The Panel

The Pre-Panel for 2 February 2025

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

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Boopsie Maran and Ed McKnight, Part 1
 
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Boopsie Maran and Ed McKnight.
 
First up, GPs and nurse practitioners can now diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD. But not everyone is convinced this is the right way to tackle the massive backlog on diagnoses. Psychologist Giselle Bahr breaks down her concerns.

Then, school principals are being stripped of their ability to weigh in on the justification of absences. The Government says the approach was inconsistent and too lenient - but the president of the New Zealand Principals' Federation, Jason Miles, says it's not so straightforward.

Photo: 123RF

 
The Panel with Boopsie Maran and Ed McKnight, Part 2
 
In part two, the long-awaited Court Theatre in Christchurch has drawn in excited crowds since opening night - but more than a few have left grumbling about cramped seats and restricted views. Reviewer Sophie Gray gives her two cents.

Then, with the future of Te Huia still unknown, a weekend rally was held to support the train between Hamilton and Auckland. It drew a crowd of hundreds, complete with Mr Whippy. Rail advocate Lindsey Horne joins the show.

Inside the new Court Theatre in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied / Court Theatre

 
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: Louise Williamson (pseudonym) joins Wallace to recount the unnerving experience of watching her husband fall down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole. Her memoir is called My Husband, the Rabbit Hole and Me: When Marriage Became a Cult. 

Louise Williamson (pseudonym) has written a memoir about the unnerving experience of watching her husband become consumed by conspiracy theories. Photo: Louise Williamson