Think local politics is boring? Think again. Every Thursday, Taryn Utiger sits down with mayors, council chairs and political guests to dig into what’s really going on. She asks questions about rates, local issues, hot topics, and the future of our towns, and then flips into some fun stuff like hidden gems and who secretly makes the best coffee in the region. It’s smart, unfiltered kōrero with the people running your patch: Max Brough, Craig Williamson, Neil Volzke, and Phil Nixon, served up with humour, heart, and a bit of hometown sass. If you care about Taranaki but can’t stand political snoozefests, this is your weekly dose of insight, banter, and good local stories from around the maunga.
Phil Nixon: $15 Million for Water & 260,000 Milk Bottle Tops! 💧🥛🎉
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! 🥛🙌
21 Oct 2026
Neil Volzke: Waterwater Woes, Scarecrows Trails & Local Government Reform 🚽💧🌾
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! 👀
6 Oct 2026
Max Brough: NZ First, Blind Draws & Local Government Reform
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 🔥
Who has been a guest on Conversations with a Mayor
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Neil Volzke
Phil Nixon
Neil Holdom
Craig Williamson
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
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39
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
27
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