Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

EDITORIAL: We know there’s a growing gap in this country—and it’s not just between the rich and the poor.  

It’s between what we say we want, and what we’re actually prepared to do to pay for. 

Because right now, the numbers are starting to bite. 

Treasury is warning—loudly—that we are heading into a future where fewer workers supporting more retirees. We know that - it’s fact. 

And now, Inland Revenue is backin...

Pharmacies will get more power to provide funded medication from June.

Government is proposing to expand the role of community pharmacists, allowing them to assess patients and provide funded treatment for common conditions like infections, head lice, and minor illnesses.

The move aims to make healthcare faster, cheaper, and more accessible while easing pressure on GPs.

Nick speaks to co-founder/spokesperson for the Independent Com...

This week on Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley  

Things get fiery over calls from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on increasing tax. Specifically IRD want to see an increase to the goods and services tax (GST) rate, offering a cash transfer to low-income earners and a Capital Gains Tax.

The politicians face off over the best way to increase governme...

Rising fuel prices are starting to push up costs across the entire economy, not just at the petrol pump.

Businesses are feeling the ripple effect, especially in hospitality, where suppliers are adding surcharges to cover higher transport and production costs.

Popular Wellington café, Smith the Grocer, is now considering introducing its own fuel surcharge as expenses like meat, milk, and deliveries increase. 

Nick speaks to co-...

EDITORIAL: 

Fuel prices are starting to quietly creep into everything… and I mean everything we do. 

We always talk about it when we fill up the car — that’s the obvious one.  

But what we’re starting to see now is the next layer of it… the ripple effect. 

And it’s hitting hospitality, right where you notice it most — in your wallet, when you go out for a coffee or a bite to eat. 

There’s a really interesti...

EDITORIAL: Are we starting to overreact to the weather? 

Now before anyone jumps on the phone — yes, I know what’s happened up north.  

Yes, I know what happened with the cyclone and it caused real damage.  

Flooding across parts of Northland, the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay. Yes I know that.  

States of emergency declared. Power outages. Evacuations. Roads closed. People genuinely affected. Up nor...

Ultra Music Festival was held in Wellington on Friday night and sold over 23,000 tickets, bringing people from all over the country into our CBD.

Nick speaks to Wellington City Chamber of Commerce CEO Hayley Horan about the impact on the businesses from the influx of people.

They also discuss the latest poll from RNZ which found nearly two‑thirds of business owners believe the current state of the economy is "bad" or "very bad" and...

Nick Mills wraps the week with Friday Faceoff with Chief Executive of Infrastructure NZ, and former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett and National Secretary of the Public Service Association Fleur Fitzsimmons.

Starting with the war - how long will the effects last for Kiwis? Fitzsimmons and Legget talk stability of the ceasefire, 

They debate the fuel crisis, the government's response and how our country will survive. 

Then onto...

Nick is joined by Finance Minister Nicola Willis for her monthly chat in the studio. 

The minister has been busy fronting the fuel crisis and with the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, Nick gets answers on how Kiwis will be affected. Is the tide turning? Is the Strait opening? 

Also, Nick asks Willis about the delivery of fuel and diesel for farmers. 

Willis speaks about her reaction to Trump's threating social m...

The Ultra Music Festival hits Wellington tonight! Bringing international DJs and Electronic Music legends to our waterfront. 

23,000 are expected to the sold-out festival - with four stages showcasing local and international talent. 

Ultra Festival started in Miami and is a worldwide hit - this Wellington show is the first NZ edition. 

Yesterday Nick took a tour around the festival set up with the man who bought the ...

For Friday Sport Kick-off this week Nick is joined in the studio by ZB sport guru Jason Pine.

Starting with Hurricanes alumni dinner tonight - the organization set up to help Hurricanes transition into the next phase of their lives celebrates tonight. It's been 10 years since they won their championship and 30 years since the team started.

Onto the Hurricanes vs Blues - Hnry Stadium with a 7.05pm kick-off. They look at the odds, th...

For this week's Politics Thursday Nick is joined by National MP for Wairarapa and newly appointed Minister for Land Information Mike Butterick, and Labour MP and Spokesperson for Education and Police Ginny Andersen.

With the announcement of the two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, Nick asks our politicians how this will affect NZ and their thoughts on what has unfolded these last few days.

Also, how fuel is being imp...

Nick is joined on the show today by British comedian and actor Stephen K Amos.

Amos arrives in Wellington for his tour 'Now We’re Talking,' and will play Friday May 8th at Hannah Playhouse

Nick and Amos talk his last experience in Wellington - including an earthquake and some classic turbulence.

Also what to expect from his latest show and how comedy is adapting to the state of the world right now. 

Amos was last in New Zealan...

Nick is joined in the studio today by Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little for their monthly catchup.

Mayor Little takes questions from both Nick and our audience, on the progress in our city and council in April.

Starting with pressures in the city from the Iran War. Mayor Little discusses the potential for public transport cost deductions, and the other ways the CBD has been impacted from the fuel crisis. 

Then onto rates - L...

EDITORIAL:

I don't even know where to start with this.

Because I’m sitting here this morning, and I’m not asking for a clever political solution, I’m not asking for spin, and I’m certainly not asking for another escalation. 

I just want it to stop. 

Not a temporary pause. Not a 45-day window. Not a “significant step” that isn’t good enough for someone to sign. 

I want the war to stop. 

I want some sort of normal...

James Irwin is back in the studio for this week's Music Time.

James shares his travels to Hawaii and how much they know of NZ music overseas, what could he find in the record shops?

Then The Pogues hit Wellington tomorrow at the St James - without Shane MacGowan. After MacGowan's passing 18 months ago James takes a look at the new band and what we can expect from their show. 

For the latest on Wellington gigs and music - its M...

Nick Mills wraps the week for a Thursday edition of faceoff with Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban and journalist and broadcasting legend Mark Sainsbury.  

Starting with the complaints from councillors' around their new office – Councillor Nicola Young says many boycotted the blessing as they are not pleased with the location of the Mayor’s office. Is this a show of entitlement or genuine concern about the perception of our leader?&nb...

Nick is joined by Labour MP Kieran McAnulty, who is fronting the new bill that will scrap the Easter alcohol rules. 

Bars & restaurants (on-licence venues) will be able to sell alcohol normally on Good Friday & Easter Sunday.

No more needing to buy a “substantial meal” just to get a drink.

McAnulty shares why the rule change is necessary, saying it's silly and will make life easier for hospo visitors and workers. 

Firefighters, currently on strike, are getting support to upgrade their fleet from a new inquiry into FENZ.

Parliament’s Governance and Administration Select Committee, fronted by Deputy Chair and National MP Tim Costley, has launched an enquiry into FENZ specifically on the state of their fire truck fleet. 

Nick speaks to Wellington Local President of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) and Senior Station ...