The Panel with Ali Jones and Damian Chistie (Part 1)

Embattled minister Clare Curran has resigned, saying the pressure on her had become "intolerable". She'll remain the MP for Dunedin South but Kris Faafoi will take over role as broadcasting minister. The panelists discuss whether there was really any other option for her. Former minister Peter Dunne has suggested that ministers can't be expected to know exactly how to do their job immediately, that they should have more help in the form of training and should be subjected to performance reviews. The panelists discuss whether this is fair or whether ministers shouldknow what's expected of them. Peter Dunne joins The Panel to tell us why he thinks more support is needed. An Auckland officer says his younger colleagues are struggling to make ends meet, in a letter to the police association. It follows the news the police union has rejected an offer of a 2% annual pay rise, for three years. The cost of living appears to be the porblem, particularly in Auckland. We ask the panelists if police need a pay rise, and whether this could impact the Government's goal to have 1800 new officers on the beat. Shane Jones 1 billion dollar provincial fund is facing heat again. It's been revealed a proposed cultural centre in the Northland town of Kawakawa, costing $2.4 million dollars, will only create 3 jobs. Experts have also warned the centre culd actually hurt other business in the town. Shane Jones was told to reject the funding but has steamed ahead. The panelists tell us why they think that is.