The Panel for Monday 16 March 2026

The Pre-Panel for 16 March 2026

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

 

The Panel with Verity Johnson and Tim Wilson, Part 1
 
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Verity Johnson and Tim Wilson.
 
First up, with the price of petrol ticking over the $3 mark, is now the time to consider a pivot to renewables? Associate Professor Sadiq Zarrouk thinks so - he's the co-director of the Geothermal Institute at Auckland University.

Then, several council-owned fields in Dunedin will be football free this season, as ground fees got too high. Southern Football chief executive Dougal McGowan shares his concerns for local clubs.

 
The Panel with Verity Johnson and Tim Wilson, Part 2
 
In part two, proposed citizen arrest laws are proving unpopular, with the Police Association being the latest to object. President Steve Watt shares his concerns.

Then, a popular car that frequents Taranaki Hospital has been barred from accessing its halls. But a steadily growing petition penned by local Kate Good is aiming to turn that around.

 

 

 

 
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: a legal case against the government began in the High Court in Wellington today. Two climate advocacy groups are claiming the government's plans to tackle climate change are unlawful. Environmental law Professor Vernon Rive explains more about the case, and looks at the effectiveness of similar ones internationally.