Podcast appearances and mentions of viv beck

Here we go again – the America's Cup. How many times have you heard the debates for and against the America's Cup? The Government, as you will have heard, has declined the opportunity to invest in hosting the America's Cup in 2027 and the usual arguments are raging over the wisdom or otherwise of that decision. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) chief executive Nick Hill said it was with great disappointment that they were confirming that Auckland would no longer be bidding to host the 2027 America's Cup, explaining that Auckland's bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government, and the private sector. MBIE informed TAU that the government is unable to provide the funds required and, on that basis, he said, he bid cannot proceed. He said the situation illustrates the need for a long-term, sustainable funding model in New Zealand to support major events, and there, I would agree. Rather than having it on an ad hoc, piece meal, “hey, what about this guys?” kind of a basis, having some sort of structure to provide funding for major events as they come along would be a very good idea. Viv Beck, from Auckland's Heart of the City, also expressed her disappointment ruing a missed opportunity. “The reason it's so disappointing is it's ripe for the picking. I mean, we've got the infrastructure, the economic benefits would be there and if there had been quicker action on finding alternative funding. I mean we understand that there are other priorities for the government, but growth is also a big opportunity, a big priority and you know the reality is that the GST alone could pay for that money. So I think with some imagination and will and determination it could have been a different result. “We know we don't compete internationally now. Often, we don't, we're a small country, we get that. But I think we do have to have the energy and drive and will to try and find ways to actually grow this, because events are a great way of attracting people here. It's not just a one-time wonder that people come and have a great time. I mean the benefits from trade and jobs, international profile. You look at Barcelona. I mean, imagine if we had that in 2027, something along those lines at a time where we really do need to have something that actually excites people, that we actually are growing and not just full of problems.” Yes, yes, yes. But at risk of stating the obvious, we aren't bloody Barcelona, are we? We're not in the middle of Europe, surrounded by nations who are just a fair wind filling a spinnaker away. We're at the bottom, next stop, Antarctica. The last time New Zealand hosted our economy was left $293 million worse off. That was the 36th America's Cup in 2021, and that was according to an official cost benefit report. Auckland's economy alone was left with a financial deficit of $146 million, with a financial return of 72 cents back for every dollar put in. I am a financial and economic numpty, but even I can see that that does not make sense. To be fair, we were severely hampered by Covid-19, and according to the Trevor Mallard and the Clarke government – they crowed about the 2003 event, they said that generated around half a billion dollars of economic activity into the New Zealand economy which made the investment of around $10 million worthwhile. They said back in 2003, an extra 9360 full-time equivalent jobs were created. And while 85% of the extra economic activity was generated in Auckland, there was still a substantial effect in other regions as international visitors travel to other parts of the country. That was 22 years ago. The world is a vastly, vastly different place. Right now, an America's Cup is a nice to have. It would be lovely, it feels great. I've been in Auckland for a number of Americas Cup's, and they were fantastic, feel-good affairs. They boost morale, and the bars and restaurants do a roaring trade, and everyone with a bit of cash has a jolly good time. It's an absolute jolly. But then I'd like to put a pool in the backyard too, and I think ultimately it would have economic benefits, ultimately it would pay off. I could make the case that if I put in the money now, then I could put in the pool and get the pay off later. Well, except it's a nice to have right now. There are other priorities, and I would say the Government is absolutely damned if it does and damned if it doesn't. This is the price we pay for spending up over the last few years. I'm sure we could find the money. Admittedly, this Government doesn't have Grant Robertson's knack of finding millions down the back of the couch – he always seemed to pop up with $460 million just when it was needed. But what do the optics look like? Cutting the ribbon at a pared down Dunedin hospital while Auckland has a knees up on-board boats and drinking champagne, sure that's going to look fantastic, isn't it? Labour would be bleating away about “unnecessary expense” and “look at the waiting lists”. They're absolutely damned if they do, damned if they don't. We were warned. Wise souls told us on the show, during Labour's hoot's wahay spend up that ultimately, we would have to pay the piper, and this, turning down the opportunity to host an America's Cup is what it feels like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland businesses are frustrated the government's opted not to spend on hosting the next America's Cup in Auckland. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An Auckland Central business group says the Government has missed a golden opportunity for growth by not funding the America's Cup. Central Government refused to give any funding to the 2027 edition of the race. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck says the bars, restaurants, tourist spots and hotels would have benefited immensely. She told Andrew Dickens the event is ripe for the picking, as we have the infrastructure already, and the economic benefits would be there. Beck says they understand the Government has other priorities, but with imagination, will, and determination, there could've been a different result. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 10th of March 2025, the Government's proposing changes to the Public Works Act to speed up how it acquires land, Infrastructure NZ Policy Director Michelle McCormick explains the difference it will make to our infrastructure pipeline. Heart of the City is calling for more big events in Auckland, CEO Viv Beck tells Andrew Dickens about the benefits of large events on the cities businesses. Andrew Alderson shares the latest on the Blackcaps taking on India in the ICC Champions trophy. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey gives an update on train services between London and Paris slowly resuming to normal after an unexploded World War Two bomb was found near Gare du Nord station in Paris. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A renewed push for an Auckland bed tax, after a strong summer for its hotels. They experienced a five-million-dollar boost, largely due to SailGP and country musician Luke Combs' Eden Park concerts in January. CBRE Hotels and Leisure says an extra eight-thousand hotel rooms were booked over the four days. Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck told Andrew Dickens she supports a bed tax, as a way to fund these events which bring people to Auckland. She says it's thought that could contribute to the America's Cup - but time is of the essence, to get it across the line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 26th of November, The Education Review Office says NCEA Level 1 is not a fair or reliable measure, and more schools are opting out of Level 1. Rangitoto College Principal Patrick Gale explains the reasons why they're offering an alternative certificate. GPs are warning patients in need of hospital care they sometimes aren't making it onto the waitlist, while Labour has accused the government of gaming health system numbers by cutting the number of people who can go on surgical waitlists. Luke Bradford from the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners joins the show. Auckland is set to get a new 24/7 CBD police station; how could it help reduce inner city crime rates? Heart of the City's Viv Beck joins to discuss, and Ryan has some thoughts on what the new police station won't solve. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses say the new Central Auckland Police base is a positive step towards improving the city's safety. The new Federal Street station will be close to Aotea Square, making it easier to deploy officers right across the central city. Police plan to have it open to the public 24/7 by the middle of next year. Heart of the City's Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge that businesses have been after more police - especially with the City Rail Link opening soon. She says we want a vibrant, safe, international city, so there needs to be enough police. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's outrage among taxpayers over the projected cost of downtown Auckland's Christmas tree. The Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance has raised concern about the 18 metre Komititanga Square tree, which reportedly costs $1.3 million. The council is stumping up $800,000 for it, with Heart of the City and Precinct Properties covering the rest. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says it's not being paid for out of general rates. "The council is putting in a contribution of the city centre-targeted rate, which is paid for by city centre property owners, businesses and residents." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday 11 November, the Government's decision to ban journalist Aaron Smale from Tuesday's Abuse in Care apology - and then reverse the ban - raised a few eyebrows. Newsroom's Mark Jennings joined Heather to discuss. On the subject of Tuesday's apology, Minister-in-charge Erica Stanford unpacked the new measures the Government would be taking to ensure future abuse cases don't happen. A million-dollar Christmas tree set to be built in Auckland's CBD has sparked concern and outrage from Auckland CBD's ratepayers. Heart of the City's Viv Beck explained why this move is good for the city. Plus, the Huddle takes a look at president-elect Donald Trump's first set of announcements following his return to power. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christmas tree going up in Te Komititanga Square, between lower Queen Street and the Waterfront is causing controversy due to the cost. Viv Beck from Heart of the City spoke to Alexa Cook.

As part of art week, there will be installations, exhibits and walking tours in Auckland city's galleries and streets, lanes and spaces. It's supported by the business group Heart of the City, who yesterday released figures showing foot traffic is still about 70% of COVID levels and morning commuter numbers are down about 30,000 a day, chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Green Party is set to meet to discuss Darleen Tana's fate on October 17th. Why has it taken this long to reach a possible solution? Is this hurting their political numbers? Should Auckland Council follow Wellington's lead and require workers to get back to the office? Heart of the City head Viv Beck is urging people to get out and boost the city's businesses - does Auckland CBD need the help? It's been a day since Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of murdering Pauline Hanna - would things have been different if Madison Ashton had turned up to testify? Andrew Coster is set to lead the Government's new Social Investment Agency after he steps down as Police Commissioner- what do we make of this? Is this a good idea?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart of the City is urging Auckland Council to follow the Wellington's lead on cracking down on people working from home. Public Service bosses are being told to manage staff working out of office as an agreement - not an entitlement. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says council workers are only required to come to the office three days a week. She says getting them back in the city is what the CBD needs. "There's no point waiting for the CRL and expecting 54,000 people to pop out every hour. We've actually got to keep the place alive and vibrant - and this is one way that would make a difference." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24 September, Police Minister Mark Mitchell stepped up to explain why Commissioner Andrew Coster is the perfect fit to lead the new Social Investment Agency. Heart of the City boss Viv Beck explained why Auckland Council needs to follow Wellington and require the council staff to come back and work in their offices to bring some life back to the CBD. A new report has come out identifying where the Port Hills fire started - but FENZ's Dave Stackhouse says the cause is still unknown. Plus, the Huddle unpacks the latest development in the Darleen Tana saga - and debates how this makes the rest of the Green Party look. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Survive til '25 became a mantra for businesses in New Zealand. It reflects the feeling that 2024 will be a tough year for the economy, but better times are just around the corner. We're now less than four months away from 2025, so how are businesses faring? Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck, Christchurch City Central Business Association Chair Annabel Turley, Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage spoke to Ingrid Hipikiss.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 20th August 2024, it's day one of the Democratic National Convention. We cross live to Chicago to get an insight into what's going down.  Crime numbers are down in our biggest city, but are businesses on the ground actually seeing any difference? Heart of the City's Viv Beck speaks to Ryan.  St John ambulance workers are on their first day of a withdrawal of labour strike - what does it mean for people needing emergency assistance? Mark Quin from the New Zealand Ambulance Association joins the show to explain.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coordinated response between the Police and Auckland Council is being credited for a steep drop in retail crime in the CBD.   The number of thefts and burglaries has fallen 50% since January last year.   Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck says while some haven't seen it yet, there's been a noticeable decrease.   She told Ryan Bridge the next step is tackling anti-social behaviour.   Beck says there needs to be more mental health and health resources thrown at the problem.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smith and Caughey's has found a way to stay afloat.   The long-running Auckland department store has revealed new measures to remain open, despite announcing a closure in May.   It plans to reduce staff and pull back its operations to the Queen Street ground level store and online offering only.   Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says it's a real sign of confidence in the future of Auckland's city centre.  She says the area is evolving as we speak, and it will help people to see the confidence and investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Auckland shopkeepers aren't considering dropping their own security patrols despite an increased police presence in the area. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Aucklands oldest department store Smith and Caughey's is set to close in 2025. The retail store on Queen Street has been a fixture for 144 years Jesse speaks with CEO of Auckland's Heart of the City; Viv Beck.

Central city businesses in Auckland are accusing Auckland Transport of causing unnecessary anxiety over overnight parking charges. Heart of the city's Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss

"Not on" and "out of the blue" - that's how central Auckland businesses are responding to new CBD parking changes. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland residents say they're feeling blindsided by new 24/7 parking charges. Cost challenges and better use of road space are some of Auckland Transport's reasons for this change. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck believes this is gong to disadvantage Auckland's economy. She says night time life is a third of the city's spend, so parking needs to be accessible and affordable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big changes are coming to parking in Auckland's CBD.  Auckland CBD residents and visitors will be stung with new 24-hour parking charges covering overnight, at weekends and on public holidays from July – as Auckland Transport seeks to collect more money.  Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Mike Hosking news of the parking charges is out of the blue and “completely out of step” with the normal procedures.  AT's approach to parking is based on demand. Auckland CBD has high demand for daytime parking, but information for outside of this has not been supplied.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International tourists are helping to keep central Auckland businesses afloat as locals keep a tight rein on their spending. Viv Beck from Heart of the City spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has announced an extra $570,000 to help fight crime in the CBD. The funding will go towards more CCTV cameras and three pilot safety co-ordination hubs at Queens Wharf, High Street and Day Street. But Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck, says a police station downtown is still needed. Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown has injected $570,000 into improving safety in the city.  The money will go towards additional CCTV operators, a safety coordinator for the CBD and investment in outreach to help people secure housing.   Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Mike Hosking the boost will complement strong local efforts across a number of initiatives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has officially scrapped Auckland's beleaguered light rail project, fulfilling its election promise. The former Labour government said the project would be completed within four years. But, six years and 228 million dollars later, not a single piece of track has been laid. Viv Beck is the chief executive of Auckland business association Heart of the City. She spoke with Ben Strang.

Auckland Council has teamed up with NZ Police in a new initiative to enhance safety in the city centre. The 'Together for Tamaki Makaurau' partnership is designed to establish a more visible safety presence on Auckland streets from Karangahape Road to the waterfront. Auckland Council CityWatch and Compliance teams, police, Māori Wardens and Community Patrols NZ (CPNZ) will run co-ordinated efforts to address anti-social behaviour and crime in the CBD. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says these efforts will address the social issues and deterioration that's impacted the area over the last three years. "It's about the crime, the social issues and also some of the anti-social types of behaviour. One of the things we have said is that it doesn't replace the need for more police." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More frustration has come from Auckland businesses affected by construction of City Rail Link. It comes after the organisation admitted the disruption to businesses had been underestimated. City Rail Link Limited CEO Sean Sweeney says comparisons were made with road projects in the country side or through suburbs, not in the middle of a major city. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck told Mike Hosking it's been difficult for the businesses. She says there's been no independent dispute resolution - so they have nowhere to go with issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for more police in Auckland's CBD after another shooting. Police were called to reports of fighting between two groups on Lower Queen Street around 11.30 last night. One person fired up to four shots, leaving two people critically injured. Police are now hunting for the offenders. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck told Heather du Plessis Allan that they'd like a police station back in the central city. She says they want to send the message that there's no tolerance for violence and crime, and having police presence would give people the comfort they're looking for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association responds to the Police Minister's call for a greater role volunteer wardens to help patrol Auckland's city centre. The recent fatal shooting at a construction site has renewed calls from community and business leaders for more police on the streets. Police minister Ginny Andersen met with the central business association Chief Executive Viv Beck last week, suggesting that co-ordination between Maori and ethnic wardens could help free-up the police to respond to crime in the area. Kathryn discusses the suggestion with Viv Beck, is Chief Executive of Heart of the City and president of the Police Association, Chris Cahill.

Auckland CBD will have a Safety Hub and Community Patrols this July and August to help support safety in the city centre. It comes as the FIFA Women's World Cup and a myriad of other events kick off in the city. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says the safety patrols are a welcome addition to the city's safety network. Beck spoke to Corin Dann.

The Auckland Council will today have a clearer picture of what is to come from Mayor Wayne Brown's budget proposal. The super city is looking down the barrel of a $375 million deficit, including $50 million needed for storm recovery. Wayne Brown wants to keep rate-rises to a minimum, with plans to sell the council's airport shares dividing the masses. Auckland's Citizens Advice Bureau general manager Kate Anderson, and Heart of the City's chief executive, Viv Beck, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland's $5.5 billion City Rail Link (CRL) will not open until sometime in 2026 or later, the Herald can reveal. This is at least 18 months longer than what was forecasted only a few months ago when the cost of the project blew out by $1.1b to $5.5b and the completion date moved from late 2024 to November 2025. In an exclusive interview during a tour of the mega-project, City Rail Link chief executive Dr Sean Sweeney said the latest completion date is not when Aucklanders will get to ride the underground railway. He said November 2025 is when City Rail Link Ltd hands over the brand spanking new 3.4-kilometre track from Britomart to Mt Eden to Auckland Transport and KiwiRail, which then have to do extensive testing before it opens to passengers. Sweeney was reluctant to say how long that could be, but when pressed said: “As a ballpark guess, I'd say six months, but people need to understand that numbers could change a lot, based on what happens.” The big issue vexing the minds of Sweeney and the Alliance contractor is moving from the construction of the tunnels and stations to the complex and risky phase of installing bespoke software and signalling work, and plugging a state-of-the-art railway into the existing, fault-ridden network. Three years ago, Sweeney told the Herald there are going to be challenges at the “back end”, and the problem is made worse because a metro rail system has never been built in New Zealand. At the time, he was commenting on the Crossrail line under London that encountered massive and costly overruns after back-end problems just as everyone was doing victory laps - the chairman got a knighthood and later got sacked. Sweeney said Crossrail was a much more complex project and does not envisage similar problems with the CRL, but did acknowledge plugging new plants and equipment into the existing rail network could lead to “unintended consequences”. Full testing of the new systems is expected to begin in mid-2024 and will take about a year, said Sweeney, who is planning to finish the job before the November 2025 date. One of the biggest issues that needs testing, he said, is a fire on a train in the tunnel. After the handover, AT and KiwiRail have to go through another set of tests, which Sweeney said is not straightforward and involves a lot of operational and training exercises. “There are exhaustive tests that they will have to go through, and safety checks, before they are allowed to run passengers,” Sweeney said. For example, every one of the 240 drivers in Auckland will have to go through the tunnels for training. An AT spokeswoman could not say when trains will start running on the CRL, saying it is working with CRL Ltd and the Alliance contractor, Auckland One Rail, the rail safety regular Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and other stakeholders on a plan to begin as early as possible. The plan involved critical testing of the new systems before trains can operate, including emergency and evacuation protocols, driver training, signalling and other important systems needed to operate the CRL safely. “We will be able to confirm the dates for CRL operations once this programme is complete,” she said. Artist's impression of what the Karanga-a-Hape station will look like once it opens. Photo / Supplied Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Bridges, who was Minister of Transport when work started on the CRL in 2016, said a 2026 opening date is far too long. “While most big infrastructure projects do take longer than is said when they start, a critical mistake here was not continuing during Covid lockdowns, when in hindsight we could have, if anything, picked up the pace in a safe and appropriate way.  “That said, when it does open, my pick is that the vast majority of people will forget all the criticism, and Auckland will be in for a pretty golden period given the upgraded transport link, a new convention centre, and hopefully, an upward swing in cyclical economic activity,” said the former MP for Tauranga, who's now a resident of and cheerleader for the Super City. Bridges said the long wait to get to the finish line is little comfort to businesses disrupted - and in some cases, devastated - by the construction works. “But in a wider Auckland sense, it will be exciting when it eventually opens,” he said. Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges and Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck are disappointed about the time it is taking to build the CRL. Photo / Brett Phibbs Heart of the City chief executive Vic Beck, who has battled tirelessly for businesses impacted by the CRL works, said uncertainty looms large for the project. “It is extremely disappointing for the city that the benefits won't be reaped sooner, and particularly for those impacted by construction. This creates more anxiety because there is no fixed date for it to be operational. For some, that could now be up to 10 years of major disruption and impacts on them and their business,” she said. Beck has called for a review of the $12 million fund set aside for affected businesses to be sped up, saying no one should lose their livelihood for a public project. - Bernard Orsman, NZHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aucklanders are facing even bigger potential rates rises and service cuts. The council's budget shortfall for the next financial year is expected to reach 375 million dollars, up from $295m. And on top of that there's another $50m in storm-related costs. Councillors attended a closed-door workshop on yesterday morning to receive a budget update, ahead of approving the annual budget next month. Mayor Wayne Brown warned councillors that without savings, that would equate to a rate rise of more than 20 percent, which some have labelled scaremongering. Multiple options are on the table to address the budget gap, including a complete or partial sell-down of the council's $2 billion stake in Auckland Airport, cutting running costs from between $80m-130m and rates rises. Most submitters who gave feedback on the proposed annual budget supported selling at least some airport shares to boost revenue, but wanted fewer funding cuts. To discuss the situation, Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina and Viv Beck, a former Mayoral candidate and CEO of Heart of the City

Frustration over a blowout of Auckland's City Rail link build cost. It's asking for another billion dollars, half each from Auckland Council and the Government. The completion date for stations and supporting rail infrastructure has also been pushed back to November 2025. Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck, says it's a big blow for businesses in construction zones. She says some businesses will have been dealing with the problem for 10 years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The extreme rain in Auckland has cost businesses dearly - many saw their shops flooded, their equipment written off and thousands of dollars down the drain after waist-high water took over their businesses. The Auckland Business Chamber is already expecting to total costs to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.  Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Kim Hill.  

The Reserve Bank's calls to go easy on Christmas shopping have fallen flat, with people spending more than they were last Christmas. Payment network Worldline's latest figures show retail spending is up 1.9 percent on the same week in 2021, and 14.6 on this week in 2019. Auckland Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland's Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck doesn't believe the Reserve Bank's plea for New Zealanders to spend less will dampen enthusiasm for Black Friday bargains. She spoke to Kim Hill.

Wayne Brown has won the Auckland Mayorality with a promise to "fix Auckland". He ran a campaign based on financial responsibility and accountability with a focus on tackling transport, crime, unfinished projects, rising costs and council waste. We asked Brown for an interview but he declined, with his team saying he's busy getting his feet under the desk to start fixing Auckland. But Viv Beck, who's decision to pull out of the mayoralty race helped secure a centre-right win, says the shift will make a difference for businesses. She spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Viv Beck has announced her withdrawal from Auckland's mayoral race, though she can still technically win the city's top job. She is the second high profile candidate to pull out in the last few weeks after Leo Molloy announced his withdrawal in August. Many believe it is now down to a two-horse race between Efeso Collins and Wayne Brown. Jonty Dine reports.

Auckland centre-right mayoral candidate Viv Beck has withdrawn from the contest. Beck said she did not want to split the centre-right vote, but also referred in passing to difficulties facing her campaign. Kathryn speaks with Stuff Senior Auckland affairs reporter Todd Niall.

Aucklanders will start casting votes for the Mayoralty on Friday. It's the first election since 2016 where incumbent Phil Goff isn't running, so it's anyone's game. The three front runners, Efeso Collins, Wayne Brown and Viv Beck spoke to Guyon Espiner.

This week's Wire shows will contain a series of interviews with Auckland's mayoral candidates, which bFM has been putting together to provide our listeners with relevant information on the candidates and their policies. Today, Casper speaks with Viv Beck, who is currently the chief executive of Heart of the City, a business advocacy group for Auckland's city centre, and has been endorsed by the National-Party aligned Communities and Residents organisation.  

With local elections just over six weeks away, it's time to check in with the race to lead our biggest city. Twenty-three people are contesting the Auckland mayoralty, with polling showing it's a tight race between two-term Manukau councillor Efeso Collins, Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck, businessman and former Far North Mayor Wayne Brown and freelance media operator Craig Lord. Outspoken publican Leo Molloy pulled out at the 11th hour. For a closer look at who's in the running, and some of the big issues they're campaigning on, Kathryn is joined by the New Zealand Herald's Super City reporter Bernard Orsman.

Our biggest city is gearing up for its fifth Super City election, and the golden-voiced Todd Niall – formerly of RNZ and now senior Auckland reporter for Stuff – has seen them all. He joins Toby Manhire to discuss the leading contenders for the office some call the country's second most important elected role, including Efeso Collins, Leo Molloy, Viv Beck and Wayne Brown, who have recent been joined by two unexpected candidates: John Palino (of Florida) and Lisa Lewis (of Hamilton).Plus: How does 2022 compare with previous campaigns? Why are turnout numbers so risible? And what can a mayor actually hope to achieve?–The Spinoff's local election coverage is public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air– See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The words "abandoned underground tunnel" aren't often associated with "iconic landmark and tourist attraction". Auckland mayoral candidate Viv Beck promises to change that. She wants to turn abandoned WWII air raid shelters into something unique to Auckland, starting with a 600-metre walking and cycling connection between the central city and Parnell. She spoke to Corin Dann.

Fiery exchanges have been traded at the decision-making table, as Auckland Councillors voted to send out a new parking strategy for public consultation. The proposal to remove roadside parking to create space for carpooling, bus and cycle lanes, covers only three percent of the city's roads over the next decade. The motion passed 13 to 10, meaning it'll be open to public feedback until the end of the month. Auckland mayoral candidate Viv Beck spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland's centre-right mayoral candidate Viv Beck wants the government to do more specifically to help Auckland drivers. She says the Regional Fuel Tax - which costs Aucklanders an extra 11 cents a litre - must be scrapped too. She spoke to Mani Dunlop.