Friday Faceoff: Mark Sainsbury and Ben McNulty talk Tory Whanau, Golden Mile and Lotto

Three left-wing councillors typically viewed as part of Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's council majority have said she can no longer rely on their unconditional support; an apparently crumbling of her support. But NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell thinks this could be the making of Whanau as a mayor, now that she has to reach across political alliances to other councillors to pass her initiatives.   She joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk through the issue and a rise in Covid cases in the Wellington region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the economy holding up, what on earth is happening on Thorndon Quay, and how do councils properly engage with local businesses? Those were the questions for the Business Panel this week, consisting of Porirua mayor Anita Baker and The Woolstore executive director Paul Robinson.  The pair joined Nick Mills to discuss all things business in Wellington.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had to urgently change his travel plans while bound for Japan after the Defence Force's Boeing 757 ran into yet more mechanical troubles.  It left the business delegation and media travelling with the Prime Minister stranded in Papua New Guinea, including Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls.  He joined Nick Mills from Port Moresby airport to talk through the events of the last 24 hours. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are MPs entitlements fit for purpose, and at what point in a council term is it too early to announce you're running for the next one? Those were the questions for our Friday Faceoff panel this week, consisting of Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young.  Also on the agenda was an apparent split in Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's majority, how easy it would be to escape for two years, and the big match for the Hurricanes this weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eighty minutes on Saturday afternoon will seal the Hurricanes' fate this Super Rugby season, as they take on the Chiefs at Sky Stadium in their semi-final match.  The team is looking for its second title, after first taking out the championship in 2016.  Wellington All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills to run through the game, and the rest of the weekend's sport.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are the accommodation entitlements for MP fit for purpose, and what will more oil and gas exploration mean for New Zealand?  Those were the questions for our politics panel this week, with Act party leader David Seymour and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been years since Jon Stevens performed in Wellington, but he's returning early next year to perform at Hutt Sounds, part of the Sounds Series concerts.  Born and bred in Upper Hutt, Jon had a career in Noiseworks and later as part of INXS, as well as a storied solo career. He joined Nick Mills to talk about what he's up to, and his excitement for the Upper Hutt gig.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are hoping for 25,000 fans to attend the team's Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Chiefs this weekend at Sky Stadium, as the team continues its march to win the Super Rugby title for only the second time in the club's history.  Cory Jane, who made 123 appearances for the Hurricanes and currently serves as assistant coach, says the team are looking forward to the afternoon game.  He joined Nick Mills to look ahead to Saturday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour has held a rally of party faithful, and Christopher Luxon has returned from his trip around the Pacific.  Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Sophie Trigger joined Nick Mills to talk about the last week in politics, and what we can expect this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Tim Costley says his CBD apartment makes him a more effective MP. The first-term MP for Otaki is facing criticism for taking a $36,400 Parliamentary allowance to live in the Wellington apartment, which he owns himself.  Costley lives just 58km from the Beehive in Waikanae, a roughly 40-minute drive from Parliament.  He is also under fire for spending around $15,000 on travel in just three months according to expense returns, but says this is explained by travel he has booked in advance and expenses that weren't processed last year.  He joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to explain his decision. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.