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 actually achievable, and what could the Government’s plan to replace regional councillors mean for NPDC, local democracy, and tangata whenua? Tune in for both the fun and the insight.
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29:41
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29:41
Phil Nixon: Bringing the Spark to South Taranaki
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 stationery drive, and why Arts In The Park is such a vibe. This is the kind of kōrero that proves local leadership can have humour, heart, and personality to burn.
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25:59
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25:59
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.
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29:29
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29:29
CWAM Craig Williamson: Making Waves On Land and Sea
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!
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30:21
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30:21
CWAM Max Brough: The Man Behind the Mayoral Chains
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.
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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