The Panel

So are trains the way to go? Can the Labour-led government follow through with Pike River promises? We ask political commentator Richard Harman. Auckland's mayor Phil Goff says the city can't afford the fee to host the America's Cup in 2021. The UK Labour Party wants to see middle-class workers work for longer than manual workers. "Study warns hi-vis gear may increase injury risk" is the headline in the Sunday Times. In the UK the transport minister is re-assessing whether cyclists need helmets or hi-vis clothing. There are complaints galore about reality TV dating show Naked Attraction. Is it stripping the contestants down to their honest selves or just a perve-fest for viewers?

Your feedback, and a preview of the guests and topics on The Panel.

Our big blue planet, milk, average and mean.

A self-taught scientist is attempting to prove once and for all that the Earth is flat. The Californian is hoping to dispel what he believes is a conspiracy, that the Earth is a sphere, by launching himself 1,800 feet high this weekend, in a rocket he built from scrap metal. The panellists discuss how this theory continues to have its supporters.

Smoking rates aren't dropping noticeably despite the push for a Smokefree Aotearoa. Massey University professor of public health Marewa Glover explains why vaping is the key to bring down smoking rates.

New Zealand retailers have latched on to the 'Black Friday' phenomenon, offering deals and bargains despite New Zealanders not traditionally celebrating Thanksgiving. We ask the panellists what they think about these deals being offered and also look at the rise of Amazon in Australia - will it hurt retailers here?

What the Panelists Leonie Freeman and Mark Knoff-Thomas want to talk about.

The BBC has released the notes its staff made on the auditions of various artists. Meanwhile the music quality of CDs, Vinyl and Streaming has been tested and CDs have come out on top. We ask the panellists how they listen to music.

Hamilton councillor Mark Bunting has stood down after a disciplinary committee today over his inappropriate messages to a journalist.

Team New Zealand has bowed to Auckland council, accepting it's wharf extension option for the 2021 America's Cup.  The panellists discuss whether those making the decisions considered whether this is the best option for the regatta.