Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Episod

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  Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban on the Government hitting pause on amalgamation 25.09.2026 4min

  The government has announced amalgamation talks have paused until after the election. Mayor Laban says the quality of the Wellington headstart proposal submitted by Hutt City, Wellington City, Porirua and South Waiarapa is "outstanding, it's comprehensive". Laban says the region will continue preparing for amalgamation. He believes regardless of a change in government the councils will still amalgamate by 2028, with a potential extension to 2029. Mills asked why other Mayors are complaining about wasted money from the delay, Laban said "you'll have to ask him about that". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Former Chair of Wellington Water Nick Leggett joins Nick Mills in the studio and takes your calls 25.09.2026 24min

  Former Chairperson of Wellington Water Nick Leggett answers Nick Mills and listener's questions about the Moa Point catastrophe after the AECOM review release. Leggett discusses his resignation, which came just over a week after the Moa Point event. He talks about the breakdowns in the system and reflects on his tenure. Amongst the systematic errors were communication difficulties, according to Leggett.  Leggett said he felt Wellington Water was "othered" by Wellington City Council. When asked what he wishes he had done different Leggett told Mills he wishes he would have "shaken the cage a bit harder" to be taken more seriously by the council.  He shared his experience with the Crown review saying "wild horses would not have kept me away from talking to them". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Friday Faceoff with Mark Sainsbury and Esther Robinson 25.09.2026 32min

  For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by legendary broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and political commentator Esther Robinson to debate the hottest issues of the week. From amalgamation to health, it's all on Friday Faceoff. Was the rark up of amalgamation now pointless RMA Minister Bishop has put the proposals on ice?  Robinson and Sainsbury debate if this was the smart move and theorise the cause of the halt. Then the revelation sufficient staffing in our surgical wards could save 182 lives a year.  Would you pay more tax if you knew it was going straight to health? Is Bustasrophe 2 on the way? Our panel debate decisions made by the regional council, which could potentially cut routes and times, while simultaneously funding $11 million new bus lanes to future-proof the network. Plus is there anything worthwhile in Nicky Hager's new book 'Dirty Work', a quick round up of the end to New Zealand's 54th Parliament and as always, the panel give their hots and nots of the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Friday Sport's Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper 25.09.2026 8min

  Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills on Friday Sport's Kick-Off to analyse the week in sport. NZ's Rugby Summit in Wellington this week set out to try establish a solution to the haemorrhage of money in the national competition. Nick shares his idea to make NZ rugby more profitable - get rid of the Super 15 competition and boost the number of All Blacks games. The panel aren't too keen, so share their remedies. Plus the Tokomanawa Queens - huge signings of Charlisse Leger-Walker and Hayley van Lith from the W-NBA, and dog day at Hnry Stadium when the Lions play Waikato! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Politics Thursday: Tim Costley and Barbara Edmonds on amalgamation pause; FENZ issues 24.09.2026 22min

  This week's Politics Thursday panel was live when news came through that the Government's  local amalgamation plans are now on hold until after the election. National's Otaki MP Tim Costley and Labour's Mana MP Barbara Edmonds reacted to the news. They also discussed the ongoing issues with FENZ, and Labour's latest interest deductibility proposals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Porirua Mayor Anita Baker discusses the Government's pause on amalgamation plans 24.09.2026 6min

  Porirua's Mayor says she's fuming at the Government temporarily shelving its council reform plans. Councils across the country last month submitted amalgamation proposals, meeting a strict and speedy deadline. Cabinet's now saying it won't decide on Head Start proposals until next year, after more analysis and development. Anita Baker says the Government told councils to be brave - then lost its nerve when they did just that. She joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Bees buzz into Wellington for Life Flights 50th birthday 23.09.2026 10min

  You may have noticed bee sculptures pop around the city. To get to the bottom of the mystery Nick Mills speaks to Head of Fundraising at Life Flight, Sebastian Grodd this morning. The Bee in The City Art Trail for Life Flight is a free, family friendly activity where you can spot fifty decorated bees all through the city.  The initiative is hoping to bring more people into the city, while celebrating Life Flights birthday. As many Wellingtonians will know, Life Flight has delivered vital support to our community for fifty years. They will be auctioned for the charity on the 26th November on the bees in the city site. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Nick Mills: Are we too harsh on referees? 22.09.2026 3min

  EDITORIAL: We haven't had a proper discussion about the Warriors' capitulation at the end of the season, have we?  And yes, I'm disappointed. Another season, another opportunity gone.  But let's be fair. Newcastle beat us 12–10. They were the better team on the day, in my opinion. End of story.  Except it isn't really the end of the story, is it?  Because now we've got referee Ashley Klein reportedly dropped from this weekend's preliminary finals after missing a crucial penalty that could have given the Warriors a chance to level the game.  The NRL has reportedly acknowledged the mistake.  But here's my question. What on earth are we doing publicly hanging a referee out to dry?  Why are we doing this in this way?  We've already seen the disgraceful scenes at Eden Park. Bottles, cups and rubbish thrown at Klein as he left the field.  Absolutely disgusting.  And now the NRL effectively puts him in the town square, ties him to a post, gives everyone a tomato and invites everyone to have another crack.  Why couldn't this have been dealt with internally?  Yes, referees make mistakes. Yes, they need to be accountable. Yes, they need to be tough enough to handle the criticism.  And accountability is key, but put it out there so publicly to appease the Warriors, I don't agree with.  But there's a massive difference between accountability and humiliation.  And this goes well beyond rugby league.  I've been watching the opening round of Australia's NBL basketball. Coaches constantly challenging referees. Players getting in their faces. Arguing, complaining, carrying on.  It's becoming a hobby across sport.  And what's happening at the grassroots?  We've had situations in Wellington club rugby where games have been affected because there simply weren't enough referees available.  We're crying out for officials, yet we seem determined to make their lives miserable.  Who in their right mind would volunteer to referee an under-nines game if they're going to be screamed at by parents on the sideline?  Who wants to referee a senior game if they're going to be abused, threatened or have rubbish thrown at them?  We've got to stamp this out.  By all means, review refereeing decisions. Hold officials accountable. Improve standards.  But do it professionally.  The Warriors lost. A refereeing mistake may have changed the result. We'll never know.  What we do know is that without referees, we don't have sport.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Business Hour: CEO and co-founder of PikPok Mario Wynands joins Nick Mills in the studio 21.09.2026 31min

  Pikpok has become one of the great success stories of Wellington. The game developers have hundreds of staff in the city, have expanded to Colombia and craft games played by hundreds of millions all over the world. CEO and co-founder Mario Wynands tells Nick Mills how the company started from "three mates in a flat" working overtime on their passions to an international sensation. Wynands says NZ's gaming industry exports are worth $1 billion NZD. The company started from Wynands and his fellow founders flat, who worked their day jobs from 9am to 6pm then continued past 1am creating their business. "At the end of the day I'm just kind of the shy, nerdy kid who grew up in the Hutt." Wynands shares the hard work to make Pikpok into what it is today, what is ahead for the future and why he chooses to continue the business in Wellington.  He describes the changes to the perception of working and living in New Zealand, "we don't have the same magical allure as a country anymore". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Friday Faceoff with Mayor Anita Baker and Jane O'Loughlin 18.09.2026 32min

  For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Editor of The Local Jane O'Loughlin.  Starting with the question of the week: Has there been enough accountability for the Wellington City Council's mistakes? This comes after the latest review showcasing the blunder of the costly library website. Mayor Baker criticised WCC giving the $600k job to an Auckland company, "keep local jobs local". Then onto the controversial passing of the Harbour Quays bus lanes. Neither O'Loughlin or Baker were fans. Is it necessary? Both panellists then called National's announcement to pursue splitting food stuffs "desperation".  Then onto the decision to scrap routine cognitive tests for older drivers, was it the right one?  Plus, our panellists share their thoughts on the Tom Phillips case findings and could they ever split with Wellington later in life?  And as always, hear our panellists' hots and nots from the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Friday Sports Kick-off: Warriors vs Newcastle 18.09.2026 8min

  For Friday Sports Kick-off Nick Mills is joined by ZB sports experts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper to wrap the week in sports. The pressure is on the Warriors for their home semifinal against Newcastle, will they be able to pull through at Eden Park this weekend? Is this finally the week for the Wellington Lions after a rough season? The team plays Northland at Hnry Stadium tomorrow. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  WOW's Shikhia Ngatai on the opening night excitement and backstage tours 18.09.2026 10min

  World of WearableArt model/performer and VIP host Shikhia "Shak" Ngatai joins Nick in the studio the morning after WOW's opening night.  After 18 WOW seasons, Shak is well versed in the creative world in the heart of Wellington every year. Nick finds out how it has changed over time - and what keeps her coming back. The 400+ crew have been working hard, and after weeks of rehearsals, Shak says finally walking out to the full audience is "electric". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Politics Thursday with Minister Paul Goldsmith and Ayesha Verrall 17.09.2026 19min

  It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined on the show by Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Ayesha Verrall to debate the biggest political topics of the week. Including the pursuit to split Foodstuffs. Is this the way to lower grocery prices for Kiwis or weakening a successful New Zealand business? The move on orders, with new alterations, will go through the House under urgency before the end of the week. Nick asks if the bill is still powerful enough, and will Labour vote it through? Then the Tom Phillips case review findings, both major parties polling under thirty percent, ACT's idea to freeze minimum wage and should you have to live in New Zealand to be a candidate in the election? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Wellington City Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser in the studio with Nick Mills 17.09.2026 14min

  Wellington City Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser joins Nick Mills in the studio to discuss accountability of different council issues from the last few months. With multiple reviews, reports and problems appearing in the council, Prosser offers an explanation to Nick and ratepayers. And in some cases, an apology. Beginning with the Moa Point report, Prosser addresses concerns over lack of accountability from individuals and the council as a whole. Prosser debated Minister Nicola Willis' claim CIO Jenny Chetwynd's comments were written by lawyers, saying while lawyers were involved, Chetwynd "contributed to the report". He did not want to discuss whether Chetwynd, head of infrastructure at the council, lives in the city. After calls from the Council and the Mayor wanting a refund or discount on the Deloitte Report, Prosser confirmed the report is "doing what I needed it to do", and they have not asked for a refund.  Then they discuss the website review, showing the council spent more than needed on the $600,000 Te Matapihi Central Library promotional site.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  James Roberts: WCC Chief Operating Officer on the library website 15.09.2026 9min

  An admission Wellington Central Library's costly new website could have been done in-house A new report has found a lack of oversight and a rushed procurement process were to blame for the Wellington City Council spending up to half a million dollars more than it needed to on a website for the Central Library. Chief Operating Officer James Roberts says the council has up to 90 people in its IT team, and the website could have been developed internally. He told Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills officials got it wrong, and he takes the blame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Newstalk ZB's Adam Cooper live at the Race of Champions event announcement 15.09.2026 6min

  Wellington's Hnry Stadium will be converted into a motorsport track in January, playing host to some world-leading drivers. The international Race of Champions showcase event will make its New Zealand debut in the capital on January 9 and 10. Formula One's Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas, Supercars' Chaz Mostert and rally driver Hayden Paddon are confirmed on the starting grid. Organisers say more competitors are set to join the cast, and Race of Champions president Fredrik Johnsson confirmed to Newstalk ZB an invitation has been sent to Formula One's Liam Lawson. They'll link up in identical cars to go head-to-head on a purpose-built tarmac race track inside the venue. Nick crossed live to sports host Adam Cooper who was at the announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Music Time: Kiwi star Tami Neilson nominated for Country Music Award 15.09.2026 9min

  Nick Mills is joined by music guru James Irwin for music time - and to celebrate Kiwi star Tami Neilson's Country Music Award nomination. Nick and James reminisce on throwbacks and one hit wonders and then hear the latest gig guide for the capital.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Nick Mills: Could you ever leave Wellington later in life? 14.09.2026 3min

  EDITORIAL:  I saw this story on TV about a week ago, last week, a Kiwi bloke called Simon McCartney. He's 65 years old, he moved to London to be closer to his grandkids, struggled to find work. 65, moved to London, struggled to find work. Oh, I wonder how, why? And eventually he thought, right, I'm going to try something completely different. Now he drives a big red double-decker bus. What a job. He drives across London Bridge, looks across to the Tower Bridge, sees St. Paul's Cathedral, and on diversions he goes past Picadilly Circus, Parliament, the London Eye and Leicester Square. How about that for an office at 65 years old? Then, yesterday I had coffee with a business acquaintance. He's from Auckland, but he's in Wellingtonian. Went to TawaCollege, not with me, a lot younger than me. Mid 50s, has a successful business doing well. He sits there telling me, I'm moving, selling up and moving. I said, selling the business? "No, I'm keeping the business, but selling my home.” “I live in Auckland on the North Shore and I'm going to the Gold Coast.” He said he'll keep his business going here. He can fly back four or five times a year, can do everything by Zoom or everything by phone. That's the modern world. But he's had enough of New Zealand. He reckons the Gold Coast will give him a better lifestyle. And that got me thinking about Wellington because I hear it consistently now. Rates, water bills, insurance, cost of doing business, cost of our council, cost of owning a home, the cost of absolutely everything. Wellington is becoming a very expensive city to live in. And then you look around and ask, is Wellington actually heading in the right direction? I love Wellington. I've invested my whole life in the city. My family's here, my business is here, my work is here. But actually, when I got into bed, because when you get into bed, and I was reading about someone the other day that was saying that thought when you hop into bed is kind of like the end of your day, it should be really your happy place and your happy thoughts. And I thought to myself last night, could I get to an age where, right, enough is enough, I'm off. Melbourne, absolutely. I'd love to live in the outskirts of Melbourne. Not in the expensive part, but in the outskirts where I could afford. Gold Coast, you know, the weather is so damn good there. It feels so exciting there. London, maybe, you know, a bit more expensive. You'd have to have a little bit more money, but a place in London? France, a little village way out in the ultimate of nowhere. Good wine, good food. Now we're getting somewhere. And I know people that have done it. And it scares me because 20 years ago, you never heard of people doing that in their 50s, 60s or 70s. That's it, I'm going, taking off. And maybe the new OE isn't at 21, but maybe it’s at 61. If money wasn't the issue, where would you go? Would you leave Wellington or would you stay right here? And despite everything that Wellington throws at us, would you, could you ever simply pack up, sell up and move out? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Nick Mills: Is a bus lane on Harbour Quays really the best option for Wellington? 14.09.2026 4min

  EDITORIAL: I want to start this morning with something that I genuinely cannot understand,  the more I think about it the more it frustrates me, and the more I look at it the more I don’t understand it.  The Harbour Quays bus corridor.   Think about that. An eleven million dollar price tag.  History will tell us that everything we’ve seen done in this part of the world, when you start with a price of eleven million dollars, you know it’s not going to end anything under that – and could be double that.  We’re talking about bus lanes down Customhouse Quay, Jervois Quay, Cable Street and Wakefield Street — taking road space away from general traffic to create a public transport corridor through the outskirts of the CBD in Wellington.  And I think it is nuts.  We do not need it.  This thing was conceived when Wellington was planning for substantial population growth, more commuters pouring into the CBD and enormous growth in public transport.  But circumstances have changed.  The Golden Mile project that it was supposed to complement has stopped.   The wider transport plan isn't settled.   The SH1 changes aren't settled.   And serious questions are now being asked - whether the population and passenger growth originally anticipated is actually going happen.  Yet we're still marching ahead with the solution.  Why?  Because we've already spent money planning it?  That’s not a good enough excuse.  That is possibly the worst reason imaginable to spend another dollar.  And anyone who actually drives along Jervois Quay, Wakefield St, Customhouse Quay and Cable Street at busy times knows exactly what happens when you start removing general traffic capacity.  Remember when we put those drainage systems down Wakefield St and what happened then.   Where do the cars go?  They don't magically disappear.  You create a thing called congestion.  And here's another thing.  We have tried for decades to convince Wellingtonians that the waterfront side of the city is somehow an extension of the Golden Mile.  Now a lot of us will remember the old Harbour City Centre.  Remember when that was conceived and built, at great fanfare?  It was going to be the massive city shopping centre.  It was supposed to be fantastic.  It even had a McDonalds in it!  Well it closed very quickly.  Getting people across several lanes of traffic, particularly on a cold, wet, windy Wellington day, was never particularly attractive.  Now we're apparently going to do it with bus passengers  and tell them somehow: Don't worry — you can walk across to the Golden Mile.  Seriously?  With horizontal Wellington rain? The wind? The cold weather?  And we're spending $11 million to do it, when we don’t need it!  Greater Wellington has endorsed it. Wellington City Council gets its turn on Thursday.  I desperately hope councillors have the courage to say:  No don’t do it, we don’t need it right now.  Forget what was predicted two years ago.  Look at Wellington today.  Do we need it?  Does it stack up?  And is removing road capacity from one of the busiest routes through our CBD really going to make Wellington better, quicker?  I think you know my answer to that.  Because from where I'm sitting, this has all the ingredients of another Wellington transport cock-up. A massive cock-up  Eleven million dollars. Remember I said it first here - they say eleven million dollars.  We don’t want to pay eleven million dollars to create another problem that’s not really there and could possibly make it a hell of a lot worse.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Regional Councillor Simon Woolf doesn't want another "I told you so" moment with the proposed Harbour Quays bus lane 14.09.2026 9min

  Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Simon Woolf joined Nick on the show this morning and shared his concerns for the Harbour Quays bus lane proposal. The proposal, which entails moving certain routes away from Lambton Quay and Willis Street to the waterfront Quays passed the Regional Council vote, and moves to a Wellington City Council vote this week. Councillor Woolf said this is the next in line of many failures from our council, "we need amalgamation". He said there are other possibilities that haven't been considered, like moving the bus lanes to Featherston St. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.