Red Carpets, Empty Roads and Pacific Diplomacy
About this episode
The episode discusses Modi's visit to New Zealand, Pacific power dynamics, and critiques of national infrastructure policies.
Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson, Cross Party Lines opens with a tribute to Sam Neill — actor, environmentalist and proud New Zealander. Then it’s into a packed episode that moves from Modi’s visit to Pacific power plays, and closes with a verdict on the Roads of National Significance that is not kind. Thanks to our Foundational Partner, Frank Risk Management, the 100% Kiwi owned insurance brokerage. In this episode: * Modi in Auckland — a historic visit with an unresolved $35 billion question — Phil gives the visit its due — India is on track to become the world’s third largest economy, the FTA could do for New Zealand-India trade what the China agreement did after 2008, and Modi has genuinely modernised India and lifted millions out of poverty. And the $35 billion investment commitment — mentioned three times by Modi, described as a promise by Indian trade officials, and quietly reframed as an “aspiration” by Christopher Luxon — has the makings of the 21st century version of the Treaty of Waitangi. * The Pacific power vacuum — and how New Zealand got left flat-footed — Phil and Chris are in agreement: New Zealand has dropped the ball, Foreign Affairs has missed the…
People in this episode
Hosts: Phil Goff, Chris Finlayson
Topics covered
- Pacific diplomacy
- New Zealand politics
- India relations
- climate change
- international aid
- economic investment
Keywords
- Modi
- New Zealand
- Pacific diplomacy
- Sam Neill
- investment
- climate change
- international relations
Sponsors
Frank Risk Management
Mentioned in this episode
Places: New Zealand, India, Auckland
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