https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/rss NZME Thu, 14 May 2026 05:38:19 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-can-the-golden-mile-review-now/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-can-the-golden-mile-review-now/ EDITORIAL: Let’s be honest now — when is enough actually enough in this city?  How long have Wellingtonians been listening to the words “Let’s Get Wellington Moving”?   Seven years? Eight years? Longer? The project was officially launched back in 2017.   Nearly a decade ago. Nearly a decade of workshops, consultations, artist impressions, reviews, counter-reviews, delays, blowouts, political infighting and endless promise for us.  And what do we actually have to show for it?  Seriously — what do we have to show for it?  Because I walk through the start of the so-called Golden Mile redevelopment near the Embassy Theatre almost every day, and if you told a visitor from out of town that millions of dollars had already been spent there, they would laugh at you.   They’d say, “Where? How? A few plants? Some shifted paving? A slightly rearranged pedestrian area? A cycleway?”  That’s the transformational city-shaping project we’ve been arguing about for the best part of a decade?  Meanwhile the city struggles.  Retailers are struggling. Businesses are struggling. People are worried about rates. Roading’s a mess. Water infrastructure is collapsing.  Construction costs have exploded.  The council can barely afford what it already has on its plate.  And now we’re spending another FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS on another review.  Another review.  Not fixing anything. Not building anything. Not deciding anything. Just another group of people sitting around discussing whether previous groups of people were right or wrong.  I’m with Andrew Little on this one.   At some point politicians have to actually make political decisions. If you were elected to lead, then damn well lead.   Stop outsourcing every difficult decision to panels, consultants, independent reviews and strategic assessments.  The original Golden Mile budget was in 2020 was $78 million. Then it became $160 million. Now it’s sitting around $220 million. And even Andrew Little is saying the council simply cannot afford another $60 million blowout.  Hello! You wouldn’t need a degree to work that one out.  So here’s the simple question: If we can’t afford it, why are we pretending we can?  Because what’s happened in Wellington is death by consultation.  Death by process. Death by indecision. We have become a city addicted to talking about things instead of actually doing them.  And here’s the worst part — this uncertainty has hung over central Wellington businesses for years. Years.   People trying to invest, lease buildings, open restaurants, run cafés, survive construction disruptions, they want to employ staff — all while the city keeps changing the plan every six months.  Enough.  Either do the project properly, fully funded, with certainty and timelines — or pull the plug and let us move on with our lives.  And now. Not in 6 months' time – now.  But this endless middle ground of reviews, pauses, re-scopes and consultant reports is draining the life, confidence and energy out of Wellington. Forget it  Nearly a decade in, Wellingtonians deserve an answer and now.  Not another workshop, not another panel.   LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 14 May 2026 01:38:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/karen-oleary-joins-nick-in-studio-to-celebrate-poneke-house-party/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/karen-oleary-joins-nick-in-studio-to-celebrate-poneke-house-party/ Comedian Karen O'Leary joins Nick in the studio to chat "Poneke House Party", a comedy music mashup show raising funds for the Mayoral Relief Flood Fund. The NZ International Comedy Festival and NZ Music Month partner to bring you Pōneke House Party, a night of jokes, songs and surprise special guests at Wellington’s Opera House, Sunday 17 May, 6pm. Karen joins the heavy hitting line up of stars including Tofiga Fepulea'i, Tami Neilson and host James Nokise. Buy tickets here for a night full of comedy and music, while helping for a great cause. Thu, 14 May 2026 00:56:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-paul-goldsmith-and-ayesha-verrall-on-immigration/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-paul-goldsmith-and-ayesha-verrall-on-immigration/ It's Politics Thursday and this week Nick is joined in the studio by National Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Ayesha Verrall. They debate the top political issues of the week, including concerns around Wellington project priorities. After the second Auckland harbour crossing is looking likely to go through, there is still no word on our second Mt Vic Tunnel - is Wellington being slighted? Then onto immigration, as the government launches more immigration policy, polling shows it is not actually a top 10 issue to Kiwis. The panel debate if Kiwis should be more concerned and what the priorities are for their parties come election time. And cutting fees free, is this a broken promise for students currently enrolled in our universities? LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 14 May 2026 00:35:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/music-time-with-james-irwin-nz-music-month-continues/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/music-time-with-james-irwin-nz-music-month-continues/ Its Music Time with James Irwin! It's another week of NZ music month, James and Nick chat a new record label based in Wellington - check it out at strawberryjampromotions.com. Then they talk Tom Scott of Homebrew fame who blew Wellington away last Friday and the opening of musical & Juliet on Saturday. Plus, what are the most recognisable Kiwi songs? James shares his office survey results. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 May 2026 00:44:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/phoenix-coach-bev-priestman-in-the-studio-with-nick-mills/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/phoenix-coach-bev-priestman-in-the-studio-with-nick-mills/ Wellington Phoenix Women's team is on their way to the airport for their A-League final against Melbourne City. Coach Bev Priestman joins Nick Mills in the studio on the way, to chat about what this means for the team. Since joining the club last year Priestman has revamped the team to get to first A-League final for any Phoenix team in their history.  The club play Melbourne City on Saturday night. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 May 2026 00:27:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/comedian-samantha-hannah-in-the-studio-with-nick-mills/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/comedian-samantha-hannah-in-the-studio-with-nick-mills/ This morning Billy T nominee, mother and comedian Samantha Hannah joins Nick in studio. Her new show Peekaboo! starts tonight at Bats for the NZ International Comedy Festival.  Currently 7 months pregnant with an 18-month-old, Samantha has bought her experience with motherhood into her stand up.  Samantha and Nick talk identity, preshow rituals and anxiety, and balancing parenthood, having a full-time job and stand up. And how does it feel getting nominated for a Billy T Award?  The NZ International Comedy Festival brings live comedy to Wellington till May 24th. Samantha's show runs from tonight to Sat 16th May. Get tickets here.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 12 May 2026 00:30:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/mayor-andrew-little-in-the-studio-for-his-may-catchup/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/mayor-andrew-little-in-the-studio-for-his-may-catchup/ Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in the studio for May's monthly chat and takes your calls.  After multiple news stories about unrest between council executives and the council, Nick asks Mayor Little for his insight into the debates at the moment. Mayor Little says a change of culture is needed and he is concerned officials don't realise that they aren't spending their own money, but that of the taxpayers. Then onto amalgamation, Mayor Little shares the latest in talks and suggests eight councils could be involved.  Also on the agenda was Tiaki Wai water meter cost, the latest in chats between council and the entity and Golden Mile and Moa Point updates. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 11 May 2026 01:21:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/porirua-mayor-anita-baker-on-potential-for-eight-councils-to-amalgamate/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/porirua-mayor-anita-baker-on-potential-for-eight-councils-to-amalgamate/ The Wellington Amalgamation could grow into eight councils instead of the previously expected "tight" four. Nick speaks to Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who is very strongly for the amalgamation. Mayor Baker shares her preferences for amalgmation and addresses concerns that Porirua rates are among the highest in the country.  She says people are hesitant as jobs may go, but she "doesn't care" if her job goes if it means amalgamation for the betterment of the city.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 11 May 2026 00:44:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/k%C4%81piti-mayor-janet-holborow-on-amalgamation-plans/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/k%C4%81piti-mayor-janet-holborow-on-amalgamation-plans/ A Wellington amalgamation could potentially go wider than expected to the Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa and Horowhenua after a mayoral meeting last Friday disclosed by the Wellington City Mayor on the show today. Nick chats to Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow, who is on her way back from a meeting with Horowhenua Mayor Wanden. Mayor Holborow shares how talks have been going with the other councils and if this merger could be a reality. The logistics of a Wellington wide one appear to be disadvantageous at this point to Kāpiti, but they are open to conversations that could prove otherwise.  Could the amalgamation just be between Horowhenua and Kapiti? LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 11 May 2026 00:22:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/luc%C3%ADa-le%C3%B3n-wellington-phoenix-women-forward-previews-the-second-leg-of-the-semifinal-against-the-brisbane-roar/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/luc%C3%ADa-le%C3%B3n-wellington-phoenix-women-forward-previews-the-second-leg-of-the-semifinal-against-the-brisbane-roar/ The Wellington Phoenix women are in a do-or-die scenario to create club history and become the first club team, men's or women's, to make an A-League grand final. To achieve the feat, they must come from 2-1 down in the aggregate scoreline when hosting Brisbane in leg two of their semifinal in Porirua on Sunday. To preview the match, Adam Cooper spoke with Phoenix forward Lucía León. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 09 May 2026 00:40:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/pelesa-semu-coach-of-oriental-rongotai-and-st-marys-college-on-the-clash-between-the-two-teams/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/pelesa-semu-coach-of-oriental-rongotai-and-st-marys-college-on-the-clash-between-the-two-teams/ An anomaly in Wellington club netball's Premier 1 grade this weekend, with teams Oriental Rongotai and St Mary's College squaring off.  Both teams have the same coach – Pelesa Semu.  Semu has been a stalwart of the Wellington netball scene for many years and has recently been awarded a Netball New Zealand Service Award for her dedication.  She joined Adam Cooper to chat about the interesting scenario of coaching the same two teams in a match, and how the sport of netball is in Wellington at the moment.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 09 May 2026 00:36:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/toby-kerr-nba-correspondent-discusses-the-nba-playoffs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/toby-kerr-nba-correspondent-discusses-the-nba-playoffs/ Following a chaotic and unpredictable first round of the NBA playoffs, early games in the second round suggest more one-sided matchups, but for how long?  With eight teams left, Adam Cooper heads to Vancouver to chat to correspondent Toby Kerr with his thoughts on the playoffs so far, and the predictions as the playoffs progress.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 09 May 2026 00:29:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/izayah-leafa-on-his-return-from-injury-to-the-wellington-saints/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/izayah-leafa-on-his-return-from-injury-to-the-wellington-saints/ A massive boost for the Wellington Saints and their National Basketball League title defence, with captain Izaiah le'Afa back on court following a lengthy foot injury. After playing 20 minutes in his return game, Le'Afa joined Adam Cooper to preview the Saints' next assignment - hosting the Franklin Bulls in Porirua on Sunday night. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 08 May 2026 23:41:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/resident-builder-peter-wolfkamp-on-the-wellington-home-and-living-show/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/resident-builder-peter-wolfkamp-on-the-wellington-home-and-living-show/ Wellington's Home and Living show starts today at Hnry Stadium and goes till Sunday showcasing fresh ideas to upgrade your home & lifestyle all under the one roof. Plus, delicious food great coffee show specials and expert advice. One of those experts is our very own resident builder Peter Wolfkamp. Peter joins the show to share what we can expect from this weekend. Head on down to Hnry Stadium for Wellington Better Home and Living show Friday 8th - Sunday 10th May- tickets available here  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 08 May 2026 01:18:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-rugby-2026-still-looks-like-1985-to-me/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-rugby-2026-still-looks-like-1985-to-me/ EDITORIAL: There’s something about New Zealand Rugby at the moment that just feels… flat.   Corporate. Safe. Managed.   And when you’re trying to run one of the biggest sporting brands on the planet, “safe” is dangerous.  Yes, they’ll tell us the revenue’s at a record $304 million.   They’ll tell us sponsorship is up.   They’ll tell us Chicago sold out and the All Blacks still pack stadiums.   But let’s be honest — this should be one of the easiest sporting brands in the world to sell.  The black jersey is iconic. The haka is iconic. The history is iconic.   Yet somehow, we’re talking about a $7.5 million net loss again.  And maybe that’s because the organisation keeps acting like a government department instead of a global entertainment business.  Look at the CEO process.   Six months of searching the globe for some transformational leader.   The rugby world equivalent of a Silicon Valley disruptor.   Someone who understands streaming, digital audiences, global fan engagement, content, entertainment, merchandising, America, Asia — the future.   Then after all that? They appoint the interim guy permanently.   An ex-lock. A respected administrator. Nice bloke by all accounts.   But was that really the bold vision?  Because right now rugby doesn’t need another caretaker. It needs someone who can explode the brand internationally.  The NBA doesn’t think like a sports organisation anymore. Formula One doesn’t. The UFC doesn’t.   They’re entertainment machines. Storytelling machines. Content machines.   Rugby still feels like it’s run by people sitting around a provincial boardroom table talking about constitutions and subcommittees.  Meanwhile, participation pressures continue, young people have more sporting options than ever, and global attention spans are shrinking by the second.  And another thing — stop pretending sell-outs automatically mean success. The All Blacks have always sold tickets in New Zealand. That’s not innovation. That’s heritage.  The question is: where’s the next generation of fans coming from? Where’s the global growth? Where’s the obsession? Where’s the swagger?  Because from the outside looking in, New Zealand Rugby still feels like it’s being run by rugby people… instead of world-class business and entertainment people.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 08 May 2026 01:11:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sports-kick-off-new-rugby-ceo-and-phoenix-women-semi-final/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sports-kick-off-new-rugby-ceo-and-phoenix-women-semi-final/ For Friday Sports Kick-off Nick is joined by sports gurus and ZB Sports hosts Adam Cooper and Jason Pine.  This week they chat about the New NZ Rugby CEO - Steve Lancaster. The crew look into growing Super Rugby and the struggles of bringing it up to levels on par with sports of the time like F1 or league. Does super rugby stand a chance? Can the Phoenix Women make it to the grand final? First time we have the chance, but we are currently trailing 2-1 against Brisbane Roar. The team play Sunday 10th May at 2.30pm Porirua Park - get out and support them in their semi-final! And how will the Hurricanes fare without Roigard and Love this weekend? The team play Moana Pasifika tomorrow night 7.05pm.  And what a weekend for Porirua! Phoenix, Pulse and Saints all playing there over the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 08 May 2026 00:52:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-with-tim-brown-and-jd-trask/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-with-tim-brown-and-jd-trask/ Its Friday Faceoff, this week Nick is joined in the studio by Director of NZ Infrastructure Commission and former Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown and Raygun co-founder and CEO JD Trask to discuss the hot topics of the week.  Starting with Super. The OECD has released a report that yet again tells NZ we need to make changes to the pension. Brown and Trask talk the age of super annuation, means testing, KiwiSaver. The panel dive into the argument to have the super indexed by life expectancy. Them onto amalgamation - have the councils had their priorities wrong the whole time? Would be able to compete with Auckland and Christchurch is we became more efficient and banded together? The panel look at the pros and struggles of bringing four Wellington basin cities together in three months. Next up - who is running the Wellington City Council - is it the officials or the council? The panel discuss the news of the personal grievance payout allowance - where the senior management made a decision behind the back of elected officials.  They look at the leadership system and the CEO - is it actually democratic? Who is in charge? Then water meter charges - Brown says it should only cost around $80 million, not the $590 million estimated by Tiaki Wai. The panel discuss the charges, how it would work and how they think it should be done. And reminisce over the past cost blow outs that have hit the city.  And onto our panel's thoughts on Dr Eziekel Emanuel's comments on the lack of funding and updated technology compared to other countries. They look into the gradual increase of AI and robotics in our health system. Plus Brown and Trask give their hots and nots. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 08 May 2026 00:41:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/musical-stars-from-juliet-join-nick-in-the-studio/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/musical-stars-from-juliet-join-nick-in-the-studio/ & Juliet is the newest Broadway hit coming to Wellington this Saturday. The musical flips the script on the classic Romeo and Juliet, asking what would happen if Juliet if she took hold of her own destiny? Nick is joined by the two stars Awhimai Fraser and Matu Ngaropo, both musical theatre legends and proud Kiwis. The show opens at St James Theatre and will run from 9-24 May. Fraser and Ngaropo share their experience working on the show and what makes it adored by audiences. Fraser voiced Elsa in the Te Reo Māori version of Frozen, and both champion the language. Nick chats to the stars about using Te Reo and the empowerment of the language.  Tickets to the show are avaliable here  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 07 May 2026 01:28:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-with-ginny-andersen-and-tim-costley-on-amalgamation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-with-ginny-andersen-and-tim-costley-on-amalgamation/ For Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Tim Costley to talk about the top issues in the beehive this week. Starting with the new test for citizenship in New Zealand. Our panel give their question ideas and their thoughts on the introduction of the test, which follows the lead of Australia. And amalgamation is coming. The Government has given a three-month ultimatum for councils to amalgamate on their own terms. Costley shares what this would look like for Kapiti - and the thoughts he's hearing from the community, and Andersen for the Hutt. And is three months to sort a blend of potentially four councils enough for Wellington? And after his interview with health expert Dr Ezekiel Emanuel, Nick asks the panel for their thoughts on more bipartisanship for health. Then the panel get heated over the best ways to fund the NZ health system. Plus, unemployment numbers are down, yet experts are predicting it's going to get worse - what are our politicians going to do about it? LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 07 May 2026 00:41:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/world-renowned-dr-ezekiel-emanuel-on-the-state-of-nzs-health-system/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/world-renowned-dr-ezekiel-emanuel-on-the-state-of-nzs-health-system/ Nick speaks to oncologist, presidential health advisor and author Dr Ezekiel Emanuel as he travels New Zealand. The world-famous Dr Emanuel shares his global expertise with Nick on how to improve our health system. He suggests we need more stable planning at a government level, with the three-year election cycle harming progress. Also, better understanding between the private and public sectors. His new book Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life is out now. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 06 May 2026 00:44:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/its-nz-music-month-music-time-with-james-irwin/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/its-nz-music-month-music-time-with-james-irwin/ Its Music Time, Nick and James champion NZ music month with a nod to the kiwi musos who broke through globally in the last 55 years. The gang also throw in a little comedy festival must see show banter as well. NZ Comedy Fest and NZ Music Month combine with 'Pōneke House Party' on Sunday 17 May at The Opera House. Profits from the event will be donated to the Mayoral Flood Relief Fund.  Get tickets here. Wed, 06 May 2026 00:19:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/upper-hutt-city-mayor-peri-zee-on-amalgamation-concerns/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/upper-hutt-city-mayor-peri-zee-on-amalgamation-concerns/ The Government has given an ultimatum for local councils - amalgamate in three months or we will do it for you. The Wellington region has been in talks of amalgamation - Wellington City, Porirua, Hutt City and Upper Hutt. Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee has concerns and says more options should be on the table. Mayor Zee speaks to Nick sharing her thoughts on the call from Minister Chris Bishop and Simon Watts, and the three month time limit. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 06 May 2026 00:03:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-we-cant-ignore-our-landfill-crisis/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-we-cant-ignore-our-landfill-crisis/ EDITORIAL: Let’s start this one with a show of hands. Who’s been to the tip lately?  I want you to be honest. I’ll start.   I reckon I’m a regular at the tip, I think I’ve been a dozen times this year.   House clean-ups, business clear-outs, all the stuff that’s just easier to throw away than deal with properly.   Out of sight, out of mind. Job done.  Except—it’s not.  Because right now, Wellington has a rubbish problem that’s getting worse, not better—and this isn’t opinion, this is straight fact.  Our main dump, the Southern Landfill, is now expected to hit capacity in about four to five years.   Last time we talked about it, it was ten years. That’s been pulled forward from around eight.  So already, the clock’s ticking faster than anyone planned.  And here’s where it ramps up.  Over in Porirua, Spicer Landfill is due to close in 2030. Sounds like someone else’s problem, right? It’s not. Because when Spicer goes, it takes pressure off nowhere—it pushes it straight back onto Wellington.  Yes, there’s a plan. A sludge dryer up at Tītahi Bay, meant to shrink the volume. Sounds good.   Problem is—it might not be ready in time. Even the people behind it say finishing by 2030 is “ambitious”.  In fact, Wellington’s Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty has already said closing Spicer effectively chops years off the life of the Southern Landfill—taking it from a good scenario of about seven years down to four.  Now here’s the part that should really make you sit up.  Every year, this region produces around 8,000 tonnes of sewage sludge.   Not rubbish you can skip. Not something you can pause. It’s a by-product of wastewater treatment—you cannot turn it off.  And right now, officials are warning there is a real risk that when Spicer closes, there may be nowhere to put it.  Now think about that for a second.  We’re not talking about old couches or broken fridges—we’re talking about essential waste from a system that has to run 24/7.   If there’s nowhere for it to go, you don’t have a tidy-up problem—you’ve got a system problem.   So we’ve got less landfill space, more pressure on what’s left, and the backup plan might not land when it needs to.  And if you think the answer is just “build more landfill”—not so fast. Local iwi, including Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and residents are strongly opposed to extending these sites.   Cultural concerns, environmental concerns, plain old quality of life.  So that option? Politically and socially—very, very hard.  Which leaves us where?  More waste. Less space. No clear plan.  And I’ll put my hand up—I’m part of it. It’s easier to dump than sort it out. Easier to pay the fee and drive away.  But we cannot keep doing that.  Because if we don’t get ahead of this—fast—the next thing creeping up the valley won’t just be a landfill.  It’ll be a crisis we cannot ignore.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 00:47:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/brickman-ryan-mcnaught-on-his-new-lego-star-wars-takina-exhibition/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/brickman-ryan-mcnaught-on-his-new-lego-star-wars-takina-exhibition/ Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught joins the show today to discuss his new Lego Star Wars exhibition with Nick. His last hit Lego Jurassic Park exhibition opened Takina, now Ryan shares what we can expect from his return. His latest endeavour uses over 8 million LEGO bricks and took 26,000 hours to complete.  The exhibition opens just in time for school holidays on June 27th. You can buy tickets here  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 00:25:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/deputy-mayor-ben-mcnulty-on-worries-for-wellingtons-landfill-solutions/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/deputy-mayor-ben-mcnulty-on-worries-for-wellingtons-landfill-solutions/ Nick speaks to Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty around concerns over the sustainability of Wellington's waste systems. There is talk of expanding the Wellington tip to the back of Zealandia, McNulty shares the likelihood of this and stresses the importance and urgency of this issue. Porirua's Spicer Landfill is due to close in 2030 and is due to chop years off the lifespan of Wellington's landfill. LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 05 May 2026 00:11:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-wellington-cannot-afford-tiaki-wais-water-meters/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-wellington-cannot-afford-tiaki-wais-water-meters/ EDITORIAL: There's moments in this city where you stop, you look at the numbers, and you think — this cannot be real. And it happens too often.  This cannot be happening to us. And yet it is, here we go again.  A bill of half a billion dollars — possibly pushing $590 million — just to roll out water meters across the region.   Now think about that for a second, please.   This is not fixing the pipes. Not stopping the leaks.   Not upgrading the system that’s literally spilling out under our feet every single day.   No — just for water meters.  We were told this would be under control. We were told this was the plan. We were told this would fix things.  Back in 2020, the estimate was $144 million.   Thenall of a sudden it doubled to $300 million.   Then $412 million.   Now we’re staring down the barrel of nearly $600 million.  That is not a plan to me— that is a runaway train.  And I go back — I keep going back — to that moment a couple of years ago in New World, doing my shopping, bumping into former councillor Tim Brown.   He looked me in the eye and said he’d just come from a water meeting, he said “water rates are going to go crazy.”  Well Tim, with respect — you undersold it. You didn’t say: “Get ready to wonder if you can actually afford to live here anymore.”  I wanted more from you, if you knew it was that bad I wanted you to tell me to pack up and get out of town quickly, because it cannot be any worse.  Because that’s where we’re heading.  This is the part that really gets me: we’re being told this is necessary, that this is smart, that this is the fix. No one disagrees with that.  And yet even supporters are saying the numbers are — and I quote — “nonsensical.”  When you’ve got politicians, former councillors, and everyday Wellingtonians all looking at the same figure and using the same word — nonsensical — maybe, maybe, just maybe, it is.  That’s not just inefficient. That’s madness.  And this is from a person that wants to have water meters, I’m supportive of water meters.  And I’ll say something that might make a few people uncomfortable this morning: why are we insisting on doing this ourselves if we clearly don’t have the expertise?   Even Tim Brown is questioning whether the new entity has the capability to run this rollout. He says they have no inhouse expertise on metering.  So here’s a radical idea — put it out to the world.   Tender it internationally.   Get the best operators, the most efficient systems, the sharpest pricing.   I don’t care if they come from Asia, Europe, wherever — just get it done properly, do it once and do it a hell of alot  cheaper.  Because right now, this city is becoming unaffordable.  You’ve heard me say it before — and I’ll keep saying it — how the hell are ordinary Wellingtonians supposed to stay in the city and keep up with these payments?   How do we do it?  At some point, enough is enough.  And I reckon for me, we are there now.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 04 May 2026 01:07:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/tim-brown-on-nonsensical-wellington-water-meter-cost/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/tim-brown-on-nonsensical-wellington-water-meter-cost/ Water meters from Tiaki Wai will cost rate payers $590 million to install – $178 million more than was estimated last year. Director of NZ Infrastructure Commission and former Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown shares his expertise on the cost of water metering. He is setting up a setting up a water users’ advocacy group and called the figures "nonsensical."  And should this project be done in house by Tiaki Wai or by tender?  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 04 May 2026 00:49:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/business-panel-with-marty-ritchie-and-jeremy-smith/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/business-panel-with-marty-ritchie-and-jeremy-smith/ For the Business Panel this week Nick is joined in the studio by Harcourts CEO Marty Ritchie and Director of Trinity Group and Treasurer of Hospitality NZ Jeremy Smith. The panel talk business in the capital, they share their wins, struggles and hopes with working in the city. Ritchie shares how the real estate market is looking - with his expertise with the Kapiti Coast, Porirua and in the city. What trends is he seeing? What are buyers asking for? And Smith tells us how it is trying to sell his business and how hard it is to make a business profitable in this climate. How is hospo holding up with all these external political and economic factors? Smith calls the hospitality industry "the canary in the coal mine." Also, what do they look for in employees? How do you deal with the uncertainty doing business in NZ? How are they finding the public mood in the city - and are our people the saviours?  And our panellists give their thoughts on the state of the city and our council. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 04 May 2026 00:11:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/vic-esson-wellington-phoenix-women-goalkeeper-previews-the-two-leg-semifinal-against-the-brisbane-roar/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/vic-esson-wellington-phoenix-women-goalkeeper-previews-the-two-leg-semifinal-against-the-brisbane-roar/ The Wellington Phoenix women are counting down to their debut appearance in the A-League playoffs, ahead of their two-leg semifinal against Brisbane Roar. Adam Cooper was joined by Phoenix and Football Ferns goalkeeper Vic Esson to preview the two matches. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 23:18:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/ruben-love-and-duplessis-kirifi-hurricanes-players-review-the-victory-over-the-crusaders/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/ruben-love-and-duplessis-kirifi-hurricanes-players-review-the-victory-over-the-crusaders/ The Hurricanes have underlined their Super Rugby title credentials with a 38-31 win over the Crusaders in Wellington. The home side scored two crucial tries before halftime and then kept the visitors at least seven points away despite a tit-for-tat second half. The Hurricanes move four points clear of the Chiefs at the top-of-the-table. Hear the highlights a review of the match courtesy of the Gold Sport commentary team, and post-match interviews with Hurricanes Ruben Love and Du'Plessis Kirifi, along with Crusaders midfielder David Havili. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 22:38:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/joe-serci-previews-the-weekends-central-league-mens-action/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/joe-serci-previews-the-weekends-central-league-mens-action/ On our Central League rotation this week, we focus on the men's competition with Joe Serci from the Tackld podcast. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 21:30:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/adam-julian-previews-round-five-swindale-shield-action/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/adam-julian-previews-round-five-swindale-shield-action/ Adam Julian joins the All Sport Breakfast to preview the day's action in round five of club rugby's Swindale Shield. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 21:18:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-with-justin-lester-and-nicola-young/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-with-justin-lester-and-nicola-young/ It's Friday Faceoff, and Nick is joined in the studio by former Wellington Mayor and Director of Dot Loves Data Justin Lester and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young. The hot issues of the week - like the release of emails between the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister through NZ First. Is this a political move or a genuine mistake? And who is in charge in this coalition? Then onto the cost of social housing to the council, rates, our local economy and the pains of being a Wellingtonian. And when will we see the light. Maiki Sherman, TVNZ and the politicians - what should be done, and what is the standard of professionalism that we should expect from those in the Beehive. Then our guests take a deeper dive into the alcohol culture in parliament, and in workplaces.  As the Prime Minister has pulled out of his weekly breakfast slot, Lester and Young faceoff over whether this is acceptable, and does this alter the public's perception of Luxon? And with our panel's council expertise we hear what they think of the "frivolous" spending of council. Young says this is due to the officials, how do we align the councillors and officials spending? Plus, what do Young and Lester think of the bill the Green Party are trying to get through which stops prosecutions for low level drug crimes when people call for support during an overdose. And the panel give their hots and nots. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 00:52:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sports-kick-off-with-adam-cooper-and-jason-pine-hurricanes-and-phoenix-women/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sports-kick-off-with-adam-cooper-and-jason-pine-hurricanes-and-phoenix-women/ To kick off the sports weekend Nick is joined by Adam Cooper and Jason Pine. Starting with the Hurricanes. Ruben Love celebrates his 50th game. Jason says this is the best Hurricanes team since 2015, do our panel agree? Do we expect them to do well now instead of hope? We will see, when they play the Crusaders tonight at Hnry Stadium.  The first leg of the semis for the Phoenix Women is on tomorrow, it is the furthest they have ever gone - could they do what no other Phoenix men OR women's team have done and take out the competition? Plus, the crew chat the two wins for the Wellington Saints and the progress the Pulse are making this season. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 00:37:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/finance-minister-nicola-willis-on-the-tvnz-political-editor-drama/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/finance-minister-nicola-willis-on-the-tvnz-political-editor-drama/ Nick is joined in the studio today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis for her monthly catch-up. This week news broke over a verbal dispute between journalists at Nicola Willis's pre-budget office drinks. Nick gets to the bottom of what happened, and why it took nearly a year to reveal to the public. Then with the public spats between the Prime Minister, Willis and Winston Peters - is the coalition collapsing, coming up to election time. And who is making the decisions - Peters or Luxon? Willis also discusses the mood in the country with fuel hikes and global uncertainty. When will we see improvement, and how is the budget looking?  And how did the caucus meeting and vote of confidence go? LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 01 May 2026 00:34:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-is-winston-peters-running-the-coalition/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-is-winston-peters-running-the-coalition/ EDITORIAL: Overnight, we’ve learnt that behind closed doors, at the very start of this war in Iran, our own Government wasn’t quite on the same page.   And as a New Zealander watching all of this unfold, what I wanted—what I think most of us wanted—was a clear, confident line about where we as a country stand.  Instead, we’ve got emails, pushback—and a pretty uncomfortable question about who’s actually in charge.  Because cast your mind back to that first stand-up.   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, fronting media, being pushed hard—simple question: does New Zealand support the strikes?  And he couldn’t give a straight answer.  He said we “acknowledge” them—but wouldn’t say support, wouldn’t oppose.   And at the time, that felt messy and unclear.   It felt, frankly, like a bit of a wobble—and that’s when the questions around his leadership really started to heat up.  But now—now we’ve got a bit more context.  Because the emails released under the Official Information Act show that, behind the scenes, Luxon was at least open to shifting New Zealand’s position—looking at aligning more closely with countries like Australia, who explicitly supported the US-led action.  And at the very same time, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his team were saying: absolutely not.  The advice was to hold the line. Stay neutral.   Don’t move toward explicit support—it would be “imprudent” and against New Zealand’s national interest.  So now you look back at that  dress disastrous stand-up and you have to ask: was Luxon unclear because he didn’t know what he thought? Or was he being pulled in two different directions at once?  Because that’s a very different story.  Now, here’s the interesting part.   The position we ended up with—that careful middle ground of acknowledging but not supporting—actually lines up with public sentiment.   An Ipsos poll in April showed 87% of Kiwis don’t want military involvement, 83% think it would escalate things further, and about three-quarters don’t think it’s worth higher fuel prices.  So the outcome? Probably right.  But the process? That’s where this gets shaky.  Because what we’ve seen is internal disagreement, emails being released publicly by the Foreign Minister’s office, a late-night Beehive meeting—and an admission from Peters that releasing those emails was a mistake. But Winston Peters doesn’t make mistakes.  That’s not a Government speaking with one voice.  And I’ll say this—Winston Peters is experienced, he’s a global operator, and he knows exactly how to play the diplomatic game.   But when it starts to feel like he’s the one holding the reins, and the Prime Minister is reacting—  You’ve got to ask the question:  Who’s actually running the country?  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:49:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-with-ayesha-verrall-and-mike-butterick-who-is-leading-the-coalition/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-with-ayesha-verrall-and-mike-butterick-who-is-leading-the-coalition/ It's Politics Thursday and Nick is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP and Cabinet Minister Mike Butterick. Emails between Winston Peters and the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were released by NZ First through the OIA. They show that Peters talked down Luxon over his initial call to support the US strikes on Iran. There has since been some public beef between the two - Nick asks our politicians who is really in charge with the coalition, and have to gloves truly come off now? Also on the agenda is Luxon cancelling his scheduled media appearances on Breakfast, alcohol in the beehive and the Maiki Sherman event and when will we see some policy from Labour? LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:27:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/nz-drug-foundation-executive-director-sarah-helm-on-the-greens-overdose-bill/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/nz-drug-foundation-executive-director-sarah-helm-on-the-greens-overdose-bill/ A member’s bill from Green MP Kahurangi Carter has passed its first reading in Parliament. The proposed law would protect people from minor drug charges if they call emergency services for someone experiencing an overdose or bad reaction. Nick speaks to NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm to find out more about the bill and its impacts. Helm says 3 Kiwis die from preventable overdoses each week, and this bill could reduce that. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:04:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-in-the-studio/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-in-the-studio/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills in the studio for his monthly catch up. The Labour party is polling well, 7 points above National, but how long will this last without major policy announcements. Nick asks when we will see more, and what should we expect from the party this year? Nicola Willis suggests that Barbara Edmonds has told agency Fitch one thing and the public another in terms of revenue gathering. Hipkins shares Labour's plans, and talks tax and interest deductions. Also on the agenda is the Maiki Sherman saga and the alcohol culture in the beehive - is it acceptable? And what does Hipkins think of bailing on scheduled media slots?  LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:47:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-luxon-shouldnt-go-on-breakfast-if-he-doesnt-want-to/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/opinion/nick-mills-luxon-shouldnt-go-on-breakfast-if-he-doesnt-want-to/ EDITORIAL:  Here’s the thing — I just don’t buy the outrage, and I actually think this needs to be called a bit more straight.  Christopher Luxon pulling out of his regular Monday slot on Breakfast isn’t some constitutional crisis.   It’s not democracy under threat. It’s a political decision — and honestly, just say it for what it is.  Don’t dress it up, don’t spin it.   If Luxon doesn’t want to sit there every week and get carved up by Tova O'Brien, then just say that.   If he and his media team — and yes, people like Rachel Smalley advising behind the scenes — have decided that format isn’t helping him, then fine. That’s politics. That’s strategy. Own it.  Don’t hide behind “changing media consumption habits” or scheduling tweaks.   Just front-foot it: this isn’t working for us, we’re moving on. I’ve got no issue with that — in fact, I respect it more when it’s said plainly.  Now, the facts. Luxon hasn’t disappeared.   He’s still doing interviews — including with Radio New Zealand and Newstalk ZB — and his office says access will now be handled case-by-case.   So, this isn’t shutting down scrutiny, it’s changing where and how it happens.  And this all comes after a tough stretch — poor polling, speculation about his leadership, and that caucus confidence vote he called himself and won. That’s not someone avoiding pressure internally.  The criticism, especially from parts of the media, is that he’s ducking hard questions.   But here’s where I land: no politician is contractually obliged to turn up to the same interviewer every single week if they think it’s a stitch-up rather than a fair contest.  We’ve seen this before. Jacinda Ardern stopped going on Mike Hosking’s show. David Seymour won’t go on RNZ. Politicians will pick their platforms. Always have and guess what, always will.   And in a media landscape that’s now radio, TV, podcasts, digital — locking yourself into one weekly slot isn’t necessarily smart politics anyway.  Now, yes — the media’s role in holding power to account is critical. No arguments there. But accountability doesn’t equal entitlement to a guaranteed booking.  If Luxon stopped doing all interviews, that’s a problem. But he hasn’t.  This is a recalibration. A tactical move.  I just don’t want him to pretend it’s anything else.  I want him to be straight.   He doesn’t want to go on the show, he doesn’t want to get carved up, he doesn't feel it good for him.  Why should he have to sit there knowing someone is trying to get a gotcha moment?  Rather than giving us, the people of New Zealand, a well-balanced interview on the way the country is.   That’s what I want to see.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:40:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/wellingtonnz-ce-mark-oldershaw-on-the-warriors-anzac-day-game/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/wellingtonnz-ce-mark-oldershaw-on-the-warriors-anzac-day-game/ The Warriors sparked a huge night for Wellington with their game against the Dolphins at Hnry Stadium this ANZAC day. With talk of the $40million government fund for events, Nick speaks to WellingtonNZ CE Mark Oldershaw to find out how we can use this to bring more life to Wellington. They discuss the Warriors game, and what it bought to the city. As well as the other events and plans for Wellington this year. Oldershaw said negotiations are beginning to make the Warriors game a yearly event.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:23:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/donte-ingram-wellington-saints-forward-previews-the-clash-against-the-giants/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/donte-ingram-wellington-saints-forward-previews-the-clash-against-the-giants/ The Wellington Saints will look to improve on their 1-1 start to the NBL season when meeting the Giants in Nelson on Saturday - the start of a stretch of three games in six days. Adam previewed the game with import forward Donte Ingram. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:00:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/monty-betham-warriors-great-and-sky-commentator-previews-the-warriors-v-dolphins-clash/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/monty-betham-warriors-great-and-sky-commentator-previews-the-warriors-v-dolphins-clash/ For the first time in three years, the Warriors will play an NRL match in Wellington - hosting the Dolphins at Hnry Stadium on Saturday. It's the first time the Warriors have sold out a match in the capital, and the expected 34,500 crowd is set to make the fixture the third-highest attended Warriors fixture ever on New Zealand soil. To preview the match, Adam was joined by Warriors centurion, club ambassador and Sky commentator Monty Betham. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:40:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/jason-holland-hurricanes-assistant-coach-defends-substitutions-ahead-of-brumbies-clash/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/jason-holland-hurricanes-assistant-coach-defends-substitutions-ahead-of-brumbies-clash/ The Hurricanes head to Christchurch for Super Rugby's Super round looking to bounce back from last week's extra time defeat to the Chiefs. Adam Cooper was joined by assistant coach Jason Holland to reflect on the season so far, and how the team is celebrating the 100th match of co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:20:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/parris-mason-central-pulse-defender-previews-the-anz-premiership-clash-against-the-northern-stars/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/parris-mason-central-pulse-defender-previews-the-anz-premiership-clash-against-the-northern-stars/ After a win and a loss, the Central Pulse return home to Wellington's TSB Arena on Saturday, hosting the Stars. Their opponents feature two former Pulse players - Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon. Pulse defender Parris Mason joined Adam Cooper to preview the match, and discuss being up against her former teammates.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:41:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-rugby-preview-april-25-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/wellington-club-rugby-preview-april-25-2026/ Ahead of the ANZAC weekend action, Adam Julian joined Adam to preview the weekend's Swindale Shield fourth round. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:27:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/alex-karantze-previews-the-anzac-weekend-womens-central-league-action/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/all-sport-breakfast-wellington/audio/alex-karantze-previews-the-anzac-weekend-womens-central-league-action/ Ahead of the long weekend's action, Adam was joined by Seatoun goalkeeper Alex Karantze to preview the matches that lie ahead. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:19:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-with-hamish-rutherford-and-thomas-manch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-faceoff-with-hamish-rutherford-and-thomas-manch/ For Friday Faceoff today it's a political special with former Chief Press Secretary to the PM Hamish Rutherford and BusinessDesk senior reporter Thomas Manch. It's been a dramatic week in the beehive ending with the Prime Minister calling a vote against himself. Our panel bring both their political pasts from the beehive to give their insight onto the hot topics from the week.  Rutherford and Manch share their thoughts on the five MPs named by Mike Hosking and what could have happened in the caucus meeting. And does Bishop stand a chance as leader of the National party? And with the public jabs between Winston Peters and National, the panel discuss the likelihood that he would go against his word and go with Labour at the next election.  Then to the FTA with India, Labour has signed on - is this the right choice for NZ? And the racial comments from Shane Jones, is this just trying to breed controversy?   Also on the agenda is the Treaty reference changes in law, the $49 billion estimate to fix water infrastructure, and who should be responsible for support with the Wellington floods. Plus, the panel give their hots and nots. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:51:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sports-kick-off-with-league-legend-mike-kuiti-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/friday-sports-kick-off-with-league-legend-mike-kuiti-jason-pine-and-adam-cooper/ The Warriors have sold out Hnry Stadium! They play the Dolphins tomorrow for their ANZAC day game. To celebrate, the sports crew of Nick, Adam Cooper and Jason Pine are joined by former Kiwis player and local league legend Mike Kuiti.  They discuss what we can expect from this game, then the history of league in this country and the height it's reached now.  Also, Hurricanes play the Brumbies tomorrow - Piney and Coops take a look at the team and the stats. Piney is down in Christchurch for the opening of Te Kaha One NZ Stadium, the crew talk what this means for Christchurch and the Crusaders. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:02:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-with-willie-jackson-and-paul-goldsmith/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/wellington/wellington-mornings-with-nick-mills/audio/politics-thursday-with-willie-jackson-and-paul-goldsmith/ This Politics Thursday Nick is joined by National's Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour's Willie Jackson. The discussion immediately gets heated with news just dropped that Labour has agreed to support the Fair Trade Agreement with India.  The panel then get into the alleged five MPs who went up against Prime Minister Luxon and the vote of confidence held within the National caucus this week.  And Winston Peters - who will he pick? And what do our panel think of his comments against Luxon this week? Also on the agenda was criticism against Move on order legislation, changes to references to the Treaty in law and ANZAC day plans. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:28:33 Z