Politics Thursday: Tama Potaka and Ayesha Verrall with Nick Mills

Nick Mills wraps the week with Wellington City Councilor Nicola Young and Infrastructure CEO, and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett. After the wild weather this week, Nick and Nicola share their thoughts on the red warnings and its pros and cons for the city. They also discuss the new Wellington transport announcements including the Mt Vic tunnel and Petone to Grenada, and the need for bipartisan politics to keep the city and country moving forward. As well as the mood as the new council starts up, talk of deputy mayors and give their hots and nots of the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's Friday Sport Kickoff, Nick Mills was joined by Adam Cooper, with a cameo appearance from the Alternative Commentary Collective's Mike Lane to talk about their upcoming Wellington event. They talked about the rain-affected Black Caps summer so far, the Wellington Phoenix's first home game of the season and Saturday's NPC final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad talked to Nick Mills on the increase in harm for children in state care. This comes after Karen Chhour, Minister for Children and for the prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, celebrated a 14% decrease in harm within youth justice and care and protection residences. Dr Achmad said although this reduction is a good step, in other areas of state care the numbers are rising. Oranga Tamariki's annual report shows 530 children experienced harm in 2024, an increase of 23 children.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Politics Thursday Nick Mills was joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National's MP Tama Potaka.  They discussed the issues in the beehive this week, starting with the mega strike of 100,000 including teachers, nurses and senior doctors. They also chatted with Nick about Labours health policy mix-up, whether politicians should get involved in the Dame Noeline Taurua coaching debacle, the new transport announcements from National and working towards more bipartisan agreements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widespread disruption as winds wreak havoc on Wellington. State Highway Two Remutaka Hill was shut soon after 11 o'clock on Thursday morning, with gusts reaching 160 kilometres per hour in exposed places. Wellington Region Emergency Management spokesperson Dan Neely gave an update to Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings, and says the winds are expected to ease from 2pm. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate it's 50th anniversary Nick Mills chats to Victoria University's Robyn Phipps, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. They discuss the rich history of the programme, the success stories that have come from it, and how the next fifty years look for the faculty. They also talk about the celebrations and the exhibition - which is open till November 4th.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.