December 17, 2024 • 9 mins
Porirua could have been in store for a rates rise of more than 10 per cent - but the city's mayor says that could be limited to around half of that after careful spending decisions.
Porirua mayor Anita Baker says the council has been careful how its spent money and made cuts in roles where they weren't needed.
This week Wellington Mornings is catching up with the mayors across the Wellington region. Baker joined Nick Mills to discuss how Porirua has fared over 2024 and what's in store for next year.
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talks ad B.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
This week we're catching up with all the local mayors
around the region to ask how the is gone, how
the city is faring. In Watson Store for twenty twenty five.
This morning, we're joined by Poti. I was going to say,
Wellington mea that she'd love that Adita bake. At least
you could laugh with.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Me Anita morning.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
How are we?
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Oh, I'm good apartment calling you way to be well?
I didn't quite did I, But we're both knew what
I was about to say.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
We're the region.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Gosh, how things in pareru at.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
The moment doing really well. I have to say another
new business last week, the Kima one of seafood factory opened.
You're not seventeen million dollar facility. Potio is rocking for
business at the moment.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Let's talk a little bit about that facility because I
read about that. That's pretty incredible, isn't it?
Speaker 4 (00:58):
Oh unbelievable. Inside the facility, they have all the new
lifting equipment for the staff. I had to lift all
those seafood wracks. The seafood can stay alive, you know.
The muscles can be held there for up to four
weeks in the water. A just beautiful facility, just everything done,
steut of the art.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
What's the mood like? What's the mood? And potty do
a like? Are they you know, are they feeling down?
Are they feeling up?
Speaker 4 (01:21):
No? I think people are feeling up. You know, yes,
people are. Some people are struggling, but people are making
the most of it. Everyone's positive. When I went walking
yesterday and to have the Center photo with my grandson
and the mall, everyone was happy talking. So people are upbeat,
you know, we know things are but we're working through it.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
How was the moors are busy?
Speaker 4 (01:40):
It wasn't too bad. Center was first in the curious,
so he was okay. But there were people doing shopping
and just generally walking around in a fruit court, so
it seems busy.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Did they take your photo with an eyePhone? Apparently there's
one one down south. They're taking the photo with eye
an iPhone and charging twenty dollars and everyone's up in arms.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
I couldn't believe that we could use our own phone
as well. But they took photos of theirs and produced
them with a minute. It was unbelievable. So I wasn't
arguing with my sons from Australia. So he doesn't want
how nice?
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Does it feel good to you? Does it feel Christmas?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Feel good to you? After what we've been through? We
had a couple of hard years, haven't we.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
Let's be real, we have had a couple of hard years.
It's a bit tough for the countlor at the moment.
We lost one of our staff members yesterday suddenly unexpectedly.
So that is a struggle, I have to say from Natyawer.
So it's Tusser family and Funner who lose people at
this time of year?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Oh, that's terrible. Can we say who it is? Or
you want to keep that one?
Speaker 4 (02:33):
You? No? No, Steve Kenney everybody knows him, very well
known resident, everybody loved him, our Eli rep and just
an awesome man. You know, leaves behind a younger family.
So it's always hard, you know, it's a mom you
think of those people, especially.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
At Christmas time. We all think of those people. What
about your rates?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
I don't want to go on from the sad loss
to another said loss, but your rates?
Speaker 3 (02:56):
What are the rates liking potido at the.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
Moment we've started off the annual pan at eleven. I
think we're down to six point seven five. We're trying
to go a bit lower. Yeah, struggle. Yeah, what six
point five.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
They're in a struggle. That's a gold mine.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
Well compared to we did seventeen point five last year.
It really depends on how much more we vest invest
into water. But we know our residents are pushed and
we just we just can't keep doing it to them.
So we have cut back internally, you know, with staff,
haven't replaced people, and with cut budgets and things like that.
So we're going out on what else we can cut.
But we can't keep doing thirteen or seventeen percent because
(03:33):
we won't have anyone living here.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
What do you stand for Wellington next time? The next
election if you can get to six points. We imagine
Wellington people if they got told their increase was going
to be six plus six percent, that would be over.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
The moon, wouldn't they.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Yeah, it's water investment and things like that, and I
mean they're putting so much into things that we don't,
you know, into their cycle ways and things. We just
don't do that. So you can't really compare us.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Now we keep hearing the potator and the new you know,
the new suburbs and the great suburbs. You've got paramatter implemented,
and some of your your suburbs as well that are
doing really really well. Properties and developed things, people that
developers are building things. It's really become a popular place
to move to, hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Oh it has a teas growth and emplymous and farms
which has got consent. But our bolding consents are slow,
like people are still not building. The developers are slow
because they've got to sell what they half of them
normally before they lift, so everything is still slow. But
the fast track consent for Plumbton, Engenina working popular a
bay end. They've started their subdivision, so we do have
(04:33):
lots of subdivisions, a couple of what beef So it's
all full steam ahead, but not like it was four
or five years ago.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
What about that big development that Mark Madams and Alan
Shankston and Portido, How did that go?
Speaker 3 (04:44):
How did that end up?
Speaker 4 (04:45):
That's really good. They've had an issue with the cost
of the rates because when we did it, it wasn't
done as a separate facility with the little units, so
we've been having discussion about rates with them because it's
a great facility. We've been through it and it's absolutely awesome.
They've still got a piece of saale, but it is
brilliant right in the heartest city. Great for people with lockups.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Now I know both those guys, and I wouldn't want
to negotiate buying a coffee off one of those two guys.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
That would be a tough That's going to be a
tough job for you, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
No, they're very reasonable and we can totally understand that.
You know, when you realize what you were getting from it,
and then by the time that body corporates and things
like that, totally understand where they're coming from. So we'll
have to look at that going forward when we do
a new lates policy. So totally, you know, understand what
they're talking about.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
New business. You've talked about the fisheries and we've all
read about them, and it's a great innovative business for
your sitting. What else is happening. You've got that food
caught coming in that beautiful.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
Building Kaitahi's open. Yes, Freeman roofing move that's a huge
factory and you can't forget Whittakers who are doing an
expansion so they'll be double a size, and there's just
so many other businesses opening. You know, our coffee shops
are still doing really well, so you know, people may
be not buying as much when they go, they may
share something rather than buy two things, but people are
(06:01):
still going out and they're still supporting local.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
A Hills hat still out there. I'm trying to find
some hats to through something. Let's get well into a
go and the.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Hut are there.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
I'm sure they're for Tony. They've left you, they left
a long time ago. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
More Wilson still out.
Speaker 4 (06:19):
There, absolutely, And that's where I get on my seafood
song because that comes straight from more honor to their
so beautiful seafood.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
What's your council going to look like at the end
of next year? Are you? Are they all going to
stand again? I'm not.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
I'll get to you in a minute, but how are
you feeling about your council next the next election?
Speaker 3 (06:36):
It's coming up in eight months time. Really, it's nearly here.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
It's not yet, it's not long. I think I'm not
sure there'll be many changes. I think they're all keen
to stand. They're all doing really well and they're support
of Dunch, so you know, I can't see why they
would wouldn't be running again. I'm not sure. I haven't
heard from anybody.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Well, then the drum roll.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
I'm going to ask you, because I've asked everyone else,
are you going to stand for to be mere PORI
at the election?
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (07:00):
Absolutely, there's still too much to do. We're still working
through that margat motion discussion. We had the news yesterday
of MVTA taking over TG, so hopefully we'll be able
to get the mobile surface up and running on that
because when you're on the on TG you can't take
phone calls. The cell coverage is terrible. So I'm going
to write to them to hopefully get that up and running.
(07:21):
So there's still lots to do in Potta, and I
loved living here, so of course someone again three years.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
I mean, I think that you're amazing and you know,
I've got a lot of time for you, and I've
got a lot of time for what the way that
you do your job and as Potter doing maya.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
But do you need a break? Is that tough on you?
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Oh, it's tough, but you get used to it, and
people are really nice, and yes people can be shitty,
but actually just take it as it is. You know,
I'm born and bred here and I love my city
and I get a break. I've got a deputy mayor
who helps me, and my counsel has helped me a
fantastic ce and I love my city, so why would
I not do it?
Speaker 3 (07:55):
Good on you, Good on you. What are you doing
for Christmas?
Speaker 4 (07:59):
I've got my son has arrived two days ago with
my grandson who I've only just met. He's nearly five
months and so there here they leaves on the twenty
fourth Christmas Day. I'm working down at the arena doing
the lunch for the less fortunate, and Paul's popping off
to see his mum and tearing her. She's ninety eight,
So we're in separate places, but we're both doing the
right thing at the moment. And then in January popping
(08:21):
up there to see Greenschilds for a week and he's
doing some bowls. So be home. I'm back at work
on the thirteenth. I'm available anytime because I answered the
phone in my email, so if anyone wants to be
even know where I am.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
I need to give me a yell. On Christmas Day.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
I've got a Christmas lunch for family, but I'm available
all afternoon, so if you need to help hand out
it there, I'd love.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
To come out and help.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
I mean, I grew up in Linden, so I love
the area. If I can help in any way, just
you've got my number, give me a ring and I'll
zoop out there and give you give you a set
of hands for nothing on Christmas afternoon.
Speaker 4 (08:52):
I think Allen's pretty organized. The arena team do a
great job. It's pretty slick, so you're looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
She's probably listening. She's probably listening and texting me as
we speak. Nick, I need a rubbish to collect her,
so you're it. She'll definitely be doing that.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Seem way well. It's a great thing to do for
people who you know, who don't have family or anything,
so it's always nice and they always do it really well.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
One hundred.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
They don't do it well. They do it legendary. They
do really really well. And it's lovely talking to you.
Thank you for all you do for our areas. We
love having you on the show, pleasure, We love having
you on the show and you're always available, which is great.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Have a good one.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Well, Merry Christmas to you and your team because they
do an awesome job and I just love listening to
the ball.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Thank you, have a good one.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talks ad B.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
This week we're catching up with all the local mayors
around the region to ask how the is gone, how
the city is faring. In Watson Store for twenty twenty five.
This morning, we're joined by Poti. I was going to say,
Wellington mea that she'd love that Adita bake. At least
you could laugh with.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Me Anita morning.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
How are we?
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Oh, I'm good apartment calling you way to be well?
I didn't quite did I, But we're both knew what
I was about to say.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
We're the region.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Gosh, how things in pareru at.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
The moment doing really well. I have to say another
new business last week, the Kima one of seafood factory opened.
You're not seventeen million dollar facility. Potio is rocking for
business at the moment.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Let's talk a little bit about that facility because I
read about that. That's pretty incredible, isn't it?
Speaker 4 (00:58):
Oh unbelievable. Inside the facility, they have all the new
lifting equipment for the staff. I had to lift all
those seafood wracks. The seafood can stay alive, you know.
The muscles can be held there for up to four
weeks in the water. A just beautiful facility, just everything done,
steut of the art.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
What's the mood like? What's the mood? And potty do
a like? Are they you know, are they feeling down?
Are they feeling up?
Speaker 4 (01:21):
No? I think people are feeling up. You know, yes,
people are. Some people are struggling, but people are making
the most of it. Everyone's positive. When I went walking
yesterday and to have the Center photo with my grandson
and the mall, everyone was happy talking. So people are upbeat,
you know, we know things are but we're working through it.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
How was the moors are busy?
Speaker 4 (01:40):
It wasn't too bad. Center was first in the curious,
so he was okay. But there were people doing shopping
and just generally walking around in a fruit court, so
it seems busy.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Did they take your photo with an eyePhone? Apparently there's
one one down south. They're taking the photo with eye
an iPhone and charging twenty dollars and everyone's up in arms.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
I couldn't believe that we could use our own phone
as well. But they took photos of theirs and produced
them with a minute. It was unbelievable. So I wasn't
arguing with my sons from Australia. So he doesn't want
how nice?
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Does it feel good to you? Does it feel Christmas?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Feel good to you? After what we've been through? We
had a couple of hard years, haven't we.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
Let's be real, we have had a couple of hard years.
It's a bit tough for the countlor at the moment.
We lost one of our staff members yesterday suddenly unexpectedly.
So that is a struggle, I have to say from Natyawer.
So it's Tusser family and Funner who lose people at
this time of year?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Oh, that's terrible. Can we say who it is? Or
you want to keep that one?
Speaker 4 (02:33):
You? No? No, Steve Kenney everybody knows him, very well
known resident, everybody loved him, our Eli rep and just
an awesome man. You know, leaves behind a younger family.
So it's always hard, you know, it's a mom you
think of those people, especially.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
At Christmas time. We all think of those people. What
about your rates?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
I don't want to go on from the sad loss
to another said loss, but your rates?
Speaker 3 (02:56):
What are the rates liking potido at the.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
Moment we've started off the annual pan at eleven. I
think we're down to six point seven five. We're trying
to go a bit lower. Yeah, struggle. Yeah, what six
point five.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
They're in a struggle. That's a gold mine.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
Well compared to we did seventeen point five last year.
It really depends on how much more we vest invest
into water. But we know our residents are pushed and
we just we just can't keep doing it to them.
So we have cut back internally, you know, with staff,
haven't replaced people, and with cut budgets and things like that.
So we're going out on what else we can cut.
But we can't keep doing thirteen or seventeen percent because
(03:33):
we won't have anyone living here.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
What do you stand for Wellington next time? The next
election if you can get to six points. We imagine
Wellington people if they got told their increase was going
to be six plus six percent, that would be over.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
The moon, wouldn't they.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Yeah, it's water investment and things like that, and I
mean they're putting so much into things that we don't,
you know, into their cycle ways and things. We just
don't do that. So you can't really compare us.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Now we keep hearing the potator and the new you know,
the new suburbs and the great suburbs. You've got paramatter implemented,
and some of your your suburbs as well that are
doing really really well. Properties and developed things, people that
developers are building things. It's really become a popular place
to move to, hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Oh it has a teas growth and emplymous and farms
which has got consent. But our bolding consents are slow,
like people are still not building. The developers are slow
because they've got to sell what they half of them
normally before they lift, so everything is still slow. But
the fast track consent for Plumbton, Engenina working popular a
bay end. They've started their subdivision, so we do have
(04:33):
lots of subdivisions, a couple of what beef So it's
all full steam ahead, but not like it was four
or five years ago.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
What about that big development that Mark Madams and Alan
Shankston and Portido, How did that go?
Speaker 3 (04:44):
How did that end up?
Speaker 4 (04:45):
That's really good. They've had an issue with the cost
of the rates because when we did it, it wasn't
done as a separate facility with the little units, so
we've been having discussion about rates with them because it's
a great facility. We've been through it and it's absolutely awesome.
They've still got a piece of saale, but it is
brilliant right in the heartest city. Great for people with lockups.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Now I know both those guys, and I wouldn't want
to negotiate buying a coffee off one of those two guys.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
That would be a tough That's going to be a
tough job for you, isn't it.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
No, they're very reasonable and we can totally understand that.
You know, when you realize what you were getting from it,
and then by the time that body corporates and things
like that, totally understand where they're coming from. So we'll
have to look at that going forward when we do
a new lates policy. So totally, you know, understand what
they're talking about.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
New business. You've talked about the fisheries and we've all
read about them, and it's a great innovative business for
your sitting. What else is happening. You've got that food
caught coming in that beautiful.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
Building Kaitahi's open. Yes, Freeman roofing move that's a huge
factory and you can't forget Whittakers who are doing an
expansion so they'll be double a size, and there's just
so many other businesses opening. You know, our coffee shops
are still doing really well, so you know, people may
be not buying as much when they go, they may
share something rather than buy two things, but people are
(06:01):
still going out and they're still supporting local.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
A Hills hat still out there. I'm trying to find
some hats to through something. Let's get well into a
go and the.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Hut are there.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
I'm sure they're for Tony. They've left you, they left
a long time ago. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
More Wilson still out.
Speaker 4 (06:19):
There, absolutely, And that's where I get on my seafood
song because that comes straight from more honor to their
so beautiful seafood.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
What's your council going to look like at the end
of next year? Are you? Are they all going to
stand again? I'm not.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
I'll get to you in a minute, but how are
you feeling about your council next the next election?
Speaker 3 (06:36):
It's coming up in eight months time. Really, it's nearly here.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
It's not yet, it's not long. I think I'm not
sure there'll be many changes. I think they're all keen
to stand. They're all doing really well and they're support
of Dunch, so you know, I can't see why they
would wouldn't be running again. I'm not sure. I haven't
heard from anybody.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Well, then the drum roll.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
I'm going to ask you, because I've asked everyone else,
are you going to stand for to be mere PORI
at the election?
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (07:00):
Absolutely, there's still too much to do. We're still working
through that margat motion discussion. We had the news yesterday
of MVTA taking over TG, so hopefully we'll be able
to get the mobile surface up and running on that
because when you're on the on TG you can't take
phone calls. The cell coverage is terrible. So I'm going
to write to them to hopefully get that up and running.
(07:21):
So there's still lots to do in Potta, and I
loved living here, so of course someone again three years.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
I mean, I think that you're amazing and you know,
I've got a lot of time for you, and I've
got a lot of time for what the way that
you do your job and as Potter doing maya.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
But do you need a break? Is that tough on you?
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Oh, it's tough, but you get used to it, and
people are really nice, and yes people can be shitty,
but actually just take it as it is. You know,
I'm born and bred here and I love my city
and I get a break. I've got a deputy mayor
who helps me, and my counsel has helped me a
fantastic ce and I love my city, so why would
I not do it?
Speaker 3 (07:55):
Good on you, Good on you. What are you doing
for Christmas?
Speaker 4 (07:59):
I've got my son has arrived two days ago with
my grandson who I've only just met. He's nearly five
months and so there here they leaves on the twenty
fourth Christmas Day. I'm working down at the arena doing
the lunch for the less fortunate, and Paul's popping off
to see his mum and tearing her. She's ninety eight,
So we're in separate places, but we're both doing the
right thing at the moment. And then in January popping
(08:21):
up there to see Greenschilds for a week and he's
doing some bowls. So be home. I'm back at work
on the thirteenth. I'm available anytime because I answered the
phone in my email, so if anyone wants to be
even know where I am.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
I need to give me a yell. On Christmas Day.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
I've got a Christmas lunch for family, but I'm available
all afternoon, so if you need to help hand out
it there, I'd love.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
To come out and help.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
I mean, I grew up in Linden, so I love
the area. If I can help in any way, just
you've got my number, give me a ring and I'll
zoop out there and give you give you a set
of hands for nothing on Christmas afternoon.
Speaker 4 (08:52):
I think Allen's pretty organized. The arena team do a
great job. It's pretty slick, so you're looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
She's probably listening. She's probably listening and texting me as
we speak. Nick, I need a rubbish to collect her,
so you're it. She'll definitely be doing that.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Seem way well. It's a great thing to do for
people who you know, who don't have family or anything,
so it's always nice and they always do it really well.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
One hundred.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
They don't do it well. They do it legendary. They
do really really well. And it's lovely talking to you.
Thank you for all you do for our areas. We
love having you on the show, pleasure, We love having
you on the show and you're always available, which is great.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Have a good one.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Well, Merry Christmas to you and your team because they
do an awesome job and I just love listening to
the ball.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Thank you, have a good one.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!