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 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
Ferry Holdings Limited Chair Chris Mackenzie on consultancy concerns
Ferry Holdings Limited (FHL) Chair Chris Mackenzie joined the show this morning with Nick Mills to address concerns of high consultancy spends and conflicts of interests within the board. The Post reported FHL spent more than $14.6 million to external consultants and contractors, including $3.4m to Beca for the two new Interisland Cook Strait Ferries. FHL board member Greg Lowe was global CEO of B
Steve Logan on 30 years of Logan Brown
Co-owner of Logan Brown, Steve Logan joins Nick Mills in the studio as the restaurant celebrates 30 years as a Wellington icon. Take a look back on the early days and the building blocks, resulting in one of New Zealand's first Michelin stars and a highly respected reputation. What makes Logan Brown stand out and maintain admiration of locals and visitors alike for 30 years? Find out the sec
Les Mills CEO Brett Sutton on $1million investment into Wellington
Les Mills has invested $1 million into Wellington, opening it's dedicated contrast therapy space in it's Taranaki St club. Members, and day pass holders can access a new recovery space which includes upgraded dry saunas and cold plunge pools. After a series of issues around the Taranaki St club, like the $2.3 million toilet construction causing havoc around the area, the club is having upgra
Mayor Andrew Little on Wellington's amalgamation submission
The deadline has passed, and two amalgamation proposals have been submitted by the Wellington region's councils. The two plans are one big regional council - supported by Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Porirua and South Wairarapa, and a separate Wairarapa council supported by Masterton and Carterton. Upper Hutt and Kapiti have decided to go alone. Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins the show t
A look back on Wellington's part in 100 years of ZB with Nick Mills
As ZB celebrates our 100-year anniversary this weekend, Nick Mills takes a look back on the legends from our Wellington chapter. Wellington's 2ZB kicked off in 1937 and became the home to many familiar voices and memories. Nick speaks to two of those voices on the show today - veteran newsreader Sue Burgin and sports broadcaster John McBeth, who join him in reminiscing the great moments of Z
Friday Faceoff with Josie Pagani and Hamish Rutherford
For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by political commentator Josie Pagani and journalist and former chief press secretary to the Prime Minister, Hamish Rutherford. Prime Minister Christopher told Newstalk ZB's Kerre Woodham yesterday he would support a referendum on MMP. The panel analyse his political performance this week after the potential slip up and th
Friday Sports Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper: 100 years of ZB
Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine and Adam Cooper join Nick Mills in the studio for Friday Sports Kick-off. Join the crew and reminisce on the broadcasters of the past as ZB hits it's one-hundred year anniversary. Then take a look into the start of the All Blacks vs South Africa: Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. And Wellington's Saints head to Southland for the NBL grand final. Could we tackle home the titl
Burger Wellington for Visa Wellington on a Plate with Nick Mills, Max Towle and Beth Brash
The time has come again for a burger taste test to celebrate the launch of Burger Wellington 2026 this week! Visa Wellington on a Plate (VWOAP) is championing 245 burgers hoping to take the crown for their burger award this month. Three of those burgers are on the chopping block in the studio today as VWOAP Director Beth Brash joins Nick Mills and newsreader Max Towle in the studio for a taste tes
Politics Thursday with Ayesha Verrall and Tim Costley: Planes for the Prime Minister
It's Politics Thursday, Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Ōtaki Tim Costley. Starting with the Prime Minister's use of the Defence Force plane, which has come under intense scrutiny. Should we go even further and have a plane strictly for the Prime Minister? Costley shares his experience as a defence force pilot - plus which PM never sai
Tiaki Wai Chair Will Peet in the studio with Nick Mills
The first of Tiaki Wai's eye watering water bills have hit ratepayers in the last week. Tiaki Wai Chair Will Peet joins Nick Mills in the studio, to breakdown the cost and explain the first round of bills. Nick questions the price differences between cities and neighbouring homes. Peet details what goes into each bill and the priorities for Tiaki Wai over the next few years. Then they addres
Nick Mills: Less dogs and more staff at big box stores please!
EDITORIAL: You know I was listening Ryan Bridge this morning and he said something, and I said to myself Ryan, you are so right. No wonder I listen to Ryan first thing in the morning, and he is very good first thing in the morning by the way. He touched on something when he talked about his trip to Bunnings. Now, firstly he started talking about, it was rainy and cold, so he took
Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick on double standards in the House
Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was kicked out of the House, after telling the speaker he has "double standards". She questioned the speaker's treatment of different MPs and suggests not everyone plays by the same rulebook. Nick Mills spoke to Swarbrick to get the details from the incident. She says the Greens have made formal complaints about the leniency from the speaker towards certain minister
Music Time with James Irwin: Songs turning thirty this year
On this week's Music Time, Nick and James feel their age with a look back at songs turning 30 this year. Plus, get excited about a New Zealand legend touring a landmark album, and spin a new track from a Kiwi songwriter whose name may not ring a bell, but whose hit song certainly will. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty on removing "stupid" heritage status from five Wellington sites
Five Wellington sites are up for public consultation of heritage status removal. The sites are the old Miramar oil storage tank, Courtenay Place Heritage Area, the Karori Tunnel, the Kelburn Viaduct, the former General Headquarters Building on Taranaki St. Mayor Andrew Little and Deputy Ben McNulty wrote to the RMA Minister to ask to investigate the cases of these buildings back in May. McNulty jo
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little in studio with Nick Mills: August 3
Horowhenua is unlikely to be included in amalgamation plans for the capital, according to Wellington Mayor Andrew Little. With the deadline for councils around the country to submit their voluntary merger or unitary authority plans around amalgamation less than a week away, Little told Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills that thorough discussions are continuing this week. The Mayor also disc
Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little live in the studio, one week before amalgamation deadline
Wellington City Mayor joins Nick Mills in the studio for his monthly chat, one week out from the amalgamation deadline. Mayor Little takes your calls and Nick's questions including what happens if Upper Hutt doesn't cooperate? Will they be, as Hutt City Ken Laban says, "on the menu"? He says the focus of the amalgamation is keeping constituents connected with their council and avoiding distance ot
Friday Faceoff with Mayor Ken Laban and Thomas Manch
For Friday Faceoff this week, Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban and BusinessDesk senior reporter Thomas Manch to debate the top issues of teh week. Kicking off with Winston Peters controversial attack on Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. The panel debate Peters behaviour, parliamentary privilege and should he be demoted in Prime Minister Luxon's cabinet as Foreign Minister? A
Friday Sports Kick-off with Jason Pine and Adam Cooper: Commonwealth Games
To wrap the week in sport, Nick Mills is joined by Jason Pine and Adam Cooper for Friday Sports Kick-off. Starting with Zoe Hobbs and her history making gold medal finish in the 100m sprinting at the Commonwealth Games. And then, Lewis Clareburt doubles his Commonwealth medal tally in the last seven days. A look into the growth and sacrifices of our top athletes. Plus, the Saints make it to
Nick Mills: Winston Peters' racist comments don't belong in Parliament
EDITORIAL: Just imagine, for a second, if I sat behind this microphone this morning and the first caller, I repeated something like that to them. Imagine if I said to them, "go back to your own country". Not once, not twice, but three times. Imagine if I said they couldn't possibly understand democracy because they weren't born here, they were born somewhere else.
Politics Thursday with Ayesha Verrall and Tim Costley: Racism in the house
It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined on the show this week by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. Our political panel address Minister Winston Peters' controversial comments towards a Chinese-Kiwi Green MP in Parliament yesterday. They discuss the standard of behaviour expected, and the rise of racism in the beehive. Also on the agenda is the Government
Nick Mills: Winston Peters' racist comments don't belong in Parliament
EDITORIAL: Just imagine, for a second, if I sat behind this microphone this morning and the first caller, I repeated something like that to them. Imagine if I said to them, "go back to your own country". Not once, not twice, but three times. Imagine if I said they couldn't possibly understand democracy because they weren't born here, they were born somewhere else.
Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan reacts to controversial insults from Winston Peters
Winston Peters has received backlash from the ambassador of China and former Prime Minister Helen Clark after racist comments made in the house on Wednesday to Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. Xu-Nan joins the show with Nick Mills this morning to share his reaction on the remarks, and the behaviour allowed in parliament. When asked if he thought Peters was being racist, Xu-Nan said "the comments sp
Retail NZ CE Carolyn Young on biometric EFTPOS machines
You will now be able to pay with face ID or hand scans as EFTPOS launch their biometrics payment system in New Zealand this month. Retail NZ CE Carolyn Young joins the show to share how the rollout is progressing. When will we be able to see it in stores, and is it affordable for merchants to implement? She also spoke of benefits another than fast payment, like identification for prescriptio
Malcolm Gillies on the future of Trentham Racecourse
Upper Hutt developer and founder of Gillies Group Malcolm Gillies joins Nick Mills on the show to discuss the potential closure of Trentham Racecourse. He shares his expertise on the potential of the land but says the racecourse hasn't done it's dash just yet. Gillies says there is still value, it just needs to be bought back to life. Gillies and Mills discuss what could happen, and how it c
Opportunity Party Leader Qiulae Wong joins Nick Mills in the studio
The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong joins Nick Mills in the studio this morning for an explanation on their purpose and policies as election time looms nearer. Prime Minister Chirsopher Luxon has just ruled out working with the party in a coalition, hear Wongs' thoughts right off the back of the dismissal. Plus, Wong shares her opinion on Opportunity Party founder Gareth Morgan's latest
Nick Mills: I will stop talking about ED failures when they stop happening
EDITORIAL: I want to start off with some honesty this morning - when I read this story this morning, I had two choices. I could read it, shake my head, get angry to myself and move on. I could say, "Well, there you go. Another emergency department horror story. Another report. Another apology. Another promise it'll never happen again." Because, sadly, we've been talking about t
Business Panel: Parrotdog's Paul Watson and the Wellington Chocolate Factory's Gabe Davidson
On this week's Business Panel, Nick Mills was joined by those behind two iconic Wellington brands, Parrotdog Brewery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory. Parrotdog Managing Director Paul Watson and Wellington Chocolate Factory founder Gabe Davidson discussed their business journeys, and the good and bad of doing business in the capital right now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privac
Friday Faceoff: Nick Leggett and Tim Brown on Amalgamation; Scrutiny around Politicians
On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and ex Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown. Given both have experience as elected members of councils in the region, they gave their thoughts on Wellington's amalgamation discussion ahead of next month's submission deadline. They also discussed the scrutiny around politicians Stuart Nash and Paul Henry following co
Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee on the latest Wellington Amalgamation talks
Plans for a Wellington Super City have suffered a major setback, with Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee indicating her city is unlikely to join. Local government leaders in the region have been working on an amalgamation proposal to meet the Government's August deadline. Zee signalled her position to the mayoral forum in confidence at a meeting on Thursday, saying she's not convinced the benefits are like
Politics Thursday with Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP Tim Costley
It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to dive into the political issues from the week. Starting with the resignation of NZ First candidate Stuart Nash after incorrect claims were made about National MP Katie Nimon in a text message. Nash claimed she was the "laziest MP" and made false comments around her parl
A.R.T performs live in studio for Wellington Mornings
Wellington's own music trio A.R.T is making waves around Aotearoa, leading the nominations at this year's Pacific Music Awards, they join Nick Mills in the studio for a performance and a chat. Anatasia, Rosetta and T-R3X share what got them to this huge milestone, and their challenge to release a single on the first of every month this year. They perform their new single 'Givin It Up' live i
Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio: Stuart Nash and $60 million handouts
Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Nick Mills in the studio to talk Stuart Nash, $60 million handouts and inflation. Minister Willis shares her thoughts on Stuart Nash's comments which lead to his resignation from NZ First. She talks about the implications of his claims naming the text "sexist remarks from a dinosaur". Fletcher's Golden Bay cement plant receives a $60 million hand out from
National MP Tom Rutherford on his 'no body, no parole' bill
National MP for Bay of Plenty Tom Rutherford is the driver of the bill that would mean if no body is found in a murder case, there will be no parole. Attorney General Chris Bishop has highlighted the bill breaches Section 7 of the Bill of Rights Act, where once a minimum sentence was complete, any further imprisonment should be justified on account of risk to the public, rather than as a pun
WellingtonNZ's Heidi Morton on Wellington's festival opportunities and events calendar
Wellington NZ Chief Operations Officer and GM Heidi Morton joins Nick Mills on the show to dismiss fears over losing Wellington events. After 24 years Gisborne has lost the Rhythm and Vines festival, which bought in $3-5 million each year for their economy. Are our events safe? WOW is synonymous with Wellington. How are WellingtonNZ ensuring we hold the iconic show in our city? And Heidi and Nick
Dr Bryan Betty on restrictions on elderly drivers and his move to Health NZ
Chair of General Practioners NZ and newly appointed Health NZ Board member Dr Bryan Betty joins Nick Mills on the show this morning to discuss GPs responsibility when restricting licenses. He says there are many rules in place to protect the public from drivers whose driving quality may be deteriorating and the GPs take their responsibility very seriously, noting the burden it brings onto the pati
Music Time with James Irwin: The Rolling Stones are back
This week for Music Time, Nick Mills is joined by music guru James Irwin in the studio to chat new music from the Rolling Stones, U2 and Madonna. Are they making a comeback - or in one case losing both new and old audiences? Also to celebrate the anniversary of the moon landing yesterday they reminence on the best moon songs. Plus, all the latest gigs to look forward to in Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE
Nick Mills: The Government's $60 million hand out will open the flood gates
EDITORIAL: When I first heard this story, I thought this is not right, this is not fair, and I didn't think it fitted with what the coalition government stood for. What am I talking about? Of course, I'm talking about the $60 million hand out. I have to say, if you'd asked me whether I'd ever see a centre-right government stepping in to financially support a publicly listed company, I
Ferry Holdings Chairman Chris Mackenzie on latest Interislander announcement
Winston Peters announced the new Cook Strait ferries are on track and will be named "Kupe" and "Cook. Ferry Holdings Ltd Chairman Chris Mackenzie joins Nick Mills on the show to today to discuss the announcement. He said the major announcement was overshadowed by conversation around the names although Mackenzie says he has only received positive feedback so far. Mackenzie laid out the plan for the
Friday Faceoff: JD Trask and Phil O'Reilly
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.
Politics Thursday with Ginny Andersen and Tim Costley: Will Labour support the rates cap?
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 an
