7 Dec 2018

The Panel with Julia Whaipooti and Alan McElroy (Part 2)

From The Panel, 4:05 pm on 7 December 2018

In response to Peta's decision this week to ask people not to use idioms about hurting animals, A British book chain has offered up alternative idioms that don't "trivialis cruelty to book". They include swapping 'cook the books' for 'cook the books a nice dinner' and changing 'hit the books' to 'hug the books'. Meantime a former Saturday Night Live writer has been yanked off stage after telling what some described as offensive jokes. The panelists discuss the line between funny and controversial. What the panellists Julia Whaipooti and Alan McElroy want to talk about. What the panellists Julia Whaipooti and Alan McElroy want to talk about. We've been airing complaints about what couriers charge, and the service they offer - or don't - to people who live even slightly out of town. We've had a huge amount of feedback on the subject from those living at rural addresses. Today we get response from Trade Me about some of the issues listeners have raised. The on-going problem of Warrants of Fitness not being up to standard. Thousands of cars need to be rechecked because certifiers have been suspended. A review is underway into NZTA's failure to enforce safety standards. The agency has admitted to its failings but it's unclear why they occured. Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Ken Shirley shares his thoughts on the issue. Listener reaction to the discussion about Devonport residents trialling a new electric ride-sharing service to take them to the ferry terminal. Many are unhappy the service is subsidised so heavily for the affluent suburb. Real-life neuroscientist, and actress on the Big Bang Theory, Mayim Bialik is in an ad promoting a brand of mattresses. It seems this has spread to actual medical students who are making extra cash being health influencers on instagram. It raises the question of ethics and commerical interests. The panelists tell us if they're concerned by this. Denmark is to put its 'unwanted' people onto a deserted island. These are migrants who are also criminals and rejected asylum seekers who can't be sent home. The plan is to house up to 100 migrants on Lindholm Island in immigrant facilities. The panelists weigh in on the idea. It's been revealed the Government did consider pulling out of the America's Cup over its cost increases. The costs are 20 percent more than originally thought, which will be shared by the Government and Auckland Council. The case has always been argued that the benefits outweigh the costs but economists are sceptical. The panelists tell us if they think it's worth it.