Conversations with a Mayor

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, local government reform, and what’s brewing with the RMA. It’s fun, feisty, and proof that you can talk surf, systems, and the future of our region all in the same breath.

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!

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 could shift who gets heard. Together they explore the long-term impacts on local voice, environmental guardianship, and the partnership with iwi, while also probing whether smarter, more collaborative alternatives are possible. Sharp, honest, and grounded in Taranaki reality, this is essential listening for anyone invested in the future of regional governance.

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.

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.