The Panel

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 We ask the panelists if they think uniforms are outdated or necessary?

Wellingtonians are so unusually hot this summer the council has sent out tips for keeping cool!

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 say their homes or yards have been damaged.

What the Panelists Peter Elliott and Catherine Robertson want to talk about.

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.

We look at an interview with psychology professor Jordan Peterson, whose opinions on gender, pay equity and female roles have received outrage and praise. The panelists debate his theories.

The government has unveiled its changes to employment law, including new provisions to the 90-day trial period to protect employees. But for smaller businesses the law will remain the same.

Rocket Lab has announced its Humanity Star is in orbit - New Zealand's first satellite. It was launched on the compnay's Electron rocket which took off on Sunday. It's a reflective, carbon fibre sphere designed to be seen all over the world, as one of the brightest objects in the sky. Meanwhile a Japanese tech firm is launching a 'meteor shower on demand' service. It'll only be available to the very wealthy but is yet another example of creative uses of space technology. The panelists tell us what they think of the projects. The government has unveiled its changes to emplyment law, including new provisions to the 90-day trial period to protect employees. But for smaller businesses the law will remain the same. The legislation effectively rolls back many of the the changes the previous National-led government brought in surrounding union rights and bargaining. We ask employment lawyer Charles McGuinness what this means for small businesses and employees. Leadership opportunities for women ahve been pointed out as lacking in the just released survey on Global Talent Competitiveness Index. Even socially-enlightened Scandinavian nations show a disparity in the types of jobs women and men excel in. We look at an interview with psycology professor Jordan Peterson, whose opinions on gender, pay equity and female roles have received outrage and praise. The panelists debate his theories.

Your feedback, and a preview of the guests and topics on The Panel. Story of the day today includes an RNZ staff member's famous dog!

We find the answers to any queries you can think up. Today we answered A.R's question about body bags, Jess' query about ads and one about number plates.