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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 Williamson, Neil Volzke, and Phil Nixon, served up with humour, heart, and a bit of hometown sass. If you care about Taranaki but can’t stand political snoozefests, this is your weekly dose of insight, banter, and good local stories from around the maunga.
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1.jpg "CWAM Neil Volzke: Stratford’s Main Character Energy")
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 (because personality matters just as much as policy). It’s fun, warm, a little cheeky, and very Stratford. This is the kind of kōrero that shows why some leaders stick around, and why their communities keep backing them.
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 with paddle-outs. This kōrero goes from the riverbanks to the break, all in one swell swoop!
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 this new mayor plans to run the show, and why it matters for you.
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. Whether you’re a voting newbie or an old hand, this is your friendly, no-BS guide to making your ballot count without making your brain hurt.
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 elections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 local politics.
Taryn talks to Neil Holdom about the cycle lane separators, Water Done Well and the latest annual plan for the New Plymouth District Council.
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.
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.
Today Taryn speaks with Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council, about his first two months in the role and his love of surfing.
Today Taryn speaks with Stratford District Mayor, Neil Volzke. They discuss the cost of living crisis, ANZAC Day, developments in the CBD, and Neil's favourite place in the district.
Today Tracey chats with Mayor of the South Taranaki District, Phil Nixon. They discuss drought, water reform, local body elections, rates increases, Kaponga Library, plus, the school holiday programme for children of the South Taranaki District.
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