The Panel for Thursday 31 July 2025

The Pre-Panel for 31 July 2025 

Jesse Mulligan is joined by The Panel host Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest to preview this evening's marlarky.

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Holly Bennett and Tim Batt Part 1

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Holly Bennett and Tim Batt.

Starting off, the Panel discusses whether New Zealand needs it's own FBI office or not; they examine the role of the emergency mobile alert during the Russian tsunami yesterday, is three alerts too much? And they hear from a digital wellbeing expert about the move in Australia to ban under 16 year-olds from YouTube: should we follow suit in Aotearoa? 

Photo: 123RF

The Panel with Holly Bennett and Tim Batt Part 2

The Panel talks to safety campaigner Geoff Upson who says there are too many speed humps in Manuwera and the town risks being known as "hump town". They then pay homage to the national treasure that is the Taranaki Star. The community newspaper delivers its last print edition today after 145 years of service - we talk to Cliff Hunt who worked at the paper for 47 years. 

Mt Taranaki in June. Photo: Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

The Panel Plus

 An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. 

Then Wallace is joined by Scott Weatherall, a member of the Saddle Hill community board for 24 years. He is stepping down and wants to make sure other passionate community advocates follow in his footsteps.

Photo: RNZ / Isra'a Emhail