Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

The All Blacks take on Italy in the final game of the northern tour on Sunday morning - and it will be Wellington All Black TJ Perenara's last game in black. 

What's his legacy in the team, and how big a winning margin will we see? 

Also, its a rematch of last season's semi-final with the Wellington Phoenix taking on Melbourne Victory. What are we expecting? 

To answer those questions, All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. 

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More long-haul widebody planes will be able to operate at Wellington Airportfollowing upgraded safety zones on its runway.

It could mean Wellington could see direct flights to the United States and Asia for the first time ever.

The energy-absorbing blocks at each end of the runway are part of a $500 million upgrade plan announced by the airport today, which includes terminal upgrades and community areas on airport-owned land near Lyall Bay. 

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke joined Nick Mills to discuss the plans. 

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Today is the first day of the ban on wearing gang patches in public - but will the new law actually be effective?

Also, 40,000 people marched on Parliament this week to protest Act's Treaty Principles Bill. Did the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon know what he was getting into when he agreed to support the bill's first reading?

To answer those questions, Labour MP and housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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Lifetime Black Power member Denis O'Reilly says the government's gang patch ban won't work, saying the police should concentrate on behavior instead. 

"It's not what you wear, its what you do." 

He says he is working with gang members to "stay calm" as the ban is introduced - but expects most gang members will adhere to the rules. 

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It was a beautiful albeit slightly windy day in Wellington on Tuesday - perfect for an afternoon of sailing. 

Nick, Ethan, and Adam were invited by the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club to spend a few hours getting an idea of sailing and what the club offers beginners wanting to get involved in the sport. 

Nick spoke to club operations manager Chris Scott and skipper James Dunlop-Storey in between steering and tacking - and nearly falling off. 

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Its estimated 42,000 people took to the streets in Wellington yesterday, protesting Act's Treaty Principles Bill. 

NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell was in the crowd, and told Nick Mills protestors were upbeat and well-behaved.

Also, advice received by local government minister Simeon Brown on the decision to appoint a Crown observer to Wellington City Council has been released - what does it say? 

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Interest rates are down, inflation is down and the weather is getting warmer - so is Wellington finally through the worst of its economic slump? There are differing opinions. 

Also, a Crown observer has been installed at Wellington City Council. What difference will this make and will it improve council engagement with businesses?

To answer those questions and more, Commercial property investor and owner of JJ Murphys and The Grand Clem Griffiths, and JLL commercial real estate agent Jim Wana joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.

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The Prime Minister has returned from a fleeting trip to Peru for this year's APEC summit where he met with world leaders including a bilateral with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But many attendees were focused on another piece of New Zealand news - what was it?

Also, a large hikoi protesting the Treaty Principles Bill is descending on Parliament tomorrow. How many people are expected on Parliament's lawn? 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.

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Parliament erupted with a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill yesterday. Was the performance appropriate?

Also, former Tasman District Council chief executive Lindsay McKenzie has been named as the Crown observer appointed to Wellington City Council. Is he up to the job?

To discuss those topics and more, Nick was joined by former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Franks Ogilvie director Brigitte Morten.

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The All Blacks take on France in the country’s capital this weekend with a few big changes. How are our chances looking?

Also, is Chris Wood New Zealand’s greatest ever footballer?

All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.

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David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill will have its first reading in Parliament today, where National will support it. But with National refusing to support it further, is the entire exercise a waste of time? 

Also, the government has apologised to victims of abuse suffered while in state care - but what is the plan for redress?

Labour's Health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.

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Former 2ZB Wellington host Lindsay Yeo has died at the age of 78. 

His family say he died peacefully at his home in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon.

Yeo hosted the top-rating breakfast show from 1972 to 1995, consistently taking the number one spot until the late 1980s. 

Working with him at 2ZB were broadcasters John McBeth and Raylene Ramsay - the latter still a newsreader at Newstalk ZB. 

They joined Nick Mills to share the memories of the man Wellingtonians loved. 

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Renowned radio personality and entertainer Lindsay Yeo has died at the age of 78. 

Yeo hosted the 2ZB Breakfast Show in Wellington for 23 years until 1995, which was frequently the city's highest rated programme. 

He created the children's character "Buzz O'Bumble," which would appear on the show, alongside other whimsical characters. 

Yeo also appeared on Classic Hits FM and TVNZ's Top Dance, and toured the country with live stage shows. 

In retirement, Yeo also founded music station Radiyo Richmond in 2016 out of a caravan in the Tasman District. 

In 2017, 22 years after passing on the torch, he joined Tim Fookes on the Morning Show in Wellington to mark the 80th anniversary of 2ZB. 

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In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses further details around the appointment of Lindsay McKenzie as council Crown Observer.

She also chats with Nick Mills about concern from a Ministry over Te Papa charging foreign visitors, and the latest on the Government's plan for a second Mt. Victoria tunnel.

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In his regular catch up with Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said he would link up with protesters against the Treaty Principles Bill when the hīkoi arrives in Wellington.

Hipkins also discussed the apology to survivors of Abuse in Care, Wellington City Council's new Crown Observer, and the result of the US Election.

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Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as Wellington City Council’s Crown observer. 

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said McKenzie has significant governance and senior leadership experience. 

McKenzie’s term will last until July next year. 

Wellington City Council’s Crown observer will be on the job tomorrow after the Government revealed the man tasked with sorting out “the shambles”. 

Lindsay McKenzie, the former chief executive of Tasman District Council and Gisborne District Council, has agreed to take on the role. 

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau told Newstalk ZB’s Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills there had been better collaboration at the council in the past couple of weeks. 

”When the Minister was contemplating government intervention, I think that kind of gave everyone a bit of a fright. The last thing the council wanted was a commissioner”, she said. 

Whanau said she wasn’t surprised when the Government decided to appoint a Crown observer. 

”I wouldn’t say relief, just kind of like acceptance that this was happening.” 

When asked whether she’d lost control of her council, Whanau said no. 

”This robustness and perception of dysfunction has been building for years.” 

Whanau believed they could work together but said “unified” was probably no longer the right word to use. 

Asked what she would do differently, Whanau said anything she did differently would result in the same outcome. 

”Everything that I have done is by the book, I’ve done everything with the best interests of Wellingtonians at heart. 

“What we have are some people who relitigate decisions, play politics, play political theatre because that is the nature of Wellington City Council. I stick by my decisions.” 

Lindsay McKenzie is the former CEO of Tasman District Council. 

Whanau believed the council had not reached the threshold for a Crown observer but she accepted that was the Government’s decision. 

She said the council would never be perfect. 

”That’s due to the personalities that are in the room. When you disagree so fundamentally on things like values, policies or so forth, it’s going to cause tensions, it’s going to be robust. 

“We’ve never going to be best friends and that’s probably something I was naive about when I was first mayor.” 

Whanau spoke to Simeon Brown last night who told her the observer was there to help the council. 

She has exchanged numbers with McKenzie this morning and will set up a meeting with him as soon as possible. 

Whanau said she expected McKenzie to observe and provide guidance to ensure the council was meeting its legislative requirements. 

She did not expect him to attend airport board meetings with her, but he will attend council meetings, workshops and meet with elected members one-on-one. 

She didn’t think having an observer was going to be as dramatic as people thought. 

”Because there’s an observer there, we’ll have councillors possibly watch themselves.” 

Whanau said observing the capital city could be quite different from McKenzie’s experience at provincial councils. 

Asked whether councillors had thrown her under the bus, Whanau said; “You’d have to ask them”. 

Whanau said she had not been treated unfairly by her own council and said that it was just political theatre. 

Not every councillor thought she was a great leader but she had a great relationship with the majority of her peers, Whanau said. 

She didn’t think Wellingtonians were embarrassed by having a Crown observer, and she did not feel she had been picked on by the Government because she was aligned with the Green Party. 

Whanau said between $400 million and $600m in capital spending could be cut after the failed airport sale. 

Asked whether there would be redundancies or a hiring freeze internally at the council to save money, Whanau said cutting capital spending would have a flow-on on effect in operating spending but she “couldn’t say definitively”. 

Whanau said the Golden Mile project was sacred to her because she campaigned on it strongly. 

”There’s a lot of negative talk around this project but at the end of the day it’s the transformational stuff that makes our city liveable, walkable, all that good stuff.” 

McKenzie has significant governance and senior leadership experience in local government, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said in a statement yesterday. 

“When Invercargill City Council was facing governance issues, Mr McKenzie was called upon as an external appointee to support its governance performance improvement programme.” 

“He also has strong financial acumen, which is reflected in his current appointment as an Independent Member of the Nelson City Council audit, risk and finance cCommittee.” 

Brown revealed he had sought advice on possible Government intervention after the council stopped the controversial sale of its 34% share in the airport – upending the Long Term Plan (LTP). 

The council now has to amend the LTP and possibly cut hundreds of millions of dollars in capital spending to create additional debt headroom to respond to the insurance risks the airport sale was designed to solve. 

Brown said the decision to appoint a Crown observer was not one that he took lightly. 

“However, my assessment is that the financial and behavioural challenges facing the council represent a significant problem as set out in Part 10 of the Local Government Act 2002.” 

Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking this morning, Brown said McKenzie will sort through the “dysfunction between personalities” at Wellington City Council and will help the mayor and councillors to “get on”. 

He said McKenzie would provide external advice and assist with a fresh pair of eyes, though it’s up to the council whether it follows the Crown observer’s guidance. 

”[He is] someone else who … has not been part of all the drama over the last little while and can provide an extra set of advice.” 

Nelson mayor Nick Smith said McKenzie’s appointment is something the region should be proud of, given his experience as both CEO of Tasman District Council and interim chief executive at Nelson City Council. 

In a Facebook post, Smith said “the problems at Wellington City Council will test Lindsay’s skills with a difficult combination of infrastructure, financial and governance woes”. 

“We wish him, Mayor Tory Whanau and Wellington’s councillors the very best as they attempt to stabilise the council and sort the Capital’s major challenges.” 

McKenzie’s term will last until the end of July 2025 or earlier if appropriate. 

“Mr McKenzie will provide the support and advice necessary to assist the council as it delivers an amended Long-Term Plan that works for the city, its ratepayers, and communities”, Brown said. 

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist. 

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More than 150 pieces from Banksy will soon be arriving in Wellington for a mammoth exhibition.

The art from the world's most prolific street artist will be on display at Wellington's Takina convention centre from November 28th.

Stewart MacPherson has brought the exhibition to the capital direct from London, and joined Nick Mills to discuss the magic of the elusive artist, and reveal the exorbitant cost of insuring all the art. 

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Protestors will arrive in Wellington later next week to protest the introduction of David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill.

The hikoi, following the same route as the march led by Dame Whina Cooper in 1975, began in Northland this morning.

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls expects it will be one of the biggest protests at Parliament in recent memory.

He joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. 

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Donald Trump has won the US election - and not just the electoral college, but the popular vote too. How did he manage it?

Also, with unemployment biting, students are struggling to find summer jobs. How important is working over the summer break?

To answer those questions, and to give their views on Wellington's new tunnel plan, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills.

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The All Blacks take on Ireland tomorrow morning in a rematch of last year's World Cup semi-final. Who is likely to come out on top?

Also, Auckland FC trumped the Wellington Phoenix last weekend. How did both teams perform?

To answer those questions, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.

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Donald Trump has won the United States presidential election by a surprising margin — but what will a second Trump presidency mean for New Zealand?

Also, David Seymour's Treaty principles bill has been introduced to Parliament today, earlier than originally scheduled. Is this just a waste of time, and will we see "hikois from hell"? 

National MP and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.

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Former US Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown says he would happily return to New Zealand if President-elect Donald Trump asks him to serve again.

Brown served as Ambassador during Trump's first term after a career as lawyer, then a Republican senator.

He told Nick Mills that Trump's win is great news for America, and the nation's relationship with New Zealand will remain strong.

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Former NZ ambassador to the United States Tim Groser says Donald Trump's presidential win can be attributed in a large part to the middle class "being screwed". 

"The Democrats have become the party of the rich. If you take the top 25 districts in terms of wealth, 24 of them are held by democrats."

Groser, also a former Trade Minister, told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills that Trump will move in the direction of tariffs which would impact New Zealand. 

"He's been consistent on one thing since the 1980s. He's a protectionist. You can be pretty damn sure he will move in that direction, that cannot possibly be in New Zealand's interests as a small, vulnerable trading nation." 

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Wellingtonian Michael Hobbs says he couldn't pick a winner for the US presidential election - but says the mood is tense and hard to escape. 

The former Blues player and Wellington College head boy is now in the private equity industry in Los Angeles, after studying an MBA at Stanford University. 

He joined Nick Mills to discuss the mood in the US ahead of today's vote. 

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Vice President and Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris is hosting a relatively small election night event in Washington DC tonight - far smaller than that of Barack Obama in 2008 and Hillary Clinton in 2016/.

NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan is there and told Nick Mills attendance is restricted, and Harris isn't expected until much later in the evening. 

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Months of campaigning will finally come to an end tomorrow as the United States goes to the polls to choose a new President.

Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin has been keeping an eye on campaign rallies, and joined Nick Mills to critique the candidates music choices - and have a punt at what they might choose as a victory song.

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It's being touted by the candidates as the most important election in United States history, and its all playing out tomorrow afternoon New Zealand time.

To discuss the importance of the election and how the result could affect relations with New Zealand, US Embassy deputy chief of mission David Gehrenbeck joined Nick Mills. 

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Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome and Sotheby's International Realty Wellington Managing Director Glen Jones joined Nick Mills in the studio to chat all things business.

They discussed the benefits to the city from big events like the Wellington-Auckland football derby at the weekend, and how the region can capitalise on it.

Other topics included the state of the housing market, the US Election, a Crown Observer coming to the Wellington City Council and whether allowing builders to self-certify is a good idea.

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Mental health campaigner Mike King is under fire for saying alcohol can be the answer to mental health struggles - but did he have a point he just made badly?

Also, the United States is in the final days of the 2024 presidential campaign, who will come out on top?

Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy and Capital director Neale Jones joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.

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The Wellington Phoenix take on Auckland FC in the first ever A-League local derby. Who will come out victorious, and can we expect a large crowd?

And the All Blacks take on England on Sunday morning, with a few changes in the team. Are they on track for a win?

Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.

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The government has announced that large reputable construction companies, as well as plumbers and drainlayers will soon be able to self-certify their work, removing the need for lengthy council consents. 

But could this lead to an increase in shoddy building work?

Also, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he's open to a discussion about banning Nazi symbols - is this a good idea?

And what was going through Ginny Andersen's mind when she reposted a photo suggesting a crease in King Charle's suit looked like a vagina? She told Nick Mills herself. 

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The Wellington City Council has met publicly for the first time since voting to ditch the planned sale of its stake in Wellington Airport.

It's also the first time the council has met since Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced he is appointing a Crown observer to the council.

So when will the council begin deciding what to cut to fund a large hole in its budget? 

NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Adam Cooper for the Capital Letter.

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The government is appointing a Crown observer to Wellington City Council - but is this setting a precedent that might affect other councils around the country? 

Also, the cost to install fencing along Wellington's waterfront has blown out from $7m to $30m. Why does it cost so much for some fencing?

Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry and lawyer and former Act MP Stephen Franks joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. 

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The Wellington Lions take on Bay of Plenty in the NPC final at Sky Stadium tomorrow - who will take out the championship?

Also, the All Blacks face Japan in Tokyo shortly afterwards. How are both teams looking?

Nick Mills was joined by Wellington sports broadcaster Matt Buck and Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine.

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The government will appoint a Crown observer to oversee Wellington City Council - but will the advice that led to the decision be released?

Also, should Andrew Bayly remain a Minister after accusations of bullying a worker during a business visit? 

To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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OPINION

Yesterday afternoon just after lunch an email landed in my inbox from Simeon Brown.

I looked out my window after four or five beautiful days in Wellington and saw clouds coming in from all directions.

And that's exactly how I felt reading this email from Simeon Brown. It felt like a dark day.

Brown was announcing he was appointing a Crown observer to Wellington City Council.

We all know what led to this point. Mammoth rates rises, the debacle that was the Reading Cinema deal, councillors arguing, leaking, walking out of meetings, and then the airport shares vote which was the last straw.

It was all too much for local government minister Simeon.

He said enough is enough and appointed a Crown observer - or what I call a babysitter. And it's the right call.

Just imagine for a moment what this would be like in your own job.

Management was so worried about your performance that they ordered a manager be sent to your office just to sit there and watch you.How embarrassing.

Although most sane Wellingtonians were calling for some sort of intervention from government, when it finally happened yesterday I just felt sad.

It's a sad moment for our city.

We've been the butt of jokes across the country - some self-inflicted, some not - almost since this council got sworn in.

And although I have been calling for government intervention, it was a shock when it actually happened.

We're not sure who the observer will be,Simeon Brown said he wasn't at that stage yet. Butwe know the calvary is on its way.

Mayor Tory Whanau fronted a press conference yesterday. She said she was accepting of an observer and would work with them.

She would do everything she and the council could to make it work, she told us.

In my eyes, she almost looked a bit relieved.But this is not a win for her. Yesterday was the worst day of her mayoralty - and there's plenty to choose from.

It's also the worst day of the term for all of her councillors too. This is a problem that belongs to all of them. They should all feel responsible.

The fact our once extremely proud city that I love has had an observer appointed feels like a failure.

We were once the coolest little capital in the world. We were the movie capital of the South Pacific, we were the birthplace of craft breweries and coffee culture. We had the best theatres, art galleries, a great university, and most importantly, it was affordable to live here.

It felt like everything was going well for us.

And now we're the city that can't even run its own council. The city the rest of the country laughs at.

We have things going for us, and I never want us to forget those things. Wellington is not dead or dying.

But things aren’t great right now and it's embarassing it has got to this point. We need a council that can get us back to what we once were.

I can only hope the decision to appoint an observer will help our council understand that.

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The Wellington Lions take on Bay of Plenty in this weekend's much-anticipated NPC final at Sky Stadium. 

Nick Mills was joined by captain Du'Plessis Kirfi and Lions veteran Brad Shields to discuss the season so far and the team's hopes for Saturday's match.

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Local government minister Simeon Brown has decided to appoint a Crown observer to Wellington City Council.

The decision was reached after the council's long-term plan was forced back to the council table after a vote to ditch the sale of the council's 34% stake in Wellington Airport. 

Now all eyes turn to who the observer will be - and what problems they might uncover. 

NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.

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Oscar Kightley has been a journalist, an author, and an actor - but he's also an acclaimed playwright. 

He's the writer behind Dawn Raids, a play he wrote in the late 1990s exploring the horror of the raids targeting Pasifika overstayers in the 1970s.

But 27 years later, the show has never been staged in the capital. That finally changes this week when Dawn Raids will be staged for two nights at the Wellington Opera House by the Pasifika theatre collective Pacifc Underground. 

Kightley joined Nick Mills to discuss the show, his memories of the 1970s, and the incredible story behind how he arranged for King Charles to appear on one of his best-known projects Bro'Town.

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Kiwi rock band Supergroove have announced they're reuniting for a New Zealand tour and are set to play in Wellington in April next year - huge news for Kiwi music fans. 

But it led Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin to wonder how many New Zealand artists or groups are currently in the New Zealand album charts?

It turns out the answer is not many. 

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Brothers Hamish and Robert Vance have been in the menswear business since young boys, eventually following in their grandfather and father's footsteps as directors of Vance Vivan. 

The menswear store first opened in October 1924 - and this month celebrates 100 years in business. 

The pair joined Nick Mills to discuss their memories, the impact council decisions are having on CBD businesses, and the rise of online shopping. 

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National MP and commerce and consumer affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has been accused of telling a worker to "f**k off home" and pulling the 'L' sign with his fingers during a visit to a business. 

He's apologised - but the full details around the incident are still unclear.

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills to discuss what happens next - if anything.

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Wellington mayor Tory Whanau met with local government minister Simeon Brown this morning as he awaits advice on whether he should intervene at Wellington City Council. But is the council actually at the point where intervention is needed? 

Also, ACC is facing a $7.2 billion deficit. How did it get to this point, and are increased levies the only answer?

To face those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's MP for Otaki Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the threshold for government intervention in Wellington City Council hasn't been met. 

Talking to Nick Mills, he said the council still has an opportunity to pass its long term plan and show government it can function properly. 

"Councillors arguing amongst each other is local democracy."

"The level of dysfunction has got to be a bit higher than people just disagreeing with each other." 

Hipkins also discussed the state of the health system, the latest inflation figures and Labour's position on the fast track legislation. 

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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has called an urgent behind-doors council meeting for this afternoon, as the government seeks advice on whether intervention is needed for Wellington City Council. 

It comes after the council voted to ditch its plan to sell its 34% stake in Wellington Airport, meaning up to $600m in cuts will now be needed. 

NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills to talk through the council's next steps. 

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis has labelled the Wellington City Council a shambles, while Simeon Brown is seeking advice on whether government intervention is needed - so how likely is it that the government will step in?

And the latest 1News Verian poll exactly a year on from the election has shown a slight dip for both major parties - how is the government faring? 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. 

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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanauis faced with cutting up to $600 million from her 10-year budget after the city council voted to stop the controversial sale of its airport shares.

Last week, Wellington City Council killed the sale of its 34% share in the airport, with one councillor saying it was the “dirtiest politics” she had been involved with.

It’s a significant loss for Whanau who championed the sale and planned her 10-year-budget around it. The sale has divided the council, cost the mayor crucial support and comes after her plan to reopen the “big black hole” that is Reading Cinemas also failed.

Selling the airport shares was designed to help solve two serious financial risks: the council’s $2.6 billion under-insurance problem and the lack of diversity in its investment portfolio.

The Long Term Plan will need to be amended now that the sale is off the table.

Up to $600 million could be cut from the council’s capital spending to create additional debt headroom to respond to insurance risks.

Projects that could be on the chopping block include more cycleways, community and facility upgrades, and improvements to services like rubbish and library collections.

The council will need to consult on the change with options that include a full sale of the airport shares, a partial sale, or no sale, officials have said.

The amended Long Term Plan will eventually be adopted in June 2025.

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.

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There was good news for mortgage holders yesterday as the Reserve Bank lowered the official cash right by 50 basis points. Are our politicians hoping for another 50 basis point drop later this year? 

Also, the Auditor General is highly critical of a $24m contract awarded to Mike King's Gumboot Friday charity without a competitive process. Was the government out of line? 

To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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The Wellington City Council will vote on a motion to ditch the planned sale of its 34% stake in Wellington Airport on Thursday - which marks the end of a long-running saga that has split councillors almost down the middle.  

NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell says there have been so many flip-flops from various councillors that it's not known if opponents to the sale will have the numbers to pass the motion.

Regardless if it passes or fails, indications are it will only be by one or two votes.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has been an ardent supporter of selling the shares and has lost the confidence of some councillors typically seen as part of her voting bloc. 

Campbell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.

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The latest mood of the boardroom survey is out and the country's CEOs have rated the best performing ministers - so who are our panel's top three? 

Also, some Wellington City Councillors tried to prevent the council painting over pro-Palestine graffiti - is it a councillors job to determine what should and shouldn't remain? 

ChildFund CEO and Iron Duke Partners senior political and public policy advisor Maddy Burgess-Smith joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.

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The Wellington Lions take on Hawkes Bay at Sky Stadium tomorrow, with Peter Lakai stepping up as captain - what are we expecting? 

And Blackcaps captain Tim Southee has stepped down after the side's dismal performance in Sri Lanka - was this the right call?

Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. 

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Thirty-five public schools could be converted into charter schools under the government's new plan to revive the independent but state-funded schools - but the Labour Party and teachers unions loathe the plan.

So will charter schools actually work, and are they a good use of education resources? Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and Act leader and associate education Minister David Seymour joined Nick Mills to debate the issue. 

Also, Casey Costello is under fire for lowering taxes on heated tobacco products - products that only tobacco giant Philip Morris sells. Has Costello gone too far? 

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A walking and cycling upgrade between Johnsonville and Tawa in Wellingtonhas been put on pause - but when will the council reassess the project? 

Also, there are still further public service cuts to come for police staff - when will we know how many jobs will go? 

Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter.

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The number of credit card applications has reached its highest level since 2021, leading to fears people are seeking credit as the high cost of living bites. 

David Cameron, manager of the Wellington Budget Service says credit cards can be dangerous for consumers who are lured in with the promise of an interest-free period, but then use them for daily purchases.

He joined Nick Mills to discuss the issue. 

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Wellington had a mammoth weekend, with an All Blacks test and the World of Wearable Arts attracting visitors to the city. How do we attract more events to the city, and what do they mean for our economy?

Also, cruise ship numbers will be down this summer, and expensive airfares continue to bite. What is the outlook for Wellington's tourism market? 

Wellington Rugby Football Union chief executive Tony Giles and Ka Rawe Tours managing director Nathan Greenham joined Nick Mills for the Wellington Mornings Business Panel.

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Thousands have taken to the streets to protest the government's move to downscale the Dunedin Hospital project, while the government starts the week with a conversation about increasing speed limits. 

Also, legislation reintroducing charter schools passed through Parliament last week, so how many schools will be up and running by the beginning of the next school year? 

Newstalk ZB political reporter Demelza Jackson joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. 

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The All Blacks take on Australia at Sky Stadium this weekend - can they end their losing streak of five games without a win? 

It's also TJ Perenara's last match in Wellington - what will the game mean to him? 

All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator Elliot Smith joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.

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The parents of students out of school for more than 15 days each year are in line to be prosecuted under new government guidelines, which also includes the removal of teacher-only days.

Is this the right move, and what impact will it have on truancy numbers? 

To answer that, National's MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Nick Mills. 

Also on the agenda was the government's working from home guidance for public sector staff, and the resignation of Andrew Coster as police commissioner. 

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Two musicians have gigs coming up in Wellington in the next fortnight - hometown favourite Louis Baker and 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock.

Also - who are the big artists who have never won a Grammy? 

Wellington Morning's music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills.

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Chris White is a saxophonist who's shared the stage with countless stars; Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Tom Jones just to name a few. 

But it was in 1985 that he joined one of the biggest bands on the planet at the peak of their fame; Dire Straits. 

He was part of the band's memorable Live Aid performance and continued to tour with the band afterwards. 

Now he's coming to Wellington's St James Theatre as part of the Dire Straits Experience, and joined Nick Mills to talk about his memories of the band, as well as what audiences can expect. 

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OPINION

What a week Tory Whanau has had.

It all started with our regular monthly catch-up on Tuesday. I asked the mayor if she was struggling with the cost of high rates and if she felt the pinch so many of us in Wellington are feeling. 

Her answer was pretty clear. 

"I've just sold my car recently, to kind of help pay the bills. I walk to work again, my mortgage rates have doubled in the last few years.

"I'm feeling the crunch as well," the mayor told us. 

Just for the record, Whanau earns $190,000 a year. She won $1.4 million in Lotto in 2002 - and she made us think she'd sold her car to help pay the bills. 

It made headlines, then the news cycle moved on. 

But then the Mayor appeared on Q&A with Jack Tame yesterday, breathing even more life into the story. 

"Did you need to sell the car to pay the bills?" asks Jack Tame.

"No, I actually didn't," says Tory Whanau.

"It's a shame because it was taken out of context. It was an hour-long interview, you get a bit relaxed." 

At best, that's a bad attempt to spin her way out of it. At worst, it's a straight-up lie. 

To say that those comments were taken out of context is rubbish.Tory said it. The comments are clear as day. She was struggling and she sold the car. 

What can be taken out of context from that? 

Then, when asked if she had misled people, Whanau saidthe interview was too long. 

"No I didn't mislead people," Tory says.

"Actually what's happened is I was probably very generous with my time when it came to an interview.

"An entire hour for a radio show once a month is probably a bit much and you just kind of, tend to let things slip." 

For the record, mayors of Wellington have been interviewed on Newstalk ZB's local morning show for as long as I can remember.

It’s called accountability. It's called fronting up to the public. It's called a basic expectation of being the Mayor. 

I have always said I like Tory.I think she is a nice person and she has always been good to me. We get along well. 

But I've also said I don’t think she’s up to the job. And I don't think she's getting the right advice from the people around her. 

And if anything proves it, it was her performance on Q&A on Sunday. What a train wreck. 

In the interview, Whanau laughed and didn’t understand some questions. She flip-flopped too - her office later clarified she did sell her car in part to help with mortgage payments. 

At points, it felt like Jack Tame sat there completely bewildered, with this look in his eye that said 'what on earth is going on'.

Initially, Whanau told Tame she did not expect to have enough support around the council table to sell the city's stake in Wellington Airport shares.

But then she seemed to change her mind a few minutes later, and her response was to laugh like a naughty student being caught smoking behind the bike sheds. 

"That could have been scandalous," she giggled. 

I seriously think this interview might go down as the one point that changes things for her leadership.

The moment where the biggest nail gets slammed into the coffin.

Yesterday Tory also admitted a re-election bid next year might be tough.

She's right - if voters turn out. If they don't, she's a hot favourite.

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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she has sold her car to help pay the bills, and does "nothing in terms of socialising" as money is so tight.

But on $190,000 a year - is this just a poor attempt to relate to voters? 

Also, a developer has pulled out of plans to develop Oriental Bay's band rotunda - what should happen to the site?

Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Curia pollster David Farrar joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.

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The Wellington Lions take on Bay of Plenty at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon - what can we expect? 

And the All Blacks face Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney tomorrow too - how is the team looking? 

Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills. 

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Is Wellington City Council performing as it should be?

The answer is a flat "no" according to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who told Nick Mills that the council needs to focus on spending on the right areas. 

But Luxon wouldn't say how close the government is to appointing a Crown observer, but insisted the government is keeping a close eye on the council. 

"I think you can read between the lines that I want better performance out of Wellington City Council." 

He also revealed a plan on replacing the Interislander ferries hasn't yet gone before cabinet. 

"We will have a solution, and we are very committed. You shouldn't be anxious about it." 

Also discussed was the mood of Wellington, public service cuts, and the idea of a Wellington mega tunnel.

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Redevelopment plans for the Oriental Bay band rotunda have been scrapped - so what does the future hold for the site? 

And there have been issues with vandals targeting Wellington's new parking meters - what is the council doing to prevent damage? 

Newstalk ZB and NZ Herald reporter joined Nick Mills to answer those questions and more. 

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- Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she’s not spending at the moment because of the cost of living crisis 

- She says her mortgage rates have doubled in the past few years and she recently sold her car to help pay the bills 

- The mayor recently received a 3.7% pay rise, taking her annual salary to $189,799 

- She’s acknowledged things are “really tough” in Wellington at the moment 

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has acknowledged the economic challenges facing residents in the capital, saying she’s “feeling the crunch” too and recently sold her car to help pay the bills. 

The mayor’s annual salary has increased to $189,799 following a 3.7% pay rise in July. She also won $1.4 million through Lotto in 2002. 

Job cuts in the public sector and a string of retail and hospitality closures have once again sparked conversation about whether Wellington is “dying”. 

Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills, Whanau acknowledged things were “really tough” currently. 

“We are feeling a bit low at the moment, we’ve been hit by a number of things. Obviously, the economic downturn, public service cuts, the cost of living, people aren’t spending money and that is showing up in closures and whatnot. 

“But what I want to say right now is yip, let’s acknowledge that it’s tough. I don’t want us to talk us further into doom and gloom.” 

When pressed by Mills about whether she “actually feels it” - the financial pressure - Whanau said she did. 

“I don’t want to downplay the privilege that I have. I am the mayor of the city, I have a house and I’m very thankful for that. 

“However I’ve just sold my car recently to kind of help pay the bills, I walk to work again, my mortgage rates have doubled in the past few years. So I’m feeling the crunch as well, but I also recognise the privilege that I have.” 

When questioned further by the Herald Whanau declined to say what type of car it was beyond a “hatchback”. She said the sale had taken place “a few months ago”. She also pointed out she had recently moved into a townhouse in the city. 

Whanau said as well as her mortgage rates doubling, she had also had to make some “adjustments to her lifestyle”. 

“I.e. do nothing in terms of socialising and stuff. I can’t spend at the moment because of the cost of living crisis like many others.” 

Mills questioned how that was going to help struggling businesses and Whanau agreed it wouldn’t, but said it was an issue facing people across the country due to job losses and high interest rates. 

She said every time she sees a business close she thinks, “Oh man, what could we have done?” 

Whanau said the biggest issue for businesses in Wellington seemed to be less foot traffic and less spend, which she felt had been accelerated by public sector cuts. 

She was confident the council’s long-term plan would revitalise the city over the next few years. 

In the short term, Whanau said she was working with businesses to have more parklets in the city, host a New Year’s Eve festival, and was speaking with local designers to hold a fashion event to raise awareness of their brands following the cancellation of this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week. 

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Wellington City Council is investigating offering $1500 'micro-grants' to businesses affected by roading changes - but is this figure meaningful? 

And how is the mood of Wellington? We know it's bad, but is there an element of the city feeling sorry for itself?

Those were some of the questions for the Business Panel this week, with Lowe & Co managing director Craig Lowe and Small Acorns owner Amanda Holland. 

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Wellington takes on Tasman in the NPC this weekend, hoping to make Tasman's time with the Ranfurly Shield a one-week wonder - so what's the team looking like? 

And Wellington Olympic have taken the Chatham Cup - how big a deal is this? 

Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff. 

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It was a resounding win for Kamala Harris at Wednesday afternoon's US Presidential debate - but how much can change over the campaign?

And there have been a bunch of job losses in regional New Zealand this week - is there more to come? 

Those were the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with Iron Duke Partners director Phil O'Reilly and NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan. 

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Health Minister Shane Reti has announced how he plans to meet health targets set by the government - but how much money will have to be spent to meet them, and are they achievable? 

And are the regions in store for more pain as Winstone Pulp closes operations, and Methanex reduces production? 

Both Wairarapa MPs, Labour's Kieran McAnulty and National's Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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The government asked for advice on potentially introducing 120km/h speed limits - so what does NZTA make of the idea? 

And what did we learn during the sentencing hearing for Kiwirail over the Kaitaki losing power and issuing a mayday call? 

NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter joined Nick Mills for the Capital Letter. 

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Nick Cave has returned with a new album with a more spiritual feel; Wild God.

Fresh from his 12-week hiatus to donate an organ to a family member, Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick Mills to review the album, and share some interesting discoveries he made while recovering.

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An acclaimed Wellington writer has a new show. 

Elspeth Sandys's The Body Politic is now showing at Circa Theatre. 

She told Nick Mills the show is a classic drama set in an apartment complex in Thorndon in 2021, where the small dramas between the owners mirror the larger political issues of our world.

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Labour leader Chris Hipkins is publicly discussing potential taxes that could form Labour policy for the next election - is this a smart political strategy? 

And its understood David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill is before Cabinet today - how long is it until the bill is introduced to Parliament? 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. 

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The Wellington City Council has dropped $550,000 to install a bike rack on a lane off The Terrace - is this responsible spending? 

That was the big question for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with Rongotai MP and Green transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter, and Wellington City Councillor John Apanowicz. 

Also on the agenda was the tourist levy, more business closures in Wellington, and the couple who found $230k in their ceiling. 

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The All Blacks take on South Africa in the second test in Cape Town this weekend, so how will the changed side fare against the world champions? Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliot Smith joined Nick Mills live. 

Back home, Wellington Olympic take on Auckland FC in the Chatham Cup this weekend - what can we expect? All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills in studio. 

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Will the increased $100 visitor levy reduce our tourism numbers, and was the removal of toast for new mums at Wellington Hospital a cost-cutting exercise? 

Those were the questions for the politics panel this week, with Labour's housing and local government spokesman based in the Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty, and newcomer Katie Nimon, National MP for Napier.

The pair also discussed their reactions to the death of Kingi Tuheitia, the crowning of a new Maori Queen, and the NZTA's transport investment plan. 

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Entities associated with Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh have bought more than $100 million worth of property in Wellington's Lyall Bay - so what could be in the pipeline? 

And days after it was revealed Wellington Hospital had stopped serving toast to new mums immediately post-birth, what's happening now?

NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter joined Nick for her regular Capital Letter slot. 

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OPINION

Yesterday on her show, Heather Du Plessis Allan revealed that transport and local government minister Simeon brown has a new name.

He’s now being called 'Golden Balls' by his caucus.

It's a reference to David Beckham, a name he got for always delivering and because everything he touched turned to gold.

There’s clearly a lot of faith in Simeon Brown.

Well, yesterday he was definitely spreading gold; $33 billion worth in his transport plan for 2024 to 2027.

There’s actually not much new in this plan. For Wellington, the roads in the plan have previously been announced. This just tells us what's being funded and gives us some timeframes.

And what’s been funded for Wellington is undoubtedly good. We still get the second Mt Victoria tunnel, and we get the Petone to Grenada link road. 

And there's also good news in the pothole prevention fund which gets $5.5 billion over 3 years, and there’s been a boost in funding for local council road maintenance budgets too. 

But there’s two big things that stuck out to me in the plan.Have a guess what they are.

Cycleways and speed bumps.

Brown announced yesterday the government is slashing the fund that helps local councils to build cycleways and walkways.

And the cut is big; the fund has been halved from $910 million to $460 million.

It's certainly welcome news to Wellington motorists like you and I.

Brown said New Zealanders were sick and tired of seeing how much money is going into cycleways in recent years, and he’s bang on.

There's no better example than Wellington.

Not only that, but he wants an end to the constant construction of speed bumps.

They have, in his words, been "infesting our streets while potholes were not being filled". 

And here comes another big cut; not a single cent from this $33 billion budget will be spent on speed bumps.

If they want them built, councils will have to pay for it themselves. 

Have you driven anywhere lately without going over a speed hump or getting bumped around by potholes? 

Does Thorndon Quay ring a bell?

This is a ballsy move from Simeon.A golden ballsy move.

But I know damn well that people in the Wellington region will agree with reducing the spend on cycleways, walkways and speed humps that have been plaguing our city for so long. 

I feel like it's one of the biggest gripes people in Wellington have. 

If only I had a dollar for every text that comes in during the show moaning about cycleways or speed bumps, I’d be retiring tomorrow. 

In fairness, walkways I agree with. You should be able to walk anywhere, anytime. But how much of that budget was being spent on walkways?

The constant spend on cycleways and speed humps lately has driven me nuts.

And from now on, Wellington City Council won't be able to just call on NZTA to pay for speed humps or cycleways.

Let’s just hope the council doesn't rack up more debt for ratepayers by paying for them fully themselves. 

Surely they’re not that dumb.

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Business confidence has hit a ten-year high according to ANZ's latest survey - but are businesses in Wellington feeling as confident as those in other parts of the country? 

And what impact are electricity prices having on businesses, and is the market working? 

Those were some of the questions for the Wellington Mornings Business Panel this week, with Kaffee Eis owner Karl Tiefenbacher and Mills Albert founding director Dave Mills. 

Also on the agenda was Sir Peter Jackson's $100m buy-up of land in the city for a rumoured movie museum, and the state of New Zealand's banking sector.

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Outgoing Treasury boss Caralee McLeish has recommended New Zealand adopt a capital gains tax - and has also said we need to look at changing our superannuation settings as our population ages. 

So could it return to the political agenda? 

And Darleen Tana has taken her battle to remain an MP to the courts - how does this legal challenge work? 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills with the latest. 

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On Friday Faceoff, political commentators Bryce Edwards and Brigitte Morten discuss how councils should act after the Prime Minister's warning around spending.

They also look at the prospect of Winston Peters vying for another term in Parliament, and can males and females be platonic friends?

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In Friday Sport, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper explain to Nick Mills why they believe the All Blacks sudden coaching change has been dealt with well.

They also discuss why the Wellington Pride and Lions are wearing special pink jerseys for Sunday's home Farah Palmer Cup and NPC matches in Porirua.

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In this week's politics segment, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's Health and Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall debate Chris Luxon's sharp warning to councils over spending.

They also discuss the Commerce Commission's recommendations to make the baking industry more competitive, and how the Darleen Tana situation is playing out in Parliament.

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In this week's Capital Letter, NZ Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell discusses the possible $1.1 million spend by NZTA to protect snail and lizard species from the Otaki to north of Levin motorway.

Georgina also updates Nick on the story of Wellington school student Julia Choquette, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, who's been fundraising to get to Germany for surgery.

And, it's our regular check in with how the Government and Kiwirail are getting along over the ferry saga.

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The Prime Minister has returned from a quick trip to Australia - how did it go for him, and what big event is he attending this week? 

And former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern is set to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week - what can we expect?

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz.

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The number of tourists visiting the country is still roughly 17% below pre-Covid levels, so how long until it bounces back?

And how important are both corporate and public events for the Wellington economy - and is Wellington in store for any big international music acts over summer?

Those were the questions for the business panel this week, with Sky Stadium CEO Warrick Dent and Te Papa's marketing and communications director Kate Camp.

The pair also discussed the impact of last week's official cash rate cut, congestion charging and a big drop in Wellingtonians using the region's train system.

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On Friday Faceoff this week, Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young and Public Service Association Assistant Secretary Fleur Fitzimons debated whether Te Papa should be charging tourists - or even New Zealanders - to enter the national museum.

They also looked at confusion around job cut proposals at Health New Zealand, the likelihood of congestion charging in Wellington, and whether 'divorce parties' will become more prominent.

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Will increased benefit sanctions work, and what on earth is going in within Health NZ?

Those were the questions for the Politics Thursday panel this week, with Labour's MP for Ohariu Greg O'Connor and National's MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick joining Nick Mills. 

Also discussed was the situation at Wellington Girls College and whether congestion charging would work in Wellington.

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The government is introducing a new traffic light system for beneficiaries, laying out potential sanctions if they don't meet their obligations. So what does Labour make of it?

Labour leader and MP for Remutaki Chris Hipkins joined Nick Mills to discuss whether it will result in more people entering the workforce. 

Also on the agenda was the country's energy shortage, and the ongoing situation over an earthquake prone block at Wellington Girls College.

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The details of Kiwirail's immediate reaction to the grounding of the Aratere have been revealed in correspondence released by Transport Minister Simeon Brown's office. 

NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter is across the details, and joined Nick Mills to reveal just how it went down.

She also shared the story of Te Papa's gigantic specimen collection that needs to find a new home, and her thoughts on Wellington Water chief executive Tonia Haskell's resignation.

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The government is removing the nearly 30-year-long ban on genetic modification outside of labs, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced this morning. 

Alongside it, a new regulator will be created to manage risks. 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills with the latest, and also discussed the government's introduction of new benefit sanctions and Luxon's upcoming trip to Australia. 

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Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau believes she still has a majority of one vote in favour of selling the council's stake in Wellington Airport - but told Nick Mills she isn't sure if the next vote will succeed.

"We check it every week and people flip-flop. That's the problem." 

The controversial idea passed during the council's long-term plan vote but will come back to the council for a second vote in December.

Multiple councillors now say there is a majority against the vote.

"It's going to be really difficult. Just like the [long-term plan], it takes a lot of political management," Whanau said. 

"It's been a yes up until this point. We have councillors who have changed their mind, you have to ask them. If they want to be irresponsible with our finances, that's on them."  

"I don't understand why you don't interrogate them as much as you interrogate me."  

Whanau also spoke to Nick Mills about the state of roading changes on Thorndon Quay, the idea of a New Year's Eve party on Courtenay Place, and the state of Wellington Water. 

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It was a case of the old and the new on Friday Faceoff this week, with Wellington Central Green MP Tamatha Paul, and experienced Parliamentarian and former Minister Peter Dunne on Friday Faceoff. 

On the agenda was Wellington Water's performance, how unemployment is affecting young people, and whether they shop second-hand. 

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