TV3 has launched its new current affairs show Third Degree with Guyon Espiner and Duncan Garner at the helm. James Croot subjects Espiner to a wide-ranging grilling.
Name: Guyon Espiner
Date of Birth: December 31, 1970
Education: BA at a time when that meant Bugger All and a BSc was a Bottle of Southern Comfort.
What are the three biggest issues facing New Zealanders
Jobs, housing and jobs.
How would you rate the Government’s performance this term out of 10
6 – sloppy at times, lacking imagination but they have their orthodox economic plan and they are sticking to it.
Who is the most under-rated MP currently in Parliament
Shane Jones – or should that be X-rated
What did you want to be when you were 5
Seven.
What was your childhood nickname
None – my battle was to get people to use my actual name.
What sports did you play growing up
Cricket and football.
What’s your favourite word in the English language
Serendipity. What are the chances
What is your favourite joke
Duncan Garner.
What was your favourite TV programme growing up
Happy Days until The Fonz jumped the shark.
What’s your signature dish
Seafood chowder.
What’s your coffee order
Large latte.
What’s your favourite pie-filling
Beer.
How much is 2L of milk (and where do you buy it)
About $4 – Mt Albert Countdown is my local.
When was the last time you took public transport
I bus to work every day.
What are you currently reading
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.
What are you currently watching
Last movie I saw was Silver Linings Playbook. For TV, I’m a news junkie, plus the comedy 7 Days.
What are you currently listening to
Soul singer Sharon Jones and anything by The National.
Which country is the most important to New Zealand’s future
Australia, with China a close second – that’s the economic train we’re hooked to.
Who has been New Zealand’s most influential politician in history
Roger Douglas – love him or loathe him, he is still the father of the modern New Zealand economy.
What’s the best televised political moment
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Asking Winston Peters whether he took money from Owen Glenn and him holding up the NO sign.
What would you change about our electoral system
Make the 5 per cent threshold absolute – no more one-man-bands.
Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life
George Clooney – he makes grey hair look good.
What’s the one thing you’d launch a campaign to bring back
[Recently resigned TVNZ head of news and current affairs] Ross Dagan – for services to TV3.
What should a good current affairs programme do
Provoke, inform and entertain.
Sum up your co-host in three words.
Tough, loyal and fun.
THE DETAILS:
What: Third Degree
When: Wednesdays, 8.30pm
Where: TV3.
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