/on-air/wellington/rss 九一星空无限 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 02:23:40 Z en /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-peter-dunne-and-jo-coughlan-talk-asset-sales-speed-limits-and-operation-trolley/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-peter-dunne-and-jo-coughlan-talk-asset-sales-speed-limits-and-operation-trolley/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has floated the idea of campaigning on asset sales at the next election - but what does the government have to sell?  Also, a three-day police operation that saw 14 people arrested for being in possession of stolen trolleys has drawn criticism from some local leaders, alleging its an attack on the poor. Is this an appropriate use of police resources? To answer those questions, former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne and Silvereye managing director Jo Coughlan joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:16:34 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper-on-this-years-super-smash-season-and-amelia-kerrs-greatness/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper-on-this-years-super-smash-season-and-amelia-kerrs-greatness/ The Wellington Firebirds have missed out on a place in this year's Super Smash finals due to rain - but the Blaze are aiming to pick up their ninth title. What have been the best moments of this Super Smash season?  Also, Amelia Kerr has been named ICC's Womens Player of the Year. How much of an asset is she to New Zealand cricket and Wellington?  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:54:06 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-kieran-mcanulty-and-tim-costley-debate-asset-sales-speed-limit-changes/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-kieran-mcanulty-and-tim-costley-debate-asset-sales-speed-limit-changes/ The government has announced a raft of speed limit changes around the country, bringing some speed limits back to what they were before the last government changed them. But will this cause more harm on our roads? Also, both David Seymour and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have raised the prospect of asset sales, with Luxon hinting National may take an asset sales policy to the next election. Does it make sense to sell assets?  To answer those questions, Labour's Wairarapa-based MP Kieran McAnulty and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills in the studio for Politics Thursday.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:46:07 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/beehive-buzz-jason-walls-on-the-first-day-of-treaty-principles-bill-submissions/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/beehive-buzz-jason-walls-on-the-first-day-of-treaty-principles-bill-submissions/ Parliament has returned from its summer recess to what will be one of the most watched select committee considerations ever, with hundreds of people expected to give their view on the Treaty Principles Bill.  The select committee process began today with submissions from the bill's sponsor David Seymour. 九一星空无限talk ZB political editor Jason Walls has been watching proceedings and joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:48:48 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/fleur-fitzsimons-psa-acting-national-secretary-on-david-seymours-calls-to-explore-privatisation/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/fleur-fitzsimons-psa-acting-national-secretary-on-david-seymours-calls-to-explore-privatisation/ Act leader David Seymour used his state of the nation speech last week to call for a discussion on privatisation - including of the health system. Seymour told his supporters New Zealanders need to get past the "squeamishness of privatisation", and suggested the health system could be privatised, with the government funding medical insurance for individuals. Responding to the suggestions, Public Service Association acting national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said private healthcare systems haven't worked overseas. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:43:39 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/clint-packer-planitpro-coach-previews-the-australian-open-finals/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/clint-packer-planitpro-coach-previews-the-australian-open-finals/ Top seed and two-time reigning champion, Aryna Sabalenka meets American 19th seed Madison Keys in Saturday's Australian Open final.  Sunday's men's decider sees the two top seeds - Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev square off for a seventh time.  Wellington-based coach Clint Packer, who runs PLANITPRO out of the Renouf Centre, joined Adam Cooper to look ahead to the deciders.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:56:58 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/joe-austin-smellie-wellington-blaze-assistant-coach-on-the-team-locking-in-a-super-smash-playoff-spot/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/joe-austin-smellie-wellington-blaze-assistant-coach-on-the-team-locking-in-a-super-smash-playoff-spot/ The Wellington Blaze have locked in a Super Smash playoff spot with two rounds to spare, thrashing Canterbury by 10 wickets in Christchurch.  White Ferns veteran Sophie Devine starred with the ball, taking five wickets for 13 runs, while Melie Kerr (32) and Rebecca Burns (69) chased down their 102-run target with more than eight overs to spare via an unbeaten opening partnership.  Adam Cooper spoke to Blaze assistant coach Joe Austin-Smellie.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:58:40 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-cricket-january-25-2025-preview/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-cricket-january-25-2025-preview/ After the premier men's one-day champions were crowned last weekend in Wellington club cricket, the focus turns onto the women's T20 competition, with the Maureen Peters Plate Final to be played at the Basin Reserve. Matt Wilson from Cricket Wellington previews the women's finals day, and recaps the new champions crowned last weekend. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:03:36 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/bowls-wellington-report-january-25-2025/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/bowls-wellington-report-january-25-2025/ Jason Puddick brings Adam Cooper up to speed with the latest from Bowls Wellington heading into the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:19:11 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-josie-pagani-and-nick-leggett-talk-cabinet-reshuffle-trumps-inauguration-and-whether-justin-lester-is-running-for-mayor/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-josie-pagani-and-nick-leggett-talk-cabinet-reshuffle-trumps-inauguration-and-whether-justin-lester-is-running-for-mayor/ Justin Lester is not ruling out running for Wellington mayor this year - and Nick Leggett and Josie Pagani are convinced he will run. But what are his chances? Also, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US President this week. What will be the impact of the major decisions of the first few days, and what can we expect over the next four years?  To answer those questions, ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:33:59 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper-on-the-australian-open-and-richie-mounga-remaining-in-japan/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper-on-the-australian-open-and-richie-mounga-remaining-in-japan/ The Australian Open has been entertaining us now for over a week - and tonight the men's semi-finals take place. What can we expect? Also, Richie Mo'unga has confirmed he will be remaining in Japan, despite efforts by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson to lure him back to the national team. How does this reflect on Robertson?  To answer those questions, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:30:03 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/georgina-campbell-nz-herald-reporter-on-whether-justin-lester-will-run-to-be-wellingtons-next-mayor/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/georgina-campbell-nz-herald-reporter-on-whether-justin-lester-will-run-to-be-wellingtons-next-mayor/ Wellington mayor Justin Lester isn't ruling out another run for Wellington's top job.  The former mayor, who failed to win reelection after one term in 2019, says it's not his intention to run but he may stand depending on the other candidates.  "If Wellington got to a state where things got so bad and there were no good candidates and my family came to me and said we want you to do something, I might do it. I might consider it," Lester told Nick Mills yesterday.  "If things got so bad I think I could help, who knows."  To discuss the development and Lester's previous legacy as mayor, NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:24:52 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-julie-anne-genter-and-mike-butterick-debate-cabinet-reshuffle-trumps-inauguration-and-minimum-wage-rises/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-julie-anne-genter-and-mike-butterick-debate-cabinet-reshuffle-trumps-inauguration-and-minimum-wage-rises/ The year in politics has begun with a bang, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announcing a cabinet reshuffle that sees two big portfolios, health and transport, handed to new Ministers.  But how will the new Ministers perform in their new jobs, and what did Shane Reti and Melissa Lee do wrong to lose their biggest responsibilities? Also, Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. What impact will his policies have on New Zealand and the world?  To answer those questions, Rongotai MP and Green transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:58:06 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/stuart-nash-former-tourism-minister-responds-to-government-moving-away-from-high-value-tourism-approach/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/stuart-nash-former-tourism-minister-responds-to-government-moving-away-from-high-value-tourism-approach/ Former Tourism minister Stuart Nash says New Zealand should be focused on attracting high-value tourists to New Zealand, rather than greater numbers of tourists that don't spend as much.  Yesterday newly minted Economic Growth minister Nicola Willis said the government would be moving away from the previous government's plan of mainly attracting tourists that spend significant sums while in the country.  "I want all tourists, because ultimately it's not the government that decides how much a tourist spends when they come to New Zealand. That tourist will make that decision," she told RNZ.  Former Tourism minister Stuart Nash, who advocated for changes to attract high-value tourists, joined Nick Mills to share his views on the comments, including the impact it could have on New Zealand's infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:53:05 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/i-might-do-it-former-wellington-mayor-justin-lester-wont-rule-out-running-again-in-this-years-local-election/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/i-might-do-it-former-wellington-mayor-justin-lester-wont-rule-out-running-again-in-this-years-local-election/ Wellington mayor Justin Lester isn't ruling out another run for Wellington's top job.  The former mayor, who failed to win reelection after one term in 2019, says it's not his intention to run but he may stand depending on the other candidates.  Asked by Nick Mills if he was running, Lester said he has "zero intention" of running for the mayoralty, saying the job would take him away from his family.  But when asked if he was ruling it out, Lester replied "never say never".  "If Wellington got to a state where things got so bad and there were no good candidates and my family came to me and said we want you to do something, I might do it. I might consider it."  "If things got so bad I think I could help, who knows."  He confirmed he had been approached by the Labour Party to consider a run.  "I've told them exactly what I'm telling you".  Lester joined Mills to discuss his new Wellington Alive project, a Facebook page to celebrate Wellington and share community news.  Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:18:56 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/tony-randle-wellington-city-councillor-on-why-golden-mile-works-havent-started-as-promised/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/tony-randle-wellington-city-councillor-on-why-golden-mile-works-havent-started-as-promised/ Construction work on the first phase of Wellington's controversial Golden Mile project was supposed to have begun this month - but diggers and bulldozers are nowhere to be seen.  The council previously said contracts for the project, which would remove cars from Lambton Quay, Willis St and Courtenay Place, would be signed in December. Works on Courtenay Place were to begin this month.  When asked for an update on the process, a Wellington City Council spokesperson told 九一星空无限talk ZB "we have no fixed contracts or dates at this stage." Contract negotiations are responsible for the delay, the spokesperson said.  Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle, opposed to the project, joined Nick Mills to share what councillors have been told about the delay.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:21 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/andrew-tuck-jim-beam-homegrown-director-on-the-festival-leaving-wellington-after-18-years/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/andrew-tuck-jim-beam-homegrown-director-on-the-festival-leaving-wellington-after-18-years/ Wellington's iconic Jim Beam Homegrown festival is leaving the city after eighteen years, with this year's festival the last in the capital. Festival director Andrew Tuck told Nick Mills the decision was a hard one, with his team having explored every other option to keep the festival in the city.  He said New Zealand music remains enormously popular and the festival wants the ability to introduce more stages such as one focused on country music.  Tuck said they hope to have the new venue confirmed by April. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:53:30 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/music-time-james-irwin-on-homegrown-leaving-wellington-and-other-upcoming-summer-gigs/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/music-time-james-irwin-on-homegrown-leaving-wellington-and-other-upcoming-summer-gigs/ Some sad news for Wellington was announced on Monday: after eighteen years, the Jim Beam Homegrown festival will be leaving Wellington and is searching for a new home.  How big a loss is this for Wellington, and what other big music events does Wellington play host to?  Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin, sporting a controversial new haircut, joined Nick Mills for the first Music Time of 2025.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:43:34 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/founder-luke-neira-talks-about-wellingtons-new-padel-house/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/founder-luke-neira-talks-about-wellingtons-new-padel-house/ Padel is considered the world's fastest growing racquet sport, and now Wellingtonians have the chance to play in New Zealand's first premium padel facility. The indoor centre in Kilbirnie features four premium courts, with doors open to padel competitors of all ages and abilities. The centre's founder, Luke Neira, joined Adam Cooper to explain more about the sport and what the new centre offers. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:56:50 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/best-of-2024-nick-mills-wellington-is-in-a-downward-spiral-and-were-in-trouble/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/best-of-2024-nick-mills-wellington-is-in-a-downward-spiral-and-were-in-trouble/ OPINION: Some disturbing news came across my desk yesterday. I got a lovely email from Nicola Cranfield with the sad news that Cranfield’s on Johnson St near Lambton Quay is closing.   Often shops close during a recession and unpredictable times.   Shops close because they go broke.   Businesses close when owners have just had enough.  But Cranfield’s has been operating in Wellington for 33 years and reading Nicola Cranfield’s email really affected me.   Nicola has fought endlessly against Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Golden Mile project. She's met with counsellors, she's met with businesses, she's gone to every meeting she possibly could have gone to, just to fight the cause to save Lambton Quay from both Let's Get Wellington Moving and the Golden Mile project.  She's had the acrimony of presenting to Wellington City Council with councillors not even looking her in the eye, looking down at their devices not caring what she has to say.,not caring what she and her mother had done for our city over 33 years. Absolutely no respect whatsoever.  But that didn't stop Nicola from fighting.  That didn't stop Nicola from being a proud Wellingtonian wanting her successful family business to carry on against all the distractions and inconvenience that was thrown at her by those two major projects and our council.  Things got so frustrating for her that she decided that she would not renew her long term lease and go month to month.  Unfortunately for us in Wellington it didn’t work for Nicola Cranfield and her shop is closing.   A Wellington institution gone, just like that.  It’s interesting Nicola is not blaming or even bringing into the equation the public sector job losses due to government cuts.  I've met Nicola a few times she's the most positive, bright, energetic and focused businesswoman you could ever expect to meet.  She’s someone you talk to and say to yourself ‘gosh aren't we lucky to have a person like that running a business in our city’.  Well no longer; she joins the long list of fabulous Wellingtonians who ran amazing businesses that got caught up in the downward spiral and are out…  An article in the Herald today from Thomas Coughlan, outlining the effects and breaking down the job losses by numbers is very interesting.   It shows it's more of a self-perpetuating downhill spiral than actual cash disappearing from the community.  People that haven't lost their job still have the disposable income to spend - they’re just adjusting and being extremely careful.  Even last night I met a couple who hadn’t lost their jobs, still had disposable income and they felt guilty for going out. It felt wrong to them, with everything going on.   Our city is in a bad place, and no, it's not just because of these public service cuts, which much of us would agree are needed to some extent.   No, its a wider issue. It’s an economy on the slump, it's a council that doesn’t seem to understand the big issues, its uncertainty over projects like the Golden Mile.   I love this city, I love it a lot - but Wellington doesn’t feel like it did five, ten or twenty years ago.  We’re in a slump, we’re in a spiral - and I think most of us know it.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:28:11 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/kate-chandler-and-logan-van-beek-preview-the-blaze-and-firebirds-t20-campaigns/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/kate-chandler-and-logan-van-beek-preview-the-blaze-and-firebirds-t20-campaigns/ This year's domestic Twenty20 Super Smash cricket event will feature a set final venue - Wellington's Basin Reserve - for both the women's and men's competitions. To preview the season ahead, Adam Cooper was joined by Kate Chandler and Logan van Beek from the Blaze and Firebirds. The Wellington teams begin their season in Hamilton on January 1, before hosting their first matches at the Basin Reserve on January 9. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:40:17 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/queens-assistant-coach-mel-bennett-on-facing-former-team-in-tauihi-final/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/queens-assistant-coach-mel-bennett-on-facing-former-team-in-tauihi-final/ The Tokomanawa Queens bid for their second Tauihi National Basketball League title on Sunday, when travelling to Tauranga to meet the Whai. Queens assistant coach Mel Bennett spent two seasons as Whai coach - she joined Adam Cooper to preview the game and look back on the season thus far. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:31:48 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/bowls-wellington-report-december-21-2024/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/bowls-wellington-report-december-21-2024/ Jason Puddick from Bowls Wellington brings Adam Cooper up to speed with the latest from the bowls scene, including several events over the holiday period. Regular bowls reports on 九一星空无限talk ZB will resume on January 18, 2025. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:15:43 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-cricket-december-21-2024-preview/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-cricket-december-21-2024-preview/ Matt Wilson from Cricket Wellington joins Adam Cooper to preview the final day of premier club cricket for 2024. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:11:05 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-mark-sainsbury-and-polly-gillespie-dissect-the-year-that-was-2024-live-from-prefab-cafe/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-mark-sainsbury-and-polly-gillespie-dissect-the-year-that-was-2024-live-from-prefab-cafe/ It's the final Faceoff for 2024 - so who better than two Wellington broadcasting legends to dissect the news of the year?  It's been a huge year in politics - and much of it has centered on Wellington. How has both the government and the  opposition performed, and who is the stand-out political performer of the year?  Also, Wellington City Council and Mayor Tory Whanau have had their fair share of headlines this year. Has this been embarrassing for the capital - and will next year be any better?  Also, whats been the highlight of the year in Wellington?  Two answer those questions, legendary broadcasters Mark Sainsbury and Polly Gillespie joined Nick Mills for the final Friday Faceoff, live from Prefab Cafe in Wellington's CBD.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:53:37 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-grant-nisbett-and-jason-pine-celebrate-2024s-sporting-successes/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-grant-nisbett-and-jason-pine-celebrate-2024s-sporting-successes/ It’s been a magnificent year in sport. New Zealand had a record haul of 10 gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Wellington took out the NPC championship and the Phoenix had their best ever season. To talk the sporting successes of 2024, who better than legendary sports broadcasters Grant Nisbett and Jason Pine. The pair joined Nick Mills for the final Friday Sport Kickoff of the year, live from Prefab Cafe in Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:47:56 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-wraps-the-year-that-was-2024/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-wraps-the-year-that-was-2024/ It’s been a big year for Finance Minister Nicola Willis. She delivered her first budget which included her promised tax relief package, she laid off thousands of public servants and she’s facing deteriorating books, all in the midst of a technical recession. So how would she rate her performance over the year, and what’s in store for 2025? Willis joined Nick Mills for the final show of the year, live from Prefab Cafe in the city. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:45:37 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-chris-bishop-and-ginny-andersen-talk-economic-outlook-ferries-and-their-thoughts-on-2024/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-chris-bishop-and-ginny-andersen-talk-economic-outlook-ferries-and-their-thoughts-on-2024/ Parliament has officially adjourned for the year and MPs and Ministers are journeying home to various parts of the country.  Still in Wellington, though, are the two Lower Hutt-based MPs, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Chris Bishop. The pair joined Nick Mills for the final Politics Thursday panel of 2024, where they debated the economic outlook after news of a big GDP slump, ongoing fallout from last week's ferry announcement, and their hopes for next year.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:25:37 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/tory-whanau-wellington-mayor-on-rates-increases-engagement-with-businesses-and-how-shed-rate-her-performance/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/tory-whanau-wellington-mayor-on-rates-increases-engagement-with-businesses-and-how-shed-rate-her-performance/ Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says she would rate her performance as the capital's mayor over 2024 as a "seven or eight".  "I think it's gone up and down. Mid-year was probably around five, and if I would do things differently on certain things I would."  It's been a difficult year for Whanau who has struggled to find a win. The deal to redevelop Reading Cinema collapsed, she failed to gain the support of councillors to sell the council's stake in Wellington Airport, and the government appointed a Crown observer. She ends the year with more controversial decisions made around her council table, including the decision to demolish Begonia House and the City to Sea bridge.  Whanau joined Nick Mills for her final interview of 2024.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:02:22 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/anita-baker-porirua-mayor-reflects-on-2025-and-how-shes-kept-next-years-rates-rise-low/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/anita-baker-porirua-mayor-reflects-on-2025-and-how-shes-kept-next-years-rates-rise-low/ Porirua could have been in store for a rates rise of more than 10 per cent - but the city's mayor says that could be limited to around half of that after careful spending decisions.  Porirua mayor Anita Baker says the council has been careful how its spent money and made cuts in roles where they weren't needed. This week Wellington Mornings is catching up with the mayors across the Wellington region. Baker joined Nick Mills to discuss how Porirua has fared over 2024 and what's in store for next year.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:11:49 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/capital-letter-georgina-campbell-on-two-resignations-from-tory-whanaus-business-group-and-ongoing-ferry-fallout/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/capital-letter-georgina-campbell-on-two-resignations-from-tory-whanaus-business-group-and-ongoing-ferry-fallout/ It's been a huge year for Wellington. Local government has hogged the headlines, and repeated issues with ferries have caused the crossing between the North and South islands to become a hot political issue. With her finger on the pulse of the city's news, NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter has joined Nick Mills weekly since the start of the year.  This week in her final slot of the year, she discussed two high-profile resignations from Wellington mayor Tory Whanau's business advisory group, and ongoing fallout from the government's announcement on ferries last week. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:06:47 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-chief-executive-on-the-governments-latest-economic-forecasts/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-chief-executive-on-the-governments-latest-economic-forecasts/ The Government's half-year fiscal update paints a bleak economic picture for the years ahead. It won't be until 2029 that the government will finally be out of deficit - longer than previously forecasted. Despite that, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back on calls to make more cuts to government spending, saying the government has to manage an increasing population and demand for public services.  To talk through the numbers, economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen joined Nick Mills, where he also discussed the idea of superannuation reform.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:01:06 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/music-time-james-irwin-on-the-best-and-worst-christmas-songs/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/music-time-james-irwin-on-the-best-and-worst-christmas-songs/ Christmas is upon us, with festive tunes ringing in stores and even around the home. Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin has compiled a list of some lesser-known New Zealand Christmas tunes, and even uncovered a long lost Beatles Christmas song - released long before Paul McCartney and John Lennon released their own festive hits.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:45:51 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/wayne-guppy-upper-hutt-mayor-on-whether-hes-running-for-a-ninth-term/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/wayne-guppy-upper-hutt-mayor-on-whether-hes-running-for-a-ninth-term/ New Zealand's longest serving current mayor has revealed he is running for another term.  2025 will be Wayne Guppy's ninth run for the top job, which he has held since 2001.  This week Wellington Mornings is catching up with the mayors across the Wellington region. Guppy joined Nick Mills to discuss how Upper Hutt has fared over 2024 and what's in store for next year.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:41:14 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/campbell-barry-hutt-city-mayor-reflects-on-2024-and-looks-forward-to-the-new-year/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/campbell-barry-hutt-city-mayor-reflects-on-2024-and-looks-forward-to-the-new-year/ Over the next few days, Wellington Mornings is talking to local Mayors around our region for their thoughts on the year that was 2024.  Today, Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry joined Nick Mills shortly before his last council meeting of the year, where councillors will discuss next year's budget and potential rates rises.  He told Nick Mills it's been a tough year across the Wellington region, but believes Lower Hutt is doing well. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:36:20 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/daniel-gerrard-water-safety-nz-ceo-on-two-water-related-deaths-in-wellington-over-the-weekend/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/daniel-gerrard-water-safety-nz-ceo-on-two-water-related-deaths-in-wellington-over-the-weekend/ Two people tragically died in water-related events in Wellington over the weekend.  It comes as the country heads into the summer break, where drowning incidents typically spike.  Water Safety NZ CEO Daniel Gerrard says the country's provisional drowning figures are still below average for this time of year, and it is important people heed warnings over the next few weeks to keep it that way.  He joined Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:32:23 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/tania-tupu-tokomanawa-queens-coach-reflects-on-the-season-previews-the-tauihi-national-basketball-league-playoffs/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/tania-tupu-tokomanawa-queens-coach-reflects-on-the-season-previews-the-tauihi-national-basketball-league-playoffs/ The Tokomanawa Queens travel south to meet the Mainland Pouākai in the Tauihi National Basketball league playoffs on Saturday.  Queens coach Tania Tupu joined Adam Cooper to reflect on the season so far and look ahead to the playoffs.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:32:46 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/tom-blundell-black-cap-previews-the-third-test-against-england-in-hamilton/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/tom-blundell-black-cap-previews-the-third-test-against-england-in-hamilton/ Despite the Black Caps' 323-run trouncing by England in test two at the Basin Reserve, a highlight for New Zealand was Tom Blundell's fifth career century.  Ahead of the dead rubber third test in Hamilton, Blundell joined Adam Cooper to preview the match.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:06:43 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-bowls-report-december-14-2024/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-bowls-report-december-14-2024/ Adam Cooper is joined by Jason Puddick for a summary of all things bowls. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:22:03 Z /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-cricket-december-14-2024-preview/ /on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-cricket-december-14-2024-preview/ Cricket Wellington's Matt Wilson joins Adam Cooper for a preview of the weekend's local cricket. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:20:50 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-julie-anne-genter-and-phil-oreilly-talk-ferries-rise-in-drug-use-and-debanking/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-julie-anne-genter-and-phil-oreilly-talk-ferries-rise-in-drug-use-and-debanking/ The government's plan for new Interislander ferries doesn't seem to be much of a plan at all - with no new ships or details on what they'll cost. Has the government dropped the ball? Also, fuel company Waitomo and other independent service station owners say BNZ has told them there'll be no more loans and all outstanding debt must be paid by 2030 - a policy of the BNZ to meet their net zero targets. But BNZ says the decision is simply one of risk. Is it fair for BNZ to de-bank these customers?  To answer those questions, Green MP and transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter and Iron Duke Partners managing director Phil O'Reilly joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 13 Dec 2024 01:12:18 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper-talk-blackcaps-v-england-and-the-breakers-string-of-losses/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper-talk-blackcaps-v-england-and-the-breakers-string-of-losses/ The Blackcaps take on England in Hamilton in the third test - a dead-rubber after a dismal performance by the home team over the first two tests. What went wrong for the Blackcaps? Also, the Breakers have suffered five losses in a row, including in Wellington last Saturday night. What's going wrong for the team?  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 13 Dec 2024 01:08:20 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-paul-goldsmith-and-willie-jackson-talk-ferries-boot-camps-and-support-for-media/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-paul-goldsmith-and-willie-jackson-talk-ferries-boot-camps-and-support-for-media/ The government's plan for the Interislander ferry was light on detail - we don't know what new ferries we're getting, nor how much it will cost. Did the government drop the ball?  Also, the Fair Digitial 九一星空无限 Bargaining Bill that forces social media giants to pay for their use of NZ news still hasn't been introduced to Parliament - when will we see it, or is it on ice completely?  To answer those questions, Justice and Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour's media and Maori Development spokesman Willie Jackson joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:55:31 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-ferries-boot-camps-and-whether-hell-still-be-leader-in-2025/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-ferries-boot-camps-and-whether-hell-still-be-leader-in-2025/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins has spent a year in opposition now - holding the top job longer than many commentators expected he would.  Looking forward to 2025, Nick Mills asked Hipkins how Labour plans to grow its vote and what policy it plans on looking at. Also, what is likely to be in the government's new plan for the Interisland ferries, and why has Labour called for the government's boot camp trial to be shut down?  Hipkins joined Nick Mills for his final slot of 2025.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 11 Dec 2024 02:51:06 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/clint-schoultz-vsct-spokesperson-on-demand-rising-80-for-their-christmas-hamper-initiative/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/clint-schoultz-vsct-spokesperson-on-demand-rising-80-for-their-christmas-hamper-initiative/ The Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust (VSCT) is calling on the help of Wellingtonians ahead of the festive season. The trust is behind an initiative to provide Christmas hampers for families across the Wellington region, now in its second year.  But demand for the hampers is up almost 80 per cent on last year, and spokesperson Clint Schoultz says they need donations from Wellingtonians to sponsor hampers for families who don’t have the spare income for a traditional Christmas spread. Schoultz joined Nick Mills to talk about the initiative.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:13:49 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/business-panel-retail-nz-ceo-carlolyn-young-and-backhouse-interiors-michelle-backhouse-on-how-business-fared-in-2024/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/business-panel-retail-nz-ceo-carlolyn-young-and-backhouse-interiors-michelle-backhouse-on-how-business-fared-in-2024/ It's been one of the toughest years in memory for many businesses around Wellington with a sluggish economy, public-sector job cuts, high inflation, and roading changes around the CBD.  But there is still loads of positivity around the capital according to our two guests on the final Business Panel of 2024, who are both hoping for a much stronger 2025.  Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young and Backhouse Interiors owner Michelle Backhouse joined Nick to reflect on the year and their hopes for the new one.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 08 Dec 2024 23:43:20 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/beehive-buzz-jason-walls-on-boot-camp-abscondees-and-impending-announcement-on-interislander-ferries/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/beehive-buzz-jason-walls-on-boot-camp-abscondees-and-impending-announcement-on-interislander-ferries/ The Government is expected to announce its plan for the future of the Interislander ferries this week. What are we expecting?  Also, the government's boot camps have been in the headlines over the weekend after two young people absconded from the programme, and another was killed in a car accident. How politically harmful is this for the government?  To answer those questions, 九一星空无限talk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 08 Dec 2024 23:35:15 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-nick-leggett-and-fleur-fitzsimons-talk-vision-for-wellington-sevu-reece-and-christmas-parties/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-nick-leggett-and-fleur-fitzsimons-talk-vision-for-wellington-sevu-reece-and-christmas-parties/ It was revealed this week that members of Vision for Wellington, a group set up by prominent Wellingtonians to advocate for the city had been communicating with the Prime Minister and local government Minister about their launch - despite claiming to be apolitical. Do you believe the group when they say they don't have a political agenda? Also, some government departments have scrapped their Christmas parties to save money. Is this reasonable, or just miserable?  To answer those questions, Infrastructure NZ CEO and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett and PSA assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:57:59 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-andrew-alderson-and-adam-cooper-on-the-blackcaps-v-england-and-the-second-nz-a-league-derby/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sport-kickoff-andrew-alderson-and-adam-cooper-on-the-blackcaps-v-england-and-the-second-nz-a-league-derby/ Wellington's biggest roundabout will see plenty of action over the next few days as the Blackcaps take on England in the second test at the Basin Reserve.  The crowd is a sell-out for the first three days and the excitement is palpable around town. What are our chances of finding a win?  Also, the Wellington Phoenix face Auckland FC in Auckland this weekend - can the Phoenix come back from defeat to topple the new club?  All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and 九一星空无限talk ZB's cricket man Andrew Alderson joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:39:40 Z /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/shaun-bruce-sydney-kings-player-on-facing-the-breakers-in-wellington-this-weekend/ /on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/shaun-bruce-sydney-kings-player-on-facing-the-breakers-in-wellington-this-weekend/ The Australian NBL returns to Wellington for the first time in five years this weekend where the Breakers will take on the Sydney Kings at TSB Arena.  On the court will be Shaun Bruce, a former Wellington Saints player now playing for the Kings. He joined Nick Mills to discuss what to expect on Saturday. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:35:03 Z