released they spent 600 thousand on a promotional website for the new library. They share their thoughts on the 600k pay cheque and sending the job out to Auckland. And what is hoing on with the spending culture on the council? Horan and Leggett also talk Takina - are we getting the best use out of it? And the panel share their hots and a not of the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for Friday Sports Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper joining Nick on the show. Starting with The Hurricanes game tonight against the Crusaders in Christchurch. With many injuries in the team, are the panel concerned about a loss of the game and momentum towards the final? And the incredible story of Tim Payne who yesterday had under 5,000 followers, has gone viral and just cracked 1 million. The power of social media hit Payne when an Argentinean influencer called him the least known player at the upcoming FIFA world cup - a statement certainly not true today. And what is happening with the Pulse? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday and it's Budget Day, Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. The panel talk the political issues of the week - starting with the budget due for release at 2pm today. Costley says it's certainly no lolly scramble, but it is a budget for real Kiwis. Andersen shares her worries for the people who need support most - particularly from what we have already seen from pre-budget announcements. How has collaboration and compromise been with the coalition partners while crafting the budget? And onto the Ipsos survey, where Kiwis trust Labour to deal with 7 out of the top 10. What do our politicians think have caused these results? Are people voting on hope? Then, the government's new loan scheme to transition large companies off gas, should this be expanded? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) opened earlier this year out in Upper Hutt, and yesterday Nick was able to tour around the new sports charter school. Follow Nick as he goes through the facilities and classes and speaks with CEO Karen van Gemeren, Principal Ryan Clark and some of the students. Students Emily and Ben share how their experience has been here, compared to their old schools. And tell Nick what the school has been able to do for their budding sports careers. NZPAA has around 85 students and is the country's first dedicated elite sports charter school. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills in the studio, on the eve of one of the biggest days in the political year: Budget Day. With the budget looming, Nick asks if we can finally expect policy from Labour for this coming election. Hipkins shares his predictions for the budget, Labour's priorities and his thoughts on the pre-budget announcements so far. With the 8700 jobs cut announcement, we find out if Labour would reinstate some of these and what difference he thinks AI can make in the public sector. Hipkins says Labour will look into regulation and the future of AI, and he wants to focus on growing productivity of employees, not replacing them. Also, does Hipkins think that New Zealand is ready to trust a Labour government and he gives his thoughts on the leaked "duck faced horse" audio from the Labour conference. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council has proposed their lowest rates rise since 2020, at 5.8%. Deputy Mayor of Wellington Ben McNulty joins the show to discuss the news and how the council managed to cut the rise down from 7.4%, after an already substantial decrease from the last prediction. Nick asks how this adds up with the inclusion of separate water bills and how this compares to Auckland. McNulty says there are still "ghosts in the walls" that need shaking out, so we should expect more poor spending announcements before cost cutting becomes consistent. And he shares how the spending culture has changed since Mayor Andrew Little has come into power. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its Music Time and the last week of NZ Music Month! Nick and James continue to debate the greatest New Zealand singles of the 1980s and 90s. Give big ups to a New Zealand record label who discovered one of our biggest international success stories and cover off all the happenings of gigs you can attend before the end of May! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick is joined in the studio by Rewiring Aotearoa CE Mike Casey, the company aims to electrify NZ. The government announced yesterday they would fund a $1.2 billion loan scheme to help large businesses transfer away from gas to renewable energy. Casey is calling for this to expand to everyday people - households and small businesses. He shares his own experience electrifying his own orchid. Casey says NZ will not have enough gas by 2032 and it is imperative to move to electric. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) is facing an unpredictable future, as the Wellington City Council cuts their funding by 60%. The council announced CAB will go from receiving around $230,000 to $100,000. CAB General Manager Carin Sundstedt joins Nick Mills on the show to discuss the impact this will cause to not only CAB but all of Wellington, The service helped around 11,000 people last year alone and has three full time staff who support around 125 volunteers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.