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The Panel for Thursday 20 November 2025

The Pre-Panel for 20 November 2025

Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Relaxed smile portrait of Wallace Chapman on grey background

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas, Part 1
 
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas.
 
First up, the government is hitting pause on puberty blockers, saying the medication is unproven and potentially damaging. But some doctors are calling it an "inappropriate overreach of politics into healthcare."

Then, jury duty is enough of a cost on time, but one law lecturer says jurors are taking a financial hit, too. Jurors are paid about $10 an hour, a figure that hasn't changed for over 20 years.

Symbol of law and justice in the empty courtroom, law and justice concept, court

Photo: ikiryo/123RF


The Panel with Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas, Part 2
 
In part two, the government's smartphone ban in schools wasn't met with enthusiasm by everyone, but a new ERO report says it's been a success so far. Stratford High School principal Cameron Stone discusses how it's worked in his school.

Group of young, active people at the night club, party dancing in neon lights.

Photo: Copyright: lustreart


 
The Panel Plus
 
An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where he is joined first by Otago University senior history lecturer Chip Van Dyk. He's been looking into the behaviour of US President Donald Trump, and its resemblance to that of a traditional monarch.

Former US President and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump arrives for a "Commit to Caucus" rally in Clinton, Iowa, on January 6, 2024. (Photo by TANNEN MAURY / AFP)

Photo: TANNEN MAURY / AFP