Conversations with a Mayor

The future of local government in Taranaki is taking shape — but the details matter. This week, Taryn catches up with Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council, for the latest update on local government reform and where the conversation is heading. They unpack the possibility of a two-unitary council model and why it may not be as simple as drawing a line on a map. Craig talks about the practical challenges that come with reshaping how our region is governed, including river catchments, environmental management and the services that don't fit neatly within district boundaries.

Rates are rising, reforms are gathering pace, and rumours are swirling around the the next mayoralty. This week on Conversations With a Mayor, Taryn sits down with New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough to unpack this year’s rates rise, the council’s Annual Plan, and the local government reforms that could reshape councils across Aotearoa. Plus, hear a special segment from Max’s interview on ART FM’s The HeARTy Breakfast, where he responds to the question that’s been circulating around town: will he stand for a second term? More of a catch-up than a deep dive, this episode is relaxed, wide-ranging, and full of personality - you’ll even hear about his dog!

This week, we're spilling the tea on what it's actually like to be a first-term councillor. Eight months after being elected to New Plymouth District Council, EJ Barrett joins Taryn for an honest, behind-the-scenes chat. EJ opens up about navigating the personalities around the council table, the privilege and pressure of advocating for disabled people and others whose voices are too often overlooked, and why local democracy matters far more than most of us realise. Honest, funny, and refreshingly candid, this is a very, very human behind-the-scenes look at local politics.

A mayor, a musical, and a long-term plan walk into a podcast... From sequins and spotlights to surveys and strategy, this week’s episode covers a little bit of everything! Taryn catches up with the Mayor of South Taranaki, Phil Nixon, who is fresh from a surprise cameo appearance in Sister Act in Hāwera. They chat about the buzz surrounding the hit musical, before turning their attention to council business. There’s the newly adopted Long Term Plan, the impending local government reform, the community survey that has already attracted more than 700 responses, and some special awards to celebrate the district’s local legends.

One council for Taranaki? Or two? Or perhaps something completely different? It's a question that could shape Taranaki for decades, and this week Taryn Utiger sits down with Stratford mayor Neil Volzke to break it all down. The pair dive into local government reform and the newly launched community surveys. They unpack the options Stratford has on the table, and explore what a single unitary council, or a two-council model, could actually mean for the people who live in Taranaki. They also talk about Stratford Park, the latest on the Awakino Gorge funding announcement, and how the district is preparing to celebrate Puanga. Whether you've already filled out the survey or you're still wondering what on earth a unitary authority actually is, this episode will get you up to speed.