Craig Williamson: Waves, Wins & World Stage Surf Energy

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 🎉🗳️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This week, Tracey catches up with Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke for another Conversations with a Mayor — and there’s plenty happening across the district! We hear about the Stratford District Youth Council, which has been championing local youth voices continuously since 2003, and the opportunities it gives rangatahi to build confidence, leadership skills and have a genuine say in their community. They also unpack the proposed local government reforms and what potential changes could mean for Stratford and the wider Taranaki region. Plus, Neil shares the success of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, with 79 young people referred for support this year and every one receiving assistance — including 51 moving into paid work experience. And we look ahead at Council’s planning priorities and the decisions shaping the future of the Stratford District.

A blind draw, a beach ramp that’s dominating social media, and a council relationship under pressure 👀🔥 In a candid kōrero, Taryn is joined by New Plymouth District Councillor Sam Bennett, now in his third term, to unpack three issues making headlines in Taranaki. First up, they look at the blind draw for councillors to attend the LGNZ conference. Sam asks why councillors weren’t selected on merit and why ratepayer money is being spent sending a councillor who previously voted to withdraw the district’s LGNZ membership. Taryn then questions Sam’s working relationship with Mayor Max Brough and the tensions that have emerged between the two, before the focus shifts to the accessibility ramp down to Fitzroy Beach. Is the newly built ramp fit for purpose, or are the concerns about the quality of the construction valid? Will the defects be rectified? 🌊🏗️👀 Join us for three topics, plenty of sparks and one very candid kōrero about life inside New Plymouth District Council 🔥