The Panel

Embattled minister Clare Curran has resigned, saying the pressure on her had become "intolerable".

Embattled minister Clare Curran has resigned, saying the pressure on her had become "intolerable". She'll remain the MP for Dunedin South but Kris Faafoi will take over role as broadcasting minister. The panelists discuss whether there was really any other option for her. Former minister Peter Dunne has suggested that ministers can't be expected to know exactly how to do their job immediately, that they should have more help in the form of training and should be subjected to performance reviews. The panelists discuss whether this is fair or whether ministers shouldknow what's expected of them. Peter Dunne joins The Panel to tell us why he thinks more support is needed. An Auckland officer says his younger colleagues are struggling to make ends meet, in a letter to the police association. It follows the news the police union has rejected an offer of a 2% annual pay rise, for three years. The cost of living appears to be the porblem, particularly in Auckland. We ask the panelists if police need a pay rise, and whether this could impact the Government's goal to have 1800 new officers on the beat. Shane Jones 1 billion dollar provincial fund is facing heat again. It's been revealed a proposed cultural centre in the Northland town of Kawakawa, costing $2.4 million dollars, will only create 3 jobs. Experts have also warned the centre culd actually hurt other business in the town. Shane Jones was told to reject the funding but has steamed ahead. The panelists tell us why they think that is.

A Californian Obstetrician and Gynaecologist has written an op-ed for the New York Times expressing her concern at the number of people who want to eat their babies placenta!

We find the answers to any queries you can think up. Today we answered Petrus' question about design, Matthew's question about World War 2, and JR's one about tobacco.

Hollywood star Burt Reynolds has died of a heart attack at age 82. The Oscar nominee is best known for his roles in Smokey and The Bandit, Boogie NIghts and Deliverance. We ask the panelists what their favourite Reynolds movie or TV show was. An Australian academic has sparked debate about whether she was being precious, or calling out sexism, when she pulled up airline Qantas for calling her "Miss" instead of "Doctor". Many have been supporting her, telling similar stories while others say she needs to get over herself. The panelists weigh in on the debate. What the Panelists Ali Jones and Damian Chistie want to talk about. The High court has upheld the decision to strip Family First of charitable status. The group's objectives include opposing abortion, euthanasia, and same sex mariage as well as advoacting for the traditional family set up. It's the second time it has been stripped of its charitable status. The Judge found the group's only purpose was to promote its views. The panelists tell us what they think. An international expert has been brought in by Greater Wellington regional council to help with the capital's troubled bus network. During a meeting with residents last night apologies and solutions were offered by officials over the problem. More bus routes are also being considered, but some locals are calling for more buses on the roads to help with the long delays. Greater Wellington's council chair Chris Laidlaw answers some of our questions about the issues. The average price of fuel has reached a record 30-year high, and is set to continue rising. Barrel prices and the weak kiwi dollar is being blamed for the rise, some are paying $2.50 a litre. An investigation into fuel prices was announced at the end of last year but it is on hold while the Commerce Amendment Bill goes through parliament, we ask the panelists if they think more needs to be done about it. The Green Party is calling for a plaque to commemorate the New Zealand Wars to be added to Parliament. There are 33 other plaques in Parliament but none in honour of the armed battles here in the mid 1800s between Maori and the New Zealand Government. We ask the panelists if they agree.

A foolhardy move for one commuter to start a campaign to get everyone catching the tube to smile at each other!

We find the answers to any queries you can think up. Today a question about tyres, one about fish, and Jack's query about carbon and trees.

The debate over whether bible lessons should be taught in state schools is going to the high court. Betsy Tipping took her son out of school because she was unhappy volunteers were teaching their view as if fact. There's concern promoting one religion discrimates against those who do not believe in it. We ask the panelists if they think there's valid values to learnt from bible studies.

Cat owners are concerned about a plan to reduce the radius of notification for a deadly poison. Pest Management company Connovation has applied to the EPA to reduce the radius of notification for using poison Predastop from 3 kilometres to 500 metres. Some are worried pet cast could accidentally come across the poison. We ask the panelists whether they think pet cats can really be controlled.

What the Panelists Ali Jones and Damian Chistie want to talk about.