Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills
Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills is a daily talk show broadcast from New Zealand's capital, hosted by local Nick Mills. Each weekday from 9am to midday, listeners can discuss the issues of the day, share their ideas, passions, and frustrations. Mills brings his decades of experience in Wellington's hospitality and entertainment scene, including work with Spruce Goose, Hummingbird, and the Wellington Saints basketball team, lending an honest, engaging, and occasionally edgy tone to the program.
Episodes
Friday Faceoff: Brigitte Morten and Dr Bryce Edwards
It's Friday Faceoff and with two weeks till the general election Nick Mills is joined by political experts Brigitte Morten and Dr Bryce Edwards Starting with the news Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni resigned after she attended an event with Mongrel Mob members wearing her Labour-branded jacket. Was it necessary, and how bad will Labour be rocked following this? The Opportunity party is looking likel
Tim Costley: National's incumbent Otaki MP on the Kapiti Election race
Our Election 2026 coverage continued with a spotlight on the Kapiti electorate, and the close race between National's incumbent Otaki MP Tim Costley, and Labour candidate Sophie Handford. Tim Costley joined Nick Mills in the Newstalk ZB studio to discuss his campaign. LISTEN ABOVE NOTE: Labour's Sophie Handford was scheduled to appear on this panel discussion, but had to withdraw due to a family b
Midge Ure joins Nick Mills ahead of Wellington show
Ahead of his Wellington concert at Meow Nui on Friday, Live Aid co-founder and former Ultravox frontman Midge Ure joined Nick Mills to share his memories and inspiration in the music industry. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong with Nick Mills
The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong joined Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings, to discuss how the Election campaign has gone so far, and how much they will fight for particular policies in coalition negotiations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business Panel: Nat Woodhall and Hannah Wiles on indieProper
On this week's business panel, Nick was joined by two Wellington retailers who are hoping to spread the word on the capital's unique independent retail sector. That Was Then, This is Now's Nat Woodhall, and Iris Store + Studio's Hannah Wiles, have launched indieProper, aiming to showcase independent retailers in the capital. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday Faceoff: Thomas Coughlan and Peter Dunne
With three weeks until the 2026 Election, Friday Faceoff had a strong political focus. Former Cabinet Minister, and long-time Ohariu MP Peter Dunne, and NZ Herald's Political Editor Thomas Coughlan joined Nick Mills in studio. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
WOW CEO Meg Williams in studio with Nick Mills
Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills was joined in studio by Meg Williams, Chief Executive of World of Wearable Art (WOW), to review 2026. They discussed the event's continued success, the tragic passing in-season death of the show's head rigger Nic Balkum, and the prospects of the event remaining in Wellington well into the future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Mills: Why have 31,000 Wellingtonians not paid their water bills?
OPINION: I've got a confession. I'm one of the 31,000 Wellingtonians who haven't paid their first Tiaki Wai water bill. There you go. I've admitted it. And I'll tell you why. I've got a $1,200 water bill for a business that hasn't even been open for four months. $1,200, For what? I'm still trying to get to the bottom of it. I've also got a tenant who's arguing about paying his water bi
Wellington Bays Electorate: Julie Anne Genter, Craig Renney and Karuna Muthu join Nick Mills
The response to the Moa Point disaster has been the major point of contention during Newstalk ZB's Wellington Bays election panel. Nick Mills was joined by three candidates for the revised electorate - the Greens' incumbent Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter, Labour's first-time candidate Craig Renney and National's second-time candidate Karuna Muthu. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for p
Marama Davidson: Greens co-leader in studio with Nick Mills
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson says her Party could work with anyone, but they're categorically ruling out forming a coalition with National. Opportunity's Qiulae Wong accused the Greens in last night's Multi-Party Debate - of not being open to working with either side. Davidson told Nick Mills on Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings the Greens have worked with National on policy in the past,
Music Time: James Irwin reviews Louis Baker's 'Trouble'
Wellington's Louis Baker has released his latest album, Trouble, ahead of a tour which includes a stop at Meow Nui later in October. Music reviewer James Irwin gave high praise to Baker's latest work. James and Nick also discussed the upcoming Wellington Jazz Festival. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kenepuru Electorate: Labour's Barbara Edmonds and National's Matthew Evetts join Nick Mills
After two terms as Mana MP, Barbara Edmonds now seeks election in the newly formed Kenepuru Electorate, which covers Tawa, Johnsonville, Churton Park and areas of Newlands, alongside some of the Porirua suburbs previously covered by the Mana electorate. In our first local election special, Edmonds joined Nick Mills in studio alongside National candidate Matthew Evetts to discuss their bids for the
Friday Faceoff: Phil O'Reilly and Mark Sainsbury
With a month to go until the Election, Nick discussed where the race is at with broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Iron Duke Partners Managing Director Phil O'Reilly. They also discussed the favourability ratings for Wellington Mayor Andrew Little exactly one year into his tenure, and gave their highlights and lowlights of the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Politics Thursday: National's Mike Butterick and Labour's Ginny Andersen
During the Politics Thursday panel, Labour's Ginny Andersen announced the party's latest policy to force airlines to show real prices up front. Other topics discussed alongside National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick were the latest from the campaign trail, their respective parties' latest policies, and potential coalition partners post-Election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Business Panel: Well known Wellington car dealers Oliver Gazley and Matthew Foot
The Business Panel this week featured two well-known Wellington car dealers, following news car sales rose in September. Brendan Foot Supersite director Matthew Foot and Gazley Group Dealer Principal Oliver Gazley joined Nick to discuss how the year has played out for them, and what lies ahead. They chatted about the flurry of new brands available for Kiwi drivers, and how the traditional brands a
Andrew Little: Wellington Mayor in studio
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little joined Nick Mills for his monthly catch up. They discussed the success of World of WearableArt (WOW) in Wellington for another year, and how the City Council can future-proof the event in Wellington into the future. Other topics discussed included the legal action taken against the Wellington City Council over Moa Point, Greg O'Connor being elected to the WCC unoppos
Charlisse Leger-Walker: WNBA star ahead of her Queens debut in the Tauihi NBL
Kiwi WNBA star Charlisse Leger-Walker is counting down to her first appearance in New Zealand’s Tauihi basketball competition. The Connecticut Sun guard has joined the Porirua-based Tokomanawa Queens during the WNBA off-season. In April, Leger-Walker became the first New Zealander to be selected into the prestigious American competition when she was drafted as the 18th pick. She joined Wellington
Friday Faceoff Oct 2: Justin Lester and Brigitte Morten
On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Political commentator Brigitte Morten and former Wellington Mayor, now Dot Loves Data director Justin Lester. They discussed the legal proceedings filed over the Moa Point fiasco, how the campaigning is going little over a month out from the Election, and why they believe the Hutt South electorate is one of the more interesting in the country. They a
James Reyne from Australian Crawl speaks ahead of NZ Summer Tour
He’s one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from the great Australian rock scene of the 1980s, and his songs have become part of the soundtrack for generations of music fans. James Reyne, the unmistakable lead singer of Australian Crawl, joined Nick Mills ahead of his Wellington concert in March. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Politics Thursday: Labour's Ayesha Verrall and National's Chris Bishop
The Politics Thursday panel this week featured Labour's Wellington North candidate and Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall, and National's Hutt South MP, and Cabinet Minister Chris Bishop. They discussed the news that The Greater Wellington Regional Council has filed charges against water entity Tiaki Wai and the City Council over the Moa Point saga. They also discussed campaigning in their respect
Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban on the Government hitting pause on amalgamation
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 amalg
Former Chair of Wellington Water Nick Leggett joins Nick Mills in the studio and takes your calls
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 Le
Friday Faceoff with Mark Sainsbury and Esther Robinson
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 m
Friday Sport's Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper
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 s
Politics Thursday: Tim Costley and Barbara Edmonds on amalgamation pause; FENZ issues
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
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker discusses the Government's pause on amalgamation plans
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 n
Bees buzz into Wellington for Life Flights 50th birthday
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 cel
Nick Mills: Are we too harsh on referees?
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
Business Hour: CEO and co-founder of PikPok Mario Wynands joins Nick Mills in the studio
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'
Friday Faceoff with Mayor Anita Baker and Jane O'Loughlin
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
Friday Sports Kick-off: Warriors vs Newcastle
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
WOW's Shikhia Ngatai on the opening night excitement and backstage tours
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 say
Politics Thursday with Minister Paul Goldsmith and Ayesha Verrall
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 th
Wellington City Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser in the studio with Nick Mills
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 acco
James Roberts: WCC Chief Operating Officer on the library website
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 tea
Newstalk ZB's Adam Cooper live at the Race of Champions event announcement
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
Music Time: Kiwi star Tami Neilson nominated for Country Music Award
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.
Nick Mills: Could you ever leave Wellington later in life?
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. W
Nick Mills: Is a bus lane on Harbour Quays really the best option for Wellington?
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 yo
Regional Councillor Simon Woolf doesn't want another "I told you so" moment with the proposed Harbour Quays bus lane
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 l
Friday Faceoff with Tim Brown and JD Trask: Should Wellington City Council senior officials be required to live in the region?
For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by former Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown and entrepreneur JD Trask. Our panel get heated from the start as Nick heard a senior official at the Wellington City Council commutes to Wellington from Auckland. Is this acceptable for a high paid, infrastructure position? Does it matter what city they live in? Then an issue raise
Friday Sports Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper: Warriors and All Blacks play in the US
For Friday Sport's Kick-off Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills to dissect the sports of the week, what's ahead this weekend. The All Blacks play their fourth match against the Springboks in Baltimore on Sunday morning with some swaps to Rennie's team. What do our panel make of the team naming, and are we weaker without playing South Africa in Super Rugby? And Piney's biggest match of
Nick Mills: Is the WCC's Chief Infrastructure Officer commuting from Auckland?
OPINION: I want to come back to Jenny Chetwynd today, because frankly, I think Wellington ratepayers deserve some answers. Chetwynd was appointed Wellington City Council’s Chief Infrastructure Officer in 2024. This was a big appointment. The council talked up her experience, her leadership and the enormous job ahead of her — water, transport, waste, emergency management and major infrastruc
Politics Thursday with Ginny Andersen and Tim Costley after the PSA Strike
It's Politics Thursday, and this week Nick Mills is joined by Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Tim Costley to debate the top political issues of the week. The PSA strikes called for better pay, but Nick wonders if they got too political after Nicola Willis said union workers were told to wear red. Our panel debate the necessity of the strike, with Costley pointing out the national aver
Finance Minister Nicola Willis in the studio with Nick Mills
With the election only two months out, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio this morning to talk the economy and Wellington issues. When will ordinary people feel the economy begin to recover? With the latest OCR hike, Willis shares her predictions for the financial future. On the local front, pressure is building on WCC Chief Infrastructure Officer Jenny Chetwynd who did
Tiaki Wai Chair Will Peet on Moa Point Review
Tiaki Wai Board Chair Will Peet joins Nick Mills in the studio for an update after a hectic month with the Moa Point Review, first bills due and Commerce Commission oversight. Mills questions Peet over the review and accountability. What has Tiaki Wai learnt so this will never happen again? Peet gives more detail on the new oversight from the Commerce Commission and refutes Mill's concern Ti
WOW CEO Meg Williams brings in a treat for Nick Mills
We are just over a week out from one of Wellington's favourite events, World of WearableArt, GLO! at TSB Arena. To celebrate, WOW CEO Meg Williams joins Nick Mills in the studio to share how the team are gearing up for another hit year, and she brings along a special treat. This year there's a new addition to the WOW calendar - Taste of WOW. Two new experiences will be held at the Intercontinental
Nick Mills: How sick do you have to be before you stay home?
EDITORIAL: I'd love to have this conversation this morning because I genuinely don't know where the line is anymore. The Government's advice is that kids don't necessarily need to stay home just because they've got a cough, a headache, a runny nose or a blocked nose. Holy hell, I think one of the four you stay home. Not go to school with cough, a headache, a runny nose or a bloc
Business Panel: Hayley Horan and Mark Oldershaw on creating a buzz around Wellington
For this week's Business Panel, Nick was joined by Chamber of Commerce CEO Hayley Horan, and WellingtonNZ Chief Executive Mark Oldershaw. They discussed how the region is tracking approaching summer time, and tackled issues such as attracting events, business investment, and the safety of city streets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Henry Hutcheon: Upper Hutt grocery store owner on the Green Party's grocery policy
An independent supermarket owner says state-owned stores are feasible, with some work. The Green Party's pledging to tackle grocery prices by breaking up our duopoly with KiwiMart - costing 2.8 billion dollars. It'd force Woolworths and Foodstuffs to divest 120 branches into public ownership, and two distribution centres. Upper Hutt's Plenty Foods owner, Henry Hutcheon told Nick Mills
Friday Faceoff with Yadana Saw and Bryce Edwards
It's Friday Faceoff and this week Nick Mills is joined by Regional Councillor Yadana Saw and political commentator and academic Dr Bryce Edwards to debate the biggest stories of the week. Our panel get heated over the Moa Point review, who's to blame and who's avoiding accountability? After Nick's disagreement with Mayor Andrew Little over "exceptional circumstances" for the opportunity to s
Friday Sports Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper: Third South Africa test
It's time for the third test between the All Blacks and the Springboks, and on Friday Sports Kick-off this week Nick, Coops and Piney talk the most importance test of the on the Greatest Rivalry tour. The crew analyse Rennie's team "rotation", his performance as a coach so far, and give their score predictions for this "game of chess". And is there still hope for the Wellington Lions for their upc
Politics Thursday with Ayesha Verrall and Tim Costley: Who should take accountability for Moa Point?
For Politics Thursday this week Nick Mills is joined by Labour's Ayesha Verrall and National's Tim Costley to debate the top political issues of the week. The highly anticipated Moa Point review is out, showing multiple organisations were at fault over many years. Nick asks our politicians - how can we trust the plant will improve in the future when no group wants to take accountability? They also
What's next for departing MP Greg O'Connor?
Labour MP for Ōhāriu Greg O'Connor delivered his valedictory speech to Parliament last night and joined Nick Mills this morning to reflect on his time as an MP and what comes next. Mills attempted to get the reason O'Connor will not return to parliament with Labour, with O'Connor suggesting it was relevant to his age. When asked if a run for Council was in his future, O'Connor responded, "th
Jade's Law: Mother of 18-year-old killed in crash calls for tougher sentencing
Jade Evans was driving home for her family dinner when she was killed by a truck who did not stop at a stop sign. Jade was only 18 years old and carrying her unborn child Lily when she died, now her mother Kathryn Stothers is calling for stronger accountability from careless drivers. The driver's sentence was two months' community detention, losing his licence for 12 months and reparations of $800
Nick Mills: Wellington City Councillors were told of a possible Tiaki Wai deadline extension
OPINION: On Tuesday's programme, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little and I had a pretty animated discussion about Tiaki Wai — and one question in particular: Could Wellington have sought another year before Tiaki Wai had to be established? I said I had been told that a Council officer had explained to councillors that, legally, there was a mechanism to seek an extension under exceptional cir
Mayor Andrew Little in the studio with Nick Mills to shut down Tiaki Wai rumours
Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joined Nick Mills in the studio this morning to address the latest news around the Council and debunk rumours swirling around the city. This week the mayor called for a refund from Deloitte for their $435,000 review. He dismissed the report to Mills, saying the accountancy firm used out of date information and AI. Then the Mayor debunked claims the Tiaki W
College of GP President Dr Luke Bradford on the changes needed for our health system
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners President Dr Luke Bradford joined Nick Mills on the show this morning, to share what GPs need for a sustainable future to support the overall health system. Bradford told Mills while our government is contributing, policies are only piecemeal to the total help needed. He discussed the staffing and recruitment issues but also the lack of stability
Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel join Nick Mills in the studio
Star chefs Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge touch down in Wellington for The Food Show and on the way join Nick Mills in the studio. Manu and Colin compete against each other for Pitch to Plate at Hnry Stadium tonight, what can diners expect from these expert chefs? And who is the king of the kitchen? Both have fostered a strong relationship with New Zealand over their years of travelling and expe
Friday Faceoff with Peter Dunne and Fleur Fitzsimmons
It's time for Friday Faceoff, Nick is joined in the studio by former minister and political commentator Peter Dunne and National Secretary of Public Service Association to debate the top stories of the week. Kicking off the faceoff is the claim we need $5 billion more invested into health. Our panel debate the issues within our public health system. Dunne, a former Minister of Health, says w
Friday Sports Kick-off: All Blacks and Springboks Round 2
For Friday Sports Kick-off Nick is joined in the studio by Jason Pine and Adam Cooper to wrap the week in sports. The crew recap the All Blacks success last weekend and look forward to the next round - can the All Blacks maintain their energy against South Africa this weekend? Our panel give their predictions for this next game and talk the changes Rennie has made to his side. Should Lions f
Nick Mills: Politicians should be able to safely walk down the street
EDITORIAL: Yesterday morning, Chris Hipkins walked into this studio — and I knew immediately something wasn’t right. Now I’ve interviewed Chris plenty of times, and I think I know him reasonably well. Whatever you think of his politics, he’s normally extremely composed, extremely confident, and extremely hard to rattle. Yesterday he looked rattled. He looked pale and a bit
Politics Thursday with Ayesha Verrall and Tim Costley (4)
Yesterday on the show, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said a man threatened to throw him in the harbour and later kill him, on the way to the interview. Nick asks our politicians how the hate has changed over the years and do they feel safe in their position? Is this behaviour now accepted as the norm? The panel then face off over the social media bill and the speed at which it's moving. Plus,
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins on death threats, social media ban and Wellington's amalgamation
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins joined Nick Mills in the studio this morning for his monthly chat but was threatened by a man on the way to the interview. Hipkins recounted the incident to Mills. "We went onto the waterfront he clearly got out of his car and came and told me he was going to throw me into the harbour and as I walked away from him said he was going to kill me." Hipkins said events
Mel Parsons reflects on Dolly Parton's influence and her new album 'Castle Hill'
Kiwi singer-songwriter Mel Parsons joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to chat the huge success of her new album, upcoming tour and reflect on the impact of Dolly Parton in the industry. Parson's newest album Castle Hill is her first to reach Number 1 in the New Zealand charts. Nick finds out how she juggles raising four kids while touring? How has the industry changed over her c
Jon Stevens with Nick Mills on his Noiseworks & INXS Collection '26 Tour
Legendary New Zealand singer Jon Stevens brings his Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour '26 to his hometown Wellington next month. Jon is back performing hits from the legendary bands that catapulted him into Aussie Rock Royalty. He joined Nick Mills to discuss his prominent career across the Tasman, and what fans can expect at next month's show. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for priva
Business Panel: City Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher and restaurateur Raf de Gregorio
For this week's business panel, Nick was joined by Kaffee Eis owner and Wellington City Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher, and owner of Wellington's Napoli restaurant Raf de Gregorio. Tiefenbacher spoke about the frustration of making change around the City Council table, and claimed Labour-aligned Councillors breach the Local Government Act by premeditating their decisions. The pair also discussed the
Friday Faceoff with Dame Kerry Prendergast and Esther Robinson
For Faceoff this week, Nick is joined by former Wellington City Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and faceoff newcomer and political commentator Esther Robinson to wrap the news of the week. Starting with concerns the facts of the proposal of new bus lanes along the Harbour Quays are incorrect - found by Councillor Tony Randle before his passing. Should the bus lanes go ahead? And what would this
Councillor Andrea Compton confirms $60 million disadvantage from new bus lane proposal
Before Councillor Tony Randle's passing, he shared concerns around a bus lane proposal with other councillors including Andrea Compton, who joins Nick on the show today. Councillor Compton confirmed Randle's findings of a $60 million disadvantage from the planned Harbour Quays bus route change, which includes replacing a car lane each way with a bus lane. The proposal will be voted through m
Former Chair of Snapper Services says "just stop it" to Wellington's newest bus lane proposal
Experienced Wellington businessman Paul Ridley-Smith is not a fan of the Council's latest proposal of bus lanes along Harbour Quays. The former Director of Wellington Airport and chair of Snapper Services, and currently Chair of the Regulatory Standards Board has advice for the proposal: "just stop it." He joins the show with Nick Mills to share the numbers he has crunched and his expertise and qu
Friday Sports Kick-off: All Blacks vs Springboks in Johannesburg
For Friday Sports Kick-off this week Nick, Piney and Coops get ready for the All Blacks vs Springbok game Sunday morning. They give their score predictions and takes on the line up for this hugely anticipated match. Ruben Love is the one to watch, as he proves his place as number 10 as we led into the World Cup. Plus, the Wellington Lions, and Wellington Sports Awards. LISTEN ABO
Beervana director Ryan McArthur on the festival's 25th year
Wellington's Beervana fills Hnry Stadium this week, bringing some of the country’s best beer under one roof. 65 breweries will provide festival goers with all sorts of options from wacky to wonderful. There will be international and local stands, non-alcoholic beers, "Fruju” inspired sours and even beer you can lick! Nick Mills talks to Beervana director Ryan McArthur on what to look forward
Music Time with James Irwin: The rise of Mel Parsons
For Music Time this week Nick and James track the rise of one of New Zealand's most talented female singer songwriters with the release of her new album and get match fit for the All Blacks with some ridiculous rugby songs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aged Care Association CE Tracey Martin on securing future care for Kiwis
New Zealand's aged care system could be in for a shakeup to prepare the high volumes of Kiwi's that will need care. By 2060 roughly one in four New Zealanders could be over 65. The new aged-care report 'A Place to Grow Old: Securing the future of aged care', contains 40 recommendations and says the existing system cannot meet demand safely, fairly or sustainably without major reform. &
Editor of 'The Local' Jane O'Loughlin talks the comeback of the local paper
Nick Mills received a delivery of the newspaper The Local Te Aro', and wondered what ever happened to the local rag? Editor of 'The Local' Jane O'Loughlin joins the show to answer Nick's question. The free paper is delivered once a month into mailboxes around the suburbs, and published online. Could 'The Local' expand into more communities who need it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener
Friday Faceoff with Mark Sainsbury and Brigitte Morten
It's time for Friday Faceoff, Nick Mills is joined in the studio by legendary broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and political commentator Brigitte Morten. Starting with the biggest story of the week - the vote of confidence on the Prime Minister. The panel faceoff over the big question: Was Chris Penk acting alone? Then Sainsbury and Morten debate conundrum of the day - the country has
Friday Sports Kick-off with Coops, Piney, Pauly and Big Frank
For Friday Sports Kick-off, Nick, Coops and Piney are sweating in the studio as they are joined by All Star Wrestling Champion Big Frank and Paul Sayers. The return of All Star Wrestling hits Porirua's Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday 15 August. Grab tickets on ticketspace. Then on other sports news of the week - the tragic defeat of the Wellington Lions, moving Duplesiss Kirifi to No. 12. LIS
Nick Mills: Bring back local pubs
EDITORIAL: I love this story. I read this story in the paper this morning and I really love it. The Castlepoint Hotel is finally allowed to turn the beer taps back on after a six-month dry spell. Its got new operators,and has been granted their liquor licences after a pretty thorough hearing. I mean those liquor licensing hearings, when they've got a bone can go fo
Politics Thursday: The aftermath of the Prime Minister's vote of confidence
After a busy week in the beehive, Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki join Nick Mills to dissect the hot topics of the week. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faced a vote of confidence yesterday and came out victorious. Chris Penk has been dropped as a minister. Costley says Luxon has the full support of his caucus as leader of the National Party. Our panel debate how unified
Wellington Free Ambulance Chair Dame Kerry Prendergast on high ambulance demand
Wellington Free Ambulance Board Chair Dame Kerry Prendergast joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to talk the record numbers of calls to ambulance over the last week. Prendergast said Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) responded to more than a third of the nearly 25,000 nationwide calls 111 on Saturday. She says WFA are experiencing high demand , but "have more staff than ever before". She stres
