The new Minister of Auckland is hoping to have a constructive relationship with controversial Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

Michael Wood has been appointed to the new role in Chris Hipkins' Cabinet reshuffle.

The senior minister and Mount Roskill MP was previously an Auckland Council local board member, and is the husband of an Auckland councillor.

He told Kate Hawkesby he'll work alongside the mayor and the councillors, to get things done for the city.

Wood says they need to work together respectfully and professionally.

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The new Minister of Auckland is hoping to have a constructive relationship with controversial Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
Michael Wood has been appointed to the new role in Chris Hipkins' Cabinet reshuffle.
The senior minister and Mount Roskill MP was previously an Auckland Council local board member, and is the husband of an Auckland councillor.
He told Kate Hawkesby he'll work alongside the mayor and the councillors, to get things done for the city.
Wood says they need to work together respectfully and professionally.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Michael Wood: Minister of Auckland says he will work alongside mayor to get things done for the city

More exposure to Asian cultures within our communities is helping expand ties with the region.  

The Asia New Zealand Foundation's latest survey finds more than 60% of members now feel connected to Asian culture in their daily lives.  

Sociologist Paul Spoonley says more young people are considering the region for their OE, when in the past, they'd tend to opt for Europe or Australia. 

He told Francesca Rudkin the destinations are a draw, and people are attracted by the food, the culture, the climate, and the cost.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

More exposure to Asian cultures within our communities is helping expand ties with the region. &nbsp;
The Asia New Zealand Foundation's latest survey finds more than 60% of members now feel connected to Asian culture in their daily lives. &nbsp;
Sociologist Paul Spoonley says more young people are considering the region for their OE, when in the past, they'd tend to opt for Europe or Australia.&nbsp;
He told Francesca Rudkin the destinations are a draw, and people are attracted by the food, the culture, the climate, and the cost. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Paul Spoonley: Massey University Sociologist on the Perceptions of Asia report, Kiwis connection with Asia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6bd4b3d8-e39f-4a5b-b53c-b464018828ab/transcript

There's more scepticism about who'll end up paying for a new LNG terminal. 

The Government's pressing on with plans but scrapping a proposed levy on power bills, intended to pay for the facility. 

It's also announced stronger dry year supply requirements and penalties for gentailers. 

Rewiring Aotearoa Chief Executive Mike Casey told Francesca Rudkin he hopes the facility doesn't get built – especially if the cost falls on gentailers. 

He says it'll be a great outcome for consumers if gentailers are not forced to pay for it, but then the question of where the money comes from remains. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There's more scepticism about who'll end up paying for a new LNG terminal.&nbsp;
The Government's pressing on with plans but scrapping a proposed levy on power bills, intended to pay for the facility.&nbsp;
It's also announced stronger dry year supply requirements and penalties for gentailers.&nbsp;
Rewiring Aotearoa Chief Executive Mike Casey told Francesca Rudkin he hopes the facility doesn't get built – especially if the cost falls on gentailers.&nbsp;
He says it'll be a great outcome for consumers if gentailers are not forced to pay for it, but then the question of where the money comes from remains.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Mike Casey: Rewiring Aotearoa CEO on the Government pushing ahead with the LNG terminal, scrapping the power bill levy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cca4ca35-9492-4ece-a883-b464018568ab/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 10 June.

Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 10 June. 
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 10 June 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a4b4dedd-3d55-4165-bd26-b464012ac2c0/transcript

Michael Wood: Minister of Auckland says he will work alongside mayor to get things done for the city

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