Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 

This week, the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.

Our expert panel discusses the call that this election campaign is being marred by violence and attacks across the political spectrum.

They also chat about Chris Hipkins’ Covid diagnosis and the implications that will have on the final fortnight of campaigning.

The experts dissect that interview with Winston Peters – and if that means National should re-think its stance to work with NZ First.

Heather asks the panel whether the rise in early voting will continue – and what that might mean for the result on October 14th.

Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including the Greens’ universal student allowance and Labour’s supermarket pledge.

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