Podcast appearances and mentions of viv beck

For Dear Science this week, we chat with our experts, Professor Sebastian Leuzinger and Dr Syrie Hermans,, about plants and their senses. For our Weekly Catchup with the National Party, Host Alex speaks with MP Ryan Hamilton about the CRL, Auckland Council's troubles with Fast-Tracked developments, and NZ's condemnation of Illegal Israeli Settlements Producer Thomas chats to Public Service Association National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons about an internal review into Ministry of Social Development errors, and how they may have been caused by cuts to the workforce. Thomas also talks to University of Auckland Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris, about New Zealand's flu vaccination rates being critically low. And this week we have a City Rail Link special. News director Castor and Producer Liam caught the very first train on the opening day and interviewed members of the public. Liam also interviewed Viv Beck from Heart of the City and Bevan Assink from KiwiRail about how significant this moment is for Auckland.

Many will likely remember Sunday 13 September as the day that Auckland's city rail link opened. After nearly ten years of planning and construction, Auckland finally has an underground rail line, and many hope this will lead to a renaissance in the city.  News Director Castor and Wire Producer Liam went to the opening of the CRL and caught the very first train departing at 4:57 AM from Ōtāhuhu. The passion was palpable on the day, everywhere one looked one could sense the passion of a lot of people passionate about trains and public transport. We interviewed members of the public to gauge people's feelings and hopes for the future.  Liam also spoke to Viv Beck, Chief Executive for Heart of the City, about what the CRL will mean for businesses in Auckland, and to Bevan Assink, Chief Metro Officer for KiwiRail, about how the opening day went from an operational perspective and what the CRL will mean in the context of Auckland's wider rail system. Here is their report...

Auckland Restaurant Month is drawing to a close. How's this year's festival fared? And what does it say about the way Auckland is doing generally? Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A number of wins for Auckland as the city heads into a new era. The fourth annual State of the City report, commissioned by the independent non-partisan Committee for Auckland, compares the super city to others globally. It scored well on innovation, international business events, and the number of people coming here, but did less well on things like productivity and keeping talent. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge Auckland now has the International Convention Centre and the City Rail Link's about to open. She says it can now leverage investments like this to drive density, growth, and vibrancy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Fashion Week's back with a bang. It's making its return to Shed 10 on Auckland's waterfront this week - hosting an array of big names like Karen Walker, and Zambesi - alongside emerging talent. Last year's event debuted a new format - with an emphasis on public ticketing, panel talks, and interactive workshops. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Ryan what Aucklanders can expect in the CBD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) All the Grubby Details/None of the Grubby Details/No Details of Any KindSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes new events settings coming to Eden Park stadium will bring more foot traffic through Auckland's city-centre. The stadium will be allowed to host up to 12 large and 20 medium-sized concerts a year under the changes - without the need for resource consent. This will bring the total of concerts allowed up from the current 12. Night-time sport will also be allowed on any day, as long as the games finish by 10.30pm. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge she thinks back to the Metallica concert last year - and the buzz that it brought to the city. She says fans stayed around for days - and were queuing round the block for merchandise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cars could be returning to a section of Auckland's Queen Street, under a new proposal. Auckland Transport wants to let cars return to the section between Wellesley and Wakefield Street from between 7pm and 7am. Private vehicles were banned from the area in 2022. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says it's a sensible proposal, and she explained that the area has been negatively affected by the change. "Last year, the foot traffic was down 36 percent on 2019 in that area - and the spending was down 57 percent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new plan to make Auckland safer is being welcomed by the city's main business association. Today Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown unveiled their action plan - including boosting outreach teams to connect rough sleepers with support, and a review of bylaws. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Heather du-Plessis Allan that the plan is broad. She says it picks up things businesses have been crying out for, and while the proof's in the pudding, businesses have got their point across. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business owners are welcoming news that the government plans to act on homelessness in Auckland's CBD. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland's central business association is backing a ban on homelessness in city centres – with conditions. During Question Time in Parliament yesterday, Labour suggested the Government was planning to introduce such a ban. A Heart of the City survey has found 90% of operators are affected by rough sleepers and begging. Chief Executive Viv Beck told Mike Hosking there needs to be change. She says most central businesses would support the move as long as there are really good solutions available for vulnerable people. However, she isn't sure what the Government has decided to do, or whether an announcement is coming. But Beck told Hosking she's been making "good progress" in her talks with relevant ministers. She says they've discussed addressing economic risks and looking after people who need support. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From today, three retro taxi cabs will be cruising around Newmarket, Ponsonby and Takapuna waiting for people game enough for a trip to a mystery destination. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Aucklanders are about to have short-term free taxi rides to the heart of the city. The 'Straight to the Heart' service launching tomorrow - across Ponsonby, Newmarket, and Takapuna - lets people hail a retro red taxi, with no booking needed. It'll take passengers to a surprise - or requested - central location. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says this is running until November 16, and it's a way to rediscover what Auckland has to offer. "It's about the experience, getting people back into the rhythm of coming here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland city centre store owners believe homelessness, anti-social behaviour and not enough police is crippling their trade. Heart of the City surveyed 102 business owners - with 91 percent saying rough sleeping and begging was affecting their business. Seventy-two percent weren't satisfied with the standard of Queen Street's cleanliness. Chief Executive Viv Beck says enough is enough - and it's important the needs of businesses, like the enforcing of public by-laws, are met. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of central cities is a big issue as local body elections loom. Both Wellington and Auckland's CBDs are suffering, with the percentage of empty retail spaces jumping. In Auckland, major retailers such as DFS Galleria and Smith & Caughey have left or closed their doors. So how do you rejuvenate a city? Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, and Viv Beck, CEO of Heart of the City, joined Kerre Woodham to discuss the topic. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show… the growing controversy around Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris, whose defiant stance on a racially charged social media post continues to spark national debate—despite his party's apology. Ferris doubles down, challenging the narrative around multiculturalism and its impact on Māori rights. Plus, Auckland's struggling event economy, criticizing the government's inconsistent funding strategy. With a new $70 million event fund on the table, can the city finally regain its global appeal? Special guest Viv Beck, CEO of Heart of the City, joins the conversation to explore the stakes, the opportunities, and what it will take to make Auckland a world-class event destination. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auckland businesses are keen to see what benefits more events at Eden Park could bring them. The Government's looking at Eden Park's rules, including the number of concerts and sporting events that can be held, and a 2000 person limit for conferences. It's exploring whether current rules are holding back economic growth. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge even a single added concert can do wonders. She says a single P!nk concert brought in more than $6 million in spend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has just announced a new $70 million tourism package they expect will supercharge the tourism and events sectors. The funding includes $40 million to secure large-scale international events from next year, and a regional tourism boost campaign. The boost in funding will help New Zealand complete with Australia for major events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the heart of Auckland city still beating? For the best part of a decade, construction of the City Rail Link has seen the CBD strewn with road cones and roads clogged with building sites. Businesss owners have said it is causing a huge drop off in foot traffic and sales. So how can Auckland be jolted back to life? Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's growing calls among Auckland business leaders to get the city's economy going again. According to the latest Stats NZ data, Auckland's 6.1 percent unemployment rate for the June 2025 quarter was the highest of any region and above the national rate of 5.2 percent. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says the Government needs to find a solution to get the city moving again. "We're talking to people on the street, businesses who have struggled through 10 years...they need people, they need customers, they need people here and events are a proven way of doing that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls among Auckland business leaders to get the city's economy going again. According to the latest Stats NZ data, Auckland's 6.1 percent unemployment rate for the June 2025 quarter was the highest of any region and above the national rate of 5.2 percent. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says the Government needs to find a solution to get the city moving again. "We're talking to people on the street, businesses who have struggled through 10 years...they need people, they need customers, they need people here and events are a proven way of doing that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's City Rail Link is expecting 19 thousand peak passengers after opening day, a sharp drop compared to earlier forecasts. In 2022, it was reported 27 thousand passengers an hour would be using the rail link at peak times when it opens next year. Auckland Transport says it's increasing the train fleet by about 30% to make 19 thousand passengers possible. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge the drop in numbers is a major problem. She says people need to be able to travel through Auckland easily, without cars or taxis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a brief reprieve, the Auckland department store Smith & Caughey's will officially close on the 31st of July after 145 years of business. Heart of the City's Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 22nd of May, we talk to the major sectors to hear their wish lists for today's Budget. 145 years of Smith & Caughey's has officially come to an end, and Mike is ropeable. Fly My Pretties co-founder Barnaby Weir is on to talk their first album in five years, plus, gives us an exclusive look at a new song. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smith and Caughey's closure indicates what needs to change in Auckland's CBD The city's most iconic department store is closing its doors after 145-years, with the loss of almost 100 jobs. The closure comes down to increased competition, economic hardship, and the state of the central city. Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck told Mike Hosking it's a sign of fundamental flaws in the management of Auckland's CBD, especially in transport. She says the system needs more functionality and common sense to meet Auckland's realistic transport needs. LISTEN ABOVE 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.  

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.