The Panel

It's hot and it's going to get hotter.  Today Taumarunui is expected to take the top temp, we talk to the owner of a local Canoe and Jet boat company, Ron Hawkless, about how they're dealing with the weather.

The Doomsday Clock, which monitors how close the world is to symbolic point of annihilation, has moved 30 seconds closer to midnight.

One of Britain's biggest car insurers is in hot water after admitting it hikes its prices if users apply using a Hotmail email address. Admiral said some domain names were "associated with more accidents" than others. The panelists discuss what generalisations they have faced, or make, in their lives. What the Panelists Claire Matthews and Guy Williams want to talk about. A new study suggests just one cigarette a day increases a person's chance of heart disease and stroke. The report shows there's no safe level of smoking for such diseases so quitting completely is better than cutting back on the smokes. The taxpayers union released a report at the start of this year detailing why continued tax hikes don't encourage people to stop smoking, instead leading to financial burden for their families and an increase in crime. Taxpayers' Union executive director Jordan Williams joins the panel to discuss why e-cigarettes are a better choice. A new study out of Britian reports that microwave use across the European Union causes the same amount of carbon emission as 7 million cars. They're also among the fastest growing waste streams worldwide. So environmentally it would seem that microwaves should be a no-go, but is that feasible? We ask the panelists whether they could live without the handy kitchen device.

The Doomsday Clock, which monitors how close the world is to symbolic point of annihilation, has moved 30 seconds closer to midnight. The last time the world was in this close was in 1953, during the height of the Cold War. The organisation behind the clock sited the dire nuclear situation and climate change dangers. We ask the panelists if they're worried. It's hot and it's going to get hotter. Yesterday's top temperature was more than 37 degrees, the hottest since February 2011. Train lines ahve ahd speed restrictions put on them beacuae the tracks are getting too hot and some have started a petition about the sweltering conditions inside the trains. Residents are being warned to keep their windows shut in so burglars don't take advantage of the easier access. Today Taumaranui is expected to take the top temp, we talk to the owner of a local Canoe and Jet boat company, Karen Hawkless, about how they're dealing with the weather. With the heat comes mosquitos. Wellingtonians are complaining of particularly bad bites. New research says if you swat mozzies away they stay away but that's not quite an effective method of staying unbitten. We ask the panelists if they have any tricks for keeping the insects away or if they have the natural scent that acts as a deterrent. The Christchurch City Council has to remove a new path behind homes in Waimairi Beach because the soil used is contaminated with asbestos. It's removal is expected to cost $285,000. The council only became away the soil was contaminated when a resident presented it with test results showing the asbestos. Residents are worried it could a health concern. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey tells us whether the asbestos is a health concern or not. We continue our discussion on the bad habits of those visiting our popualr hot spots. The Guardian is reporting that tourists have ruined the Milford track with their digusting ways which is taking workers a long time to clean up. Meanwhile the Waitaki District Council has revealed about 80 percent of fines handed out for breaches under the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw have not yet been paid. The panelists discuss.

Your feedback, and a preview of the guests and topics on The Panel. Story of the day today is about juicing - it's not as good as we've been led to believe.

We find the answers to any queries you can think up. Today we have Irene's questions about eggs, Jackie's wondering about sunrises and Samoa, and Johnno's query about lotto.

Musician Sir Elton John has announced he'll stop touring after 2020. He'll retire after his upcoming three-year global tour after nearly 50 years on stage. His popularity hasn't waned over the years, Jim Mora credits this to his lyrics and asks the panelists to volunteer their favourite lines from their favourite songs. What the Panelists Peter Elliott and Catherine Robertson want to talk about. Dunedinites are fuming over the shoddy workmanship done by those installing fibre in their homes. Many are unimpressed with the way the installation process has gone, while others have tales of damage to their homes and yards. The complaints are not just being seen in Dunedin, similar stories have come out throughout the country during the roll out of fibre broadband. We ask technology commentator Ben Gracewood why such a high-tech internet system has such real-life installation probelms. Auckland transport has announced it will cut its spendong on walking and cycling by 90 percent in its 10-year budget. Rail will also be reduced as part of the plan to cut overall spending. Wellingtonians are so unusually hot this summer the coucil has sent out tips for keeping cool! But it's also facing heat for it's Capital Express Route deal with SIngapore Airlines. The panelists give their view on these nuggets of news. Yesterday we discussed the rising cost of public education after the news loan sharks were jumping on the back-to-school stress with high-interest loans. Today we revisit the topic with listener comments, one asking why schools in New Zealand even need uniforms. We ask the panelists if they think uniforms are outdated or necessary? The freedom campers story continues with more and more feedback from listeners. Many unhappy that so-called "self contained" campers are anything but, leaving behind unpleasant mess. We continue our discussion with avid motorbike rider Pteer Elliott about the dangers of riding on our roads. A listeners asks us why motorcycle owners must pay such a high insurance fee compared with other athletes.

Rocket Lab has announced its Humanity Star is in orbit - New Zealand's first satellite. It was launched on the company's Electron rocket which took off on Sunday.

We continue our discussion with avid motorbike rider Pteer Elliott about the dangers of riding on our roads. A listeners asks us why motorcycle owners must pay such a high insurance fee compared with other athletes.

The freedom campers story continues with more and more feedback from listeners. Many unhappy that so-called "self contained" campers are anything but, leaving behind unpleasant mess.