Podcast appearances and mentions of Wellington Region

It's taken the best part of a decade but sod has finally been turned on Wellington's Golden mile upgrade. The $116 million dollar plan was part of the "Let's Get Wellington Moving" intiative before it was canned and is supposed to transform the capital's entertainment precinct. But some local businesses who will be affected by the upgrade say the timing is off - and one bar reckons it could be the final straw that sinks nearby businesses. Nick James reports.

Diane discusses the latest events in Whakatane including updates on the upcoming local elections.

Jerome Taylor launched the high-end fashion brand nearly 10 years ago and it's been featured in Vogue Magazine and had showings at Fashion Weeks overseas and at home. He even had the backing of a Prime Ministers scholarship to tour the textile industry in India - but his brand 'Not For You' is now "Not Here," as he's packed up to base himself across the Tasman. Taylor spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Wellington region is in for an electorate shakeup, after an independent commission recommended the scrapping of three seats, with only two being created to make up for it. Population changes mean there has to be one fewer seat in the North Island at the next election, with an extra list seat being created to make up for it. The public will be able to have their say - with a promise this is not a foregone conclusion. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

There is growing anger in Wellington over revelations the capital's ratepayers have been paying nearly three times more for water repairs than in other parts of the country. 

The Upper Hutt Mayor says it was obvious the region's water agency was ripping off ratepayers for a long time. Report findings show a lack of oversight meant Wellington Water was paying nearly three times more to contractors for pipe work, compared with in other areas. Board Chair Nick Leggett says it means millions of ratepayer dollars wasted. Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy says Leggett must resign. He told Mike Hosking his council smelt a rat for years, but their concerns fell on deaf ears. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creatives are set to take over a section of carparks in Wellington's Cuba Street tomorrow.

A witness has recalled the moment he stopped a motorist from driving away after a woman was allegedly struck by a car in Wellington. The woman, who is 66 years old, is still in critical condition after she was hit while crossing the road on Courtenay Place in the CBD last night. Police are now speaking with the 82 year old man who was driving the car. Ashleigh McCaull reports.

Around the motu: Georgina Campbell in Wellington

The owner of a scary Wellington tourist attraction said a slump in tourists, and belt tightening, are behind its closure. Fear Factory opened in the capital the year before COVID-19 struck and the nautical nightmare maze has since chartered a rocky course. But our brave reporter Krystal Gibbens took a tour, with Director and General Manager Matthew Smith as her guide.

There's shock and worry in the performing arts industry with news the capital's only creative polytech campus could be for the chopping block. The cash-strapped national polytechnic organisation Te Pukenga is looking at closing Te Kahui Auaha which opened just seven years ago and also serves as a performance venue. Lauren Crimp has more.

A 'sit in' at the Begonia House is planned to take place tomorrow to protest its possible demolition. 

Businesses say the gag worthy smell coming from the Lower Hutt's Seaview waste water treatment plant is disgusting and off putting for customers. People living and working in the seaside suburb north of Wellington have been battling the pong for years, and recently, a second deodoriser has brought into try and kill the stench. Earlier this year work was completed on the plants bioflilters to help with the smell - but locals say it's still wiffy and a fire in the sludge dryer in September added to the problem. Anthony Coomer, who works at motorsport seat manufacturer Racetech on Barnes St, about 300m from the waste water treatment plant spoke to Lisa Owen.

The issue of homelessness is often highlighted in our big cities but what about in our regional towns and small cities?

Ula Su'i Fefiloi is dedicated to entertaining, informing, empowering, and building resilience in the Pasifika and wider community in the Wellington Region.

Ula Su'i Fefiloi is dedicated to entertaining, informing, empowering, and building resilience in the Pasifika and wider community in the Wellington Region.

Wellingtonians are hoping the Government's call to bring public service workers back into the office will be a shot in the arm for struggling businesses. But public servants said they feel like they're being belittled and that the Government is using the sector as a scapegoat, Bill Hickman has more.

Wellington businesses say high rent prices, expensive groceries and cark park prices have sucked the life out of the CBD, leaving business struggling with few customers. Post COVID, they said the vibe has been off, with the area feeling less safe and more people choosing to stay away, Bella Craig reports.

Plans to restore Wellington's iconic Band Rotunda on Oriental Parade have been ditched. Once a premiere hospitalitality venue, some residents now say it's an eye sore after closing more than a decade ago. The UFO-like building is perched on a premo spot on the water. However, by mutal agreement, the council and its chosen developer have decided terminate a deal to resusitate the Rotunda, because the patch up is too pricey and no-one is interested in leasing the building, developer Maurice Clark spoke to Lisa Owen.

A coroner has found convicted murderer Paul Tainui would have had the traits of a criminal psychopath in 2010 but it wasn't detected when the Parole Board asked for him to be assessed. Tainui, who was born Paul Russell Wilson - raped and murdered Kimberley Schroder in 1994. Before his release for that crime in 2010, Tainui went through psychological testing and it was found he did not meet the level to be assessed a psychopath and was low risk of reoffending in most circumstances. But Coroner Marcus Elliott has ruled Tainui's offending in 1994 and 2018 was that of a criminal psychopath and he must have had those traits in 2010, senior reporter Timothy Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about the details. A warning, this story deals with extreme violence, sexual assault and suicide.

Ula Su'i Fefiloi is dedicated to entertaining, informing, empowering, and building resilience in the Pasifika and wider community in the Wellington Region.

Lower Hutt's Mayor says the Wellington region isn't out of the woods and still may face acute water shortages this Summer. Nick James reports.

It's been a wet and muddy day for lots of Wellington residents as significant rainfall has cause flooding and slips in the region, Bill Hickman speaks to Lisa Owen from the Hutt Riverbank.

Surface flooding is continuing in the wider Wellington region, with commuters bracing for more downpours. High tides are coinciding with torrential rain to spell a perfect storm of disruption, and motorists are being warned to expect delays. Metservice forecaster Lewis Ferris says the rain is persisting, but the worst should have passed. "It does look like the heaviest of the rain is kind of on that easing trend. There are still some showers around, it's not going to be that same sort of widespread, intense rainfall that we saw around dawn." Meanwhile in Greymouth, landslides fuelled by the recent bad weather have left residents out of power.  About 50 homes are cut off in Arnott Heights - with a second slump this morning adding more debris. Mayor Tania Gibson says contractors have been delivered residents essentials like medication. "But anything that's not essential - I think they're pretty right, we're in close contact - they just need to hold out and wait up there for a bit longer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heavy rain warnings were in force Monday morning for the lower North Island, as the weekend's wet and boisterous north-to-westerly winds continued. Porirua mayor Anita Baker spoke to Corin Dann.

Ula Su'i Fefiloi is dedicated to entertaining, informing, empowering, and building resilience in the Pasifika and wider community in the Wellington Region.

Ula Su'i Fefiloi is dedicated to entertaining, informing, empowering, and building resilience in the Pasifika and wider community in the Wellington Region.

Ula Su'i Fefiloi is dedicated to entertaining, informing, empowering, and building resilience in the Pasifika and wider community in the Wellington Region.

I have released this episode out of my usual rhythm because the day of release is a significant day in Aotearoa New Zealand. On this day, July 24, 2024, the Royal Commission of inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care released their final report. This report, which took six years to compile, details the abuse of thousands of New Zealand children and other vulnerable people while in the care of the state or faith based organisations. The report estimates that between 1950 and 1999, over 200,000 people suffered abuse while in the care of these organisations.   Ken Clearwater, is himself a survivor of sexual abuse, and has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his 30 years of supporting other male survivors of abuse, and advocating for legislative change. He was one of those who regularly called for the government to launch a royal commission of inquiry, and we talk both about Ken's own journey, and the inquiry itself.  He has spoken at the United Nations about the work he is involved in in Aotearoa.  Obviously there are things in this conversation that may be challenging to listen to, including mention of rape, sexual assault, and suicide. Please take care of yourself and stop listening or take breaks if you need to. Please use your own support structures, and make use of the links in the show notes to seek help if you need to.  While there are some hard truths in this episode, it is ultimately an episode of hope. It is a conversation with a man who has grown something powerful from the evils he was put through. It is the story of how men have supported other men, and how goodness can thrive, even in the face of great evil.  Find Ken's Ted Talk here.    Please make use of the following services if you need them: Rape Crisis - 0800 88 33 00 (Will direct you to a nearby centre), follow link for information on local helplines Victim Support - 0800 842 846 (24hr service) The Harbour, online support and information for those affected by harmful sexual behaviour Women's Refuge (For women and children) - crisis line available on 0800 733 843 Safe to talk - 0800 044 334, text 4334 or web chat Male Survivors Aotearoa (For men) - follow link for regional helplines Safe to Talk(external link) sexual harm helpline: 0800 044334, text: 4334, email: support@safetotalk.nz Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00 Women's Refuge(external link): 0800 733 843 Shine domestic abuse services(external link) free call: 0508 744 633 (24/7, Live Webchat is also available) Hey Bro helpline(external link) - supporting men to be free from violence 0800 HeyBro (439 276) Family violence information line(external link) to find out about local services or how to help someone else: 0800 456 450 Oranga Tamariki line(external link) for concerns about children and young people: 0508 326 459, email: contact@ot.govt.nz1737, Need to talk?(external link) Free call or text: 1737 for mental health support from a trained counsellor Youthline(external link): 0800 376 633, free text: 234, email: talk@youthline.co.nz Shakti - for migrant and refugee women - 0800 742 584 - 24 hours Elder Abuse Helpline: 0800 32 668 65 - 24 hours, text: 5032, email: support@elderabuse.nz Wellington Help(external link) for individuals, whānau and communities affected by sexual abuse in the Wellington Region: 04 801 6655 & push 0 at the menu - 24 hours Aviva(external link) For free 24/7 support line, call 0800 AVIVA NOW (0800 28482 669) ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

While local residents in the suburb of Miramar are paying hundreds a year to lease council land to park on or near their homes, Sir Peter Jackson's Stone Street Studios has been leased 50 car parks for the sum total of just $1 a year, Miramar local Neil Sands speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

Clyde Quay School school has raised an astonising $112,500 by raffling off two Taylor Swift tickets, including airfares to London, seven night's accomodation and spending money, the money will to to upgrading the schools hall, Michelle Little speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

More ferry woes with the Interislander Kaitaki ferry's stabiliser fin missing for more than 18 months. This has resulted in sailings cancelled this week due to large swells, while rival operator Bluebridge could continue with a freight-only service. Meanwhile two KiwiRail board directors have resigned and the chairman has retired early. And parents at Wellington's St Benedict's School are taking bullying complaints to the Education Minister.

As many New Zealanders feel the pinch of rising food prices, an increasing number of communities are returning to the days of bartering for the things they need.  Jessica Keltie helped set up the Kapiti Crop Swap. She speaks to Mark.

The increase in people working from home after the pandemic and the more than 6000 public service jobs axxed by the coalition government means fewer people are in central Wellington on weekdays, Pretoria Gordon reports.

Wellington correspondent Georgina Campbell disusses the latest news from the capital, including a retailer who claims the Green MP Julie Anne Genter grabbed her arm during a conversation about banning cars from heart of the city.

The ongoing issues with KiwiRail's Interislander mega ferries, Georgina says KiwiRail has dragged up an old stoush over the location of the Wellington terminal to explain the cost blowout. Wellington's water shortage looks to be over the most high-risk period. And what's happening with pools and libararies in the Wellington City Council's draft Long Term Plan? Georgina Campbell is the NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter.

A damning report into how water's dealt with in the capital has heaped blame on the council and water operator for bad communication and slow response to reports of leaks. It also says Wellington Water's lax reporting means it can't clearly show how it is spending ratepayers' money to fix the pipes. Meanwhile residents dealing with the leaks in the city say they've been there so long, they now have resident populations of ducks. Some are even re-routing their leaks to water their gardens. Jemima Huston reports.

It's been five days since police say a baby was killed in the Lower Hutt suburb of Taita but officers are yet to charge anyone. The death of Ruthless-Empire Ahipene Wall, who would have turned two on Wednesday, is being treated as a homicide, after a post-mortem showed he died from blunt force trauma. Soumya Bhamidipati reports.

There's a commuter crush in Wellington, with the Hutt train line out of action. Our reporter Ruth Hill is at the main station and joins Lisa Owen.

NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell speaks to Kathryn Ryan as yet another building is deemed earthquake-prone. The council has been given seven and a half years to strengthen the Opera House and Michael Fowler Centre. Meanwhile Hutt Hospital's Heretaunga block may not be earthquake-prone after all, new documents show. And the Government is taking the reins on the 'Let's Get Wellington Moving' roading project. Finally, some happy news for mayor Tory Whanau's dog, Teddy, after he was kicked out of her office. Georgina Campbell is NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter

Today writer and playwright, screenwriter, and columnist for The Post Dave Armstrong talks to Jesse about some pressing issues in the capital.

Today Grant Morris reviews a recent NZ history publication: "Empire City: Wellington becomes the capital of NZ" by John Martin (Te Herenga Waka University Press, 2022). He looks at the importance of this kind of local/regional history and why every Wellingtonian should read this book.

NZ Herald reporter Georgina Campbell joins Kathryn for the latest on the faulty streetlight saga in Wellington, after a plan to stop light shining into people's homes were spectacularly wrong. Wellington's harbourmaster has issued an ultimatum to the owner of a leaking yacht after marina staff spent six months pumping water out of the vessel to prevent it from sinking. And snow Leopard sisters Asha and Manju have arrived at Wellington Zoo. Georgina Campbell is NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter.

The Wakefield Memorial at Wellington's Basin Reserve has been in the news recently. Wellington city councillors have called for a conversation about the future of the monument. Today we take up the challenge to contribute to this conversation.

Today Dave Armstrong talks to Jesse about a rates rise for Wellington, Takina the new convention centre opening and ongoing problems with buses in the capital.

How Wellington's new convention centre Takina is taking shape. Also, Wellingtonians are facing a rates increase of 12.9 per cent, with mayor Tory Whanau facing faces challenge to rates hike plan. And the cost of a new shared path and seawalls around Eastbourne's exposed coastline has skyrocketed from $30m to $79m. Georgina Campbell is the NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter.

Two years ago, twin sisters Nat and Steph Chin left university and opened a tiny coffee outlet in Wellington. That little act of rebellion has become the drinks and clothing brand Evil Twins.

Within Wellington's town belt sits Te Whaea, the building which houses The New Zealand School of Dance and Toi Whakaari. It's celebrating 25 years in its current form. but the complex was built in 1929, and has an interesting past.

KiwiRail has apologised over the stranding of passengers either side of Cook Strait, due to more engine problems. Susie speaks with one woman who was forced to abandon her car in Picton, fly to Wellington, and buy a car to drive north. Susie also speaks with Interislander's Executive General Manager Walter Rushbrook.

Georgina joins Kathryn to talk about how the Interislander's Kaitaki ferry narrowly avoided disaster, why James Shaw has decided not to contest Wellington Central and how that paves the way for city councillor Tamatha Paul to run in the electorate and the first construction project in Get Wellington Moving's $7.4b transport plan opens - the Cobham Drive crossing.