Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Yesterday Nick was invited by Arts, Culture and Heritage minister Paul Goldsmith to tour the Wellington Town Hall project - the $329m project funded by the Wellington City Council to bring the city's hall back to its former glory. The town hall was also be home to the National Music Centre, housed in the basement of the hall underneath the stage. While the redevelopment of the hall is funded by th...

Two new polls have different results - one with the current government in power, the other showing the opposition in power. But is Labour actually ready for government - and does the party have decent relationships with potential coalition partners? To answer those questions, Labour leader and Remutaka MP Chris Hipkins joined Nick Mills in the studio.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener...

New Zealand First has had its strongest showing in two recent polls in years - and leader Winston Peters says the support for his party comes down to voters wanting experienced leaders. Peters joined Nick Mills to discuss the first eighteen months of the Parliamentary term, as well as his view of Labour and his relationship with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/lis...

The Hurricanes welcome back centurion Ardie Savea to Sky Stadium for the first time in opposition colours on Saturday.  Savea skippers Moana Pasifika, who head to Wellington in a fight for the Super Rugby playoffs.  Adam Cooper spoke to Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi about the occasion and how the Hurricanes are placed ahead of the playoffs.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystud...

The Wellington Saints head to Porirua for their latest NBL game, to take on the bottom of table Otago Nuggets.  Head coach Aaron Young joined Adam Cooper to reflect on their recent trip north, and update the progress of star player Shea Ili's concussion issue.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was round two of a war of words between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Wellington mayor Tory Whanau this week – the PM criticised the council heavily appearing on Wellington Mornings. and Tory hit back by saying Luxon should focus on his own "chaotic coalition". Is this the behaviour we expect from either of these leaders? Also, t here are potentially hundreds of kids in New Zealand born...

Ardie Savea makes his return to Wellington this weekend, taking on his former Hurricanes as captain of Moana Pasifika. How will Wellington recieve him? Newstalk ZB All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is officially halfway through the three-year term - so how would our parties rate their performances over the last eighteen months?  Also, David Seymour takes over from Winston Peters as deputy Prime Minister this weekend. Will he cause trouble for the Prime Minister? Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politi...

The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust is hosting its annual fundraising dinner on Friday - ahead of the much-anticipated Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika match.  The trust looks after former Hurricanes players who find themselves without jobs, in tough financial positions or struggling with mental health and well-being.  Former Hurricane and trust founder Mike Russell joined Nick Mills to di...

Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby is cracking down on abuse against referees - which in recent months has included one ref threatened with stabbing.  The union says if there are further examples of extreme abuse, it will cancel all fixtures the following weekend as a consequence.  The union's CEO Corey Kennett joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby is cracking down on abuse against referees - which in recent months has included one ref threatened with stabbing.  The union says if there are further examples of extreme abuse, it will cancel all fixtures the following weekend as a consequence.  The union's CEO Corey Kennett joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Christopher Luxon says he’s expecting a “pretty seamless transition” as Winston Peters hands over the deputy prime minister role to David Seymour this week.  The Prime Minister spoke live to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills today as he reaches the halfway point of his three-year term as leader.  Luxon was sworn in as Prime Minister in November 2023, after National secured...

For the final Wellington Mornings' Music Time of New Zealand Music Month, Nick and James unofficially declare it to be NZ music year, reveal the slowest album ever to get to number 1 in the official NZ music charts and talk gigs and record fairs coming up in Wellington. Also James reveals the gold cup holder of the most NZ number 1 singles ever! LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

They are two industries experiencing massive growth; social media management and health and wellness. But why would you set up a new business in tough economic times in a city that's struggling even more than others?  That was the question posed to O-Studio founder Kate Twigg and Glide Media director Lukas Halikias on the Wellington Mornings business panel this morning.  The pair spoke a...

The long awaited handover of the role of Deputy Prime Minister happens this week, with NZ First leader Winston Peters handing the job to Act leader David Seymour. What can we expect from the pair of them in new positions?  Also, the Greens claim there is a nearly billion-dollar hole in the government's budget. Are they right? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for...

Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiled her second budget yesterday - and its big news if you're a business owner, a Kiwisaver member or a teenager on the benefit. What impact will the changes have? Also, a man who heckled Rail Minister Winston Peters at a press conference earlier this week is facing an employment investigation. Should his behaviour in his own time be subject to an investigation b...

Auckland FC take on Melbourne Victory in the second leg of the A-League semi-finals tomorrow night. It's been a hugely successful season for the team - can they win against Melbourne again?  Also, Ardie Savea's Moana Pasifika take on the Chiefs this weekend - the only New Zealand team they still haven't beat this season. Can they do it? Newstalk ZB All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Wee...

The government is today unvelining it's budget - and its hotly anticipated. What can we expect? Also, Winston Peters says he wouldn't mind if a member of the public who heckled him earlier this week lost his job. Is this reasonable? To answer those questions, Transport Minister and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop and Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills for...

The Wellington City Council's long term plan committee will tomorrow vote on what to do with the unfinished events centre in New Zealand's largest suburb.  The Karori community fundraised millions for the events centre after many of Wellington's local halls were closed due to earthquake fears. The events centre is built – but the trust ran out of money for the fit out. The group then gifted t...

One of Wellington’s favourite events is back this year, and it's celebrating two big milestones. This week the World of Wearable Arts sold their one millionth ticket - a feat achieved while also celebrating 20 years since the event came to Wellington. The lucky ticketholder was Glenys from Auckland - who is one of the roughly 70% of ticketholders that attend the event from out of Wellington. To di...

The government has announced $164 million in extra funding for after-hours doctors clinics around the country - but the announcement doesn't include any specific funding for services in central Wellington.  Currently, those seeking 24/7 care are required to travel to a clinic in Kenepuru - and that looks set to remain the case.  To discuss the announcement and the importance of after hou...

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will unveil her second budget on Thursday - and she's remaining tight lipped on what could be inside. What can we expect? Also, Parliament will tomorrow debate the Privileges Committee's recommendation to suspend three Te Pati Maori MPs. How long could this debate go on?  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.  LIST...

It’s been quite a week in Parliament. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden dropped the c-word, quoting a controversial opinion piece by Andrea Vance. Meanwhile, the Te Pati Maori co-leaders were suspended for 21 days and yesterday Labour MP Willie Jackson was booted from the house. How low have the standards of behaviour dropped in our Parliament?  Also, a single Wellington bus lane...

Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox has hoisted his first PGA Tour trophy at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina - but what happens next for the Kiwi golfer?  Also, the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium tonight - and the bookies have a very firm favourite. What can we expect? All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport...

It was a fiery day in Parliament yesterday, with Workplace Relations minister Brooke van Velden quoting a controversial opinion piece and dropping the c-word in Parliament. Was this acceptable? Also, the Greens have released their alternative budget, promising $88 billion in new taxes. Is this lunacy or realistic?  To answer those questions, Transport minister and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop a...