The Panel with Jo McCarroll and David Downs, Part 1

The episode opens with a news update on New Zealand joining 34 countries in a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz, led by the UK, with the US absent. The panel then shifts to a controversial documentary about the tragic death of Tom Phillips, where the crew received a text alerting them to his shooting during an ongoing investigation—raising ethical concerns about exploiting real-life tragedy for media content. Jo McCarroll and David Downs debate the balance between journalistic pursuit and respect for victims, with both expressing discomfort over the situation. The discussion transitions to domestic issues, focusing on in-home care workers facing unsustainable travel costs, with Pam King sharing her experience of being underpaid despite decades of service. The government's announcement of a 30% increase in mileage reimbursement is welcomed but criticized for not being backdated. The conversation then turns to a Wellington GP, Dr. Shane Dunphy, who has sent invoices to the US government for fuel costs linked to the Middle East war, framing it as a principled stand against US foreign policy. The panel reacts with admiration and humor, suggesting this could spark a broader movement of 'invoicing the US' for global economic impacts. Finally, the episode covers a cabinet reshuffle, with Chris Bishop taking on Attorney General and Simeon Brown leading the electoral campaign, prompting debate over political motivations and leadership dynamics. The episode closes with the lighthearted question of choosing between cream or marshmallow Easter eggs for a trip to Mars.