Ben Thomas
60 years of Kiwi telly: The highlights
As part of celebrating 60 years of Kiwi telly, the Panel looks back at some of the best moments, including the introduction of 'Chloe from Wainiuomata' to our screens - and those famous slippers. Audio
Otago University release Covid-19 modelling study
Otago University researchers estimate New Zealand could be Covid-19 free in a matter of weeks if there are no new detected cases in the meantime. Audio
Queens Honours list recipients celebrated
The Panel discusses the just released Queen's Honours list, which includes Dr Karen Poutasi, for services to education and the state, and Dr Tessa Duder, for services to literature. Audio
Today in music history for 2 June 2020
In this day in 1981, Prince made his live British debut at The Lyceum Ballroom, London. Audio
NZ safe driving report finds risky driving behaviours
A NZ safe driving report by global comparison site Finder has delivered an interesting snapshot of New Zealanders driving habits. Audio
George Floyd's death by cop: US riots continue
Protests continue across the US in response George Floyd, 46, died as a policeman knelt on his neck with Floyd groaning "please, I can't breathe" and "don't kill me". Minneapolis resident Tanya… Audio
The Panel with Michele A'Court and Ben Thomas (Part 2)
Today in music history for 2 June 2020; Queens Honours list recipients celebrated; Otago researchers estimate could be just weeks before NZ Covid-19 free; 60 years of Kiwi telly: The highlights. Audio
The Panel with Michele A'Court and Ben Thomas (Part 1)
George Floyd's death by cop: US riots continue; NZ safe driving report finds risky driving behaviours. Audio
What the Panellists are thinking
Panellists Michele A'Court and Ben Thomas share what they've been thinking about. Audio
The Story of the Day with Robert Kelly
Microsoft is running a trial programme replacing journalists with machines and algorithms. Audio
Muller set to announce new-look National caucus
National's new leader Todd Muller will reveal his new look caucus at 2pm.
Discussions about portfolio changes and new rankings were held over the weekend, following the defeat of Simon Bridges as… Audio
Todd Muller is the new Leader of The National Party
Commentator Ben Thomas joins us to look back on a very big day for The National Party. Audio
Colmar Brunton poll had a 'clarifying effect' on National MPs - Commentator
Simon Bridges and Todd Muller will face off at midday after Muller made clear he intends to challenge Bridges for the leadership of the National Party.
MPs were called back to Wellington for the vote… Audio
Leadership for National Party - the Bridges and Muller battle
It's D-Day for National but just who's in the firing line won't be clear until this afternoon with both Simon Bridges and Todd Muller both saying they have the numbers to lead the party. Last night's… Audio
Labour surges ahead in new poll
All eyes are on leader of the National Party Simon Bridges after a devastating poll which shows Labour surging ahead.
In a Newshub Reid-Research poll released last night, Labour is on 56.5 percentage… Audio
2020 Budget different to any before
The Budget that Finance Minister, Grant Robertson, will deliver this afternoon will be like none before.
The Budget is largely an economic rescue package called 'Rebuilding Together', yet the… Audio
What are the politics of such a massive decision as this?
Tim Watkin has written a very intesting piece on the Pundit website. Audio
Hospitality industry reaction to alert level announcement
The chief executive of Hospitality New Zealand, Julie White, talks to The Panel about what today's alert level announcement means for them. Audio
Teachers react to alert level announcement
Auckland Secondary School Principals Association president, Richard Dykes, talks to the panel about today's alert level announcement means for schools. Audio
The Panel with Ben Thomas and Laura O'Connell Rapira
Businesses will now be able to get ready to exit from alert level four to alert level three. The Prime Minsiter Jacinda Ardern says business can enter their premises to stock, but people must stay… Audio