Back Benches - First Episode
2008 23m Television
- News/Current Affairs
- Chat show
In this first episode of the pub-based political panel show, National Party MPs Maurice Williamson and Jacqui Dean join Labour's Louisa Wall and the Māori Party's Hone Harawira (later leader of the Mana Party) to debate the hot stories of the day. Topics include a historic FTA (Free Trade Deal) between Aotearoa and China and the banning of so-called 'party pills'. All MPs welcome the FTA — bar Harawira — who is again a lone voice on party pills which Labour, with support from National, banned from sale in 2008. Chapman visits Trevor Mallard's office and is drawn to the minister's collection of cultural gifts.
Key Cast & Crew
MA
Maryanne Ahern
Producer
JG
John Gillespie
TVNZ News Executive
DC
Damien Christie
Reporter














