<p>Hosted by <strong>Phil Goff </strong>and <strong>Chris Finlayson</strong> with <strong>Sam Collins</strong>, <strong>Cross Party Lines</strong> marks a milestone this week — Sam Collins signs off as moderator after announcing he is standing as the Labour candidate for North Shore. Thanks to our foundational partner, <a target="_blank" href="http://frankrisk.co.nz">Frank Risk Management.</a></p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><p>* <strong>James Christmas and the Tāmaki question</strong> — The panel turns to Tāmaki, where James Christmas — described by Chris as the smartest person he ever worked with — has defected from National to ACT, setting up one of the most intriguing three-way candidate contests of the election. Phil asks the uncomfortable question: what does it say about the National Party when talent walks out the door?</p><p>* <strong>Judge Aiken </strong>— The Judicial Conduct Panel found Judge Emma Aiken in serious breach of comity for calling out a false statement she overheard at the Northern Club — but stopped short of recommending her removal. Phil and Chris broadly agree the panel got it right on both counts.</p><p>* <strong>Orbán, the Pope and Trump </strong>— Three international stories dominate the second half. First, the stunning scale of Hungary’s election result — Fidesz reduced to 55 seats, the new centre-right government holding a two-thirds majority despite active interference from both Trump and Putin. Second, Pope Leo XIV’s sharp Easter address — “enough of the idolatry of self and money, enough of war”. Finally, the Iran peace talks in Islamabad: 20 hours of negotiations, Iranian framing throughout, and a Trump administration that has now openly floated threats Phil and Chris both read as implying nuclear weapons. Neither is laughing it off.</p><p><strong>Cross Party Lines</strong> 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.</p><p><em>🎟 Last chance for tickets to the live show at Featherston Booktown Festival — Saturday 9 May. Get in at booktown.org.nz</em></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&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">crosspartylines.substack.com</a>