The Panel for Wednesday 6 August 2025

The Pre-Panel for 6 August 2025 

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

The Panel with Ali Jones and Scott Campbell Part 1

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Scott Campbell. 

First up, what are your rights if you find your image is being used to promote something you don't agree with? This happened to kuia Ellen Tamati who was mortified to find her image on several billboards funded by lobby group Hobson's Pledge opposing Māori wards, but she actively supports the wards. The Panel discusses with an IP lawyer what the law says about how and where your image can be used without your approval. 

Then: unemployment has risen to its highest level since 2020. The panel breaks down the new stats with Senior Kiwibank Economist, Mary Jo Vergara.

The Panel with Ali Jones and Scott Campbell Part 2

In part two, New Zealand's 33 biggest sports codes have united to oppose a law change they say could threaten the future of grassroots sport. Then The Panel hears from Dunedin councillor Mandy Mayhem who says the new name for the South Dunedin community library is too boring. The name: South Dunedin Community Library 

The Panel Plus

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

Then he's joined by Rory O'Sullivan, our inhouse linguist who is examining the most New Zealand of words: "eh?" Why do we use it? And what makes it special? 

Then continuing from last night's discussion with fashion writer Emma Gleason about 'that' sun of the 90s - found on everything from duvets to album covers. Wallace talks to Fiona who used to design patterns incorporating the sun motif in the 90s!

The Wednesday Politics Panel

It's another hit of the most insightful and sharp 30 minutes in political analysis. Today Wallace is joined by journalist Guyon Espiner, political commentator Grant Duncan and former Labour MP Poto Willams. 

Topics discussed on the show tonight include: a pulse check on the government and the ongoing economic recovery. Is the government playing it well?

The government confirmed it will change the law in a way that will increase the threshold for Māori to win customary rights for part of the coastline, what does this mean for the political climate? 

Insiders say Labour will endorse a capital gains tax - will this win it votes? 

There's a lack of local body candidates, could this have a negative impact on an already decreasing voter turnout?