Throng

9:10pm Wednesday, November 11 on TVNZ 7

TVNZ 7's lively political show is marking Spotlight On The Economy with an economy special which will lay bare the economic aims from the government representatives themselves.

Filmed live in the Backbencher pub across the street from Parliament, host, Wallace Chapman, will moderate the discussion from the floor of the pub, and probe a number of the key finance spokespeople, as well as the patrons, on topics which affect the everyday person.

"Back Benches will be talking with the economic experts that are really in the know about the economy - your typical punter down at the pub," says Chapman.

Chapman hopes to liven up this discussion with the ministers and mavericks while rubbing shoulders with the spectators.

TVNZ 7’s lively political show is marking Spotlight On The Economy with a special which will lay bare the economic aims from the government representatives themselves.

Confirmed as panellists for Wednesday night are ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas, Green Party Co-Leader Russell Norman, Labour MP David Cunliffe, and National MP Aaron Gilmore.

Tune in as Wallace Chapman and the Back Benches Panel, accompanied by special guests, debate the future of New Zealand’s economy. Up for discussion on the night is unemployment – now at 6.5% how do we create jobs for the 150,000 kiwis out of work?

In Monday night’s Back Benches: The Super City Special, several of the MPs weighed in on who they think should be the new Super City Mayor.  When asked by Wallace Chapman who they would endorse for the Super City Mayor, each of the panellists certainly had something to say.

As an MP for Northland, National’s John Carter said it’s not his place to endorse.  But other MPs were not so reluctant.

“I endorse someone who’s had the experience. Someone who understands the makeup of the Auckland people. And that’s got to be Len Brown,” said Dr Pita Sharples, co-leader of the Maori Party.

Panel Confirmed for Back Benches Super City Special     
Monday 14 September, 9.10pm

Back Benches is back in Auckland, filming live from the Northern Steamship bar on Monday 14 September, this time providing insight into the issues surrounding the Super City and how it will impact Auckland.

Confirmed as panellists are Rodney Hide (ACT), Pita Sharples (Maori Party), Sue Bradford (Green Party), John Carter (National) and Phil Twyford (Labour).

Auckland is at a crossroads, and the city is critical to New Zealand's future. The Super City plan will be one of the most significant changes in how the city is managed, but will it help solve Auckland's problems and put Auckland on a path to prosperity?

Topics up for discussion are the Maori seats, what the city is going to look like under the proposed changes, the submissions, and the power of the Super Mayor.
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9:10pm Monday, September 14 on TVNZ 7

Filming live from the Northern Steamship bar in Auckland on Monday 14 September, this Back Benches special will provide insight into the issues surrounding the Super City and how it will impact Auckland.

Auckland is at a crossroads, and the city is critical to New Zealand's future. The Super City plan will be one of the most significant changes in how the city is managed, but will it help solve Auckland's problems and put it on a path to prosperity?

Topics up for discussion are the Maori seats, what the city is going to look like under the proposed changes, the submissions, and the power of the Super Mayor.

Rodney Hide, the 'Super City King' will be there to make the case that this is the solution that Auckland has been waiting for. Also confirmed as panellists are Sue Bradford (Green Party) and John Carter (National).

Back Benches is back in Auckland, filming live from the Northern Steamship bar on Monday 14 September, this time providing insight into the issues surrounding the Super City and how it will impact Auckland.

Confirmed as panellists are Rodney Hide (ACT), Pita Sharples (Maori Party), Sue Bradford (Green Party), John Carter (National) and Phil Twyford (Labour).

Auckland is at a crossroads, and the city is critical to New Zealand's future. The Super City plan will be one of the most significant changes in how the city is managed, but will it help solve Auckland's problems and put Auckland on a path to prosperity?

What do you get when you put a panel of politicians, a LIVE audience, and host Wallace Chapman in a pub? The perfect brew for TVNZ 7’s lively political show Back Benches. The hour-long show demystifies the world of New Zealand politics - making it accessible and fun.

Focussing on a topic which polarises opinion and excites debate in the South Island city, the show will delve into the world of boy racing and car enthusiasts. Usually filmed at the Backbenches pub in Wellington, Wallace and the team are on the road for the show on Wednesday August 12th, to film live from the iconic Dux de Lux in Christchurch. This is only the second time Back Benches has been on the road, which excites Producer, Caroline Hall Bruner:

Fair Go presenter Kevin Milne is battling a benign brain tumour and has taken sick leave.  He may need surgery to protect his eyesight and brain.

Dane Moeke's winning performance on Maori Television's Homai Te Pakipaki last month, singing Whitney Houston's "I will always love you" has been watched on YouTube more than 7000 times.