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.

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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