The Panel for Tuesday 17 February 2026

The Pre-Panel for 17 February 2026

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

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Sally Wenley and David Downs, Part 1  

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sally Wenley and David Downs.

First up, we go to residents affected by the various weather events around the country. In particular we talk to Little River Karleshia Wills whose house is surrounded by water. Then, the government has released a first look at its national infrastructure plan - the plan sets out 16 recommendations, and 10 priorities for the next decade. AUT professor John Tookey at the School of Future Environments assesses the plan.

Chris Bishop. Photo: RNZ/Mark Papalii

The Panel with Sally Wenley and David Downs, Part 2  

In part two, more voices from regions affected by the heavy rain and wind this week - Tony from Pirongia Mountain Vegetables says they have lost a major part of their crops. Then, Professor of Marine Science at Auckland University Andrew Jeffs gives the Panel his reckons on Shane Jones' new ban on taking shellfish from rockpools north of Auckland. Will it work and who is to blame?  

The driveway belonging to Ryan Vicker's parents was scoured by raging floodwaters which took out roads and bridges. Photo: Ryan Vickers

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 with a round up of recent fashion news.

Katie Bourke, founder and owner of Australian activewear label, AROHA. Photo: TikTok, arohaofficial_co