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The Panel for Friday 20 February 2026

The Pre-Panel for 20 February 2026

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 Nalini Baruch and Alan McElroy, Part 1

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nalini Baruch and Alan McElroy. First up, the former Prince Andrew has become the first senior royal in modern times to be arrested. He was taken in under on suspicion of misconduct in public office. It's an extraordinary turn of events in the Epstein saga; a saga that does not want to go away.

Then, Te Huia, the Hamilton-to-Auckland train trial, has been extended to June 2027. Supporters of the trial are happy, but can Te Huia perform well enough to secure its permanent future?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been photographed leaving a UK police station following his arrest on 19 January.

Photo: Screenshot / BBC

The Panel with Nalini Baruch and Alan McElroy, Part 2

In part two, a bicycle and public transport advocate responds to panellist Allan Blackman's concerns about Auckland's Karangahape Road bike lanes being underused. Is it true that no one is using them?

Then, builder and hurling athlete Declan Malone made a generous offering of $3000 worth of gifts to Queenstown’s Lakes District Hospital. Months earlier he'd suffered a massive seizure and was admitted for what turned out to be week long stay receiving treatment. We learn why he wanted to give back AND what the heck is hurling?

Karangahape Road in central Auckland. The image shows the footpath, cycleway and road.

Karangahape Road, with its cycleway. Photo: The Detail/Tom Kitchin