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PODCAST

Conversations with a Mayor

Think local politics is boring? Think again. Every Thursday, Taryn Utiger sits down with mayors, council chairs and political guests to dig into what’s really going on. She asks questions about rates, local issues, hot topics, and the future of our towns, and then flips into some fun stuff like hidden gems and who secretly makes the best coffee in the region. It’s smart, unfiltered kōrero with the people running your patch: Max Brough, Craig Williamson, Neil Volzke, and Phil Nixon, served up with

government & organizations

All Episodes

0:29:31

Max Brough: Slips & Scrutiny

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/05/06

A collapsing highway and a heated council chamber are two pressure points you can’t ignore. This week Taryn sits down with New Plymouth mayor Max Brough to talk about the physical cracks in our roading infrastructure and the tension inside a local democracy committee. They discuss the slip-plagued stretch of State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge, and Max’s calls for central Government to step up and fund a northern corridor that functions. Then they turn to the newly established Public

en-nz

0:27:11

Phil Nixon: Memory, Mahi & Moving Forward

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/04/29

Some conversations start with remembrance, and end with what comes next. This week Taryn sits down with South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon for a kōrero that moves from the deeply personal to the proudly local. They reflect on Anzac Day in South Taranaki, including Phil’s own family history and the legacy of his father and grandfather. From there, it’s into the work shaping the district, including a $5.9 million upgrade to Pātea’s water supply, ongoing dune restoration, and what these projects mean for

en-nz

0:20:54

Neil Volzke: Spotlight on Stratford

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/04/22

From vandalism to big-picture reform, this week’s Stratford kōrero covers it all. Taryn sits down with Stratford mayor Neil Volzke for a kōrero that’s grounded, honest, and unmistakably local. From a recent spate of vandalism to the ongoing shifts in local government reform, they talk about what’s happening right now, and what it means for the community. They chat about the Percy Thomson Gallery, roading funding, and the importance of being resilient in Taranaki - especially in this wild

en-nz

0:27:46

Craig Williamson: Waves, Wins & World Stage Surf Energy

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/04/15

Things are about to get swell in Taranaki! This week, Taryn catches up with Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council and Chair of Surfing Taranaki, for a kōrero that swaps policy for pure stoke. With the World Surf League Longboard Qualifying Series heading to Fitzroy Beach this King’s Birthday Weekend, they dive into what this means for the region, from the international eyes on our coastline to the buzz it’ll bring to the local community. It’s all about waves, pride, and putting

en-nz

0:30:17

Andrew Judd: Local Government Reforms

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/04/08

What if the real problem with local government isn’t actually the system, but how little we all understand it? When Mayor Max pulled out of this series on local government reform, we went deeper. Enter former New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd with a candid, clear-eyed kōrero on the realities of local democracy, and why so many politicians struggle to deliver on their campaign promises once elected. Part honest reflection, part plea for greater public education, this is a no-nonsense take on the red

en-nz

0:25:38

Phil Nixon: Local Government Reforms

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/04/01

When the future of local government shifts, every district feels it differently. In Part 3 of this four-part special, Taryn sits down with South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon to unpack what the proposed reforms could actually mean for people across Taranaki. They delve into the new joint Chief Executive announcement between NPDC and TRC and discuss how that move landed beyond New Plymouth. This is an episode about how decisions are made, who holds the power, and what representation means for

en-nz

0:31:21

Neil Volzke: Amalgamation, Plans & Events

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/03/18

Phill gets back behind the desk this week to catch up with Neil Volzke, and learn all things Amalgamation. What does it mean, and what’s the future looking like for Taranaki? They also chat about annual plans and events coming up in Stratford.

en-nz

0:30:23

Craig Williamson: Reform, Leadership & What Comes Next

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/03/11

Local government is changing fast, and Taranaki is right in the middle of it. This week Taryn sits down with Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council, for a timely kōrero about leadership, reform, and what it all means for our region. They unpack the big news that Steve Ruru, currently the Regional Council’s Chief Executive, will step in as interim Chief Executive at the New Plymouth District Council, a shared leadership move designed to strengthen collaboration between the councils

en-nz

0:30:39

Sam Bennett: Rates, Roads & Resilience

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/03/04

When the mayor can’t make it... you invite someone who’s been around the table long enough to understand how it all fits together! This week on Conversations With a Mayor, Taryn sits down with Sam Bennett, a long-time New Plymouth District Councillor and chair of the Age and Accessibility Working Party. In a chat that’s equal parts vision and straight-up local reality, they unpack the council’s bold new direction for the district - “Thriving Together, Resilient Tomorrow.” They also dive into local

en-nz

0:35:1

Craig Williamson: Surf, Sewage & Straight Talk

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/02/11

This is a kōrero that moves easily from summer surf stoke to the big decisions shaping Taranaki. Join us as Taryn sits down with Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council, for a chat that’s equal parts salty sea spray and policy punch. They kick off with summer surf stories — including the seriously impressive season had by Craig’s daughter, Izaro Williamson Sasia — and what the waves have been doing around Taranaki lately. Then it’s straight into the good stuff: wastewater treatment,

en-nz

0:25:50

CWAM: Max Brough: Waitangi Day, Age & Accessibility,...

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2026/02/04

Phill takes the mic for the first conversation of the year, this time with Max Brough of the New Plymouth District Council. They have a chat about Waitangi Day, the recent news of Taranaki’s sunshine hours and Summer holidays (or a lack of!). Max also talks about the Age & Accessibility working party, the work on the Fitzroy pedestrian access, the Public Engagement committee and the always topical Rates!

en-nz

0:28:40

Craig Williamson: Unpacking the Reforms

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/12/10

What could the Government’s sweeping regional council reforms really mean for Taranaki? For our democracy, our environment, and our relationship with mana whenua? In this episode of Conversations With a Mayor, Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council, joins Taryn for a deep, layered kōrero that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what’s at stake. Craig unpacks the political mechanics behind the reforms, why the process feels rushed and top-down, and how these changes

en-nz

0:29:41

Max Brough: Christmas Mischief & Council Truths

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/12/03

We walked into this kōrero ready to talk politics, and somehow ended up deep in Christmas costumes, ADHD chat, and everything in between. This episode with Max Brough is fast, funny, and full of the kind of banter that only happens when a mayor relaxes and actually enjoys himself. Taryn and Max talk about his exploits as The Grinch, what he bought his wife for Christmas, and how to wake the neighbours up on a Sunday morning. But woven through the laughs are the real questions: are rates caps

en-nz

0:25:59

Phil Nixon: Bringing the Spark to South Taranaki

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/11/27

If you think you know Phil Nixon, wait till you hear him talk lollies, playlists, and grandparent life! This week Taryn chats with the newly re-elected Mayor of South Taranaki, who somehow juggles council mahi, farm life, community projects, and a bunch of adorable grandkids. They cover his bucket-list band, the summer spot where he actually relaxes, life before politics, and of course, his star sign. Phil also breaks down what’s coming for South Taranaki: rates caps, town revitalisations, the

en-nz

0:29:29

CWAM Neil Volzke: Stratford’s Main Character Energy

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/11/19

The man’s practically a local landmark at this point, but don’t let that fool you, he’s still got plenty of spark. This week on Conversations With A Mayor, Taryn catches up with Stratford District’s freshly re-elected leader, Neil Volzke — the longest-serving mayor in Aotearoa and living proof that experience and energy can absolutely co-exist. They dive into what another three years means for Stratford, the vibe of his brand-new deputy mayor, what’s on his playlist, and yes, even his star sign

en-nz

0:30:21

CWAM Craig Williamson: Making Waves On Land and Sea

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/11/12

The surf’s up, and so is the kōrero! This week on Conversations With A Mayor, Taryn catches up with Craig Williamson, the Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council and a man who’s just as at home in a wetsuit as he is in the council chambers. They chat about his new deputy, the fresh crew of councillors at the TRC, the magic of riparian planting, and how environmental mahi connects to his other great love — surfing. From Surf Aid to weekend waves with the whānau, Craig proves you can balance policy

en-nz

0:36:13

Max Brough: The Man Behind the Mayoral Chains

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/11/05

It’s a new term with a new vibe, and there’s a new mayor at the helm. Taryn sits down with Max Brough, for an in-depth kōrero during his first official week in office. Who is the man behind New Plymouth’s mayoral chains? How does he intend to lead? And what’s on his playlist? They dive into his bold choice to appoint three deputy mayors, his fiery response to that Taranaki Daily News editorial, and the not-so-secret committee shake-up still to come. It’s candid, curious, and full of insight into how

en-nz

0:15:55

STV - It's like Tinder for Voting

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/08/13

Ever stared at your local voting paper and thought, "Ugh, maths?" Well, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the mysterious beast known as Single Transferable Vote or STV, the system New Plymouth uses to pick our mayor, councillors, and community boards. STV is part Tinder (for democracy), part musical chairs (but with less pushing), and way fairer than First Past the Post. We’ll spill how it works, how to vote like a strategic pro, and why your preferences matter more than you think

en-nz

0:22:23

An Election Special

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/08/06

Local elections are here, and Taranaki’s ballots are anything but boring. We’ve got big names stepping down, fresh faces stepping up, a jam-packed New Plymouth mayoral race, and a referendum that could change Māori representation across the motu. In this episode, we unpack it all: the how, the who, the why, and the what’s at stake across all four councils. This is your helpful guide and your intro to this election season. Stayed tuned for more special episodes in the lead up to our local body

en-nz

0:26:36

Neil Volzke on Central Government, Rates Caps & Māori...

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/07/30

This week Taryn has a kōrero with Neil Volzke, the longstanding mayor of Stratford District Council. They dive into the tension between local government and central government, examining legislation that is set to tighten the reins on council spending, and the political yo-yo that is Māori Wards.

en-nz

108 results

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