- **Trump-Putin Summit in Alaska**: The panelists debated whether the summit was a success, failure, or had shown any sign of progress. Opinions varied, with Nathan and Tanya considering it a modest success due to the action taken and Trump’s unpredictability keeping diplomatic channels open. Michael and Brendan also found it notable but had reservations on its long-term impact.
- **Bad Behaviour in Parliament**: A discussion on the declining standards of behaviour in Parliament, highlighted by a recent incident where Chloe Swarbrick was ejected for calling others ‘spineless.’ The panelists debated whether this was fair, noting other instances of inappropriate behaviour and whether parliamentary decorum can be restored. Tanya and Michael emphasised the need to uphold standards, while Nathan and Brendan discussed the role of media in magnifying these incidents.
- **COVID Inquiry and Public Appearance**: The reluctance of the ‘four COVIDteers’ to appear publicly before the COVID inquiry was scrutinised. Panelists underscored the importance of transparency and public accountability. They observed how other leaders, like Boris Johnson, had appeared publicly, and believed that facing the public would provide closure and build trust. Tanya and Michael strongly criticised the ministers’ decision to avoid a public appearance, citing it as a possible admission of guilt.
- **School Uniforms**: A Christchurch school’s decision to reintroduce uniforms was discussed. The panel considered the impact of uniforms on school identity and safety, and the potential for reducing socioeconomic disparities among students. While Michael brought up cost concerns, others felt uniforms were beneficial for creating a sense of community and reducing the focus on fashion.
- **Babies Crying in Public**: The panelists debated the appropriateness of a public figure’s reaction to a crying baby during an important tennis match. They discussed the balance between maintaining public decorum in quiet sports settings like tennis and the understanding that babies do cry and parents sometimes struggle to manage it. Nathan and Brendan shared personal experiences as fathers, while Tanya and Michael talked about public expectations.
- **Proposed Road User Charges**: The government’s proposal to replace petrol tax with road user charges was debated. Concerns about privacy and the potential for excessive monitoring were discussed. While some panelists, like Nathan and Tanya, were wary of increased government surveillance, others like Brendan saw potential benefits but emphasised the need for transparent data collection processes.
