Conversations with a Mayor

How much should it cost to park in the heart of New Plymouth? And what else is changing around town? 👀🚗 With Mayor Max Brough away sick, Taryn goes solo to catch up on the latest happenings and decisions affecting New Plymouth. The big talking point is CBD parking, including a proposal to change the hourly parking rates and what that might mean for rates, ratepayers, people visiting, and those who visit or work in the city centre 💰🚗 There’s also good news for four-legged city explorers, with dogs being welcomed into parts of the CBD! 🐕 Plus, Taryn checks out community swimming pools, affordable housing developments and a new street art trail bringing more colour to the city! 🎨🏘️ Parking, pooches, pools and plenty happening across New Plymouth. Let's get you up to speed! 🏙️✨

More than $15 million in water upgrades, a massive 260,000 milk bottle tops, and a whole lot happening across South Taranaki! 🔥 Taryn catches up with South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon for a look at some exciting district developments, including new water treatment plants for Ōpunake, Pātea and Waverley 💧Plus, the results are in for the Hāwera Community Board by-election, the Scale Ship Regatta has celebrated 30 years at King Edward Park, and we hear about the winners of the Ronald Hugh Morrison Literary Awards 📚🏆 And how’s this for a community effort.... South Taranaki schools collected a MASSIVE 260,000 milk bottle tops for the Taranaki Milk Top Challenge! 🥛🙌

Wipes, rags and nappies in wastewater ponds? Taranaki, we need to talk! 😳🚽 This week, Taryn catches up with Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke to talk about the LGNZ conference, the pause on local government reform, and how the shift to Local Water Done Well is tracking 💧🏛️ Plus, we hear all about the wonderful Scarecrow Trail and the Stratford District Youth Council 🙌 Big decisions, local initiatives and some seriously questionable things being flushed away! 👀

Was Max Brough asked to stand as a candidate for NZ First? Why did he use a blind draw to pick which of his councillors would go to the LGNZ conference? And will he do it again? 👀 In a frank kōrero, Taryn asks the New Plymouth District Mayor some tough questions on some hot topics, before they dive into emotional intelligence around the council table and what the pause in local government reform could mean for New Plymouth 🏛️Later in the chat Max talks about his role with NZ First as the New Plymouth Electorate Chair, before Taryn straight-out asks if he was shoulder tapped to be a NZ First candidate in this year’s General Election. So, settle in folks, and join us for some uncomfortable questions, unexpected answers, a few lighter moments and some brand-new revelations 🔥

Just when local government reform was gathering pace, Central Government has suddenly hit pause ⏸️🏛️ Taryn catches up with South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon to get his honest thoughts on the unexpected pause to reform process, and find out what could happen next. They also chat about the new lookout at the Pātea Saltmarsh, and and the completion of Stage 2 of the Waverley Town Belt 🌳✨🌿Plus, there’s a look at the South Taranaki Community Awards, the Hāwera Community Board by-election, and what’s happening around the district during the school holidays 🎉🗳️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦