The Panel for Thursday 7 August 2025

The Pre-Panel for 7 August 2025 

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

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Nikki Bezzant and David Downs Part 1

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nikki Bezzant and David Downs

To begin, Wellington councillors have voted against a $7 million fence for the waterfront, after staff advised them to give it the tick without consultation. Then, when is the right time to return to work after having a baby? An Australian sports reporter has copped flack for coming back too early, but Abbey Holmes says that's her call to make.

New graphics reveal what a $7 million project to put safety balustrades on parts of Wellington's waterfront might look like. Photo: Supplied / Wellington City Council

The Panel with Nikki Bezzant and David Downs Part 2

In part two, gone is the petrol tax, say hello to road user charges for everyone. But will that lead to more costs for some drivers? Then, to the mighty Manawatu, where comedic icon Fred Dagg's childhood home is up for sale.

John Clarke as Fred Dagg Photo: John Selkirk

The Panel Plus

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

Then he's joined by Victoria University's Vice Chancellor Nic Smith to discuss the endless stream of questions AI poses to the tertiary sector.

Photo: RNZ