Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Nick was joined for Friday Faceoff this week by Managing Director of Iron Duke Partners Phil O'Reilly, and Raygun founder JD Trask. They focussed on the current state of Wellington, the troubled Arlington apartment development in Wellington's Mount Cook, and whether Paul Henry's candidacy announcement will boost the ACT Party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to discuss the political news of the week. Starting with Nationals plea for Labour to commit to their rates cap proposal. Is the risk of flip flopping between governments worth it? Do we need a different solution to the frivolous spends of councils? Andersen shares Labour's thoughts and why they still have not taken a stance on the issue. Then the panel discuss the introduction of bird flu on Wellington's shore, TOP in the election debate and where are we at with the Wellington Roads of Significance? Is there any chance we could drive through the second Mt Victoria tunnel in the next decade? And Paul Henry - what do our political panel make of the broadcaster's entrance into parliament through the ACT Party?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to chat the latest in politics, including Paul Henry's entrance into politics with the ACT Party. Hipkins shares his thoughts on famous faces entering politics, and how he thinks broadcaster Paul Henry will fit into the beehive. "Shane Jones is going to have a bit of competition for parliament's biggest blowhard." Then how is Labour reacting to the shifts in National's plan for the Roads of National Significance. Would they follow through with all projects put on the back burner? When asked if Labour would prioritise the second Mt Victoria tunnel project, Hipkins says he doesn't think anyone will be driving through it in the next decade. Plus, his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the talks to join an Ocean of Peace Alliance and remembering Sir Sam Neill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: I start the programme this morning with incredibly sad news that last night, New Zealand lost one of its true greats.  Sir Sam Neill has died.  Now, I'm not going to spend the next hour listing every film he made or every award he won, because, quite frankly, we already know what Sir Sam Neill achieved.   We know the remarkable career he built. We know the incredible body of work he leaves behind.   From Sleeping Dogs to The Piano, from Jurassic Park to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and so many memorable performances in between, he became one of the most recognisable Kiwi faces worldwide.  He didn't just represent New Zealand. He represented us with dignity, humour, intelligence and class. I’m so proud to think he was the person representing us on the world stage.  Only a few months ago he was talking about beating cancer again.   His family said he died suddenly, surrounded by those he loved, peacefully and with the dignity that defined his life. There's some comfort in that, even though the loss feels enormous.  I've never actually met Sir Sam.  The closest I ever came was years ago.   There were always rumours he owned a house at the end of the street where I lived.   One day I happened to see him standing quietly at the top of his driveway, waiting for a taxi. That was it.  No conversation. No introduction. Just one of those little moments you remember.  I'll remember exactly where I was when I heard he'd died.   I was sitting in the car at the traffic lights outside Rutherford & Bond. Funny how news like this freezes a moment in time forever.  Some people leave an impression on your life even if you never met them.  Sir Sam Neill was one of those people.  He was an extraordinary actor, a proud New Zealander, a storyteller, an internationally acclaimed winemaker, an advocate for the places and people he loved, and by all accounts, a genuinely decent human   This morning isn't just about remembering a brilliant actor.  It's about remembering one of us, one of our own, who became a true, true international icon.  Sir Sam Neill.  Rest in peace.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand icon Sir Sam Neill has died and tributes are flying in from all over the world.  The Jurassic Park actor passed away unexpectedly on Monday 13th July in Sydney surrounded by his family. Nick Mills spoke to NZ film producer and founder of Gibson Group Dave Gibson who shared his memories of Neill.  While Neill was well-known for his international roles, Gibson says what really cemented him as a NZ icon was his "very, very kiwi parts", like Uncle Hec in Hunt for the Wilderpeople.  Gibson said was "the top of the mountain" of Kiwi film and a great guy. "We don't have a lot of people like Sam." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills is joined for the business panel this week by two owners of successful businesses, Helen Turnbull, head chef and owner at Michelin recognised 50/50 and Deanne Milldove, co-founder and owner of Orizen Tyres, which has 8 branches across the lower North Island. Both owners are Paraparaumu based, they share how doing business out on the Kāpiti Coast differs from the CBD. What makes the Kāpiti community better to do business in? With more expansion on the way for Milldove and global recognition and award success for Turnbull, Nick finds out their secret to success and what it takes to build a growing business in this economy. Milldove and Turnbull also discuss the biggest challenges in business right now including the cost of living - prompting Turnbull to make her own butter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a political Friday Faceoff this week with esteemed journalist and editor of Politick Richard Harman and NZ Herald Political editor Thomas Coughlan joining Nick Mills in the studio. Starting with the Moa Point plant review in the hands Minister Simon Watts desk, which has no timeline for public release. Harman and Coughlan discuss why the government could be withholding it and how are they feeling 150 days into the ecological disaster. The panel analyse Michael Laws candidacy for NZ First, can he make a difference in the party? And can Peters handle all these personalities?  And the tragedy of the man who died after waiting 9 hours in the Emergency Department of Waikato Hospital. Our panel look at the problems that led our country here and how we need to improve so it never happens again. Have those at the top of the Ministry of Social Development considered the realities of emergency housing before imposing targets for managers? The panel faceoff over whether the government has influenced these and reflect on Minister Tama Potaka's fumbles recently around this and the conservation clause that blew up last week. Plus, Minister Casey Costello suggests decreasing excise tax for tobacco, being banned from a cafe for a MAGA hat and the panel share their hots and nots. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB Sports experts Adam Cooper and Jason Pine join Nick Mills for an All-Blacks special edition of Friday Sport Kick-off. This is the first test of Dave Rennie's new All Blacks, and our first chance to see how this side will work under his reign. The team make their debut at Christchurch's new Te Kaha stadium against France on Saturday. The crew take a look at the Dave Rennie's first positioning of the squad and his statement with moves like shifting around flankers, Beauden Barret at 23 and Ruben Love starting at 10.  And Piney squashes the rumours this will be an easy game playing France. With comments swirling it is a B team, how does this team really stack up against our All Blacks? And will the Hurricanes bomb squad be the thing France need to fear the most? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for our Politics Panel and this week Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. Starting with Minister Casey Costello's statement that she is considering a review on excise tax of tobacco. We hear what Verrall and Costley think of this stance and how do we address the growth of the illicit tobacco trade. The death of a man who spent 9 hours in the Waikato Hospital Emergency Department has bought attention to ED wait times. How are the politicians working to stop this tragedy from ever happening again? And the big reveal earlier in the week that MSD had a metric for staff of emergency housing numbers, potentially incentivising staff to deny the support. Plus, the panel discuss regulating politicians on social media. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in the studio for the July edition of his monthly catch up. Mayor Little takes Nick's and callers questions for the hour on the latest in the capital. They hit the top stories of the week including the council's public defiance of move on orders, solutions to our homeless problem and how we can get the city looking and feeling good again. Then onto the three advisory groups put together by the council to improve the city. Why did the Mayor go back on his opinion he was against forming these boards? And Nick asks how the success will be measured. And Tiaki Wai makes it to day 2. How has the transition gone and what does Wellington have in store with our new water entity.  Plus, Nick and the Mayor celebrate the 3 Michelin stars Wellington businesses were awarded this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills talks with co-founder of STILL Minding the Gap, Jo Cribb this morning about the start of the new "Lift the Lid" campaign, which is pushing for mandatory gender pay gap reporting in New Zealand. In New Zealand the gender pay gap is 5.2% for women, 12% for Māori wahine and 16% for Pacific women. Cribb believes more transparency from businesses will shut the gap and allow fair pay. They discuss why the campaign is calling for greater pay transparency, her own experience with the gender pay gap, the economic and social impacts of the gap, and why she believes making pay gaps public is the first step towards closing them. The campaign relates pulling the related bill from the tin in parliament to a cookie tin - for more details and to add your cookie (voice) to the tin check out their website STILLMindingTheGap. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Wellington restaurants were awarded the highly sought, world famous Michelin stars last night.  Winners Steve Logan from Logan Brown, and Mark Limacher from Ortega Fish Shack join Nick on the show to celebrate the wins.  Logan (Logan Brown) says the business been hit by the tough economic times in Wellington, but the star reaffirms the work they've done over the last 30 years. Limacher (Ortega Fish Shack) is buzzing over the star and shares how the team is feeling. According to Limacher that team is what sets Ortega apart, "it's people that love what they're doing". He says the stars are a huge win for the whole hospitality industry.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: Now for me one of the biggest problems facing politics today isn't the just the economy, it's not just crime, it's not just health, it's not even just the cost of living, which are all hugely important.   But it’s one word: trust.  Who do we trust in politics?  Do we actually believe what politicians tell us anymore?  Because if we don't, then don’t we have a real problem?  This latest story involving Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke has genuinely disappointed me.   Not because she's from Te Pāti Māori. Not because she's young. Actually, because she represented something different.  She arrived in Parliament as one of the new generation.   Young, energetic, hugely popular on social media, someone many people thought could genuinely inspire young Māori to get involved in politics.   Whether you agreed with her politics or not, there was a sense that she could become a powerful voice for her people, young people.  That's why this matters.  Stuff has now questioned a series of social media posts where Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke appeared to claim credit for work that ministers say she wasn't involved in.  The latest involves extending free breast screening from age 69 to 74.  The policy was promised before the 2023 election by then National health spokesperson Shane Reti, funded in the 2024 Budget and is now being rolled out.   Yet Maipi-Clarke posted that she had been "supporting the minister" and described it as an announcement she'd been working on since last year.   After questions were raised, the wording of that post has suddenly changed.  And this one really stings for me.   I've known a number of Māori women, people very close to me, who've battled breast cancer.   So, when a young Māori wāhine appears to be claiming a significant role in something so important for her own people, if that claim isn't accurate, that's incredibly disappointing.   For me breast cancer is too serious to become part of anyone's political image.  But it's not just this.  Last week another social media post was deleted after questions were raised about claims she'd spent 65 percent of her time advocating for young people in prisons and youth justice facilities.  According to the article, the office of the Corrections Minister said she had visited one prison once since becoming an MP, while the Children's Minister said she had never visited, or even asked to visit, an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility.   Those are enormous differences between what people were led to believe, what we were told and what ministers say actually happened.  Every politician likes to put their best foot forward. Every politician celebrates wins.  But here’s the line.  If you supported a policy, say you supported it.  If you campaigned for a policy, say you campaigned for it.  If you delivered it, then by all means take the credit.  But don't leave thousands of followers believing you've done work you may, or probably have not done.  Social media is where many New Zealanders, me included now get their political information. Watch, study and keep in their minds.  That means politicians have an even greater responsibility to get it right. Even greater responsibility to tell the damn truth.  Because if we can't trust what our elected representatives are telling us online, then what exactly are we supposed to believe?  Politics doesn't need more spin.  It needs more honesty.  And I think New Zealanders deserve exactly that.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL:  I have been one of the strongest supporters of giving police the power to move rough sleepers on.   I've said repeatedly that we need to clean up our streets.   We need safer city centres.   We need people sleeping in parks, doorways and shop entrances helped.  Helped into accommodation, not just left there.  But yesterday, watching Q+A, I found myself asking a very different question.  At what cost do we achieve that?  Because if the allegations uncovered by Q+A are correct, this isn't just about reducing emergency housing numbers anymore.   It's about whether government targets have created pressure inside MSD that could influence decisions affecting some of our most vulnerable people.  Documents obtained under the Official Information Act show MSD managers are assessed on a range of performance measures, including reducing the number of people receiving emergency housing grants.   Staff are graded as "exceeding", "achieving" or "needs improvement", and the documents state that if performance doesn't meet expectations, an improvement plan can follow.  So we are grading people on whether they keep people out of emergency accommodation.  That should concern every New Zealander.  The Auckland City Mission says these targets create an incentive to say no.   The Christchurch Methodist Mission says nobody should ever be rewarded for denying someone a basic thing like shelter. Those are serious claims.  Now, MSD says emergency housing targets are only one of 11 performance measures and no one faces disciplinary action based solely on that target. That's important context.  But even Housing Minister Tama Potaka appeared surprised.   On Q+A he said he wasn't aware of the performance agreements.   Initially he described them as an operational matter and couldn’t talk about it, but later admitted he could understand why reasonable people might see them as creating an incentive to refuse legitimate applications.  What else could it be seen as?  That answer didn't fill me with confidence.  Yes, the Government inherited an emergency housing system that had exploded.   Nearly 5,000 people were in emergency accommodation in late 2021, costing around $340 million a year.   Reducing those numbers is a worthwhile goal. In fact, the Government reached its target five years early, with emergency housing falling to just 591 people by the end of 2024.  But here's the issue.  If someone genuinely needs emergency housing, they should get emergency housing. Full stop.  End of story in New Zealand.  Targets should measure how quickly we get people into stable, permanent homes—not how effectively we reduce the headline numbers. It’s election year, of course they want to headlines to look better.  Q+A also found that for 16 consecutive months there were more than 1,000 additional inquiries about emergency housing each month than formal applications.   So, people were saying they needed a house but were put off from actually putting an application in because staff were grading them, stopping them.  The most common reason given when applications weren't approved was simply, "the need can be met in another way."  The need can be met in another way? Was that living in a shop front? Was that living in a car? Was that staying in the park?   We can always make the stats look better, can’t we? But this matters.  This matters because the Government also wants police to have new move-on powers over rough sleepers. Put them in jail, which I’m not fully against.   If people are being turned away from emergency housing while at the same time being moved off the streets, where the hell are they supposed to go?  This story has the potential to become a defining issues of this election—not because New Zealanders don’t oppose tough rules, but because as Kiwis we expect some kind of fairness.  Clean up the streets by all means.  Just don't clean up the stats at the expense of the people who genuinely need help.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are heading home after their dreams of reaching the knockout round at the FIFA World Cup were smashed by Belgium 5-1.  Former All White David Chote joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to discuss the tournament and future of football for Kiwis. Did the All Whites play as well as they should be expected to on a world stage?  Nick and David discuss if we punched at our weight, and is playing in Oceania holding us back? They look at our ranking over the years, our coaches, the success of Chris Wood and how we can get more players to his skill level. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Missioner Reverend Murray Edridge says the country's homeless situation is "significantly worse than it's ever been", and the reduction of numbers for those in emergency housing is not a reflection of reality. This comes as an investigation by Q+A has revealed the Ministry of Social Development has a target metric for employees to decrease the number of people receiving emergency housing services. Rev. Edridge joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to talk about his first hand experience trying to support people in need of shelter and homes. He says National selling the reduction in emergency housing stats as a success, yet times have "never been as hard" is a "tragic outcome". LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by heavy hitters and former ministers Christopher Finlayson and Peter Dunne. The panel get started by debating the changes Tama Potaka has backed down on in his conservation bill. Did he make the right choice politically and ethically? Or should Kiwis be up for the conversation around conservation? The WCC have opened up a rates system change to public consultation. What would be better for Wellington - rating by land value or capital value? They also take a look at the history of two major party leaders challenging each other twice. Then Finlayson and Dunne discuss Mayor Andrew Little and the council's calls to defy move on orders.  Also, on the agenda is the risk with TOP, the polls, superannuation age change, Winston Peters creating a media storm and share their hot and nots.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Friday Sports Kick-off, Jason Pine beams into the show from Vancouver from the FIFA World Cup.  It's the eve of the All Whites vs Belgium game, which they must win to progress into the knockout stage.  Although Belgium are the clear favourites, Pine says they haven't played as well as expected this tournament.  So, Pine chats with Nick about our chances and the vibes in Canada with the hype around the football. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills is joined in the studio this morning by National Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Willie Jackson for our Politics Thursday panel. They cover the hot political issues of the week - starting with new controversy around move on orders. Mayor Andrew Little says the council will continue in defiance of the government's move on orders, but has offered no specific solution. Our panel discuss this, and what they think about the Mayor outwardly rebelling against the government. They also discuss the latest poll, which has Labour and National at their lowest combined result since MMP started. Are the minor parties in control? And do the major parties take TOP seriously? Also, Winston Peters Health and safety bill saga, is he politicking or is there genuine concerns over Brooke Van Velden's bill? And Goldsmith and Jackson debate altering the age for super annuation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports and has taken off all over the world, so I thought it was about time I see what all the fuss is about.  I headed out to "Love Pickleball", Upper Hutts brand new Pickleball dedicated facility - and the largest in Australasia.  I toured around the location, home to ten courts, a shop and cafe and equipped with all the gear you need and coaches. I met with programme manager and coach Will Dewhirst for a crash course of the basics. And find out if Pickleball as great as everyone claims it to be. Check out the video on our Facebook - Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL:  This is one of those stories that leaves you feeling angry, frustrated and, most of all, heartbroken for a little girl and her family.  A five-year-old girl has been left with serious facial injuries after being mauled by a dog that had been released from the Porirua pound just one day earlier.  According to evidence presented in court, the dog, called Thanos, had already attacked an 18-year-old family member in January.   That attack resulted in facial injuries, antibiotics and treatment. The dog was impounded and classified as dangerous.  But after the owner asked for it to be returned, the council released it, warning the owner that the adults at the Cambridge property where it was going to live had to be told about the risks and the need for vigilance.  Then came the tragedy.  The very next day, a five-year-old girl was in a garage playing fetch with the dog.   The dog that had just been released after attacking an 18 year old.  The dog was not wearing a muzzle. It was not on a lead.   It attacked her, causing horrific injuries to her cheek and lip.  She required surgery to repair what doctors described as a complex wound. Blood supply had to be restored.   Today she carries scars across her lip, beside her nose and under her eye and it is horrific.  And that's where my sympathy lies this morning.   Not with the council, bad decision. Not with the dog owner, horrific decision. Not with the dog which knows no better.  With a little girl who will likely remember this for the rest of her life.  I love dogs. I've owned dogs. Most dog owners are responsible people.   But we are making a mistake in this country when we start pretending dogs are people.  They're not.  They're animals. Some are powerful.   This dog had already shown aggression. It had already attacked someone.   Yet somehow, within 24 hours of being released, it was around a young child without the most basic precautions being taken.  Knowing that this dog had attacked someone before.   That to me is simply not good enough.  Owning a dog is a privilege. It's not a right.   And when a dog has already shown it can attack, the responsibility on the owner becomes even greater.   Once a dog has attacked, there is no ifs no buts no maybes they have to be put down. Simple. Simple, because they will do it again.   The lesson from this story is simple. Love your dogs. Care for your dogs.   But never ever forget what they're capable of doing.  Because when people get complacent, it's innocent children who end up paying the price.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings for his monthly chat. The latest One News Verian poll has the two major parties at the lowest combined result in 30 years, Hipkins says Kiwis are "disgruntled with the status quo". Hipkins and Mills discuss the rise of TOP, and if Labour would be willing to work with the growing party come election day.  Also on the agenda is the lack of conversation around superannuation from the Labour party, what they want to see with Kiwi saver and why Labour will not means test with their new policies. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine joins Nick on the show live from Vancouver to share his the rundown of yesterday's All-Whites vs Egypt game. They discuss if there's any chance the All Whites can succeed against World Number 6 Belgium.  Pine analyses player performances, and what we need to do to continue in the tournament - win. Plus, Pine shares his thoughts on the referee's questionable calls during the game.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For today's Business Panel, Nick Mills is joined by 24/7 fitness co-founder Troy Rorason and O-Studio founder Kate Twigg, to get insight into the success of the wellbeing industry during these economic times.  It's been just over a year since Kate last joined us on the panel, so we find out how it's been going building her business in the CBD and for Troy they have expanded their business and opened a tenth gym on the Kapiti Coast. How is it operating a business in the capital right now? Are we too harsh on Wellington? And did the panel notice a change in the city after the Hurricanes win? The panel share advice on adapting with the complicated external factors with the economic downturn and council issues. And we find out why they have chosen Wellington to set up their businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a weekend for Wellington! The Hurricanes obliterated the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final 60-5 in a packed Hnry Stadium.  To celebrate and share the story behind the success Hurricanes Flanker Brad Shields joins Nick Mills on the show this morning.  Brad talks about his decision to sign on for another year, and how it feels to be the only Hurricane with two championship titles. How do we keep this momentum going and growing the sport in NZ? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: Well, it's done and its dusted.  The biggest decision Wellington has made in years has finally been made, and the Golden Mile, as we knew it, is effectively dead.  And before anyone starts celebrating too loudly, let me say this: I think it's the right decision, right now.  I think common sense has prevailed.  I think if the council had pushed ahead with years of construction through Courtenay Place and Lambton Quay, there would have been a trail of closed businesses behind it. Not a few. Not one or two. Dozens.  I've spent my entire working life around hospitality and retail. I know how hard it is right now.   Costs are through the roof, customers are watching every dollar, and many businesses are still hanging on by their fingernails.  You only have to walk down Courtenay Place in daylight hours to see it.  Empty shops. For lease signs. Businesses trying their guts out to survive.  Then imagine putting that area through years of roadworks and disruption.  Nine out of ten businesses wouldn't have survived it.  So yes, stopping the project was the right decision.  But here's the part nobody should be celebrating.  This wasn't a decision about Wellington's future.  This was a survival decision.  That's the difference.  A city that is not confident, not growing, is a city under financial pressure.  It starts cancelling projects because it simply can't afford them.  And that's where Wellington finds itself today.  Because let's be really honest. Courtenay Place is a mess.  It's grotty. It's tired. It's dirty.  I have a business on that street.   I know landlords who have spent millions of dollars, in some cases more than a millions dollars, into strengthening buildings, upgrading premises and trying to create something better.  But there are landlords that have done nothing, that have land-banked and its time the council put huge pressure on them to do their bit and do something.  Yesterday I walked through Courtenay Place and counted 26 people loitering around, not a good look.  We used to talk about street kids. Now we've got street adults.   Fighting. Yelling. Drinking. Defecating in public spaces.   Intimidating people trying to walk down the street, do a bit of shopping, have a drink or go to work.  You can spend $100 million on footpaths and bus lanes, but if people don't feel safe, they won't come.  That's the reality.  If somebody handed me the job tomorrow and said, "Nick, fix Courtenay Place", the first thing I'd do wouldn't be redesigning intersections. That would be the bottom of my list.   I'd clean up the social disorder.  The moving in laws have to come in so we can move on.   Because until people feel safe walking the street, until businesses feel supported, until customers want to come back, nothing else matters.  The Golden Mile might be gone.  But the challenge remains.  Wellington avoided a potentially disastrous contract.   Now the hard part starts.  Because Courtenay Place still needs fixing.  And unlike the Golden Mile, that problem isn't going away.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Hurricanes vs Chiefs final tomorrow, Nick is joined on the show by starting fullback for the Hurricanes, Callum Harkin.  Only two years ago Harkin was working full time as a builder, he talks with Nick about his rapid rise to starting in a grand final, preferred positions and how his dad is his biggest supporter.  With the team prep Harkins says they are focused on getting started earlier than they did in the Blues semifinal and the anticipation coming up to his first final. As for selling out Hnry Stadium and potentially lifting the Super Rugby Pacific Trophy Harkin said it could be one of the best moments of his life so far.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a special weekend for Wellington, with the Hurricanes earning a grand final at home on Saturday night against the Chiefs. To chat all things Hurricanes and other hot topics from the week, Nick is joined by Managing Director of Gazley Motors Myles Gazley and legendary broadcaster Grant Nisbett for Friday Faceoff.  With the vote yesterday that put a stop to the Golden Mile, our panel discuss what can be done to improve not just Courtenay Place but also all of Wellington and get the city pumping again. Also on the agenda is the waste of $33 million from a failed MBIE project hidden from the minister, Shane Jones overspend of 30 grand on a work trip and all the Tiaki Wai troubles from this week. And our floating crane Hikitia on the waterfront - scrap it or save it? Plus, the panel give their hots and nots from the week and predictions for the Hurricanes vs Chiefs final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes play the Chiefs tomorrow night for a home grand final at Hnry Stadium. To celebrate it's a Hurricanes special on Friday Sports Kick-off! Nick Mills kicks off Friday Sports with All Sports Breakfast Host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB Rugby Editor and commentator for the game Elliot Smith. Who will lift the Super Rugby Pacific Trophy on Saturday night? They give their score predictions and chat anything and everything Hurricanes vs Chiefs.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington City Council has officially ended the dream of the Golden Mile after voting to scrap the project  Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills to discuss the next steps to improve the area - while keeping it affordable. He says it's important to get the balance right, but something must be done to Courtenay Place. "We have to do what's right for the city right now." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queen Margaret College Choir is about to jet off on the trip of a lifetime. Students from the 'Voces Luces' high school choir, Millie Williams and Molly Sherriff along with Choir Director Mark Stamper join Nick Mills in the studio to discuss the fundraiser for their upcoming Europe trip. 34 girls are travelling to Europe, partaking in workshops, performing in Golden Hall in the Musikverein in Vienna and competing in the Summa Cum Laud Festival - a major international competition for young singers and musicians. Millie and Mollie share their excitement for the trip and the showcase where they will represent New Zealand to an international audience. The choir need to fundraise to get there and this Sunday at 5pm at Queen Margaret College they will perform their showcase in a concert. Tickets are available here: Voces Luces Fundraiser TicketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Politics Thursday this week, Nick Mills is joined by National Minister Tama Potaka and Labour MP Ginny Andersen.  We hear their reaction to the latest GDP figures of 0.8% and if the economy on the right path - even with the looming results of the quarter impacted by the Iran War and oil crisis. Then onto the top stories of the week - the MBIE $30 million scandal. What needs to happen with employees involved with hiding the failing BCU project from the Minister? How is it being ensured it will not happen again? And is a yearly loss of $8.7 billion to our economy from injuries acceptable? Our panel take a look into ACC and the viability of its current system.  Plus, Potaka and Andersens view on the Green's proposal for a budget office, and a battle of the Chiefs and Hurricanes - who has it in the bag? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jammie June aims to fund 3400 pairs of pyjamas for kids in need through the Wellington Hospitals Foundation (WFH). As winter starts to bite, a pair of pjs can significantly help keep vulnerable kids warm. WFH Chief Executive Guy Ryan joins Nick Mills in the studio to celebrate the effort of Jammie June. Guy shares how the initiative works and the change you can make if you donate to the cause.  As donations are being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, it's more important than ever to support the 'Jammie Army'. Click here to donate or check out more information: Wellington Hospitals Foundation's Jammies for June LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverside Medical opens in Lower Hutt this August, it's the dream of Javier and Chantelle Stroud who saw a gap in GP access that needed fixing. Dr Javier Stroud is the lead GP of the practice and along with his wife Chantelle, who is a lawyer, are accepting patient enrolments now and gearing up to open in August. The Strouds join Nick Mills to discuss their new venture and why the Hutt? Chantelle says the Hutt Valley is in one of New Zealand's GP "red zones", ranking among the worst areas in the country for access to general practitioners. And more than 13,000 residents are still not enrolled with a GP. They share the struggles of keeping GPs in New Zealand, and how technology is advancing the medical field and their own productivity. Check out more information on the practice on their website riversidemedical.co.nz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites play their first game against Iran as part of the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles at 1pm today. ZB Sports host Jason Pine joins Nick on the show to discuss our first game, before he flies out to Vancouver to report from the FIFA Football World Cup. Piney shares what he wants to see tonight, and what the team needs to do to get out of the group stage.  You can watch it live on TVNZ+. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes CEO is in disbelief after tickets to the final against the Chiefs sell out Hnry Stadium in only 15 minutes. CEO Tony Philp joined Nick Mills on the show this morning to announce the sellout.  He shared how hard the entire team have been working to reach the finals and to "fill the tin to the brim." Philp says they are working on bringing in temporary seating to make sure as many fans as possible can get behind the boys. The Hurricanes play against the Chiefs on Saturday with kick-off at 7.05pm for the Super Rugby 2026 title.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes have made it to a home semi-final against the Blues on Saturday, to celebrate Hurricane Billy Proctor chats to Nick Mills. Proctor talks how the team are prepping, their mindset going into the game and can they feel the pressure? They chat about Proctor's relationship with fellow mid-fielder Jordie Barrett and defence coach Cory Jane.  And how is the mission to fill the tin going? What does having the crowd show up mean to the boys? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday Faceoff, Nick is joined in the studio with political commentator, Lawyer and Director of Franks Ogilvie Brigitte Morten, and political commentator and former Chief of Staff to Jacinda Arden Neale Jones.  Starting with the Golden Mile. The review is in, and unsurprisingly over budget. Morten and Jones share their thoughts on blowout of consultancy spend, the next steps for Courtnay Place, and the barring of Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher's vote due to a conflict of interest.  The panel face off over Labour's newest policy - a $20 fare cap for public transport. Are the numbers even correct? What sort of narrative does this set for Labour? Morten and Jones clash over whether this policy will make a different for voters. Then onto the revelation KiwiRail stalled system upgrades for the Wellington train networks due to funding. Nick and the panel debate where the priorities lie in terms of government spending and campaigning.  Also on the agenda is the controversy of Superintendent and Labour candidate Rakesh Naidoo. Has Police Commissioner Richard Chambers made the situation too political and publicised? Plus, Monday's state of emergency for the coast, how do we get Wellingtonians not in the affected area to not overreact? Should coward punch law changes go harder? Is TOP the party to watch?  And the panel give us their hot and nots. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a weekend for the Hurricanes. Newstalk ZBs sports experts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills in the studio to talk the sports weekend ahead.  Fill the tin! Over 20,000 are expected to be at Hnry Stadium backing the boys in yellow. Will the Hurricanes beat the Blues and get that home final? The crew chat the season so far, the success that has got them to this point and what to expect from Saturday nights game.  They look into the coaching team, and acknowledge the incredible work of Clarke Laidlaw. Can the canes lock in these big coaching names? Plus, the Pulse play their last game this weekend, the crew talk the season and what could happen next with broadcasting rights and should the team be worried? And the Saints have what Nick is calling the "season defining game" - will they beat the Tuatara? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its Politics Thursday and this week Nick is joined by National MP Tim Costley and Labour MP Camilla Belich to discuss the top political issues of the week. Labour's new policy $20 cap for public transport - is it too good to be true? The panel look at the viability of the $65 million cost and is it fair to rural taxpayers?  Then onto the investigation launched by the police commissioner into conduct of superintendent Rakesh Naidoo whilst announcing his candidacy for the Labour Party. The panel discuss the labour list rankings, and Greg O'Connor's departure from politics. Also charter schools - a mixed bag of results, are they worth it? Would Labour keep them? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Julia' at Circa Theatre is earning rave reviews, star Lara Macgregor graces the studio this morning to chat with Nick Mills. Julia centres around former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, diving into her life and legacy leading up to her landmark 2012 "misogyny speech". The play examines gender, power and the pressures of political leadership through Julia's lens.  Lara talks about her research and experience stepping into the shoes of Julia, but also the sexism she has experienced herself in the theatre world.  Lara says, "Women deserve a better standard than this." Nick and Lara discuss if pressure eased for women in politics or is it still just as brutal now as it was for Julia Gillard? Check out the hit play 'Julia' on at Circa Theatre till Saturday 27th June. Buy tickets at circa.co.nz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dire Straits saxophonist Chris White makes his return to NZ with 'The Dire Straits Experience'. The tribute group brings back the hits from the iconic 80s band to Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre this August. Chris joins Nick on the show today to reminisce on the old days with the original band and frontman Mark Knopfler. Chris and Nick talk his return to NZ, the success of tribute bands, bringing the music back to the stage and his favourite songs to play live. Get tickets for the Dire Straits Experience at Michael Fowler Centre August 20th on Ticketmaster.co.nz LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: Can I ask a simple question this morning? At what point does being prepared become being overprotective?  Now before anyone jumps on me and has a crack at me, let me make one thing crystal clear. Safety comes first.   If lives are genuinely at risk, authorities should act.   Nobody wants to see people injured or killed because someone was too slow to make a decision.  And I'm certainly not suggesting we ignore severe weather.   In fact, the latest figures show between March 2025 and the end of February this year, we had a damaging storm every eight days on average.   More than 33,000 insurance claims were lodged for flooding, wind and storm damage.  The risks are real.  But Wellington has now been through another state of emergency over predicted waves and high winds, and the reality is that what was forecast simply did not eventuate.   Mayor Andrew Little himself acknowledged that the predicted conditions "hadn't materialised.”  There had been no reports of major damage. The state of emergency has now been lifted.  So, my concern now is: are we becoming too quick to shut the city down?  I did some rough calculations this morning, because this whole thing concerns me greatly. Wellington's economy is worth around $56 billion a year.   Spread that across a normal working year and you're talking about roughly $200 million of economic activity every weekday.   Even if only 10 or 20 percent of that is disrupted because people stay home, businesses close, customers disappear and workers can't get into the city, that's potentially tens of millions of dollars affected.  Yesterday I walked into a well-known clothing store in the CBD and asked how it was going, didn’t even think about the state of emergency.  The answer? They hadn't had a single customer all morning.  Is that because of the weather? Maybe partly. The weather was fine in the city.  Is it because the city was under a state of emergency? I'd bet dollars to donuts that played a major role.   If you're told your city is in a state of emergency, you're probably not heading into town to buy a new jacket.  Then think about the ripple effects—  Parents scrambling with childcare, employees worried about getting home and small businesses, already battered by years of economic hardship, losing yet another trading day.  Preparation and resilience are good things. Panic is not.  And here's the other thing. We are Wellingtonians.   We are proud to be Wellingtonians.  We live in one of the windiest capitals in the world.   Windy Wellington.   We know what a southerly look like, and some of us actually love southerlies.  We know what big seas look like. We live on a coast.  Storms are part of living here.   Meanwhile, Wellington Airport remained open and aircraft continued landing. State of emergency and our major international airport was open.  Life carried on, in many respects. But in the back of everyone of everyone's minds: state of emergency. Panic, panic, panic.   Of course, authorities acted on the advice they had, and Mayor Little has defended the decision by pointing to the destructive 2020 storms and the uncertainty of forecasting.   I’m not saying what we did was wrong, I’m saying do we need to be more careful.  There will also be a review of the declaration, and that's exactly as it should be.  But perhaps we need a wider conversation.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's semi-finals time for Wellington's Hurricanes and the mission is 'fill the tin." Owner Malcolm Gillies and CEO Tony Philp join Nick Mills in the studio to celebrate the semis and reach their goal to sell 25,000 tickets. Gillies talks bringing the life back to super rugby, and what the future holds for privatisation.  Philp and Gillies say the team is ready for the clash against the Blues, and there's lots of excitement coming up to Saturday.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor joins Nick Mills this morning to talk his exit from politics, the Labour list and Rakesh Naidoo candidacy controversy. After three terms as the Ōhāriu MP for Labour, O'Connor is calling it quits. He chats to Nick about the reason, and if it has anything to do with the list rankings released yesterday.  O'Connor says he wouldn't have enjoyed being a list MP as much as looking after his electorate. They look back at his successful political career and forward to his future, and if he could appear in another party one day. Then O'Connor shares his thoughts on the Labour list, including Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo.  Naidoo has appeared 13th but has been in hot water over informing Police Commissioner Richard Chambers later than Chambers believed was acceptable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Music Month lives on into June, on Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills and James Irwin. The crew discuss which Kiwis have had major global success and what are the top hits from 2000 to now. They also take a look at Pagan records and the huge names that have bloomed from the label.  And James shares his story of hitch-hiking with one of the most beloved New Zealanders ever. Find out who on Music Time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A state of emergency is in place for areas of the Wellington region due to heavy swells on the coast. A mandatory evacuation order is in place for about 350 homes from Ōwhiro to Breaker bay - excluding Lyall Bay. MetService issued the warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in Wairarapa. Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) urge people to take the warnings very seriously. WREMO spokesperson Dan Neely told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings there are roadblocks in evacuated areas and emergency services cannot reach those who stay. Official advice is to stay away from coastal roads, don't put yourself at risk. Neely said these were the highest waves he's seen in his time here. Call 111 if you are in an emergency, and stay away from the coast. Get the latest updates here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician, actor and producer Troy Kingi joins Nick Mills on the show today to talk his latest show 'Night Lords'. The concert hits Wellington at Meow Nui as part of the winter Lōemis Festival on June 18th. Kingi talks his latest album - the ninth in his 10/10/10 series. In 10 years Kingi has attempted to create 10 albums in 10 different genres. 'Night Lords' blends hip-hop and RnB. They also chat about Kingi's acting endeavours and what does the future look like after he completes the much anticipated tenth album? Grab tickets on the Lōemis website for Troy Kingi Presents: Night Lords here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Andrew Little joins Nick in the studio to talk the latest wins and losses of the city from the last month. Mayor Little says he is "angry" and "horrified" over the $600,000 cost for the promotion website for Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library. Nick asks the tough questions around accountability, Little says he still has faith in CEO Matt Prosser and CFO Andrea Reeves after yet another cost blowout.  Although rates have had the lowest rise in years, has the council really got financial restraint after another ghost is shaken from the finance team? Also on the agenda is the latest updates on Moa Point and council amalgamation, Tiaki Wai changes and authority, Wellingtonians leaving for Australia and what we can do to keep them here. And what will happen to the Citizens Advice Bureau after large cuts put it's existence at risk? Could the decision be overturned?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its Friday Sports Kick-off and it's a Hurricanes special as Brad Shields joins the show today! Tonight is the quarter final at Hnry Stadium for Hurricanes and Brumbies, and the fight for the home semifinal. Shields shares an inside look coming up to the challenge of finals.  Shields compares the current line up to the 2016 team, and says the boys are excited and working hard to win tonight. Then back with ZBs sports gurus Jason Pine and Adam Cooper.  They talk our chances, analysing our last game against the Australian team where we won 45-12. And what lies ahead for the Canes - if they win or lose tonight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.