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PODCAST

Conversations with a Mayor

Think local politics is boring? Think again. Every Thursday, journalist Taryn Utiger sits down with the mayors and council chairs shaping life in Taranaki and digs into what’s really going on. She asks the questions you really want answered about rates, local issues, hot topics, and the future of our towns, 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

government & organizations

All Episodes

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

0:27:11

Phil Nixon on Water, Weather, Events & Elections

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/07/23

This week Taryn catches up with Phil Nixon, the mayor of the South Taranaki District Council. They kōrero about Local Water Done Well, the wild weather around the region, and the Great Comedy Night, which is heading to some beautiful venues in Hawera and Eltham this August.

en-nz

0:27:7

Standing for Council

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/07/16

Tune in for a special episode of Conversations with A Mayor. This week, there's no mayor on air, and instead our host Taryn Utiger dives into the local body elections. What do councillors actually do? How do you stand for council? Do you get paid? Sit back and enjoy these insights from a former local government journalist, and if you're thinking of standing for council in this year's elections, then this is the episode for you.

en-nz

0:28:28

Neil Volzke on Local Water Done Well & Local Body...

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/07/02

Join Taryn as she chats to Neil Volzke, mayor of Stratford District Council. This week they discuss the outcome of Local Water Done Well, and the 2025 local body elections.

en-nz

0:20:58

Phil Nixon on Standing for Mayor

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/06/24

Taryn Utiger chats to South Taranaki District Mayor, Phil Nixon, about Puanga celebrations, School Holiday programmes and his campaign for re-election at the 2025 local body elections.

en-nz

0:23:40

Neil Holdom on Daisy Lean, Water Charges & the Winter...

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/06/18

Join Taryn as she chats to Neil Holdom, mayor of New Plymouth District Council. This week they discuss the legacy of the trailblazing yet humble David "Daisy" Lean, who died this month, aged 76. They also talk about water charges, Puanga and the TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up.

en-nz

0:30:15

Craig Williamson on Daisy Lean

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/06/10

Join Taryn as she chats to Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council. This week they discuss the legacy of the trailblazing yet humble David "Daisy" Lean, who died this month, aged 76. They also talk about Stadium Taranaki, and dive into the logistics of the Fast Track Bill, seabed mining, and what the means for the Taranaki Regional Council.

en-nz

0:28:15

Neil Volzke on Local Water Done Well, Puanga & the...

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/06/04

Taryn Utiger chats to Stratford District Mayor, Neil Volzke about the district's annual plan, the new plans for Prospero Place, the Puanga celebrations later this month, and the community feedback for Local Water Done Well.

en-nz

0:19:42

Phil Nixon on Water, Rates & Seabed Mining

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/05/28

Taryn Utiger chats to South Taranaki District Mayor, Phil Nixon about Local Water Done Well, what rate rises have been locked in at, and the council's stance on seabed mining. Every Thursday Taryn talks with our mayors and chairs from across all four councils in Taranaki. From discussions around rough sleepers, rate increases and the new cycle lanes, to chats about Citizens Awards, career highlights and the best hidden gems in the region, this is the show that brings both insight and heart to

en-nz

0:27:11

Neil Holdom & New Plymouth's Cycle Lane Separators

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/05/21

Taryn talks to Neil Holdom about the cycle lane separators, Water Done Well and the latest annual plan for the New Plymouth District Council.

en-nz

0:21:6

Craig Williamson and Stadium Taranaki

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/05/14

After a massive five-year project, the upgrade and redevelopment of Stadium Taranaki is complete. Taranaki Regional Council chair Craig Williamsom talks to Taryn about the stadium, the local contractors who worked on the project, and what the state-of-the-art facility means for the rohe.

en-nz

0:28:45

Neil Holdom - Successful Summer Events, Rough...

Conversations with a Mayor ·

2025/04/22

Host Taryn chats with Neil Holdom, Mayor of the NPDC, about successful events held over summer in New Plymouth. They also talk about plans for the rough sleepers, ANZAC Day, and the importance of the event in our community.

en-nz

77 results

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