Nine To Noon Around the motu: Tom Hunt in Wellington
Nov 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Tom Hunt, a senior journalist at The Post online focusing on Wellington's civic matters, shares intriguing insights into local politics. He reveals how the Wellington City Council lost $3.5 million in carbon trading due to a surprise policy shift. Tom also highlights the contrasting responsiveness of the Hutt Council compared to Wellington and dives into former mayoral candidate Ray Chung's new PR strategy following campaign errors. Additionally, he teases exciting new festivals aimed at revitalizing the local event scene.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Major Tunnel Plans And Town Belt Risk
- NZTA's road plan includes second Mount Vic and Terrace tunnels and major Basin Reserve changes with underpasses rather than flyovers.
- The projects risk controversy by taking town belt land and face funding and election timing uncertainty.
Carbon Trading Exposes Council Speed Limits
- Wellington City Council held carbon credits intending to sell surplus to fund green projects but prices plunged after government changes.
- Trading requires speed and councils lack the agility of markets, causing rapid paper losses.
Limit Exposure In Volatile Markets
- Councils should set conservative risk tolerances before entering volatile markets like carbon trading.
- Lock in gains or define automatic limits to avoid sudden policy-driven price shocks.