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:
“Back Benches is all about ‘politics for the people—pub style’ and this year we wanted to hit the road and take the show to the people in the North and South Islands.”
Who are these boy racers? Are they unfairly tagged as hoons? Are they just car enthusiasts or society’s menace? And will fines and car crushing even begin to solve the problem? Back Benches tackles all of these issues, plus we take a look at the youth drinking culture in Christchurch.
Confirmed on the panel are Green Co-Leader Metiria Turei, Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove, National MP Nicky Wagner and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.
Back Benches welcomes the Christchurch public to turn out in full force on the night for the live debate, with a recommendation to get in early.
“We’re really excited about this special,” says Bruner. “It’s only our second time on the road and our first in the South Island. We went to Auckland in June to do a Mt Albert By-Election Special and it was packed with people passionate about the election. We think that a Boy Racer Special in Christchurch will ignite that same passion.”
Back Benches screens live every Wednesday at 9.10pm on TVNZ 7. TVNZ 7 is available on Freeview channel 7 and SKY channel 97.
What an excellent show. May its funding never be slashed by a parsimonious prude. Much more pleasant on TV than in the middle of the audience, though. Such a pity it is only on FreeView. It’s my =main= reason to own a FreeView system. Welcome to non-Wellington New Zealand, folks. Carl, Greymouth