KiwiSaver Policy, Leadership Wobbles and Trumpian Shifts
<p>Hosted by <strong>Sam Collins</strong>, <strong>Phil Goff</strong> and <strong>Chris Finlayson</strong>, <em>Cross Party Lines</em> unpacks the week in New Zealand politics so you don’t have to. Each episode gives you clear, cross-partisan insight from two political heavyweights who’ve sat inside Cabinet rooms, campaign buses and coalition negotiations.</p><p><strong>In Episode 4:</strong></p><p>* <strong>KiwiSaver, finally taken seriously</strong> — National kicks off its 2026 campaign with a plan to lift contributions to 12%. Phil and Chris unpack whether it’s bold enough, what Australia gets right and why tax incentives and loopholes could make or break the scheme for workers <em>and</em> businesses .</p><p>* <strong>Is Luxon really on the ropes?</strong> — Leadership speculation ramps up as polls stumble. Phil and Chris draw on decades of political history to explain when a coup becomes inevitable, when it doesn’t and why changing leaders rarely saves any government.</p><p>* <strong>Trump’s “peace plan” for Ukraine</strong> — Why the proposed deal reads like a Kremlin wish list, what it would mean for Europe and why appeasement never stops aggression. A wide-ranging, fiery discussion that moves from Crimea to Congress to Chatham House.</p><p>Plus: lessons from door-knocking, why authenticity beats spin-doctors every time and a few personal stories that only Goff and Finlayson could tell.</p><p><em>Cross Party Lines</em> exists to lift NZ’s political literacy and restore constructive conversation in an age of noise.</p><p><strong>New episodes every Tuesday.</strong> If you’re enjoying the show, follow and share — it genuinely helps grow the kōrero.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://crosspartylines.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">crosspartylines.substack.com</a>
