Dr Ayesha Verrall has only been in Parliament since 2020, but after a few years as an MP, she is now a key part of Labour's frontbench, holding the Health portfolio, alongside Research, Science and Innovation. 

Both portfolios have been hot topics of discussion in recent weeks, from controversies around health targets and the exit of Rob Campbell as Te Whatu Ora chair, to backlash from some sectors over the inclusion of Mātauranga Māori in science education. 

The Minister joins Thomas today to discuss her career and those recent issues - and a surprising revelation about being struck by lightning!