The Panel

The Pre-Panel for 25 November 2025

Wallace Chapman and producer José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Jo McCarroll and Ian Powell, Part 1
 
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jo McCarroll and Ian Powell.
 
First up, the government is announcing a "serious shake up" of local government today. The announcement is at 5pm and The Panel will have expert analysis with local government commentator Stefan Speller. 

Then, schools have been crying out about the pace of change to the curriculum. The whole thing has been rewritten for years zero to eight, and the updates have been met with enthusiasm from some, and fury from others.

But for Anneta Payne, Principal of Kaitangata Primary in South Otago, the sheer volume of change has pushed her to call time on her career.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. Photo: NZME / LDR

The Panel with Jo McCarroll and Ian Powell, Part 2

In part two, the spread of wilding pines in Southland is fast approaching the point of no return -- that's the warning issued. But funding has been cut, and control efforts have been described as 'treading water'. 

Then, the panel hears about plans to re-establish the Mornington cable car in Dunedin. The Dunedin Heritage Light Rail Trust chairperson Gina Browne outlines their vision.  

Paul Oswald, project manager for the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Group, says in the battle for space conifers will beat out natives every time and fears the invasive species will eventually cover the landscape with a mono culture. Photo: Central Otago Wilding Conifer Group

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, award winning fashion writer Emma Gleason is in studio to discuss "bogan style". What is it and where did it come from?

Photo: RNZ / Jayne Joyce and Jeff McEwan