Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Pikpok has become one of the great success stories of Wellington.
The game developers have hundreds of staff in the city, have expanded to Colombia and craft games played by hundreds of millions all over the world.
CEO and co-founder Mario Wynands tells Nick Mills how the company started from "three mates in a flat" working overtime on their passions to an international sensation.
Wynands says NZ's gaming industry exports are worth $1 billion NZD.
The company started from Wynands and his fellow founders flat, who worked their day jobs from 9am to 6pm then continued past 1am creating their business.
"At the end of the day I'm just kind of the shy, nerdy kid who grew up in the Hutt."
Wynands shares the hard work to make Pikpok into what it is today, what is ahead for the future and why he chooses to continue the business in Wellington.
He describes the changes to the perception of working and living in New Zealand, "we don't have the same magical allure as a country anymore".
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Friday Faceoff this week Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Editor of The Local Jane O'Loughlin.
Starting with the question of the week: Has there been enough accountability for the Wellington City Council's mistakes?
This comes after the latest review showcasing the blunder of the costly library website.
Mayor Baker criticised WCC giving the $600k job to an Auckland company, "keep local jobs local".
Then onto the controversial passing of the Harbour Quays bus lanes. Neither O'Loughlin or Baker were fans. Is it necessary?
Both panellists then called National's announcement to pursue splitting food stuffs "desperation".
Then onto the decision to scrap routine cognitive tests for older drivers, was it the right one?
Plus, our panellists share their thoughts on the Tom Phillips case findings and could they ever split with Wellington later in life?
And as always, hear our panellists' hots and nots from the week.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Friday Sports Kick-off Nick Mills is joined by ZB sports experts Jason Pine and Adam Cooper to wrap the week in sports.
The pressure is on the Warriors for their home semifinal against Newcastle, will they be able to pull through at Eden Park this weekend?
Is this finally the week for the Wellington Lions after a rough season? The team plays Northland at Hnry Stadium tomorrow.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World of WearableArt model/performer and VIP host Shikhia "Shak" Ngatai joins Nick in the studio the morning after WOW's opening night.
After 18 WOW seasons, Shak is well versed in the creative world in the heart of Wellington every year. Nick finds out how it has changed over time - and what keeps her coming back.
The 400+ crew have been working hard, and after weeks of rehearsals, Shak says finally walking out to the full audience is "electric".
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined on the show by Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Ayesha Verrall to debate the biggest political topics of the week.
Including the pursuit to split Foodstuffs. Is this the way to lower grocery prices for Kiwis or weakening a successful New Zealand business?
The move on orders, with new alterations, will go through the House under urgency before the end of the week. Nick asks if the bill is still powerful enough, and will Labour vote it through?
Then the Tom Phillips case review findings, both major parties polling under thirty percent, ACT's idea to freeze minimum wage and should you have to live in New Zealand to be a candidate in the election?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.