Chris Hipkins, Ayesha Verrall, Dame Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson have refused to front at public hearings for the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response. Are they dodging accountability, or have they answered enough questions?

Also, Kiwirail have paid nearly $150 million to Hyundai over the cancelled iRex ferry deal. Is this better than expected?

To answer those questions, Infrastructure NZ chief executive and former Porirua mayor Nick Leggett and PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.

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Former ministers Chris Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston and Ayesha Verrall have refused to front up for public hearings at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19. Are they ducking for cover, or is there a good reason not to show up?

Also, yesterday Green's co-leader Chloe Swarbrick was 'named' and booted from the house for a week for saying some government MPs needed to “grow a spine” and support her bill. Was this punishment justified?

To answer those questions, Labour’s health and Wellington issues spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall and National’s Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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This week on Music Time, James Irwin takes a look at some big hits that were originally written by a lesser known group - and many of them will surprise you!

Also, Ed Sheeran is coming to New Zealand for five stadium shows - but can he sell out stadiums elsewhere in the world? 

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They are some of the biggest industries affected by a slumping economy, so how are they holding up in 2025? 

Unemployment and inflation have both risen in the latest updates, foot traffic in the Wellington CBD is still down, and both sectors are about to be stung with increased costs as the government bans contactless payment surcharges.

So, how are retail and hospitality operators feeling, and are they hopeful for something of an economic recovery by year's end? 

To answer those questions, Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage and Reatil NZ chief executive Carolyn Young joined Nick Mills for the Business Panel.

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Education Minister Erica Stanford repeatedly tried to brief and seek input from Labour’s education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime about impending NCEA changes  - but Prime and Hipkins refused to meet. Is this what we expect from the opposition? 

Also, the Wellington City Council has voted against a proposal to install fencing along Wellington's waterfront after a recommendation from the coroner. Is this the right call?

To answer those questions, BRG senior consultant and former chief press secretary to Christopher Luxon Hamish Rutherford and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. 

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All Black star Richie Mo’unga will return to New Zealand in 2026, signing with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and the Canterbury Rugby Union. What does his return mean for the All Blacks? 

Also, it's a story of success very few could replicate; going from a roofer playing club rugby to an All Black in the space of 12 months. But that's exactly what Wellington's Kyle Preston has done. How did he do it?

Weekend Sport host Jason Pine and All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper joined Nick Mills for the Friday Sport Kickoff.

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A big party is coming to Wellington's St James Theatre this month.

The acclaimed Mamma Mia musical is taking the stage over August, with the Wellington-based cast performing all of Abba's greatest hits over a two-week season.

Nick was lucky enough to be joined by a very sparkly Donna and the Dynamos in studio to discuss the show and perform a classic Abba tune. 

Mamma Mia is on at the St James Theatre from August 13th to 31st. Tickets from Ticketmaster. 

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The government is hoping to have petrol tax fully scrapped by 2027, with all motorists moving towards paying road user charges per kilometre. But if the idea is that this is cost neutral, what's the point?

Also, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced a raft of changes to the Fisheries Act, but as a former chair of Sealord and someone who has received donations from the industry, is he the right person to be making these decisions?

To answer those questions, Labour's Ohariu MP Greg O'Connor and National's Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. 

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Wellington City Council’s Crown Observer believes Tory Whanau made the right move in deciding not to run for Mayor again. 

Lindsay McKenzie has ended his six month stint after being brought in by the Government last year to be its eyes and ears as the council failed to deliver a long-term plan.  

His final report suggests the capital is facing the same problems as the rest of the country but is steadily progressing. 

McKenzie says the council has effectively solved the problems that were the catalyst for the Ministerial intervention, and the level of cooperation and consideration for each other's views and preferences has increased. 

When it comes to Whanau’s leadership, he told Nick Mills that it’s a tough ask for somebody to come into a mayoral role with no local government experience, especially in the capital city, and it showed. 

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US President Donald Trump has inked an executive order raising tariffs on Kiwi goods from 10% to 15%. What impact will this have on our exporters - and how did Australia get away with staying at 10%?

Also, FBI director Kash Patel was in Wellington this week opening a brand new permanent office. Should Kiwis be concerned about having the FBI in town?

To answer those questions, former Minister and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne and political commentator and Capital director Ben Thomas joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff.

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