Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Education Minister Erica Stanford repeatedly tried to brief and seek input from Labour's education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime about impending NCEA changes - but Prime and Hipkins refused to meet. Is this what we expect from the opposition? Also, the Wellington City Council has voted against a proposal to install fencing along Wellington's waterfront after a recommendation from the coroner. Is this the right call? To answer those questions, BRG senior consultant and former chief press secretary to Christopher Luxon Hamish Rutherford and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Black star Richie Mo'unga will return to New Zealand in 2026, signing with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and the Canterbury Rugby Union. What does his return mean for the All Blacks? Also, it's a story of success very few could replicate; going from a roofer playing club rugby to an All Black in the space of 12 months. But that's exactly what Wellington's Kyle Preston has done. How did he do it? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big party is coming to Wellington's St James Theatre this month. The acclaimed Mamma Mia musical is taking the stage over August, with the Wellington-based cast performing all of Abba's greatest hits over a two-week season. Nick was lucky enough to be joined by a very sparkly Donna and the Dynamos in studio to discuss the show and perform a classic Abba tune. Mamma Mia is on at the St James Theatre from August 13th to 31st. Tickets from Ticketmaster. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is hoping to have petrol tax fully scrapped by 2027, with all motorists moving towards paying road user charges per kilometre. But if the idea is that this is cost neutral, what's the point? Also, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced a raft of changes to the Fisheries Act, but as a former chair of Sealord and someone who has received donations from the industry, is he the right person to be making these decisions? To answer those questions, Labour's Ohariu MP Greg O'Connor and National's Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council's Crown Observer believes Tory Whanau made the right move in deciding not to run for Mayor again. Lindsay McKenzie has ended his six month stint after being brought in by the Government last year to be its eyes and ears as the council failed to deliver a long-term plan. His final report suggests the capital is facing the same problems as the rest of the country but is steadily progressing. McKenzie says the council has effectively solved the problems that were the catalyst for the Ministerial intervention, and the level of cooperation and consideration for each other's views and preferences has increased. When it comes to Whanau's leadership, he told Nick Mills that it's a tough ask for somebody to come into a mayoral role with no local government experience, especially in the capital city, and it showed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has inked an executive order raising tariffs on Kiwi goods from 10% to 15%. What impact will this have on our exporters - and how did Australia get away with staying at 10%? Also, FBI director Kash Patel was in Wellington this week opening a brand new permanent office. Should Kiwis be concerned about having the FBI in town? To answer those questions, former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne and political commentator and Capital director Ben Thomas joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZ premiership has finally inked a new broadcast deal with TVNZ - but it will see Netball NZ paying them for the privilege of having the games broadcast. What impact will this have on the professional game? Also, the NPC has officially kicked off, and the Wellington Lions take on Canterbury at Jerry Collins Park tomorrow. How's the team looking for the season? To answer those questions, All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of gang members in New Zealand has surpassed 10,000 for the first time - now sitting at 10,009 according to the National Gang List. That compares to 9270 just before the 2023 election, and 5343 gang members in 2017. So what's needed to stop the gangs growing, and has banning gang patches made any material difference to recruitment? Police Minister Mark Mitchell joined Nick Mills to discuss the numbers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 36,000 nurses are taking to the street today in an effort for better pay and conditions, but with the average nurse earning over $100,000 a year - are some being a bit greedy? Also, while interest rates have lowered, many Wellingtonians are still feeling the pinch of a sluggish economy. When can we expect to see the economy bounce back? Deputy Prime Minister and Act leader David Seymour joined Nick Mills in the studio. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Music Time, Nick and James preview a New Zealand band out of retirement with an imminent tour and vinyl release, ponder pirate metal and German reggae musical genres and check out all the gigs around the capital. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a Hutt Valley special of the Wellington Morning's business panel this week, with a successful engineer and the man in charge of advocating for business in the area joining Nick on the show. On the agenda; the state of the Wellington economy in the outer cities, rising rates and insurance costs, public sector cuts and the rise of artificial intelligence. Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Patrick McKibbin and Metco Engineering director Paul Jessup joined Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced changes to election rules, ending the ability to enrol on election day - something 110,000 people did last election. Is this a reasonable move, or could it risk disenfranchising some would-be voters? Also, the government has instructed Sport NZ to scrap its guidelines on transgender participation in sport, which directed sporting bodies to allow trans people to participate as the gender they identify with. Now, individual sporting bodies will make their own decisions on trans inclusion. Is this the right call? To answer those questions, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's premier netball competition is staring down financial struggles, with Netball NZ yet to confirm a broadcast deal for the competition moving forward. Players are reportedly growing concerned about their futures, with broadcasting rights making up a large chunk of the funding required to hold the ANZ Premiership each year. So, what does the future hold for netball in New Zealand? Newstalk ZB All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has directed Sport NZ to scrap their guidelines around transgender participation in sports - with individual sporting bodies able to make their own decisions on how to include transgender players. But is this really a serious issue, or a manufactured culture-war type debate? Also, the price of butter has risen 60% in the last twelve months. Should Kiwis be paying export prices for butter? To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mills Albert Wellington Saints have made history - taking out their thirteenth NBL championship title over the weekend. The Saints beat the Southland Sharks 88-83 on Sunday night at TSB Arena in Wellington. Captain Hyrum Harris, coach Aaron Young and CEO Jordan Mills joined Nick Mills in studio with the NBL trophy to talk about the team's season and Sunday night's thriller. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is back on the rise, with an annual inflation rate of 2.7% in the year to June, up from 2.5% in the year to March. What will be going through the minds of the economics wonks at the Reserve Bank - and are we still in line for another rate cut next month with this news? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by ex-Wellington Mayor and Dot Loves Data director Justin Lester, and Raygun co-founder John-Daniel (JD) Trask. They discussed the fallout over the past week from mayoral candidate Ray Chung's infamous email, the Prime Minister's latest criticisms of Wellington and how the city's thriving with a handful of top sporting events. Listen live to Faceoff each Friday at 11am on Newstalk ZB. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Politics Thursday, National's Otaki MP and Labour Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall debate the revelation the Retail Crime Advisory Group cost 500-thousand dollars in just 102 days. They also discussed the continuing controversy around the Wellington Mayoral race, and whether Christopher Luxon's comments this week about Wellington were fair. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington football fans are in for an exciting weekend, with the famous Wrexham AFC journeying to Wellington to face our very own Phoenix. The Welsh team rose in popularity after it was bought by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, and later featuring in the documentary Welcome to Wrexham. The football-mad Wilce family were born and raised in Wrexham, Wales, but have been proud to call Wellington home since 2018. Mum Dawn Wilce joined Nick Mills to talk about her time in Wrexham and how excited her family is ahead of Saturday's match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is 40 years since the greatest concert of all time - Live Aid. Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick to talk the very best and worst of of the event, as well as revisiting Aussie rockers The Superjesus and pondering why Lorde isn't coming to Wellington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington has had a smashing weekend with the All Blacks, 10cc and the NBL semi-final in town - but is the city really on the up? And how much does the city's economy rely on big events? Also, we learnt last week 30,000 Kiwis moved to Australia last year alone. How do we keep our young talent in New Zealand - and can we compete with the attraction of Australia? To answer those questions, WellingtonNZ's head of business growth Jackson Hapeta and Trinity Group director Jeremy Smith (owner of Trinity Hotel, Lulu and others) joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people aged 15-24 without a job has jumped to 16% - nearly one in five. It comes as businesses continue to face tough economic times - with many businesses not wanting to take a risk on a young person. To talk about the figures, economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen joined Nick Mills to discuss the news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both Labour and Te Pati Māori have selected their candidates to run in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election - a race necessitated by the death of incumbent MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp. So how tight is the race expected to be? Also, Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick has admitted her loyalties lay with the Act party while at university. How many other examples are there of MPs having vastly different political views as a young person? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung sent a sordid email to some council colleagues in 2023, claiming mayor Tory Whanau had drug-fuelled “tempestuous sex” in an orgy, and making reference to her having “pendulous soft breasts”. The email has only surfaced today - but does it rule Ray Chung out as a serious mayoral contender? Also, the All Blacks take on France in the second test at Sky Stadium tomorrow night. How important are these events for the city, and what can we expect from both teams? To answer those questions, former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and current Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy joined Nick Mills on Friday Faceoff, live from the Champions Lunch at Takina. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks take on France in the second test in Wellington tomorrow night - and the city is buzzing ahead of the game. The The 28th Cello Champions Charity Luncheon was held on Friday ahead of the event, with a stellar line up of former All Blacks including Frank Bunce and Josh Kronfeld. Frank Bunce played 69 All Black games - including 55 tests - between 1992 and 1997, while Josh Kronfeld played 56 All Blacks games - including 54 tests - between 1995 and 2000. The pair joined Nick Mills to share their memories of the infamous 1995 Rugby World Cup, as well as their predictions ahead of the All Blacks' second test against the French tomorrow night. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cello Champions Charity Luncheon is being held in Wellington for it's 28th year - and Nick Mills was at the Takina Convention Centre broadcasting live ahead of the event. The luncheon is in aid of Life Flight - and former Blackcap and Life Flight ambassador Grant Elliot and luncheon organiser Ian Klinac joined Nick to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been just over two years since Wellington's brand new $180 million conference centre Takina opened - and it's attracted plenty of events. But there have been some reports that its struggling to attract as many events as first anticipated. Wellington City Council's Chief Economic and Engagement Officer Anna Calver joined Nick Mills, live from Takina, to discuss the first two years of the centre's operation and what's instore for the future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks take on France in the second test in Wellington tomorrow night - and the city is buzzing ahead of the game. Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine today hosted the Champions Luncheon at Takina - and will be broadcasting live from Shed 22 tomorrow ahead of the test. He joined Nick Mills to share his predictions for the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second phase of the Royal Commision into the government's response to Covid-19 is underway - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the investigation was intentionally designed to give conspiracy theorists a platform. Is this a fair comment - and should Hipkins and former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern front up at the inquiry? Also, Resources Minister Shane Jones is not happy with DOC. They have declined an application to extend an Otago gold mine because the mining company didn't have a proper lizard management plan, with 700 jobs at risk according to the mining company. What's more important - jobs or lizards? To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a new ferry in Wellington Harbour - and it looks remarkably similar to an existing one. Bluebridge's new ferry Livia has arrived in the capital - the sister ship to the existing Connemara vessel already operated by Bluebridge. The ship, built in 2008, was previously operated by a ferry line in Europe, but has since had a fresh lick of paint and is currently undergoing internal renovations ahead of its first voyage across the Cook Strait in about two weeks. Nick was invited on a tour of the new ship, as well as a chat with Bluebridge/Strait NZ chief executive Shane McMahon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The organisation tasked with helping to grow the Wellington region's economy has a new boss - and he says Wellington needs to focus more on its successes, rather than it's struggles. Mark Oldershaw took over the reins at WellingtonNZ a month ago and joined Nick Mills to discuss the role of the organisation, the state of the region, and some exciting major events at Sky Stadium that hopefully will be announced soon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's an exciting gig coming to Wellington this week – especially if your heydey was in the 70s. 10cc is returning to the capital on Friday night to play a gig at the Opera House, performing classic hits like The Things We Do For Love, Dreadlock Holiday and I'm Not In Love. 10cc was formed in 1972 - after frontman and songwriter Graham Gouldman had begun his career writing hits for The Hollies and Herman's Hermits. The band has had twelve songs reach the UK Top 40 - including three number-one hits. Gouldman joined Nick Mills to discuss the band's legacy and the inspiration behind their biggest hits. 10cc perform at the Wellington Opera House this Friday, July 11. Tickets from Ticketmaster. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the second week of the winter recess at Parliament - known around the building as one of the quietest weeks in politics of the year. But despite many politicians taking the week off or working back in their electorates, there's still work being done in the halls of power - including public submissions on the Regulatory Standards Bill today. What does the bill do, and why has it been so controversial? Also, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says it's possible the government could introduce mandatory sentences for some crimes. What could this look like? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local elections are less than four months away now, and nominations officially opened today. But with four races in Wellington with hot favourites, are we less excited than we have been in previous years? Also, Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul wants some of the city's statues pulled down, including the William Wakefield monument on the bank of the Basin Reserve, claiming we shouldn't have statues of "thieving criminal colonisers". Is she right? To answer those questions, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson has named his first All Blacks 23 of the year, to face France at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night. France have won their past three tests against the All Black - but could that winning streak end this weekend as Robertson's men face a French side missing some of their stars? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Wellington's All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to give their takes ahead of the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced three new law and order policies this week, including increased penalties for coward punches, assaulting first responders and shoplifting. But what impact will these changes have? Also, Act and New Zealand First have shot down Finance Minister Nicola Willis' plans for a policy costing unit. Is this something we should have? National's Otaki MP Tim Costley and Labour's revenue and associate finance spokeswoman Dr Deborah Russell joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader and Remutaka MP Chris Hipkins says he is sceptical of the idea the Interislander could be privatised. It comes after a cabinet paper obtained by the Herald floated the possibility of partially or fully privatising the ferry service. Hipkins joined Nick Mills for his monthly catch-up, where the pair also discussed the state of the economy, whether weight-loss 'wonder drugs' should be funded, and the government's recent law and order announcements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well-known Wellington personality Ken Laban has thrown his hat in the ring to be Lower Hutt's next mayor. The 68-year-old has spent his career as a police officer, later becoming a commentator with TVNZ and Sky Sport. Since 2013 he has served as a Greater Wellington Regional Councillor. He grew up in Wainuiomata with sister Dame Winnie Laban, a former Labour cabinet minister. Laban joined Nick Mills to discuss why he's chosen to run for the city's top job. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says New Zealand has not “escaped the aftershocks of world events” as new data shows hardship rising and more Kiwis struggling to pay the bills. Speaking to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills about the state of the economy, Willis acknowledged it had been “a tough time”. “Things were starting to come along and then come April there were some reasonably significant announcements by the US President that sent ramifications through the world”, Willis said. Donald Trump's April “Liberation Day” announcement saw sweeping tariffs introduced for more than 125 countries, including 10% on imports coming from New Zealand. Willis said business confidence has been impacted as a result and growth forecasts have been downgraded.“Little old New Zealand, just recovering, has been really impacted by that.” She said in spite of the global uncertainty growth is still forecast to improve, but “we haven't escaped the aftershocks of global events”. Credit reporting agency Centrix released its June Credit Indicator today. It showed household arrears were levelling out while hardship and company liquidations were on the rise. Nearly 50,000 individual billpayers were in financial hardship, an increase of 300 from May, and 14% more than a year ago, Centrix said. An uptick in hardship began in November 2022, and today's figures “continues a steady upward trend”, Centrix managing director Keith McLaughlin said. “I don't deny those numbers, as you say, they're facts and I meet enough New Zealanders each week to know there are still a lot of people doing it tough”, Willis said. She said it comes at a time when New Zealand is at its “peak unemployment”. “When unemployment is higher, of course that is when you see people unable to pay their bills”, Willis said. On the increase in business liquidations, which Centrix recorded as being up 27% on last year's figures, Willis said that there would be a variety of reasons for that and disputed the Government was responsible. Asked by Mills if her government could have done more to assist struggling businesses, she said there were “certainly things we could have done which would have made it harder for them”. Willis pointed to moves like tax cuts, cutting red tape, and the investment boost policy, which she said are benefiting small businesses. Wellington's ‘disappointing chapter' Willis, a lifelong Wellingtonian, was asked about the state of the capital. She responded by criticising Wellington City Council for having had “its eye completely off the ball”. “It feels to me like a place that needs a fresh start”, she said. Willis believes the city still has “cool things” going for it like smart tenacious people, the native bush, and the city's hospitality scene, but said “man oh man have we mucked up” with regard to council decision-making. She said the council must be focused on keeping rates low. It comes after the council approved a 12% rates increase for the 2025/2026 year. “It seems to me that the council has not been focused on that mission and at the same time has been quite distracted by what I would say are interesting political debates.” She said the city has been in a “disappointing chapter”. Asked whether she is excited by any of those running in the upcoming local election, Willis said she does not endorse candidates but is looking for two things. The first was getting rates rises under control. “That means actually being prepared to stop doing some things, we've had to do that as a government”, Willis said.The second thing she was looking for in candidates was policy that is “genuinely pro-business”, citing Wellington's disproportionately high commercial rates. She also spoke on the Golden Mile project saying while she understands the vision, now is not the time.“I'm looking for councillors who are pledging to be disciplined about the way they spend ratepayer money”, Willis said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big weekend of music on Worth Farm in Somerset, England as the 2025 Glastonbury music festival was held. This week Nick and James dissect the highlights of the festival, argue about an audio-visual experience that is coming to Wellington this month, and listen to Liam Finn's latest album Hyperverse. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's exactly halfway through 2025 - six months ago the catch phrase of the Wellington business community was 'survive til 25'. Are our businesses still struggling halfway through the year? Also, have tourism numbers in Wellington bounced back to pre-Covid levels, and can Kiwi consumers and businesses cope with the increasing costs of flights? To answer those questions, Business Central/Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus and Travel Agents Association CEO Julie White joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legislation will soon be introduced bolstering the maximum sentences for those who assault first responders and Corrections offices. Will it be supported across Parliament? Also, a New Zealand First MP has announced her resignation from Parliament after just 18 months. Why is she leaving? To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.