RNZ: The Panel

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Wayne Mapp, Andrea Vance and Grant Duncan. On the block for discussion tonight: the government's move-on policy for rough sleepers; should politicians use X?; the defence minister Judith Collins halts a NZDF bicultural programme, and the government quietly dropped it's quarterly action plans - otherwise known as "dashboard crap" by one Winston Peters.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: our in-house linguist Rory O'Sullivan is back and tonight he asks: what's the hardest language to learn?

In part two, as a toddler Nathan Kim moved to New Zealand from South Korea. he grew up in New Zealand but never really felt he belonged. He faced racism and an identity crisis, and it's a journey he's been documenting on Instagram. Then, plenty of us dump old clothes on op shops, leaving them with tonnes of costly, un-sellable products. But one exciting new way to repurpose them is taking shape in Northland. The local environmental hub is shredding up the fabric and turning it into mattresses.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jennie Moreton and Simon Wilson. First up, yet another health data breach in NZ: health portal MediMap. Live patients were labelled as dead, and people's names changed to "Charlie Kirk". The Panel talks to Callum McMenamin, a digital standards consultant and disabled accessibility advocate. Then, should kids be cycling on footpaths? Many already do, but the government is looking to formalise this as part of a raft of road rule changes.

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel,

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: design historian Michael Smythe is back in studio to discuss another kiwi nugget. This time: Phil & Ted's Baby Buggies.

In part two, when it comes to the government's changes to the Equal Pay Act, you can't go past these words: a 'flagrant and significant abuse of power.' That's a description of the process parliament followed, when the changes were passed under urgency. That prompted the formation of the People's Select Committee on Pay Equity, which did it's own consultation on the changes. Former Women's Affairs minister Steve Chadwick served on the committee and joins the Panel. Then, Craig Piner is the chief fire officer in Richmond, outside of Nelson, he's marking 27 years of volunteer service. The Panel salutes him and all volunteers everywhere.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Eve McCallum and Andie McCombs. First up, we return to the issue of dog control, as pressure builds for government intervention to avoid fatal dog attacks. Then, after being swamped with correspondence on the issue, the CEO of Water NZ is on the show to answer once and for all: should you run your tap before pouring yourself a nice glass of water?

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: the new BBC adaptation of William Golding's 1954 novel Lord of the Flies got Alexander Howard thinking. The senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney says the original book took its lessons from Hitler's Germany and sasy it has resonances for us today.

In part two, columnist Martin van Beynen says it's a national disgrace that after 15 years Cathedral Square is still a building site. Then, Wellington Volunteer Fire Support has offered to help clean the outside of houses affected by the recent storms. The Panel hears more about this lovely community imitative to help people who can't do the cleanup themselves.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Penny Ashton and Peter Field. First up, the government has just announced a policy to give more power to Police to move on rough sleepers. The Panel talks to Paul Gilberd, CEO of Community Housing Aotearoa. Then, Parliament says it will no longer post on X (former known as Twitter). What does this mean for official communications from the government? Is X just simply dead? The Panel talks to social media strategist Anna Rawhiti-Connell.

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.

In part two, a bicycle and public transport advocate responds to panellist Allan Blackman's concerns about Auckland's Karangahape Road bike lanes being underused. Is it true that no one is using them? Then, builder and hurling athlete Declan Malone made a generous offering of $3000 worth of gifts to Queenstown's Lakes District Hospital. Months earlier he'd suffered a massive seizure and was admitted for what turned out to be week long stay receiving treatment. We learn why he wanted to give back AND what the heck is hurling?

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nalini Baruch and Alan McElroy. First up, the former Prince Andrew has become the first senior royal in modern times to be arrested. He was taken in under on suspicion of misconduct in public office. It's an extraordinary turn of events in the Epstein saga; a saga that does not want to go away. Then, Te Huia, the Hamilton-to-Auckland train trial, has been extended to June 2027. Supporters of the trial are happy, but can Te Huia perform well enough to secure its permanent future?

Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: as the battle rages on to bring Jeffrey Epstein's victims justice, the sad reality is, the crime of child sexual exploitation continues around the globe. Conrad Townson is the principal advisor of child sexual exploitation at Project Paradigm in Australia.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Zoe George and Conor English. First up, the government has slashed plans for new homes in Auckland by half a million after strong public feedback. Character Coalition chair Sally Hughes shares her reaction. Then, new employment rules will limit personal grievance payouts for those earning more than $200k. It this fair? Auckland University employment law expert Simon Schofield joins the panel.

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.

Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Jonathan Milne, and Chris Carter. First, with an intense string of storms hitting the country already this year, is it time to take politics out of weather planning? Then, the first National Infrastructure Plan poses a similar question. The panel take a look at a not-so-fringe political party in Australia that has risen astronomically in the polls, before assessing Labour's involvement (or lack thereof) in the government's negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement with India.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: resident linguist Rory O'Sullivan shares his hot take on a new piece of research that suggests that childhood exposure to a language is not necessary in order to absorb correct phonology.

In part two, the government is cracking down on so-called double dippers of welfare funding. The Ministry of Social Development will be able to claw back payments when someone is backpaid for an ACC claim. Advocate Kay Brereton gives her reaction. Then, an annual Dunedin book fair is set to draw in loyal fans this weekend - volunteer Oliver Harman previews the Regent Theatre 24 Hour Book Sale.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jo McCarroll and David Farrar. First up, a flood-stricken vegetable grower in Pirongia has his community behind him, who've set up a Givealittle. Organiser and Farmers Markets NZ Chair Jono Walker joins the show. Then, Northland has had its third fatal dog attack in a year. Dog behaviourist Darren Rowe takes a look at this tragic situation, and what needs to change to get roaming dogs under control.

Wallace Chapman and producer Lucy Walker preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: award winning fashion writer Emma Gleason is in studio with a round up of recent fashion news.

In part two, more voices from regions affected by the heavy rain and wind this week - Tony from Pirongia Mountain Vegetables says they have lost a major part of their crops. Then, Professor of Marine Science at Auckland University Andrew Jeffs gives the Panel his reckons on Shane Jones' new ban on taking shellfish from rockpools north of Auckland. Will it work and who is to blame?

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sally Wenley and David Downs. First up, we go to residents affected by the various weather events around the country. In particular we talk to Little River Karleshia Wills whose house is surrounded by water. Then, the government has released a first look at its national infrastructure plan - the plan sets out 16 recommendations, and 10 priorities for the next decade. AUT professor John Tookey at the School of Future Environments assesses the plan.

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: Professor Hrvoje Tkalcic is the Director of the Warramunga Seismic & Infrasound Facility in Australia. It's one of the most sensitive nuclear detection facilities on Earth and after the expiration of the only remaining US-Russia nuclear treaty earlier this month, the New START treaty, its work is even more important than ever.

In part two, there's moves to ban car access to the northern coast of Ruakaka. The Panel talks to a local who says if they remove his vehicle from the beach, it will fundamentally alter his family's way of life. Then, the government has announced that there will be a State of Origin match in New Zealand. RNZ producer and newsreader Tama Muru is a massive State of Origin fan and he'll be in studio to celebrate.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Georgie Stylianou and Ed McKnight. First up, yet another weather event has hit the North Island. The Panel talks to affected residents of Otorohanga and Wellington. Then, in Australia, One Nation, for the first time in its 29-year history, is polling above 20 per cent nationally and is ahead of the combined vote of the Liberal and National parties. The Panel talks to political scientist Jill Sheppard.

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.

In part two, the last piece of nuclear arms control still in place between the US and Russia has now lapsed. Nuclear weapons testing may be restarted as a result - is this something we want to see return? Then, a US hitchhiker travelling the world says New Zealand is THE best country to hitchhike in. We hear why.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Holly Bennett and Richard Pamatatau. First up, Clifton Motor Camp in Hawke's Bay is evacuated due to the extreme risk of major landslide. The panel are talk to Keith, long-time Haumoana resident Keith Newman, who knows the site and the community well. Then, we check in with Tairawhiti Civil Defence to see how the region is faring under a orange heavy rain warning. Finally, Max Rashbrooke, senior research fellow in the School of Government at Victoria University chats with the panel about the large multinational company Veolia charged with running the now infamous Moa Point treatment plant. They've had similar issues in the past in other countries, should critical infrastructure be run by overseas companies?

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: Bad Bunny tore up the halftime Superbowl show this week. Donald Trump hated it, our guest Gamaliel Ramos Oliver loved it. He's written about how the performance was about making a point about who gets to claim the name America.

In part two, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown pulled a stunt in protest at the incoming ceiling on rates - putting on his so-called 'rates cap' during discussions of the topic. Christchurch councillors approved their draft annual plan this week. How re they faring with the rates cap breathing down their neck? Then, Hannah is on a mission to find love after ditching the dating apps. just how difficult is it to meet potential paramours?

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Verity Johnson and Peter Field. First up, the Government has confirmed it will hold its own inquiry into the Bay of Plenty landslides. A risk assessment expert examines what the terms of reference should be and if anything will come of it. Then, the government says a Liquefied Natural Gas import facility in Taranaki will save New Zealanders about $265 million a year. hang on, says our guest, shouldn't the power companies be paying for this?

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Lillian Hanly, Guyon Espiner and former labour MP Poto Williams. On the show today: Is it a levy or a tax? Has the Government got the messaging right about the plan to build a 1-billion-dollar LNG import facility? Then, the retail crime advisory group has had its plug pulled after three of its five members walked away. Was it a folly or did it get the job done? And finally, The Post journalist Andrea Vance has suggested MPs who use X are engaged in a form of tacit endorsement in the sharing of child sex abuse material. Is she right?

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: our in-house linguist Rory O'Sullivan asks: what is YOUR love language?

In part two, Gertjan Verdickt is a senior finance lecturer at Auckland University, he reckons we should do away with Lotto and install something more akin to public bonds. Then, the Panel talks to Rachel Grunwell, a personal trainer who's run about a hundred events - from Round the Bays to marathons all over the world. She ahs her tips to tackle the fast approaching Round the Bays races.