The Panel for Thursday 23 October 2025

The Panel with Ed McKnight and Niki Bezzant, Part 1
 
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by Ed McKnight and Niki Bezzant
 
First up, a whip around on the extreme weather affecting the lower North Island and South island, including Helen who had her yurt destroyed by a falling tree.  

Then, over 100,000 public servants including nurses, teachers and others have walked off the job as part of the "megastrike". The Panel talks to the union for counsellors about why their members that work in schools have joined the strike.

Finally, the Panel talks to Autism New Zealand chief executive Dane Dougan about the extraordinary case in the UK where the family of an autistic man in England is appalled that the supermarket he volunteers for refused to pay him when it was requested. Could it happen here? 

Helen Ngawhau's yurt was crushed by a falling pine tree in Oxford, North Canterbury. Photo: Helen Ngawhau

 
The Panel with Ed McKnight and Niki Bezzant, Part 2
 
In part two, it's to Wairarapa and an update for the weather event there.

Then, marine safety experts are warning the government's new Cook Strait ferries will be too big to safely cross the current route to Picton.

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve Photo: Haritina Mogoșanu

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: Wallace who talks to Victor who witnessed a Mainfreight truck overturn in the gale force winds. 

Followed closely by a look at why people insist on being polite to AI. Why do we do it? And is there a danger in treating our digital tools like humans? 

Mainfreight trailer tipped over in South Dunedin industrial area. Photo: Supplied/Victor Billot