Maxim Institute Podcast: Recent Episodes
Maxim Institute
The Maxim Institute Podcast is a chance for you to be a part of the conversations our team have as we do research and analysis of politics and policy in New Zealand. From behind the scenes chats about our research, to in depth discussion with our event speakers and experts from New Zealand and around the world, these podcasts will dig in to the deeper ideas that shape the way we live together.
Freedom of speech is vital for a healthy society, but it's under threat. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle examines recent incidents where free speech was stifled and makes the compelling case that respectful engagement with ideas - even those we disagree with - is necessary to avoid intellectual wastelands that hinder the pursuit of truth.
Trust in New Zealand’s political system is plummeting, with statistics revealing low public engagement and a majority belief that Parliament is not representative. Researcher Dr Stephanie Worboys says we can rebuild trust by limiting the use of urgency to pass laws and finding representatives who advocate for what matters to us.
Anzac Day commemorates the tragic Gallipoli campaign and the sacrifice of service personnel who gave their lives for our country. Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour examines Anzac as a vehicle for national reflection; one that prompts us to consider our history, national identity, and what we would sacrifice for it.
New Zealand’s “number 8 wire mentality” may be a strength, but our reactive, short-term approaches to immigration reveal a glaring deficiency in national planning. Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts says it's time we plan for the future and our country’s long-term needs by asking the right questions.
Should MPs get a pay increase? Their base salary is already $163,961 per annum. Is their role like any other job, or something more? Communications Manager Jason Heale tackles these questions and wonders if a pay rise risks disconnecting MPs from the citizens they serve.
China's vehement denials and defensive stance regarding revelations of state-sponsored hacking present an interesting parallel to recent political rhetoric. Executive Director Tim Wilson says politicians need to cut the bluster and return to honest, substantive dialogue.
What happens when the moral values of government conflict with those of its citizens? Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown compares recent rainbow crossing vandalism to similar protest actions and asks whether pride crossings installed at public expense are consistent with New Zealand's secular principles. He reflects on the question of how we can uphold our values while respecting the views of others.
Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s time in politics has come to an end, prompting reflection on the previous government and their legacy as New Zealand faces the reality of debt, recession, and the need for spending cuts to public services. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle says the current government faces two choices: put national services on a strict diet or continue unsustainable spending that will burden future generations.
Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour explores the quest for political immortality through housing policies in New Zealand. From Labour's sweeping Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) to National's more council-focused, incentives-based approach, he examines the rival visions and strategies to create an enduring legacy.
In this fascinating episode of the Maxim Institute podcast, we explore the alarming decline in New Zealand's education standards, with over 40% of students failing recent NCEA writing and math tests. Special guests Dr Melissa Derby, Stephanie Martin, and Maryanne Spurdle examine root causes like inadequate teacher training, ideological conflicts in classrooms, and sidelined practical teaching methods. They provide insights on improving literacy, supporting teachers, depoliticising curricula, and reclaiming classroom excellence.
New Zealand is among the majority of countries worldwide experiencing declining fertility rates. Marcus Roberts, Director of Research and Development, warns that urgent preparation is needed for impending economic and societal challenges and a future where funerals outnumber births.
The closure of Newshub is more than just the end of a familiar TV news platform. Communications Manager Jason Heale claims it is a wake-up call for all of us who value the essence of Kiwi identity.
Has the West lost sight of Africa? What price does the continent pay for Western “greening” and are we hypocritical to impose less-than-tenable environmental practices on a region that produces just four per cent of global emissions? Researcher Natasha Baulis reveals how these attitudes are playing out in a development project she’s working on with her husband.
Voter turnout in New Zealand's local government elections has declined in recent years, a surprising trend given the tangible impact councils have on citizens' daily lives. Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown says clarifying responsibilities and increasing accountability is key to rebuilding trust in local democracy.
Environmental issues require careful consideration as trade-offs are balanced against each other. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle suggests prioritising practical innovation over aspirational policies that divide and distract from conservation concerns.
Waitangi commemorations were not near cataclysmic as predicted by some; in fact, a degree of progress may have been made. Executive Director Tim Wilson characterises ongoing Treaty debates as an internal family dispute and offers hope that we will continue to find ways to resolve our differences.
The decision to send Six NZDF personnel to the Middle East to help with operations against the Houthis has prompted some to suggest the beginning of the end for NZ’s “independent foreign policy.” Director of Research Marcus Roberts reveals how this phrase obscures rather than clarifies our diplomatic stance and why clear thinking on foreign policy matters, particularly as the international rules-based order erodes.
With fraud and ethical failures among leaders, Communications Manager Jason Heale argues there is a character deficit in NZ. He says modelling personal responsibility and accountability in our own lives is key to the renewal of integrity in public service.
Language has profound power to shape thought, so what happens when words like “genocide” are employed in contexts that distort their meaning? Researcher Natasha Baulis reveals how language can be wielded to sanitise and justify the otherwise untenable, and why we should care how terms are (mis)used.
This episode is a recording from our Flint & Steel Vol. 10 launch event. Jisoo Kim, former Digital Media Advisor to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison explains how algorithms and surveillance capitalism shape the online experience. Your phone is listening, the question is to what degree.
Winston Peters is back at it again, taking shots at the media by accusing them of accepting a $55 million bribe. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle underscores the critical role that perception and trust play in the survival of media outlets.
ACT’s policy to hold a referendum on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi was undoubtedly one of the most contentious of the election. In this week's podcast, Marcus Roberts argues that referenda have intuitive appeal, but putting every issue to a public vote often only highlights the tension between majority and minority.
Words can have negative consequences, but is the solution more free speech or less? Communications Manager Jason Heale reveals the importance of free speech in light of Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick's use of a phrase found in Hamas' 2017 constitution.
Researcher Natasha Baulis explains the thinking behind her column, 'Prizewinning Birds Vs. AI.' Researcher Natasha Baulis urges a re-evaluation of our country’s attitude toward AI, especially given our lack of AI-specific laws. There is too much to lose if we do not. Not least of all, the integrity of the Bird of the Year award.
Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts explains the thought behind his column, ‘The Global Gloaming.’ He explains how New Zealand is being drawn into a multipolar world where hard power is increasingly important. In this changing global environment, threats abound for a small, isolated trading nation like ours.
Declining trust is a pressing issue in today's world. In our thought-provoking 2023 Sir John Graham Lecture, Associate Professor Tom Simpson explores the possibility of forging a new consensus built on trust in a world marked by increasing polarisation.
Researcher Maryanne Spurdle explains the thought behind her column, 'A government that divides us won’t stand.' She suggests the recent election outcome in New Zealand was effectively determined two years ago when the population was divided into two classes: the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
Executive Director Tim Wilson explains the thinking behind his column, 'To the New Government: Please, Let’s not Abuse Urgency.' He says that while we may have become familiar with the word 'unprecedented,' we should not be comfortable with the frequent use of urgency to expedite the passing of legislation. A measured, procedural approach is needed to address the pressing issues in our nation.
Join us as we discuss the latest developments in New Zealand politics. We reflect on the election results and consider the meteoric rise of Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon.
Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown delves into the thinking that went into his column, 'Ask Not What Your Government Can Do for You.' He questions whether the government can fix the societal issues we face, and suggests a solution that may be closer to home than we realise.
Join us as we discuss the latest developments in New Zealand politics. We delve into Winston Peter’s rise and speculate on the role he will play in an environment less dominated by the two major parties. Also on the agenda: early voting, “racially motivated home invasions,” and election result predictions.
Communications Manager Jason Heale explains the thought behind his latest column titled 'Talk to me.' Protests function as a pressure release valve in our society. Jason underscores the importance of listening to people we disagree with, especially for those who hold positions of political power.
Researcher Maryanne Spurdle unpacks the thought behind her latest column, 'NZ’s curriculum fails the test.' New Zealand moved away from a content-rich curriculum in 2007. A decline in educational achievement has followed. She argues that unless we take the road paved with hard conversations and a review of the evidence, we will continue to underperform where it matters most.
Join us as we discuss the latest developments in New Zealand politics. We analyse the recent election debates and their impact on voter perception. Does the current debate format achieve thoughtful engagement with policy, and what role should minor parties play in them?
Researcher Maryanne Spurdle and Communications Manager Jason Heale discuss the shortfalls of New Zealand's curriculum and the opportunity to return to a more content-rich curriculum for the betterment of our students, teachers, and society.
Join us as we discuss the recent leaders' debate, early voting, and the evolving political landscape as the election approaches.
Go behind the scenes with Researcher Marcus Roberts as he delves into the thought behind his column, 'Distrust: Rational or Irrational?' Marcus unpacks the interplay of rational and irrational factors that influence trust between individuals, institutions, and governments. He explains the reasons behind declining trust and discusses strategies to rebuild it.
Researcher Natasha Baulis joins Communications Coordinator Jason Heale to delve into her research paper exploring the fundamental question: What is school for? They discuss the evolving objectives of public education, the surprising lack of clarity on its aims, and the challenges faced by the education system in meeting diverse expectations.
Join us as we discuss the latest developments in New Zealand politics. Our analysis covers various topics, including a surge in immigration numbers, which have soared amidst reports of application processing negligence. We also dissect tax policy, government expenditure, and budgets, and look ahead to the upcoming leaders debate.
Researcher Natasha Baulis reflects on the limitations of emotivism in decision-making, especially in the context of elections. As we approach the election and emotional appeals become more frequent, we would do well to consider our decision-making process.
Join us for our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.Today, Executive Director Tim Wilson is joined by Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts and Researcher Maryanne Spurdle.
As the nation prepares for a significant election, education has become a primary concern. It’s not just parents who are worried about failing education outcomes for our children and young people. However, amidst campaign promises and political drama, we have focused more on symptoms than root causes. Maxim Institute’s latest discussion paper, “Tomorrow’s teachers: recruit, (re)train, and retain,” addresses the heart of the matter: teacher training.On the podcast today, we talk to the paper’s author, Maryanne Spurdle, about why she has chosen to dig into this issue, what she discovered, and how we can help recruit, train, and retain our teachers for the betterment of our children and our nation.
Join us for our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.Today, Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts is joined by Communications Manager Jason Heale and Researcher Natasha Baulis.
Marcus Roberts delves into the complex economic relationship between New Zealand and China. He discusses what China's economic struggles mean for New Zealand and warns against a reliance on China as a primary market for its exports. Despite the importance of this topic, he notes that it has received surprisingly little attention in the build-up to New Zealand's general election.
Join us for our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.
Today, Communications Manager Jason Heale is joined by Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts and Researcher Maryanne Spurdle.
A recent Bill in Parliament aims to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections. Communications Manager Jason Heale asks if this is the best way to boost political engagement or whether there are better alternatives to encourage voter participation.
Join us for our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.
Today, Executive Director Tim Wilson is joined by Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts and Researcher Natasha Baulis.
Education has taken the spotlight in the lead-up to this year’s election with academic achievement in decline. Maryanne Spurdle sheds light on the steps Australia are taking and how New Zealand might adopt these strategies to enjoy positive educational outcomes.
In the Maxim Column this week, Jason Heale highlights boys' falling behind in education. He emphasises the urgent need for tailored solutions that truly captivate their interest. He also underscores the powerful impact of male teachers as role models and support.
Join us for our latest podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.
Today, Communications Manager Jason Heale is joined by Researchers Natasha Baulis and Maryanne Spurdle.
Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts explores the hidden costs of government decisions during the pandemic. The surge in Crown borrowing has strained sectors like health and law enforcement, but the most significant toll is on children. Marcus highlights post-pandemic truancy, emotional skill deficits, and academic setbacks among schoolchildren.
In the Maxim Column this week, Researcher Maryanne Spurdle explores the report's ramifications, highlighting inefficiencies and questioning accountability. With an election on the horizon, she urges us to consider the choice between clickbait governance or responsible leadership.
In this episode, a recording of our most recent Maxim Institute Conversation Night, you will gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and the potential outcomes of the upcoming general election. You will come away equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about who will best serve your needs.
Discover which party has the solutions to your problems at the pump, supermarket, and bank. Uncover the strategies that can alleviate the burdens of the cost of living crisis.
Knowledge is power. Arm yourself for the Cost of Living Crisis Election.
Join us for our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.
Today, Executive Director Tim Wilson is joined by Researcher Natasha Baulis and Communications Manager Jason Heale.
Join us for our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.
Today, Executive Director Tim Wilson is joined by Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts and Researcher Natasha Baulis.
Join us for the first in our new podcast series that explores the recent political news from all corners of the country. Gain a deep understanding of how these events may impact the upcoming election with our insightful analysis.
Today, Executive Director Tim Wilson is joined by Director of Research and Development Marcus Roberts and Researcher Natasha Baulis.
A riveting discussion exploring the electoral power of data and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology landscape, featuring two experts in the field, Dr Paul Henderson and Dr Jonathan Cole.
In the column this week, Researcher Natasha Baulis explores the fallacious fish swimming in the news pond. She explores misleading appeals to authority and red herrings to equip us to consume responsibly and take control of our news diet. Natasha urges us to consider what “fish” is on our hook before we take it to the kitchen.
In today's fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over tradition and ceremony. However, this may result in us losing touch with our shared history and values, which form the foundation of our society.
In this week's column, researcher Natasha Baulis emphasises the significance of ceremony and tradition, especially in light of the lacklustre response to the coronation of King Charles III. Natasha delves into the deeper meaning of the monarchy, not only as a symbol of power but also as the basis for our legally established government. She notes that many New Zealanders still uphold the monarchy and its role in our society despite calls for a republic.
She reminds us that by embracing our shared history, we can promote a sense of unity and common purpose that transcends the fast-paced demands of modern life.
With talk about Aotearoa New Zealand signing up to pillar 2 of AUKUS, Maxim Institute researcher Natasha Baulis draws a fascinating analogy between Australia’s "porcupine" defence strategy and our potential to be a “hedgehog.”
With a weakened defence force and outdated military infrastructure, Baulis proposes "Plan Hedgehog" - maintaining interoperability with Australia through Pillar II of AUKUS while signalling diplomatic conciliation with China. This approach aims to balance technological advancement without moving towards nuclear capability, using subtle diplomacy to keep the quills ready for protection if needed.
Censorship or critical thinking? The battle for our online freedom rages on. In the Maxim Institute column this week, Communications Coordinator Sisilia Teu explores the Department of Internal Affairs proposed media regulator. Is it a noble pursuit of safety or a slippery slope towards government-controlled content? Sisilia explores the perils of excessive regulation and the alternative path to a resilient society. She argues the issue isn't just about protecting children but about safeguarding the essence of free speech.
In this week's column, Marcus Roberts, Director of Research and Development, sheds light on an important issue that has been the subject of much debate - prisoners' voting rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Marcus takes us on a journey through history, exploring the evolution of prisoners' right to vote and the different opinions that have emerged over the years. He also discusses the latest recommendations from He Arotake Pōtitanga Motuhake - Independent Electoral Review. He draws on his own research paper, "Democracy Unlocked: How Should We Determine Our Electorate?" to delve into the question of whether voting should be viewed as a privilege or a fundamental right. Through his insightful analysis, Roberts encourages us to think critically about this complex issue and consider the implications of our decisions for the future of our democracy.
In the Maxim Institute Column this week, Researcher Maryanne Spurdle looks at our idea that the government can solve all our problems. She questions the optimism of wealthy Kiwis pleading for higher taxes, highlighting the diminishing returns of government spending in critical sectors. Instead, she urges us to support grassroots organisations already making an extraordinary impact. Maryanne shows how community initiatives can address affordable housing, food insecurity, and financial illiteracy issues. She explores the power of people-led solutions and why they surpass centralised services.
We shouldn’t settle for elections as popularity contests. We have to move beyond surface-level likability and focus on what matters: effective governance, sound decision-making, and safeguarding our nation's interests. In the Maxim column this week, Jason Heale encourages us to take the focus off superficial traits and ask ourselves who is the most capable of representing us in Government before we get to the polling booth.
In this week's column Director of Research and Development, Marcus Roberts delves into the recent political defections in Aotearoa New Zealand. He suggests that personal conflicts and public reasons may not be the only factors at play. Marcus emphasises the importance of political parties adapting to their electorates' evolving needs and concerns. Ultimately, MPs must prioritise the needs of their constituents over personal grievances.
Is New Zealand's government running scared or just responding to events? Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has lit two policy bonfires in just two months, but is it a cynical ploy for re-election or a prudent response to challenges like inflation and natural disasters? In our weekly column, Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts weighs in on the debate, questioning whether dropping unpopular policies signifies representative democracy or a failure to lead. As the election approaches, the article raises important questions about the role of government in balancing public opinion and long-term goals.
TikTok has been banned in several countries over privacy and national security concerns. Foreign interference through the app is a genuine concern as we head into an election year. Aotearoa New Zealand must invest in local tech and educate the public on digital platform risks. In this week's column, Communications Coordinator Sisilia Teu talks about how banning TikTok on government devices could set a precedence for businesses and citizens. Let's protect our digital future.
Are Attendance Officers the solution to truancy rates hitting a decade-high? We're not convinced. In an election year, the government is allocating $74m to tackle the issue, but is it too little, too late? With chronic absenteeism on the rise, it's clear that more needs to be done. In the Maxim column this week, researcher ‘Alapasita Pomelile explores the facts and explains why we need a multifaceted policy approach to address the root causes of truancy.
Te Pūkenga's merger of 25 vocational education providers is causing a string of resignations; the question remains, is it working? In this week's column, Communications Manager Jason Heale highlights that some of the best-performing institutions are pushing back. Cutting access to vocational education could leave people with fewer paths to bettering themselves. Regional development should be amplified, not absorbed, and one size doesn't fit all. Let's implement what works and let successful institutions continue offering specialised education.
The latest trend in AI technology is making its way into classrooms and universities, causing concern among educators worldwide. This week Communications Coordinator, Sisilia Teu, probes the various responses, including fears of a decline in critical thinking, plagiarism, and problem-solving skills. She also looks at the positive embracing of AI by some institutions. She concludes that while AI may shape the future of education, human interaction must remain at the heart of learning.
New Zealand's politicians are focusing on "bread and butter" issues, but they're missing a crucial point—foreign policy and defence are becoming increasingly important in a dangerous world. In the Maxim Institute column this week, Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts explains how “great power” competition and conflict are increasing and how that affects New Zealand's ability to trade or even feed ourselves. The world is getting smaller and meaner, and our politicians must start recognising this.
In our inaugural column for 2023, Researcher Alapasita Pomelile maintains that we have a “crisis crisis.” ‘Ala argues that when everything is labelled as a crisis, it can hinder our ability to respond thoughtfully and efficiently. She states, "By avoiding the tendency to label every challenge as a crisis, we can create more opportunities for finding solutions."
Aotearoa—the land of the long white cloud. Home to over 5 million people. But there’s trouble here—a housing crisis on multiple fronts. We’re told that we don’t have enough houses. We can’t seem to build them fast enough. Why? On top of that, not enough people can buy their own homes to get their foot on the property ladder. We're crammed into cities with poor public transport and sub-par infrastructure.This latest Flint & Steel explores all these issues and more. We ask some necessary questions. How did we get to this place? How can people achieve their dream of home ownership and retain their sanity? How might we repair the construction industry? What about global supply chains? How does our desire for land and place need to be tempered? What’s it like to be homeless? Can we, or should we, change our culture so that we don’t desire so much space? In many ways, we’re ultimately trying to answer the question: “What is home?”On the 6th of December, we held an amazing launch event for the magazine. We hosted author Josie Pagani whose article entitled “The Place We Call Home” is a wonderful exploration of what it means to have a home. She was in conversation with our executive director Tim Wilson and took questions from the audience.We hope that you enjoy this recording and get a sense of the great atmosphere in the room. We also hope that you’ll head over to the website and grab yourself a copy of the latest edition of Flint & Steel: All roads lead to home.
On November 4th this year Maxim Institute, in partnership with the Free Speech Union, hosted international human-rights advocate and free speech expert Jacob Mchangama. Jacob is the founder of the Justitia institute, the Copenhagen-based human rights think-tank. Having written and narrated the podcast Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech and authored Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media, Jacob is a prominent and experienced figure in the free speech space.In this presentation, Jacob offers some historical context to our current free-speech climate, outlining some of the dangers he sees in limiting free speech and responding to questions from the audience.We are pleased to present this recording of the event to you; we hope that you will find it insightful, instructive, and challenging.
The Finnish education system is the envy of the world, yet only 9% of their boys are reading at the highest levels compared with 20% of their girls. In this Maxim Short Cut, we discuss these findings and more with Director of Research and Development Kieran Madden.
If anger is the cake of the internet, are we eating like we’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet? In this Maxim Short Cut, we explore this question with Maxim Institute Executive Director Tim Wilson.Our outrage expresses our search for right and wrong, but how can we channel our anger into being constructive rather than destructive? Words that aren’t swords and positive engagement are the antidote.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Researcher 'Alapasita Pomelile about the state of our society’s soul as she looks at the results of the latest NCEA pilot programme. Perhaps it’s time to have honest and uncomfortable conversations about the state of New Zealand education. It’s time to review how we train our teachers and ensure our teaching programmes are driven by the Science of teaching and learning—rather than ideology.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Communications Manager Jason Heale about the concept of "safetyism". We all want to (rightly) be safe. We make trade-offs for this safety every day. Are we aware of what they are? Do we understand what these costs entail? Jason explores these questions and more in this Maxim Short Cut.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts about the low voter turnout at the recent local body elections and whether mandatory voting is a viable solution to such civic disengagement.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Communications Manager Jason Heale about the concept of 'character test' and what it looks like in our democratic society, after an unlikely candidate put his name forward for election to the school board at Te Arati College in Christchurch.
this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Executive Director Tim Wilson about the new Data and Statistics Bill. He discusses the impacts of this new legislation on the independence of Statistics New Zealand and the public's trust in the government.
We’ve been through two difficult years dealing with COVID-19, and now we’re seeing the economic effects. Interest rates are rising, and the housing market is volatile. The cost of living has soared, and many must choose which bills they do or don’t pay. Inflation is at a 30-year high, and the stock market is in bear territory. Recession is predicted for the end of the year.
How long might this uncertainty last? What impact do global trends have? How best can we navigate it? This podcast is a recording of our special event, “The new economic normal”, featuring Brad Olsen in conversation with our Executive Director Tim Wilson. At this event, Brad offers insight into where the economy is currently at, and where it might be going and takes questions from those attending.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Researcher 'Alapasita Teu about the latest back-to-school campaign from the Ministry of Education. She discusses our COVID fatigue and the slow decline of school attendance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Communications Manager Jason Heale about our increased death rate. We explore what the cause might be and why we are so reluctant even to start a discussion on the topic.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts about a recent policy debate. Marcus outlines why it is so essential that the two "centrist" parties have debate and disagreement on policy. He outlines why discussion is good for democracy; take a listen.
In this Maxim Short Cut, we talk to Researcher 'Alapasita Teu about online regulation of Big Tech. We discuss how it forms us and why we need to think about the character of the people behind the technology we use every day.
In the first of a new series of weekly podcasts, Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts discusses why Roe v. Wade was in the NZ headlines. He discusses the idea of informal empire.
In June, we hosted Research Fellow Alex Penk and Maxim Institute Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts at the MIC 14 event | COVID and Our Constitution: How A Pandemic Affected Our Body Politic and Culture. This podcast is a recording of the event, including the audience Q+A, so sound quality isn't our usual standard. Alex and Marcus both make valuable contributions discussing New Zealand's COVID-19 response, how the response affected our constitution, and how our country has fractured. They also offer some hopeful ways forward. We hope you enjoy the listen as much as we enjoyed the event. Head to our website at www.maxim.org.nz/sign-up to register for event emails, so you don't miss out.
On today’s episode, honouring those who have served our country, Executive Director Tim Wilson talks to Dr Rowan Light about his recently released book; Anzac Nations: The legacy of Gallipoli in New Zealand and Australia, 1965–2015, Rowan examines the myth-making around Anzac and how commemoration has evolved, he reflects on his own experience of ANZAC growing up, and of being at the Anzac Centenary in 2015, the offers some thoughts on how we might see changes in the future.
We hope you enjoy this very special episode honouring the sacrifice of those who have served our country.
In this episode of the Maxim Institute Podcast we are joined by Maxim Researcher 'Ala Teu and Christians Against Poverty Social Policy Adviser Michael Ward. They discuss 'Ala's recently released paper and the issues it highlights in the credit and finance space in New Zealand. Along with examining the areas of buy-now-pay-later and debt collection, they also offer some hopeful solutions and wonderful stories that shine a light on how we might tackle NZ's debt problem.
We celebrate the launch of our latest volume of Flint & Steel by sitting down to have a conversation with one of the contributors—Josie Pagani. The discussion is wide-ranging, from BBC interviews to bungee jumping rites of passage to Duran Duran!
Make sure you hop on over to the website and grab your copy of Flint & Steel today-flintandsteelmag.com. It makes for a great summer read.
In the fight against COVID-19, we have seen nations employ varying approaches that shed light on the role of the State, the individual, and communities in different societies. Some responses are agreeable, and others questionable. All, however, highlight the deeper complexities underpinning these relationships.
American sociologist Robert Nisbet’s The Quest for Community provides a framework for understanding the intricacies and tensions between central government, the rise of individualism, and the decline of community.
In this podcast Communications Officer Jason Heale sits down with Researcher 'Ala Teu and Research Manager Kieran Madden to talk about what Nisbet has to say, and how it's particularly relevant for us today.
As much as we try to ignore it, death is inevitable. Unfortunately, with access to palliative care services limited, a good death is not. Maxim Institute has just released its new discussion paper—Ending Well – The Urgent Case for Accessible Palliative Care—arguing that access to this care must be made available now to brace for the coming tsunami of people in need.
In this podcast Executive Director Tim Wilson sits down with Senior Researcher and author of the paper Danielle van Dalen, and palliative medicine specialist Professor Leeroy William. They discuss a wide range of issues from a good death, to ageing populations, and why the need for good palliative care is so urgent.
Whether it’s Netflix recommendations or your phone suggesting how you might want to finish your sentences, AI or artificial intelligence is already deeply embedded in the way we live and get things done.
But what might these benign digital improvements be learning about us, and what will this data end up being used for? How smart, and how powerful might machine intelligence get in the coming years? And what are the implications for the way we live and think of issues like privacy, security, and what it means to be a human being?
Maxim Institute Senior Fellow Paul Henderson has been studying machine intelligence for six years and has just submitted his DPhil thesis on human and artificial intelligence, and moral reasoning. In our conversation, he’ll outline some of the big developments that are happening in AI, and how they might come to affect the way we live in the next ten to fifteen years, and beyond.
This is the first part of our conversation, which will be followed by additional podcasts on this subject in the coming months.
Author Alan Jacobs wants us to keep reading into the past. In his latest book "Breaking Bread with the Dead" he argues that we stand to gain far more than we lose if we continue to wrestle with great historic texts that may seem out of touch or even offensive to current tastes.
For this podcast, Maxim Institute Executive Director Tim Wilson hosts a wide ranging conversation on Jacob's thesis with Research Manager Kieran Madden.
Last month we hosted Ven Dr Lyndon Drake and Maxim Institute Senior Researcher Julian Wood at the MIC 13 event | On debt, our COVID-19 recovery, and where to from here?
This podcast is a recording of the event, including the audience Q+A, so sound quality isn't our usual standard. Julian and Lyndon both make valuable contributions arguing and discussing New Zealand's debt, government responses to COVID-19, the housing crisis, interest rates, and the K-shaped recovery.
We hope you enjoy the listen as much as we enjoyed the event. Head to our website at www.maxim.org.nz/sign-up to register for event emails so you don't miss out.
For the Maxim Institute Book Club this month we have been reading Vivek Murthy's book on human connection, loneliness and how our health and wellbeing is intimately intertwined with community, love, belonging and purpose.
We are joined by Maxim Institute Researchers Kieran Madden and Danielle van Dalen in this conversation diving deep into the books themes, responses and questions.
Be sure to sign up for the Maxim Institute book club so you don't miss out on what we're studying next, email us at bookclub@maxim.org.nz.
Over the past few weeks, we've heard a lot of conversations that have included questions like: “What do you think about the vaccine? Do you reckon you’ll get it straight away? Doesn’t it seem like it’s come out way too quickly?”
Our guest for this month’s podcast is Professor Graham Le Gros an immunologist who is the Programme Director for the Vaccine Alliance of Aotearoa New Zealand and Director of The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. The Malaghan Institute has a long history in vaccine development, undertaking research and discovery across cancer, asthma/allergy, infectious diseases, gut health and brain health.
We sat down over Zoom to talk all things vaccine: how long it actually takes to make a new one, what’s different about an RNA vaccine, and should we make it mandatory?
As our Education Researcher Rowan Light leaves Maxim Institute, we commissioned him for one last podcast to speak with Bronwyn Wood on the new policies around New Zealand History in schools, the education system and ideal learning spaces for our children. Dr Bronwyn Wood is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Victoria University (of Wellington) and joins us from her office in Wellington.
Happy listening.
“Civility is about the way we deal with our disagreements, not about the way we avoid them.”
Back in 2017, just after the inauguration of President Trump, we invited Professor Jeremy Waldron to deliver our annual Sir John Graham Lecture. Professor Waldron delivered what he called “A letter from America” a description of the warning signs of political incivility as a cautionary tale to New Zealanders, indicating how hard it is to regain civility once you lose your grip on it.
We hope you enjoy the listen.
November 2020 we released the latest Flint & Steel magazine, on recovery, repair, and reconciliation.
One of the feature articles this year by Shelly Neethling focused on foster care in New Zealand, child development and what can be done for kids from hard places.
Ursula Elisara was a primary voice in Shelly's article. She's the CEO of Immerse, a non-profit foster care agency that trains and supports foster parents to use the evidence based Trust Based Relational Intervention model when providing a home for kids from hard places.
This month Jeremy sat down with Ursula and talked about her life, the realities of foster care in New Zealand, and what it takes to repair trauma in the lives of children.
This month’s podcast is a recording of Maxim Institute's Executive Director Tim Wilson in conversation with Te Karere Scarborough at the launch of the seventh volume of the Flint & Steel magazine.
The conversation talks about the themes of his article in this year's magazine, the growing numbers of people looking to learn te reo, they answer some surprising audience questions and discover why Te Karere decided to change his own name as an adult.
In the course of the last generation, mantras of excess have driven our culture of consumption. Bigger is better, greed is good, too much is never enough. In this month's book club pick, we explore the writings of a German born economist, E. F. Schumacher planting a warning flag against these cultural views, with his book Small is Beautiful: a study of economics as if people mattered.
Enjoy the conversation we had this month with our Senior Researcher Julian Wood.
2020 has presented all of us with significant challenges, but as Maxim’s latest research notes, spare a thought for our young people. On this podcast, Jeremy and Rowan are joined by Ryan Donaldson, General Manager of Whangarei Youth Space. Together they explore the problem of youth unemployment, how the class of 2020 will be effected long-term by COVID-19, and the importance of community, mentorship and intergenerational pastoral relationships.
Enjoy the listen.
This month on the Book Club, our Interim CEO Joanne Abernethy hosts researchers Dr Rowan Light and Danielle van Dalen, as they discuss Viktor Frankl's book Man's Search For Meaning.
In this podcast, they dive into Frankl's experiences of the Holocaust, how at the depth of dehumanisation, one can find beauty, hope and dignity. This conversation also explores the foundation of his psychological theory, Logotherapy, and how meaning can transform even the most distressing circumstances. Especially in the midst of COVID-19, Man's Search for Meaning offers significant insight for our context, from how we relate to others, to how we experience hope and suffering.
We hope you enjoy the listen and are encouraged to read the book.
Last month we released Julian's latest research paper on Active Labour Market Policies, looking at the ways that government can spend money to try to save or create jobs for people. Our conversation covers Julian’s thoughts on how effect this Government’s response has been, what the next government should focus on to try to stem unemployment, and more broadly, where he thinks the economy is going and how long we’ll take to recover.
Enjoy the listen
This September, New Zealand will vote to determine if the End of Life Choice Act will come into force, legislation that would create a new system of legal assisted dying for people who meet certain criteria.
On this podcast we take a deep dive into the text of the End of Life Choice Act with Maxim Institute euthanasia researcher Danielle van Dalen, and Dr Stephen Child.
Stephen is a medical specialist, trained in Canada and has worked in Auckland since 1994. He’s had an extensive career in clinical education and medical politics, serving as the Chair of the NZMA (2015-2017) and currently serving as an elected member of the New Zealand Medical Council.
Danielle has been working on this topic since she started working at Maxim in 2016, doing international research, drafting submissions, and briefing MPs as the legislation progressed through Parliament.
We sat down for a conversation about what the End of Life Choice Act entails, and what New Zealanders should know before they go to the polls.
For more of our written resources, including answers to the 14 most frequently asked questions we get on euthanasia, head to our End of Life Choice Information page, www.maxim.org.nz/eolc.
Authorised by J. Abernethy, 49 Cape Horn Road, Hillsborough, Auckland
This month on the Maxim Book Club podcast we’ve got a conversation with Maxim Institute’s Research Manager Kieran Madden and Communications Manager Jeremy Vargo about the book we’ve been reading over the last two months, Ross Douthat's The Decadent Society, How we became victims to our own success.
In this discussion we talk about what we did and didn’t like in the book, covering a wide variety of topics such as political stagnation, cultural repetition, declining birth rate, and riding a horse of freedom. Click to hear the rants, raves and praise we’ve got for Ross Douthat's work on society's decadence.
Be sure to stay in touch for next months book club, sign up by emailing bookclub@maxim.org.nz
Enjoy the listen.
This year, our Sir John Graham Lecture was due to be delivered by Associate Professor Tom Simpson. Tom was joining us to speak from over a decade of study on the idea of trust – and how it sits at the core of issues of political polarisation that have challenged the foundations of democratic societies in recent years.
While COVID-19 has delayed Tom’s visit to deliver the SJGL until 2021, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to speak about these ideas that have only become more relevant and pressing in the context of the pandemic, and the way nations have responded to the extreme pressures of lockdown, emergency powers, and fighting an invisible threat.
In this conversation we also speak with New Zealand academic Richard Ekins. Professor of Law and Constitutional Government at Oxford University, and Head of the Judicial Power Project at Policy Exchange.
Enjoy the listen.
Be sure to sign up to our event invitations to find out more information when Tom comes back over in 2021. https://www.maxim.org.nz/about-us/#sign-up
This month on the first Maxim Book Club podcast we’ve got a fantastic conversation with Maxim Institute’s interim CEO Joanne Abernethy and researcher Danielle van Dalen about the book we’ve been reading over the last two months, David Brooks’ Road to Character.
In this discussion we talk about what we did and didn’t like in the book, covering a wide variety of topics such as pride, humility, wisdom, vocation and sin. Click to hear the rants, raves and praise we’ve got for David Brooks’ work on character.
If you’d like to read the article Jeremy shamelessly plugs from the latest Flint & Steel magazine check it out here: https://flintandsteelmag.com/article/the-great-and-boring-work-of-vocation/
Enjoy the listen.
This month on the podcast, we return to our 2015 Sir John Graham lecture delivered by Sir Pita Sharples.
Sir Pita is known to most people as the co-founder of the Māori Party and as the Minister of Maori Affairs, yet his experience ranges far wider than that into leadership, academia, and public service. In his 2015 address Sir Pita covers his own personal history, and the history of the people of this land. He speaks into the challenges we face as a nation and encourages us to engage deeper into this story.
You can watch Sir Pita deliver the lecture here: https://youtu.be/Sr-6gW6llPM And read the extended monograph here: https://www.maxim.org.nz/sjgl2015/
"As one of our last truly public rituals, Anzac Day claims a sacred space in New Zealand’s national attention."
This month on the podcast we are joined by our most recent addition to the research team: Dr Rowan Light. Rowan and Jeremy chat from their respective lockdown bubbles, discussing the turbulent history of New Zealand's ANZAC day commemorations. Starting from the Flint & Steel article Rowan wrote in 2018, they explore the patriotism of the day, and times in history where protests have disrupted commemorations and shifted our national conversation.
To read Rowan's article in Flint & Steel - https://flintandsteelmag.com/article/protest-and-patriotism/ To sign up for our monthly eNews head to https://www.maxim.org.nz/sign-up/
Dying towns, urban drift, housing crisis, and immigration: over the last five years, Senior Researcher Julian Wood has been digging into some of the big topics that face New Zealand now and over the coming decades.
In this podcast, Jeremy Vargo talks with Julian about the big picture issues that create the context for his research, and what New Zealand should do to change regional development and migration for the better.
This month join us as we say a fond farewell to Maxim Institute’s CEO, Alex Penk. Having spent over 14 years as an integral part of the organisation, this month’s podcast is all about him. Alex shares with us his reflections over the time he’s spent here, what he’s proud of, some regrets, times of celebration and what he will miss.
Alex is joined by our Communications Manager, Jeremy Vargo, and Interim CEO, Joanne Abernethy.
Alex’s recommended reading: The Road to Character, by David Brooks Deep Work, by Cal Newport Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl
In November we launched our 2020 Summer issue of Flint & Steel, our annual magazine that this year explores the central theme of vocation, working, and living.
We were grateful to have Leilani Tamu as our guest for the launch of the magazine, discussing her contribution to one of the articles in this year's volume. This podcast is an edited recording of Alex Penk's conversation with Leilani on Pacific ideas of work, family and community, and the challenges of integrating different cultural notions of success in New Zealand workplaces.
For more of Leilani's work, you can buy and read her book of poems "The Art of Excavation" here - http://www.unitybooksonline.co.nz/nz-fiction/nz-poetry/art-of-excavation
To get your copy of Flint & Steel magazine visit - https://flintandsteelmag.com/buy-online/
We recorded this conversation between Maxim Institute CEO Alex Penk and AUT Senior Researcher David Hall at an evening we hosted around hate speech and free speech. Within the evening, we hear them discuss what hate speech means, why free speech matters, the duties we owe each other when we speak and when we decide to limit speech, and what the Government review into hate speech laws should do.
David Hall is a writer, editor and policy researcher based in Auckland. He has written for various publications, including the New Zealand Listener, Pantograph Punch, The Journal for Urgent Writing, and Auckland Art Gallery’s Reading Room Journal. He is currently working on the Christchurch Principles, a project for the 2019 Paris Peace Forum, which proposes a democratic response to dangerous online content. He has a D.Phil in Politics from the University of Oxford and currently holds the role of Senior Researcher at The Policy Observatory, AUT.
Enjoy the listen - you can also check out what they've been reading and listening to below: - The Coddling of the American Mind | Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt | https://www.thecoddling.com - Liberal Arts Education: What's the point? | Dr. Robert George and Dr. Cornel West | https://soundcloud.com/user-248999605/liberal-arts-education-whats-the-point-dr-robert-george-and-dr-cornel-west
New Zealand expert in poverty and inequality Max Rashbrooke sits down with our CEO Alex Penk and Research Manager, Kieran Madden to talk all things poverty, inequality, free lunches in schools, the Kiwibuild reset and donut economics. Enjoy the listen.
You can find Max's books here: http://www.maxrashbrooke.org.nz
The following links tie in with what we spoke about in the conversation with Max. - https://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Demonstrating-the-Complexities-of-Being-Poor-An-Empathy-Tool.pdf - https://ojs.victoria.ac.nz/pq/article/view/5294/4649 - http://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/overall-strategies-and-policies/wellbeing-in-education/free-and-healthy-school-lunches/ - https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/09/05/791512/young-renters-just-got-double-toasted - https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-resets-kiwibuild-help-more-new-zealanders-home-ownership
Last year we read a beautiful book called With the End in Mind: dying, death and wisdom in an age of denial, by Dr Katherine Mannix.
This beautiful collection of stories on death and the process of dying captivated us as an important conversation for society. These are ideas that shape our understanding of dying, and even impact the way we live.
We invited Dr Kathryn Mannix to come to New Zealand and speak to us about her 30+ years of experience in palliative care. This podcast is a recording of her public lecture in March 2019. To hear more go to https://www.maxim.org.nz/mannix/
What does it look like to ask an entire ethnic group to forgive another? How can we hope to speak across the fault lines of historic injustice? This year, our annual Sir John Graham Lecture was delivered by South Africa’s Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, a clinical psychologist and esteemed academic with a unique perspective on violence, trauma, and racial injustice. Through her experience on South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission and her decades of scholarship around the globe since then, she brings an incredible perspective on how societies and individuals can attempt to restore lives and relationships in the wake of historic and contemporary wrongdoing.
We sat down with Pumla before the lecture to record this podcast, listen to it here.
For more information and to hear her lecture and audience Q&A from July 2019 visit www.maxim.org.nz/sjgl2019
Welcome to the Maxim Institute Podcast. Maxim is an independent think tank based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a vision to promote the dignity of every person in Aotearoa New Zealand by standing for freedom, justice and compassion.
We are so excited to be launching our new series October 2019. In this series we will we have fascinating conversations that go beyond policy, and get down to the foundational and competing visions of what life is all about. What we value, the rights and freedoms we prioritise, and the parts of our history that we choose to bring into the present.
We welcome you into this conversation and hope you enjoy listening. For more information on our work visit www.maxim.org.nz