Best Arcus Advisors Podcasts (2025)

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Friday Faceoff: Hamish Rutherford and Jason Walls talk road user charges, waterfront fencing and Willow-Jean Prime 32:38

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8m ago32:38

32:38

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? Also, the Wellington City Council has voted against a proposal to install fencing along Wellington's waterf…

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Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper on how Kyle Preston went from a roofer to an All Black 9:55

16m ago9:55

9:55

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 wha…

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Mammia Mia: Donna and the Dynamos perform in studio 10:20

6h ago10:20

10:20

A big party is coming to Wellington's St James Theatre this month. The acclaimed Mamma Mia musical is taking the stage over August, with the Wellington-based cast performing all of Abba's greatest hits over a two-week season. Nick was lucky enough to be joined by a very sparkly Donna and the Dynamos in studio to discuss the show and perform a class…

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Politics Thursday: Greg O'Connor and Tom Rutherford talk unemployment, road user charges 22:53

1d ago22:53

22:53

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 …

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Lindsay McKenzie: Wellington City Council's Crown Observer on the council's improvement 9:14

1d ago9:14

9:14

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 sam…

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Friday Faceoff: Peter Dunne and Ben Thomas talk Trump's new tarriffs, FBI and tsunami warnings 32:33

6d ago32:33

32:33

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…

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Friday Sport Kickoff: Adam Cooper and Jason Pine on netball's woes, start of the NPC 10:50

7d ago10:50

10:50

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 lookin…

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Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the number of gang members surpassing 10,000 7:34

8d ago7:34

7:34

The number of gang members in New Zealand has surpassed 10,000 for the first time - now sitting at 10,009 according to the National Gang List. That compares to 9270 just before the 2023 election, and 5343 gang members in 2017. So what's needed to stop the gangs growing, and has banning gang patches made any material difference to recruitment? Polic…

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David Seymour: Deputy Prime Minister on the state of the economy, nurses strike 17:35

8d ago17:35

17:35

Around 36,000 nurses are taking to the street today in an effort for better pay and conditions, but with the average nurse earning over $100,000 a year - are some being a bit greedy? Also, while interest rates have lowered, many Wellingtonians are still feeling the pinch of a sluggish economy. When can we expect to see the economy bounce back? Depu…

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Music Time: James Irwin talks the rise of weird genres and upcoming gigs in Wellington 8:55

9d ago8:55

8:55

This week on Music Time, Nick and James preview a New Zealand band out of retirement with an imminent tour and vinyl release, ponder pirate metal and German reggae musical genres and check out all the gigs around the capital. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Business Panel: Hutt Valley chamber CEO Patrick McKibbon and Metco Engineering director Paul Jessup 32:37

10d ago32:37

32:37

It's a Hutt Valley special of the Wellington Morning's business panel this week, with a successful engineer and the man in charge of advocating for business in the area joining Nick on the show. On the agenda; the state of the Wellington economy in the outer cities, rising rates and insurance costs, public sector cuts and the rise of artificial int…

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Friday Faceoff: Mark Sainsbury and Campbell Barry debate voting changes, trans participation in sport 33:38

14d ago33:38

33:38

The government has announced changes to election rules, ending the ability to enrol on election day - something 110,000 people did last election. Is this a reasonable move, or could it risk disenfranchising some would-be voters? Also, the government has instructed Sport NZ to scrap its guidelines on transgender participation in sport, which directe…

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Friday Sport Kickoff: Jason Pine and Adam Cooper talk the struggles facing netball, Wrexham v Phoenix 9:31

13d ago9:31

9:31

New Zealand's premier netball competition is staring down financial struggles, with Netball NZ yet to confirm a broadcast deal for the competition moving forward. Players are reportedly growing concerned about their futures, with broadcasting rights making up a large chunk of the funding required to hold the ANZ Premiership each year. So, what does…

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Politics Thursday: Ayesha Verrall and Mike Butterick debate trans participation in sport, butter prices 21:07

14d ago21:07

21:07

The government has directed Sport NZ to scrap their guidelines around transgender participation in sports - with individual sporting bodies able to make their own decisions on how to include transgender players. But is this really a serious issue, or a manufactured culture-war type debate? Also, the price of butter has risen 60% in the last twelve …

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Wellington Saints captain, coach and CEO on winning their 13th NBL title 10:46

17d ago10:46

10:46

The Mills Albert Wellington Saints have made history - taking out their thirteenth NBL championship title over the weekend. The Saints beat the Southland Sharks 88-83 on Sunday night at TSB Arena in Wellington. Captain Hyrum Harris, coach Aaron Young and CEO Jordan Mills joined Nick Mills in studio with the NBL trophy to talk about the team's seaso…

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Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on inflation back on the rise 10:02

17d ago10:02

10:02

Inflation is back on the rise, with an annual inflation rate of 2.7% in the year to June, up from 2.5% in the year to March. What will be going through the minds of the economics wonks at the Reserve Bank - and are we still in line for another rate cut next month with this news? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Bee…

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Friday Faceoff: Justin Lester and JD Trask wrap the week 31:06

21d ago31:06

31:06

On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by ex-Wellington Mayor and Dot Loves Data director Justin Lester, and Raygun co-founder John-Daniel (JD) Trask. They discussed the fallout over the past week from mayoral candidate Ray Chung's infamous email, the Prime Minister's latest criticisms of Wellington and how the city's thriving with a handful …

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Politics Thursday: Tim Costley and Ayesha Verrall debate advisory group's $500k in three months 19:36

21d ago19:36

19:36

On Politics Thursday, National's Otaki MP and Labour Wellington Issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall debate the revelation the Retail Crime Advisory Group cost 500-thousand dollars in just 102 days. They also discussed the continuing controversy around the Wellington Mayoral race, and whether Christopher Luxon's comments this week about Wellington we…

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Dawn Wilce: Wrexham-born Wellingtonian on her hometown's team taking on the Phoenix this weekend 10:27

22d ago10:27

10:27

Wellington football fans are in for an exciting weekend, with the famous Wrexham AFC journeying to Wellington to face our very own Phoenix. The Welsh team rose in popularity after it was bought by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, and later featuring in the documentary Welcome to Wrexham. The football-mad Wilce family were born and …

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Music Time: James Irwin on 40 years since Live Aid and Lorde snubbing Wellington 12:37

23d ago12:37

12:37

This week is 40 years since the greatest concert of all time - Live Aid. Wellington Mornings music man James Irwin joined Nick to talk the very best and worst of of the event, as well as revisiting Aussie rockers The Superjesus and pondering why Lorde isn't coming to Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Business Panel: WellingtonNZ's Jackson Hapete and Trinity Hotel's Jeremy Smith 32:00

24d ago32:00

32:00

Wellington has had a smashing weekend with the All Blacks, 10cc and the NBL semi-final in town - but is the city really on the up? And how much does the city's economy rely on big events? Also, we learnt last week 30,000 Kiwis moved to Australia last year alone. How do we keep our young talent in New Zealand - and can we compete with the attraction…

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Brad Olsen: Infometrics chief economist on why young people are struggling to find work 8:24

24d ago8:24

8:24

The number of people aged 15-24 without a job has jumped to 16% - nearly one in five. It comes as businesses continue to face tough economic times - with many businesses not wanting to take a risk on a young person. To talk about the figures, economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen joined Nick Mills to discuss the news. LISTEN ABOVE Se…

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Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on the candidates facing off in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election 7:52

25d ago7:52

7:52

Both Labour and Te Pati Māori have selected their candidates to run in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election - a race necessitated by the death of incumbent MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp. So how tight is the race expected to be? Also, Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick has admitted her loyalties lay with the Act party while at university. How many other examp…

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Friday Faceoff: Dame Kerry Prendergast and Wayne Guppy talk Tory Whanau sex email and ABs v France 31:55

27d ago31:55

31:55

Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung sent a sordid email to some council colleagues in 2023, claiming mayor Tory Whanau had drug-fuelled “tempestuous sex” in an orgy, and making reference to her having “pendulous soft breasts”. The email has only surfaced today - but does it rule Ray Chung out as a serious mayoral contender? Also, the All Blacks …

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Frank Bunce and Josh Kronfeld: Former All Blacks on their memories, predictions ahead of the second test 13:31

27d ago13:31

13:31

The All Blacks take on France in the second test in Wellington tomorrow night - and the city is buzzing ahead of the game. The The 28th Cello Champions Charity Luncheon was held on Friday ahead of the event, with a stellar line up of former All Blacks including Frank Bunce and Josh Kronfeld. Frank Bunce played 69 All Black games - including 55 test…

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Grant Elliott and Ian Klinac: Wellington Champions Lunch organisers on the success of the event 3:49

27d ago3:49

3:49

The Cello Champions Charity Luncheon is being held in Wellington for it's 28th year - and Nick Mills was at the Takina Convention Centre broadcasting live ahead of the event. The luncheon is in aid of Life Flight - and former Blackcap and Life Flight ambassador Grant Elliot and luncheon organiser Ian Klinac joined Nick to discuss the event. LISTEN …

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Anna Calver: Wellington City Council chief economic and engagement advisor on two years of Takina 5:56

27d ago5:56

5:56

It’s been just over two years since Wellington’s brand new $180 million conference centre Takina opened - and it's attracted plenty of events. But there have been some reports that its struggling to attract as many events as first anticipated. Wellington City Council’s Chief Economic and Engagement Officer Anna Calver joined Nick Mills, live from T…

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Jason Pine: Weekend Sport host on his All Blacks v France predictions 11:18

27d ago11:18

11:18

The All Blacks take on France in the second test in Wellington tomorrow night - and the city is buzzing ahead of the game. Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine today hosted the Champions Luncheon at Takina - and will be broadcasting live from Shed 22 tomorrow ahead of the test. He joined Nick Mills to share his predictions for the game. LISTEN…

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EP14: Building a $1 million Non-Profit through Collective Giving with Jessica Graham 36:04

29d ago36:04

36:04

Shared leadership isn’t a risk—it’s a strategy for lasting impact. That’s the mindset behind one of Houston’s fastest-growing philanthropic movements: Impact100. In this episode, Co-founder Jessica Graham shares how they built a fully volunteer-led nonprofit that's raised more than $1 million in just five years. From finding new members to transiti…

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Politics Thursday: Ginny Andersen and Tim Costley talk OCR, Covid-19 inquiry and lizards v jobs 22:01

28d ago22:01

22:01

The second phase of the Royal Commision into the government's response to Covid-19 is underway - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the investigation was intentionally designed to give conspiracy theorists a platform. Is this a fair comment - and should Hipkins and former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern front up at the inquiry? Also, Resources Mini…

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Nick Mills tours Bluebridge's new ferry Livia alongside chief executive Shane McMahon 9:57

29d ago9:57

9:57

There is a new ferry in Wellington Harbour - and it looks remarkably similar to an existing one. Bluebridge's new ferry Livia has arrived in the capital - the sister ship to the existing Connemara vessel already operated by Bluebridge. The ship, built in 2008, was previously operated by a ferry line in Europe, but has since had a fresh lick of pain…

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Mark Oldershaw: WellingtonNZ chief executive on how the capital can grow 17:30

1M ago17:30

17:30

The organisation tasked with helping to grow the Wellington region's economy has a new boss - and he says Wellington needs to focus more on its successes, rather than it's struggles. Mark Oldershaw took over the reins at WellingtonNZ a month ago and joined Nick Mills to discuss the role of the organisation, the state of the region, and some excitin…

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Graham Gouldman: 10cc frontman on the band returning to Wellington and the stories behind the songs 13:52

1M ago13:52

13:52

There’s an exciting gig coming to Wellington this week – especially if your heydey was in the 70s. 10cc is returning to the capital on Friday night to play a gig at the Opera House, performing classic hits like The Things We Do For Love, Dreadlock Holiday and I'm Not In Love. 10cc was formed in 1972 - after frontman and songwriter Graham Gouldman h…

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Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on possible mandatory sentences and Parliament's winter break 10:19

1M ago10:19

10:19

It's the second week of the winter recess at Parliament - known around the building as one of the quietest weeks in politics of the year. But despite many politicians taking the week off or working back in their electorates, there's still work being done in the halls of power - including public submissions on the Regulatory Standards Bill today. Wh…

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Friday Faceoff: Fleur Fitzsimons and Nicola Young talk local elections, 'coloniser' statues and shoplifting 32:37

1M ago32:37

32:37

Local elections are less than four months away now, and nominations officially opened today. But with four races in Wellington with hot favourites, are we less excited than we have been in previous years? Also, Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul wants some of the city's statues pulled down, including the William Wakefield monument on the bank of th…

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Friday Sport Kickoff: Adam Cooper and Jason Pine on the All Blacks' first test this weekend 9:52

1M ago9:52

9:52

Scott Robertson has named his first All Blacks 23 of the year, to face France at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night. France have won their past three tests against the All Black - but could that winning streak end this weekend as Robertson's men face a French side missing some of their stars? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and Wellingt…

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Politics Thursday: Tim Costley and Deborah Russell debate law and order, policy costing unit 21:09

1M ago21:09

21:09

The government has announced three new law and order policies this week, including increased penalties for coward punches, assaulting first responders and shoplifting. But what impact will these changes have? Also, Act and New Zealand First have shot down Finance Minister Nicola Willis' plans for a policy costing unit. Is this something we should h…

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Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the economy and whether the Interislander should be privatised 21:07

1M ago21:07

21:07

Labour leader and Remutaka MP Chris Hipkins says he is sceptical of the idea the Interislander could be privatised. It comes after a cabinet paper obtained by the Herald floated the possibility of partially or fully privatising the ferry service. Hipkins joined Nick Mills for his monthly catch-up, where the pair also discussed the state of the econ…

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Ken Laban: Former cop, rugby commentator on his tilt for the Lower Hutt mayoralty 7:39

1M ago7:39

7:39

Well-known Wellington personality Ken Laban has thrown his hat in the ring to be Lower Hutt's next mayor. The 68-year-old has spent his career as a police officer, later becoming a commentator with TVNZ and Sky Sport. Since 2013 he has served as a Greater Wellington Regional Councillor. He grew up in Wainuiomata with sister Dame Winnie Laban, a for…

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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister discusses the state of Wellington, economy and supermarkets 22:22

1M ago22:22

22:22

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says New Zealand has not “escaped the aftershocks of world events” as new data shows hardship rising and more Kiwis struggling to pay the bills. Speaking to Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills about the state of the economy, Willis acknowledged it had been “a tough time”. “Things were starting to come alon…

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Music Time: James Irwin on Glastonbury highlights and Liam Finn's new album 10:22

1M ago10:22

10:22

It's been a big weekend of music on Worth Farm in Somerset, England as the 2025 Glastonbury music festival was held. This week Nick and James dissect the highlights of the festival, argue about an audio-visual experience that is coming to Wellington this month, and listen to Liam Finn's latest album Hyperverse. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/liste…

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Business Panel: Business Central CEO Simon Arcus and Travel Agents Association CEO Julie White 33:01

1M ago33:01

33:01

It's exactly halfway through 2025 - six months ago the catch phrase of the Wellington business community was 'survive til 25'. Are our businesses still struggling halfway through the year? Also, have tourism numbers in Wellington bounced back to pre-Covid levels, and can Kiwi consumers and businesses cope with the increasing costs of flights? To an…

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Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on a new law and order policy and the MP that suddenly resigned 9:19

1M ago9:19

9:19

Legislation will soon be introduced bolstering the maximum sentences for those who assault first responders and Corrections offices. Will it be supported across Parliament? Also, a New Zealand First MP has announced her resignation from Parliament after just 18 months. Why is she leaving? To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jaso…

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Nick Mills: Why does Tamatha Paul want to tear down our history? 6:29

1M ago6:29

6:29

OPINION Well, we've got a new idea from Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul and you better brace yourself for this one. She was in the paper over the weekend - not advocating for Wellingtonians, for our economy, our businesses or our vulnerable people. She’s advocating for something else entirely. She wants to strip prominent statues around Wellingt…

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Chris Bishop: Housing Minister on new legislation allowing demolition of the Gordon Wilson flats 7:26

2M ago7:26

7:26

A social housing block that has sat empty in central Wellington for more than a decade will soon lose its heritage status - and there's hopes it could be demolished this side of Christmas. The Gordon Wilson flats on The Terrace have sat empty since 2012, with Victoria University buying the land in 2014. But the buildings held heritage status, makin…

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Business Panel: Dragonfly owner Tania Siladi and Nada Bakery owner Michael Gray 31:56

2M ago31:56

31:56

This week on the Business Panel, Nick was joined by two second-generation Wellington business owners. On the agenda was the state of the city, potential changes to sick leave, and the mood amongst the business community about upcoming local elections. Listen to Dragonfly owner Tania Siladi and Nada Bakery owner Michael Gray above. LISTEN ABOVE See …

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Beehive Buzz: Jason Walls on the PM's trip to China, possible changes to sick leave entitlements 7:59

2M ago7:59

7:59

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon departs early tomorrow morning for China, leading a business delegation to Shanghai, where he hopes to boost the country’s profile as a tourism and education destination. He'll also meet with president Xi Jinping. So what is he hoping to achieve on the trip? Also, Luxon hinted this morning at possible changes to leg…

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Friday Faceoff: Ben Thomas and Nick Leggett talk polls, water bills and winning Lotto 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

A new Curia poll has seen Labour overtake National, albeit by a very slim margin. Is it realistic to think Labour could form a government after next year's election? Also, despite soon having a new water entity, Wellington's water bills from the second half of this year will be the equivalent of $50 a week - and by 2033 the bills will reach $20 a d…

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Friday Sport Kickoff: Adam Cooper and Jason Pine talk Super Rugby playoffs, Ryan Fox 10:56

2M ago10:56

10:56

The Hurricanes are officially out of the Super Rugby Pacific competiton, losing to the Brumbies in Canberra over the weekend. How did they perform this season - and who is likely to take out the competition now? Also, golfer Ryan Fox has picked up his second major. What does the future hold for him? All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend …

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Politics Thursday: Ginny Andersen and Mike Butterick talk Fieldays, Kiwisaver for farms and corruption 22:49

2M ago22:49

22:49

It's Fieldays this week - and it coincides with a poll finding just 3 per cent of farmers support Labour, while 54 per cent back National. Why is National seemingly the party of farmers? Also, should farmers be able to use their Kiwisaver to purchase their first farm or herd? To answer those questions, Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen an…