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The Pre-Panel for 2 July 2025 

Jesse Mulligan is joined by The Panel host Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest to preview this evening's marlarky.

Relaxed smile portrait of Wallace Chapman on grey background

Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan

The Panel with Nicky Pellegrino and Leonie Freeman Part 1

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nicky Pellegrino and Leonie Freeman.

The Panel discusses the surge in hardship withdrawals of Kiwisavers in Northland, and the climate-driven rise in intense weather bombs.

Julie Botfield and two of her children evacuated their home on a friend's boat during the floods. (Supplied: Julie Botfield)

Julie Botfield and two of her children evacuated their home on a friend's boat during the floods. Photo: Supplied / ABC News

The Panel with Nicky Pellegrino and Leonie Freeman Part 2

This half hour the panel talk about the "catastrophic" redundancy of 250 Westport coal miners will happen in about three years if a mine's expansion is not approved under fast-track legislation. They also hear from Patrick Volk, a local businessman who is up in arms about parking fees at Pancake Rock.

The Pancake Rocks walkway at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki.

The Pancake Rocks walkway at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki. Photo: Greymouth Star / Brendon McMahon

The Panel: Back in Training

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman. First up is a look ahead to Nights with host Emile Donovan.

Then after hearing some feedback, Wallace is joined by linguist Rory O'Sullivan who will pick up rom last week and discuss all the interesting quirks of New Zealand English. 

Plus we hear from some listeners and their stories about topics discussed in the show.

Parliament's acting facilities engineering manager Steve Barron displays one of the blue ensigns that fly atop the Beehive. The flag is approximately five metres long.

Parliament's acting facilities engineering manager Steve Barron displays one of the blue ensigns that fly atop the Beehive. The flag is approximately five metres long. Photo: VNP / Louis Collins

The Politics Panel

Joining Wallace Chapman for your weekly politics hit are: Spinoff journalist Lyric Waiwiri-Smith, Paddy Gower and Holly Bennett, founder of Awhi, a kaupapa Māori government relations firm. 

Tonight they discuss the Government's crime crackdown; a spat bewteen Hobson's Pledge and Erica Stanford, are youth MP's being censored? And should we welcome the super rich with open arms? 

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announces new penalties for shop lifting.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announces new penalties for shop lifting. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel