The Panel for Thursday 21 August 2025

The Pre-Panel for 21 August 2025 

Emile Donovan is joined by The Panel host Wallace Chapman and producer Lucy Walker to preview this evening's marlarky.

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Andie McCombs Part 1

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Andie McCombs.

First up, New Zealanders owe an eye-watering 16 billion dollars of student loan debt. The panel hears from special counsel Dave Ananth from law firm Stace Hammond. He says he's had clients so stressed out about the debt that they'd become suicidal or had their marriages break apart.

Then they talk to Otago University Associate Professor Leah Watkins who is the author of a new study that shows children are exposed to the marketing of unhealthy food, alcohol and gambling 76 times every day.

Photo: 123rf

The Panel with Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Andie McCombs Part 2

In part two, eyes turned towards Christchurch as public spaces advocate group Living Streets Aotearoa raises concerns about the recent proposal by the Mayor of Christchurch to remove an on-street, protected cycle lane and replace it with a shared path. 

Photo: Purcell-Holmes

The Panel Plus

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Mark Leishman.

Then Wallace chats to dog behaviourist and trainer Darran Rowe about the best way to keep yourself safe from dog attacks and what to do if it happens.  

Photo: 123RF