Best Friday Faceoff Podcasts (2024)

1
Friday Faceoff: Justin Lester and Dave Armstrong talk tunnels, airport shares and their best concerts 32:34

3h ago32:34

32:34

Would you pay a toll to use the Mt Victoria tunnel, are Wellington City Council staff exercising too much power, and should we urgently replace the Defence Force VIP planes? Those were the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong. Also on the agenda was …

1
Beehive Buzz: Political editor Jason Walls on law and order announcement, Parliament sitting this week 7:59

2h ago7:59

7:59

Fresh from his trip to Japan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday announced a new 'young serious offender' category, as well as more beat police in cities across New Zealand. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Adam Cooper to talk through the announcements, as well as what we can expect in Parliament this week. LISTEN ABOVE See o…

1
Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper on the Blues v Chiefs final and the Breakers coming to Wellington 8:34

3h ago8:34

8:34

It was a disappointing loss for the Hurricanes last weekend, killing the team's hope for an appearance in the Super Rugby final, but all eyes are now on the successful finalist Blues and Chiefs sides, squaring off at Eden Park this weekend. Joining Nick to preview the match was All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine.…

1
Capital Letter: NZ Herald's Georgina Campbell on Tory Whanau's crumbling majority 10:03

1d ago10:03

10:03

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 ac…

1
Business Panel: Porirua mayor Anita Baker and The Woolstore boss Paul Robinson on Thorndon Quay works and local councils 31:43

3d ago31:43

31:43

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 Wel…

1
Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls in Papua New Guinea on the saga of the PM's broken plane 7:31

3d ago7:31

7:31

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…

1
Friday Faceoff: Nicola Young and Wayne Guppy talk Hurricanes, squatting and Wellington's council split 31:19

7d ago31:19

31:19

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 T…

1
Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper on the Hurricanes v Chiefs semi-final 10:55

7d ago10:55

10:55

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 Mil…

1
Politics Thursday: David Seymour and Ginny Andersen debate MPs accomodation and oil and gas exploration 29:08

8d ago29:08

29:08

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 ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Jon Stevens: Noiseworks and INXS singer on his just-announced Upper Hutt gig 10:23

8d ago10:23

10:23

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 f…

1
Cory Jane: Hurricanes legend and current assistant coach on Saturday's semi-final 8:15

10d ago8:15

8:15

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, say…

1
Beehive Buzz: Senior political reporter Sophie Trigger on Act's rally, Luxon's Pacific trip 7:41

11d ago7:41

7:41

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 ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Tim Costley: National MP living 40 minutes from Parliament defends decision to take taxpayer funded apartment 6:24

11d ago6:24

6:24

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 …

1
Nick Mills: National MP Tim Costley is taking taxpayers for a ride 5:01

11d ago5:01

5:01

OPINION Here's a story you're not going to enjoy if you're one of the government employees who has just been made redundant. It surrounds Otaki MP Tim Costley. He’s a known name in Kapiti, and owns a $1.4 million riverside home in Waikanae, two rental properties in Palmerston North and a flat in Wellington. It's the latter of those properties that'…

1
Friday Faceoff: Mark Sainsbury and Ben McNulty talk Tory Whanau, Golden Mile and Lotto 33:45

14d ago33:45

33:45

It's been a big week in Wellington; Mayor Tory Whanau revealed she has been diagnosed with ADHD and a big petition against the Golden Mile project was presented to the council. Joining Nick on Friday Faceoff this week was former broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty. Also on the agenda was the mammoth $50 million up …

1
Friday Sport Kickoff: Adam Cooper and Nick Bewley on Hurricanes quarter-final and Alex Paulsen leaving the Phoenix 7:39

14d ago7:39

7:39

The Hurricanes take on the Melbourne Rebels in Wellington tomorrow night, and a star of the Wellington Phoenix is leaving. Wellington All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB Christchurch sports editor Nick Bewley joined Nick Mills to talk through the sports stories of the week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor…

1
Nick Mills: Tory Whanau should be judged on her performance, but not because of her ADHD diagnosis 4:59

14d ago4:59

4:59

OPINION On Wednesday afternoon Newstalk ZB reporter Ethan Manera sat down with Wellington mayor Tory Whanau. She revealed to him that she's been diagnosed with ADHD and significant traits of autism. Ethan got the story after finding the Mayor had changed her bio on her Tiktok account, calling herself the “neurospicy Mayor of Wellington”. Neurospicy…

1
Politics Thursday: David Seymour and Ginny Andersen talk Te Pāti Māori allegations, budget and booze 30:25

15d ago30:25

30:25

As the budget dust settles and the public's attention is drawn to serious allegations against Te Pāti Māori, Acting Prime Minister David Seymour and Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Anderson joined Nick to talk through the political issues of the week. On the agenda were the allegations against Te Pāti Māori, reaction to the budget, and whether o…

1
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on 'very serious' allegations against Te Pāti Māori 21:07

16d ago21:07

21:07

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has called the allegations surrounding Te Pāti Māori “very serious” and says any improper conduct needs to be investigated. The party has “unequivocally refuted” claims it misused data from Census records to help its election campaign, or deceptively obtained personal information from the Covid-19 Immunisation Programme …

1
Business Panel: Mexted Motors' Mark Munkittrick and Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce boss Patrick McKibbin 32:50

17d ago32:50

32:50

How's business going in the Hutt, and how is the second-hand car market holding up in the face of a recession? Those were some of the questions for the business panel this week, consisting of Mexted Motors' dealer principal Mark Munkittrick and Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patrick McKibbin. The pair joined Adam Cooper to talk thr…

1
Tim Costley: Local MP on 'burnout meet' in Levin that left officers injured and cars impounded 5:56

17d ago5:56

5:56

It was an eventful Sunday night in Levin over the weekend, with hundreds of young people taking to the streets to watch illegal burnouts on the main drag. Police responded, arresting two people and impounding six cars - but two officers were injured in the process. Otaki MP Tim Costley, whose electorate also covers Levin, joined Adam Cooper to talk…

1
Friday Faceoff: Budget Special with former revenue minister Peter Dunne and Infometrics economist Brad Olsen 31:26

21d ago31:26

31:26

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has broadly delivered what she promised on the election campaign trail, with millions of New Zealanders in line for a tax cut - some small, some a bit bigger. To talk through this week's budget, as well as other Wellington issues, Nick was joined by former United Future leader and former revenue minister Peter Dunne a…

1
Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper on NZR's new structure and Super Rugby's top-of-the-table clashes 9:09

21d ago9:09

9:09

New Zealand Rugby had its long-awaited governance vote this week, and this weekend sees two top-of-the-table Super Rugby clashes. Newstalk ZB's Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Wellington's All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to talk all things sport. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Donald Trump being found guilty in hush money trial 7:27

21d ago7:27

7:27

Former US President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump has been found guilty of 34 charges at the conclusion of his hush money trial in New York. Jurors convicted Trump on all 34 counts after deliberating for 9.5 hours. Judge Juan Merchan has set the former president’s sentencing for July 11, just days before Republicans are set to select …

1
Politics Thursday: Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Chris Penk on the budget, protests and Kainga Ora 29:06

22d ago29:06

29:06

Just three hours before the coalition government's first budget was unveiled, two politicians came in to debate what might be in it, and the other political issues of the week. Nick was joined by a Wellington Mornings newbie, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.…

1
Nick Mills: Wellington has completely lost its way, that's why no one wants to move here 4:59

22d ago4:59

4:59

OPINION Now if you’re anything like me, you hate filling out the census. There's something about filling it out that makes you think you're giving away too much information. Soon you've got people knocking on your door making sure you fill it out. It's a giant pain in the backside. But I understand that the census is an important piece of data for …

1
NZ Rugby's governance war: Jason Pine on what the vote means for the future of rugby 4:09

22d ago4:09

4:09

New Zealand Rugby’s provincial unions have convincingly voted through their polarising governance proposal to spark a civil war showdown with the game’s professional players. Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine has been at NZR HQ all morning, and joined Nick Mills to talk through the result of the two important votes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystu…

1
Capital Letter: NZ Herald's Georgina Campbell on the Wellington mega tunnel and the ComCom's warning for Bluebridge 9:22

23d ago9:22

9:22

Ferry operator Bluebridge has been warned by the Commerce Commission after over compensation for cancelled ferry sailings. NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell is across the issue and joined Nick Mills for her weekly slot. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Music Time: Remembering legendary Wellington musician Rodger Fox 10:42

24d ago10:42

10:42

The New Zealand music community woke up to tragic news on Tuesday morning. Legendary Wellington trombonist Rodger Fox has died, aged 71. Music guru James Irwin, who knew Fox well, joined Nick Mills to talk through his legacy, including his time in Quincy Conserve and forming the Rodger Fox Big Band. In March last year, the legendary artist joined N…

1
Tory Whanau: Wellington Mayor says vote to fully sell council's airport stake unlikely to pass 31:49

25d ago31:49

31:49

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says a council vote to sell the council's entire 34% stake in Wellington Airport is unlikely to pass. "It doesn't look like we'd have the support for that," she told Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills on Monday. The other option being considered by the council is a partial sale of the council's stake. "It's something I…

1
Beehive Buzz: Political editor Jason Walls previews the government's first budget 9:08

25d ago9:08

9:08

The government is set to unveil its first budget on Thursday, and all eyes are on Finance Minister Nicola Willis and her promised tax cuts. What else could be in the budget, and will there be any other surprises? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills about what we can expect. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

1
Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper on Rob Penney, Hurricanes v Chiefs and where to now for the Phoenix 10:53

29d ago10:53

10:53

Our dreams for the Phoenix didn't quite come true... but we got close. What next for the team? And will Rob Penney stay on as coach of the Crusaders? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills to talk all things sport. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Friday Faceoff: Diane Calvert and Bryce Edwards talk Karen Chhour, private parking companies and Rob Penney 33:11

29d ago33:11

33:11

Its Friday again, and time for two Wellingtonians to debate the issues of the week. On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert and political commentator Dr Bryce Edwards. On the agenda was Te Pati Maori's comments about Karen Chhour, private parking companies, and whether or not we should charge tourist…

1
Politics Thursday: David Seymour and Ayesha Verrall spar over Karen Chhour, first home grants and the OCR 34:09

1M ago34:09

34:09

It was a faceoff between Act leader David Seymour and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall on Politics Thursday this week. On the agenda was comments from Te Pati Maori about Childrens Minister Karen Chhour, the government ditching first home grants, and whether or not Adrian Orr should remain in his job. LISTEN ABOVE S…

1
Capital Letter: Georgina Campbell on Khandallah Pool and the midwife shortage 9:47

1M ago9:47

9:47

Khandallah Pool is still facing the chop, and New Zealand has a midwife shortage... and Wellington has it particularly bad. NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills for her regular slot. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Business Panel: Brezelmania's Tony Parun and Capital's Aimie Hines on migration, parking and insurance costs 31:11

1M ago31:11

31:11

How is the exodus of a record number of Kiwi citizens affecting businesses, and is 24/7 parking for Wellington CBD a good idea? Those were the questions for the Business Panel this week, made up of Capital's Aimie Hines and Brezelmania bakery director Tony Parun. The pair joined Nick Mills to talk all things business in Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE See…

1
Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on Green co-leaders big speech and Julie Anne Genter's return to Parliament 9:33

1M ago9:33

9:33

Julie Anne Genter is set to return to Parliament this week, as the house meets after a recess week. Her return comes after yesterday's State of the Planet speech from Green co-leaders Chloe Swarbrick and Julie Anne Genter. Also on the horizon is the government's first budget at the end of the month. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined N…

1
Friday Faceoff: Former All White David Chote and Capital's Neale Jones on the Phoenix, charter schools and gangs 31:22

1M ago31:22

31:22

Wellington is buzzing ahead of the biggest game ever for the Wellington Phoenix tomorrow night, so who better than former All White David Chote to run us through what it means for the team. Joining him for Friday Faceoff this week was Capital director Neale Jones, not a football fan, but excited nonetheless. Also on the agenda was charter schools, …

1
Giancarlo Italiano: Wellington Phoenix manager on the biggest game in the club's history 15:22

1M ago15:22

15:22

It's the biggest game for the Wellington Phoenix in its 17-year history tomorrow night, as they take on Melbourne Victory in the first A-League semi-final. Sky Stadium has completely sold out for the event, making it the biggest home crowd for a Phoenix game ever. Manager Giancarlo Italiano sat down with Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk …

1
Remembering Loafers Lodge: A year on from the tragic Wellington fire 10:31

1M ago10:31

10:31

Today marks a year since Wellingtonians woke up to the news that a hostel in Newtown had caught fire. Five people were killed and another twenty injured. The people who didn't perish in the fire lost their home, their belongings and in some cases, their friends. Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge joined Nick Mills to remember the tragedy, and…

1
Politics Thursday: Nicola Willis and Ginny Andersen on gangs, charter schools and ferries 29:17

1M ago29:17

29:17

Will the new gang taskforce work, and what's the benefit of charter schools? That was the debate on Politics Thursday this week, as Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen joined Nick Mills. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Music Time: James Irwin on the Aotearoa Music Award finalists and his favourite Kiwi songs 9:06

1M ago9:06

9:06

The Aotearoa Music Awards will be announced at the end of the month of May, which doubles as New Zealand Music Month. Wellington Mornings music guru James Irwin, fresh from a trip to buy a bunch of new CDs, joined Nick Mills to talk about some interesting AMA finalists, and his favourite Kiwi songs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

1
Nick Mills: Students co-opting graduation ceremonies for pro-Palestine protests are out of line 4:02

1M ago4:02

4:02

OPINION Anyone who knows me knows how important I think Victoria and Massey Universities are for our city. Wellington lights up when the students arrive at the beginning of the year, and the city dies down when they leave. Well today through to Thursday is graduation week for a lot of students from Victoria University. This is the highlight for not…

1
Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on Winston Peters' Melanesia trip and a new poll 8:40

1M ago8:40

8:40

Winston is off overseas yet again, this week on a trip to multiple Melanesian states. And a new poll was released last week, what do the numbers show? Newstalk ZB political editor joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for an update from the Beehive. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Friday Faceoff: Justin Lester and Phil O'Reilly talk grid crisis, school lunches and district plan 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

It was a chilly morning this morning... made worse by Transpower's request that Kiwis turned down their heaters to reduce their power use. Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and Iron Duke Partners director Phil O'Reilly joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to dissect the news of the week, including the signed-off district plan, school lunc…

1
Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper on the Hurricanes v Blues faceoff 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

It's a top of the table faceoff tomorrow afternoon, with the Hurricanes taking on the Blues at Eden Park. All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk that match, as well as the Phoenix first semi-final on Sunday, and the Saint's home game, also on Sunday. LISTEN ABOVE See…

1
Politics Thursday: Nicola Willis and Ayesha Verrall on pre-budget speech, dwindling gas supply and 'woke food' 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Finance Minister Nicola Willis had a big morning delivering her set piece pre-budget speech in Lower Hutt... so what can she tell us about the budget? She joined Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk the political issues of the week, including a muddied press conference, lunches in schools and W…

1
Rula Lenska: Coronation Street star on her royal lineage and new stage show in Wellington 14:08

2M ago14:08

14:08

Actress Rula Lenska is known around the world as Claudia Colby from Coronation Street, but did you know she's also Polish royalty? The actress, also a Countess, joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about her stage show, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which is playing at the St James Theatre in Wellington this week. She was joined by …

1
Capital Letter: Georgina Campbell on Kiwirail boss flying to South Korea to visit iRex shipbuilders 9:23

2M ago9:23

9:23

Kiwirail boss Peter Reidy flew to South Korea to meet with the company contracted to build the now cancelled Interislander - but its not clear exactly why. NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined Nick Mills to talk the Wellington stories of the week, including Julie Anne Genter and the closure of a Wellington birthing unit. LI…

1
‘Busier than we’ve ever been’: Government pulls funding for budgeting service 9:15

2M ago9:15

9:15

A Wellington budgeting service has had its government funding pulled, despite its manager saying they are "busier than ever" as people struggle with high interest rates and the cost of living. It comes as the Ministry of Social Development reviews its contracts with budgeting services. It’s understood other providers across the country have had the…

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