The Panel for Thursday 12 February 2026

The Panel with Verity Johnson and Peter Field, Part 1

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?

The slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui as seen from the air. Photo: Screengrab / Amy Till

The Panel with Verity Johnson and Peter Field, Part 2

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?

Photo: Supplied

The Panel Plus

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.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Photo: Chris Graythen / Getty Images / AFP