Conversations with a Mayor

From the surf to the future of local government, there’s plenty to talk about in Taranaki! This week, Taryn catches up with Craig Williamson, Chair of the Taranaki Regional Council, starting with a look at what’s happening in the surf world and the latest from Surf Aid before turning to the much bigger question of local government reform. They unpack Craig’s recent opinion piece in The Post and his argument that the Taranaki Regional Council deserves a seat at the table when decisions are being made about the future shape of local government in the region. It’s a lively kōrero about waves, regional voice, and who gets to have a say.

Local government reform is moving fast, and the questions are getting bigger. This week, Taryn catches up with New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough to unpack the latest developments in the future of local government across Taranaki. They dive into the new million-dollar Pathfinder report being led by the New Plymouth District Council and how he plans to get that proposal seen by Central Government. Taryn also asks Max what he thinks about South Taranaki and Stratford choosing to forge ahead together without New Plymouth. If you're trying to make sense of the reform conversation, this episode brings you up to speed on where things stand, and where they could be heading next.

While winter has Taranaki wrapped in frost, there's no sign of things slowing down in South Taranaki! This week, Taryn catches up with South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon for a lively kōrero that spans everything from icy paddocks to the future of the district. They chat about how farmers are getting through the cold snap, the South Taranaki Citizen Awards, the upcoming Te Hāwera Community Board by-election, and also take a whistle-stop tour of the exciting projects taking shape across Pātea, Eltham, Ōpunake and beyond. Phil shares the latest on local government reform, and explains why South Taranaki and Stratford are joining forces for the Headstart Pathway. From the paddocks to the council table, this chat will get you right up to speed on what's happening around South Taranaki.

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.

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.