Politics Thursday: Ayesha Verrall and Mike Butterick with Nick Mills

In this week's Business Panel Nick Mills chats with Tokomanawa Queens co-owner Rachel Taulelei and Wellington Cricket CEO Todd Bryant. They discussed the business of sports, and the excitement within Wellington basketball and cricket sphere right now. They also give their thoughts on doing business in the city, bringing the crowds to Wellington, the future of Wellington sport, the basin and sky stadium, and their hopes for the new era of the council and mayoralty. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wraps the week with radio legend Polly Gillespie and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong.  Polly tells Nick she's considering a bid for a seat in parliament in next year's election and hints which party she'll run for.  Dave and Polly shared their memories of Jim Bolger and thoughts on the issues of the week.  They discuss Te Pati Māori, Gerry Brownlee cracking down in parliament, the local election results, the new report on Kainga Ora and mental health government funding after the I Am Hope scandal.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy joins Nick Mills in studio on Wellington Mornings. They discuss his 24-year mayoralty, the progress of Upper Hutt, whether they are ready for amalgamation, and what's next after one of the longest mayoral runs in the country.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Politics Thursday Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.  Both gave their tributes to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, sharing their memories of his leadership. Verrall and Butterick then discussed the political issues of the week. They gave their thoughts on the behaviour of Te Pati Māori, Gerry Brownlee cracking down as speaker, the new ferry announcement, I Am Hope's executive pay rises and got fiery over current strike action.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills took a tour around the new Woodward Street Distillery, and interviewed James Pask, Director and General Manager, and Mikey Ball, Head Distiller.  He finds out what's behind the scenes at Wellington's newest hospitality innovation. The distillery and soon to be bar, bringing Melbourne vibes into the city centre.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley chats with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings, before his show at Hutt Sounds next March.  The True and Gold, singer talks about the old days with Spandau Ballet, their impact on the music industry and how his family keeps him strong.  Hadley will headline Hutt Sounds at Brewtown, Upper Hutt Sunday 8 March 2026 and which will include a full set of Spandau Ballet classics alongside selections from his acclaimed solo career. Get tickets at www.huttsounds.co.nz LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We head to the greater Wellington regional local election results on Wellington Mornings. Nick Mills talks with the new mayor-elects of the greater Wellington region. He talks with Ken Laben - Hutt City, Anita Baker - Porirua City, Peri Zee - Upper Hutt and Janet Holborow - Kapiti. They touch on the race has been, their hopes for their cities, how they will handle the councils, their thoughts on voter turnout and amalgamation of the councils as well as their top priorities for the next three years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's new mayor-elect Andrew Little joins Nick Mills in studio this morning. They discuss his successful election campaign and his hopes and priorities for his term. Little says he is already reviewing the Golden Mile project and has talked to all the councillors, as he prepares to step into the top job in the capital's council.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Friday Sport kickoff, Jason Pine and Adam Cooper were talking with Nick Mills about Wellington's NPC rugby campaign when two local wrestlers burst into the studio to talk about All Star Wrestling: Porirua, which takes place at Te Rauparaha Arena this weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wraps the week with outgoing Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry and former Wellington mayor Justin Lester. They discuss their picks for all the Wellington regions mayoral elections, their thoughts on amalgamation, give their hot or nots of the week and how we can improve voting turnout.   Plus Campbell Barry gives some departing words on his last day as mayor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.