Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says his party would 'take a closer look' at whether the exemption to the foreign home buyers' ban could be overturned by his party.

Hipkins told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings he's unsure whether legislation would allow it to be overturned.

In his monthly catch up with Wellington Mornings, Hipkins also discussed the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, whether he's taking speculation of a Peeni Henare leader...

On Politics Thursday this week, National's Tim Costley and Labour's Ginny Andersen debated whether the Government's latest supermarket announcements will genuinely open the door to a third player.

They also discussed the new visa to attract business investors to New Zealand, the debate within the National Party about house values, and the repairs needed to the Transmission Gully motorway.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for...

On this week's business panel, Nick was joined by Director & Mortgage Advisor at the Mortgage Advice Company Brock Shute, and Owner & Manager of EmbroidMe Wellington CBD Roy Callard.

They discussed how business is tracking for them so far in 2025, and on the back of a stunning weekend in the capital, how much positivity is around at the moment.

Also on the agenda, how events in Wellington are having an impact on business, t...

On Friday Faceoff, panellists Maddy Burgess-Smith and Iona Pannett responded to comments by Finance Minister Nicola Willis that those criticising the economy are 'merchants of misery' and 'doomsayers'.

They also discussed the OCR rate cut, teacher strikes, the $80-million cost blowout for Wellington's sludge plant and whether the age limit for Working Holiday Visas should be raised.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins denies that the Labour Party will lose support over his refusal to give evidence in a public session for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19.

Dame Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Dr Ayesha Verrall had refused to front up publicly.

But, Hipkins told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings that he doubts it will affect his party's reputation.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listen...

Chris Hipkins, Ayesha Verrall, Dame Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson have refused to front at public hearings for the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response. Are they dodging accountability, or have they answered enough qu...

Former ministers Chris Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston and Ayesha Verrall have refused to front up for public hearings at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19. Are they ducking for cover, or is there a good reason not to show up?

Also, yesterday Green's co-leader Chloe Sw...

They are some of the biggest industries affected by a slumping economy, so how are they holding up in 2025? 

Unemployment and inflation have both risen in the latest updates, foot traffic in the Wellington CBD is still down, and both sectors are about to be stung with increased costs as the government bans contactless payment surcharges.

So, how are retail and hospitality operators feeling, and are they hopeful for something o...

Education Minister Erica Stanford repeatedly tried to brief and seek input from Labour’s education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime about impending NCEA changes  - but Prime and Hipkins refused to meet. Is this what we expect from the opposition? 

All Black star Richie Mo’unga will return to New Zealand in 2026, signing with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and the Canterbury Rugby Union. What does his return mean for the All Blacks? 

Also, it's a story of success very few could replicate; going from a roofer playing club rugby to an All Black in the space of 12 months. But that's exactly what Wellington's Kyle Preston has done. How did he do it?

Weekend Sport host Jaso...

A big party is coming to Wellington's St James Theatre this month.

The acclaimed Mamma Mia mus...

The government is hoping to have petrol tax fully scrapped by 2027, with all motorists moving towards paying road user charges per kilometre. But if the idea is that this is cost neutral, what's the point?

Also, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced a raft of changes to the Fisheries Act, but as a former chair of Sealord and someone who has received donations from the industry, is he the right person to be making these decis...

Wellington City Council’s Crown Observer believes Tory Whanau made the right move in deciding not to run for Mayor again. 

Lindsay McKenzie has ended his six month stint after being brought in by the Government last year to be its eyes and ears as the council failed to deliver a long-term plan.  

His final report suggests the capital is facing the same problems as the rest of the country but is steadily progressing. 

US President Donald Trump has inked an executive order raising tariffs on Kiwi goods from 10% to 15%. What impact will this have on our exporters - and how did Australia get away with staying at 10%?

Also, FBI director Kash Patel was in Wellington this week opening a brand new permanent office. Should Kiwis be concerned about having the FBI in town?

To answer those questions, former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne and political ...

The ANZ premiership has finally inked a new broadcast deal with TVNZ - but it will see Netball NZ paying them for the privilege of having the games broadcast. What impact will this have on the professional game?

Also, the NPC has officially kicked off, and the Wellington Lions take on Canterbury at Jerry Collins Park tomorrow. How's the team looking for the season? 

To answer those questions, All Sport Breakfast host Adam Coop...