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49 episodes

Neil Volzke: Reform, Reactions & Regional Change
22/07/2026 | 29 mins.
Big decisions are on the table, and Stratford isn't staying quiet. This week, Taryn catches up with Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke to unpack the latest on local government reform and where Stratford sits as the region weighs up its future. They discuss the passionate public forum held in Stratford recently, where speakers voiced opposition to a unitary council and one former mayor even suggested that central government was using bullying tactics to drive change. The conversation also turns to the proposed sale of TSB Bank, what it could mean for Taranaki, as well as the opening of the new East Wing at Taranaki Base Hospital. Three big issues. One candid conversation. A timely catch-up on the decisions shaping Taranaki's future.
Craig Williamson:
15/07/2026 | 29 mins.
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.
Max Brough: Rates, Reform & Rumours
08/07/2026 | 19 mins.
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!
EJ Barrett: Insights of a First-Term Councillor
01/07/2026 | 28 mins.
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.
Phil Nixon: Sequins & Surveys
24/06/2026 | 26 mins.
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.

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About 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 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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