Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

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.

Nick Mills wraps the week with former Wellington Mayor, Dame Kerry Prendergast and legendary broadcaster and journalist, Mark Sainsbury. They dived right into the mayoral desk saga, Dame Kerry gave her thoughts on her desk being leaked to the public. Dame Kerry and Mark also discussed the earthquake building rule changes, Christopher Luxon's leadership analysis, WOW wrap up, the Wellington Mayoral race and give their hot or nots of the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Politics Thursday, Nick Mills was joined by Labour List MP Kieran McAnulty and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick. They discussed the governments new energy plan, and it's $500 thousand dollar report. As well as the Kainga Ora apartment block sale, earthquake building rule changes and the data sharing between local body candidates and central government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington mayoral hopeful Karl Tiefenbacher says he would resign as mayor and ask the Government to call in commissioners to replace the elected council if he couldn't implement his policies. Speaking to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, Tiefenbacher was asked by a caller if he would honour his campaign promises. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says the government's new electricity announcement is "throwing more money down empty holes". Hipkins also shared his thoughts with Nick Mills on Wellington Morningon the lack of bi-partisan support from the National government, after the leak of Luxon's letter. He discussed how Labour were not informed of any of the announcements today, and says this shows that they are not open to working together on big issues. In his monthly catch up with Nick Mills Wellington Mornings, Hipkins also talked about the new earthquake prone building rules, the decision on Palestinian state, and Trump's new plan for Gaza and if the UN is fit for purpose. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country star Tami Neilson chats to Nick Mills on her upcoming Neon Cowgirl tour, touring with the greats like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan and her love of Wellington. The New Zealand leg of her international tour begins Friday 3rd October. You can get tickets at plus1.co.nz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters announced New Zealand's stance on Palestinian Statehood this weekend at the UN. We hear the talk around the beehive after Cabinet's decision to not recognise the state. We also discuss the funding of prisons and the upcoming announcement from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on earthquake-prone building law rewrites, and how this will impact Wellingtonians and our businesses. Newstalk ZB political editor Azaria Howel joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday Faceoff this week Nick spoke to Franks Ogilvie director Stephen Franks and former cabinet minister Peter Dunne. They discussed the council desk saga, privacy within the council, gave their thoughts on Andrew Little and the Wellington mayoral race and their live reaction to the Loafers Lodge fire guilty verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To coincide with the influx of visitors for World of WearableArt (WOW), WellingtonNZ has arranged a hop-on, hop-off minibus service exclusively for WOW ticketholders. It connects them with the best of Wellington's CBD with a 30-minute loop route, accompanied by commentary of some of Wellington's history and stories. Driver and tour guide Ron Irvine joined Nick Mills to talk about his role. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Politics Thursday, Nick Mills was joined by Labour's Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley. They discussed Treasury's stark warnings about the country's fiscal direction, the new Reserve Bank Governor and the ratings of politicians from the Herald's Mood of the Boardroom. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung joined Nick Mils to discuss his second run for mayor in this year's Local Body Elections. He discussed his 0% rates rise policy, and the recent release of a controversial email he sent to fellow councillors in 2023. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Music Time, can Nick and James pinpoint who is the greatest guitar player of all time? Is it an early innovator or a blues legend, A fret shredder or Rock guru? With so many great players to choose from, who will be number 1? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Business Panel, Nick was joined by sixth generation Ohariu Valley farmer Hamish Best - who also owns Conscious Valley meat - alongside NZCIS Performance Institute general manager Jamie Tout. They discussed how their respective businesses have been performing this year, and talked over a number of issues such as the recent GDP result, how to get Wellington thriving for business and whether the Local Body Elections have an impact on their companies. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wrapped up the week with BRG senior consultant and Chris Luxon's former chief press secretary Hamish Rutherford, and former NZ Herald senior reporter Georgina Campbell. They discussed the fallout from the 0.9% GDP drop, the upcoming Wellington Local Body Elections, amalgamation and what should happen with the City to Sea Bridge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick is joined for the Friday Sport Kickoff by Jason Pine and Adam Cooper, who look ahead to the Black Ferns' Rugby World Cup semifinal against Canada on Saturday. They also discussed the fallout from last week's All Blacks loss to South Africa, and whether the return of some top players will salvage the Wellington Lions' NPC season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World of WearableArt (WOW) is back in Wellington for 2025, with the show Rise at TSB Arena. The mastermind of the show again this year is the renowned Las Vegas-based creative genius Brian Burke, who returns as Executive Creative Director. Ahead of WOW's opening night in Wellington, Nick Mills caught up with Burke about his vision for this year's festival, and his passion for producing world-leading events around the globe. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economy is back in contraction. Latest data just out from Stats NZ shows GDP fell 0.9% in the three months to June. That follows six months of growth, after six months of contraction. Nick Mills gauged reaction to the announcement with Labour's Ayesha Verrall and National's Mike Butterick in Politics Thursday. They also discussed the current teacher and nurse strikes, the rise in New Zealanders being sent to prison and Labour's relationship with Te Pāti Māori. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the countdown continues to the start of World of World of WearableArt (WOW) in Wellington for 2025, Nick Mills spoke with show model and dancer Stela Albuquerque, whose face is on the WOW posters and advertising for this year's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three term Wellington City Council Diane Calvert joined Nick Mills in studio to discuss her second bid for the Wellington Mayoralty. Calvert pledged to cut the Council's operational expenditure by 5% - or $40 million - in her first year as Mayor. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 2025 edition of World of Wearable Art (WOW) at Wellington's TSB Arena, Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills is chatting to some of the key figures, both on stage and behind the scenes. Nick sat down with Leonie Trathen, who first modelled for the show in 1990, and is now wardrobe and activations manager for the design competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.