Cross Party Lines

Cross Party Lines
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A weekly podcast about the political landscape in New Zealand and around the world. Proudly going beyond the headlines, looking at the structural challenges, challenging the status quo and explaining our place in the complex geopolitical stage. Hosted by Phil Goff, Chris Finlayson and Sam Collins crosspartylines.substack.com

  1. Infrastructure, Brain Drains and Dog Whistles

    1 DAY AGO

    Infrastructure, Brain Drains and Dog Whistles

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines tackles three of the biggest structural questions facing New Zealand: how we build the country, how we keep our young people here, and how we respond when politics drifts into populist rhetoric. This week’s episode moves from infrastructure to immigration — and ends with a firm defence of decency in public life. In this episode: * The Infrastructure Gap — Following the release of Te Waihanga’s National Infrastructure Plan, Phil and Chris debate whether New Zealand’s problem is underinvestment, poor coordination, political short-termism — or all three. Why do we spend near the top of the OECD as a share of GDP but rank near the bottom for results? And is bipartisan buy-in the only way to avoid stop-go mega-projects and pork-barrel politics? * Keeping Young Kiwis in Aotearoa — With net departures to Australia surging again, the panel revisits the myth of “rabbit out of the hat” election policies like interest-free student loans. Did it really change the trajectory in 2005 — and what would actually address the long-term productivity gap with Australia? From capital investment to university reform to targeted student loan relief, the discussion turns to how New Zealand can compete in a shared labour market with a larger, wealthier neighbour. * Populism and the Politics of Immigration — Shane Jones’ latest comments on Indian migration spark one of the most forceful conversations yet on the podcast. Phil and Chris challenge the rhetoric head-on, arguing that migrants add more than they take, that demographic change strengthens rather than weakens the country, and that cruelty dressed up as “plain speaking” corrodes democratic culture. The episode closes with a broader question: how should mainstream parties confront — not normalise — dog-whistle politics in an election year? Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for calm, good-faith political conversation. New episodes every Tuesday. If you value thoughtful politics, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    45 min
  2. Māori Seats, Ministry Cuts and Election-Year Inquiries

    16 FEB

    Māori Seats, Ministry Cuts and Election-Year Inquiries

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines returns with an episode that moves from minor party positioning to the power of inquiries, and ends with a timely reflection on civility in public life. Recorded against the backdrop of severe storms in the lower North Island, the episode opens with a renewed call for cross-party cooperation on climate adaptation — before turning to the politics shaping 2026. In this week’s episode: * Minor party signals for 2026 — New Zealand First’s proposed referendum on Māori seats and ACT’s plan to cap ministers and slash departments. Is this substantive reform, symbolic positioning, or electoral dog-whistling? Phil and Chris unpack the history, the precedent, and the political math behind both announcements. * The politics of inquiries — With investigations announced into Moa Point, Bay of Plenty landslides, COVID policy, and Reserve Bank decisions, the panel explores when inquiries strengthen democracy — and when they risk looking like election-year theatre. What makes an inquiry credible? Independence, integrity, and timing. * Civility in an attention economy — From Shane Jones’ inflammatory rhetoric to Pam Bondi’s combative congressional performance in the US, the episode closes on a broader question: how does democratic debate survive in a media landscape that rewards outrage over substance? The answer, according to Phil and Chris, lies in precision, discipline, and the quiet power of asking better questions. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for thoughtful, good-faith political conversation. New episodes every Tuesday. If you value calmer politics, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    46 min
  3. Waitangi Wrap Up, Nuclear Risk and Mandelson's Fall From Grace (Again)

    9 FEB

    Waitangi Wrap Up, Nuclear Risk and Mandelson's Fall From Grace (Again)

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines returns with a wide-ranging episode that moves from the rituals of Waitangi Week to the most serious questions of global security — before closing with a sobering discussion on power, corruption, and trust in public life. In this episode: Waitangi Week, politics and performance — A clear-eyed assessment of what unfolded in the Far North: protest, resignation, symbolism. Phil and Chris reflect on precedent, dignity, and what leadership looks like in moments of discomfort.The quiet collapse of nuclear restraint — A deep dive into the expiry of the New START Treaty between the US and Russia, why arms control has mattered for decades, and how the erosion of nuclear agreements creates genuine existential risk — particularly as more unstable actors enter the equation.Why New Zealand still has a role — From nuclear-free activism to multilateral diplomacy, the case for New Zealand finding its voice again on global disarmament rather than staying permanently “under the radar.”The Epstein files and elite accountability — A forensic discussion of Peter Mandelson, power without consequence, and how misbehaviour at the top corrodes trust in democratic systems. Comparisons with New Zealand’s stricter political culture — and why that culture must be defended.Serious without being sanctimonious, this episode is a reminder that politics is ultimately about stewardship — of institutions, trust, and the future — and that when restraint collapses, the consequences are rarely abstract. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for calm, good-faith political conversation. New episodes every Tuesday. If you value thoughtful politics, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    50 min
  4. Judith's New Job, Waitangi Avoidance and Modern Slavery Legislation

    2 FEB

    Judith's New Job, Waitangi Avoidance and Modern Slavery Legislation

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines returns with a grounded, institutional-focused episode that looks at how democracy works when it’s doing its job — and where it still needs strengthening. This week’s conversation centres on law, legitimacy, national rituals and rare moments of bipartisan progress. In this week’s episode: Judith Collins and the Law Commission — A deep dive into Collins’ appointment as President of the Law Commission. Phil and Chris weigh her experience as a former Attorney-General and Justice Minister against concerns about partisanship, precedent, and the importance of protecting the Commission’s independence. Is this continuity, risk — or both? Waitangi Day and political leadership — With the Prime Minister choosing not to attend the formal Waitangi Day ceremony, the panel explores precedent, protest, respect, and whether leaders lose political ground by avoiding discomfort. Modern slavery legislation — A rare bipartisan moment as Labour and National combine to advance Camilla Belich and Greg Fleming’s modern slavery bill. Why mandatory supply-chain reporting matters, how New Zealand’s inaction has damaged its reputation, and why progress shouldn’t be held hostage to ideological purity. Trade, migration, and scapegoating — How the modern slavery debate intersects with the India free trade agreement, immigration politics, and the dangers of reheating tired populist narratives that blame migrants for structural problems. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for calm, good-faith political conversation. New episodes every Tuesday. If you value thoughtful debate, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    47 min
  5. Climate Tragedy, Global Disorder and Election Year Kicks Off

    26 JAN

    Climate Tragedy, Global Disorder and Election Year Kicks Off

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines returns for a weighty, wide-ranging episode that moves from tragedy at home to turmoil abroad — and asks what leadership looks like when the stakes are this high. This week’s conversation is shaped by three forces: climate reality, global disorder, and election-year positioning. In this week’s episode: * Climate change and human cost — Following a devastating week in Aotearoa, with nine lives lost to extreme weather events, Phil and Chris reflect on grief, responsibility, and why climate change can no longer be treated as an abstract or ideological debate. From landslips to floodplains, the discussion turns to adaptation, evidence-based policy, and why the window for meaningful action is closing fast. * Davos and the global order — Chris reports from Europe as the World Economic Forum unfolds. The panel dissects Mark Carney’s widely applauded speech, growing pushback against Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and what the erosion of the rules-based international order means for small countries like New Zealand. * State of the Nation speeches — With National and Labour both holding retreats, Phil assesses whether either Chris Luxon or Chris Hipkins managed to seize early momentum in election year — and why passion, credibility, and kitchen-table issues will matter more than set-piece speeches. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for calm, good-faith political conversation. New episodes every Tuesday. If you value thoughtful politics, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    50 min
  6. 30 Years of MMP, Reshuffle Season and Old Politicians

    19 JAN

    30 Years of MMP, Reshuffle Season and Old Politicians

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines unpacks New Zealand Politics so that you don’t have too. Recorded slightly earlier than usual (Saturday 17th January), this episode is designed to age well — focusing on some age old issues and questions. In this episode: * 30 years of MMP — As New Zealand marks three decades under Mixed Member Proportional representation, Chris and Phil debate whether the system has delivered on its promise. Has it improved fairness and representation, or simply handed too much power to minor parties and weakened decisive government? * Reshuffle season — With party leaders quietly assessing performance, loyalty and future potential, Phil and Chris reflect on the realities of promotions, demotions and political ruthlessness — drawing on their own experiences of cabinet reshuffles, leadership pressure, and caucus management. * Generational change in leadership — Sparked by an Economist article on Brazil’s president, the conversation widens to a global pattern of ageing leaders. Is experience an asset, a liability, or both? And should there be clearer expectations around when it’s time to step aside? Thoughtful rather than theatrical, this episode is about systems over slogans — and why democracy depends on honest debate about power, performance and renewal. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for good-faith political discussion. New episodes every Tuesday. If you find value in calmer politics, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    46 min
  7. 2026 Policy Wishlists, International Predictions and Election Thoughts

    12 JAN

    2026 Policy Wishlists, International Predictions and Election Thoughts

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines returns after a short summer break with a look ahead to what 2026 might hold — for New Zealand politics and the wider world. This episode focuses on long-range thinking, asking what sort of country New Zealand wants to be — and what politics should be focusing on as the election year approaches. In this episode: * What policies should define 2026 — Phil lays out the hard choices both major parties keep avoiding: productivity and growth, fair taxation, superannuation sustainability, early intervention for kids, and climate adaptation that actually matches the scale of the challenge. * Planning for the country we’re becoming — Chris argues for long-term thinking about population, infrastructure and immigration, and reviving serious future-focused institutions rather than fighting the same short-term culture wars every election cycle. * Universities, talent and the future of work — Why New Zealand should aim for world-class tertiary institutions, how AI will reshape jobs whether we like it or not, and why attracting and retaining global talent matters more than ever. * Trump, power and the collapse of restraint — A sobering discussion on Venezuela, Greenland, the erosion of international law, and what “might is right” means for small countries like New Zealand that depend on a rules-based order. * Early election predictions — A cautious look at polling, coalition arithmetic, Winston Peters’ likely leverage, leadership stability, and why 2026 is shaping up to be close — and consequential. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for thoughtful, good-faith political conversation. New episodes every Tuesday. If you value calmer politics and deeper thinking, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    48 min
  8. The Best, the Worst and the Terrible of 2025

    29/12/2025

    The Best, the Worst and the Terrible of 2025

    Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson with Sam Collins, Cross Party Lines closes out 2025 by stepping back from the weekly headlines and taking stock of a year that felt frenetic, unsettled and politically revealing. This episode is a wide-ranging end-of-year review — part reflection, part reckoning — as the panel looks at what genuinely mattered in politics over the past twelve months. In this episode: * The biggest surprise of 2025 — Why the long-awaited economic recovery never quite arrived, how cost-of-living pressures reshaped political sentiment, and why Labour’s rebound under Chris Hipkins defied early expectations. * Australia’s election shock — What Anthony Albanese’s decisive re-election says about modern centre-left leadership, and how Peter Dutton’s collapse offers a warning to conservative parties drifting away from liberal democratic principles. * The best political performers — From rising stars across Labour to standout operators on the National benches, with a strong consensus on who earned credibility through competence rather than noise. * The worst performers — and why — Shameless populism, incoherent positioning, and policies that shifted week-to-week without principle. A blunt assessment of New Zealand First, political opportunism, and the cost of saying one thing and doing another. * Policies that hurt — and policies that mattered — From heated tobacco tax cuts and climate retreat, to Treaty-related law changes that inflamed division. Balanced against RMA reform, the India FTA, and Labour’s renewed push for a capital gains tax in the name of tax fairness. * Migration, trade and social cohesion — Why demonising migrants is both morally wrong and economically short-sighted, and why bipartisan cooperation matters most on issues that shape the country’s long-term future. Plus: Air New Zealand’s declining service, the limits of marketing over performance, reflections on political decency after tragedy and book recommendations for the summer break. Cross Party Lines exists to lift political literacy and create space for calmer, more constructive political conversation. New episodes return mid-January. If you’ve enjoyed the show this year, follow, share, and join us for the road into election year 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crosspartylines.substack.com

    1 hr
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About

A weekly podcast about the political landscape in New Zealand and around the world. Proudly going beyond the headlines, looking at the structural challenges, challenging the status quo and explaining our place in the complex geopolitical stage. Hosted by Phil Goff, Chris Finlayson and Sam Collins crosspartylines.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Cross Party Lines
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cross Party Lines
  • Show Website
    Cross Party Lines

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