Maxim Institute Podcast

She used to believe churches should pay taxes. But after over a decade of research, atheist law professor Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts has had a change of heart. Listen to the podcast to discover why. Read⁠ the column on ⁠ Substack⁠ .

Jenga towers aren’t just a game—they’re a reality in our public sector.  Researcher Maryanne Spurdle examines how government departments keep stacking bureaucrats at the top while disconnecting from the front lines—leaving critical services unstable and ready to collapse.  From a $1 billion health system deficit to a teacher shortage the Ministry of Education didn’t see coming, the warning signs a...

Is the school lunch programme feeding more than just kids? Communications Manager Jason Heale examines how free school meals reflect a deeper shift—from self-reliance to state dependence. When government takes over, what happens to families and communities? Read⁠ the column on ⁠ Substack⁠ .

We fooled ourselves into thinking the rules-based order had replaced great-power politics. It hasn’t. Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour examines why last week’s Chinese naval exercises should be a wake-up call for New Zealand—because wishful thinking won’t protect our trade routes. Read⁠ the column on Substack .

A recent IPCA review calls for more police power and better training after failures to protect free speech at the Posie Parker Let Women Speak event. Executive Director Tim Wilson explores the growing threat of the “thug’s veto” in the wake of Destiny Church’s counter-protest at Te Atatū Peninsula Library—what it means for policing, protest rights, and the future of free speech. Read⁠ the column o...

New Zealand’s public services are struggling, and political bickering isn’t helping. But are we really as divided as we seem? Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown examines how constructive debate, common ground, and a commitment to truth can help us rebuild—if we’re willing to engage with humility. Read⁠ the column on Substack .

Are we about to repeat history’s mistakes? Researcher Maryanne Spurdle unpacks the potential dangers of New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill and calls for greater transparency, accountability, and safety.

Just a few years ago, President Trump wanted to ban TikTok in the US—recently, he moved to save it. Communications Manager Jason Heale reveals how social media shapes what you see, what it collects about you, and how you can take back control of your data.

Feeling “busy” is the norm during the holidays, but what if it’s more than just a seasonal rush? Executive Director Tim Wilson encourages us to reconsider our culture’s obsession with busyness, arguing that it’s eroding our well-being and happiness. This Christmas, take a step back from the frenzy and rediscover the value of true leisure.

Would you buy something without knowing what it is, with a price tag of “TBD?” Well, you have—or rather, the government did—at COP29 using your money. Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown unpacks the $300 billion annual pledge to help poorer countries combat climate change and asks whether international climate finance, in its murky state, is really in a position to deliver meaningful aid.

Labour’s election defeat autopsy is over, taking place behind closed doors away from the nosy public. Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour says their annual conference in Christchurch signals a return to “bread and butter issues.” Will their change of focus be enough to win back voters? Or are they destined to remain in the political wilderness?

While New Zealand's attention was focused on the hikoi to Parliament, the Ministry of Health quietly released its mandatory review of the 2021 euthanasia legislation. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle reveals concerning recommendations that, if implemented, could undermine patient safety and conscience rights. Given the potential breaches that may have already resulted in wrongful deaths under the curre...

Social media poses real risks for young people, but are government bans like Australia's the answer? Communications Manager Jason Heale argues that empowering parents with knowledge and tools is the key to protecting kids online.

Taylor Swift recently endorsed Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris, generating significant media attention and support in the polls. Executive Director Tim Wilson observes that despite Swift's influence, young voters appear to remain sceptical of celebrity endorsements, as shown by Harris's disappointing performance among the 18-29 age group. As the landscape of political endorsements...

American elections seem more of a spectator sport than politics—especially in New Zealand. Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour asks whether any real change is coming for us here or if America will keep rocking back and forth much as it always has.

New Zealand is witnessing an exodus of young people seeking better opportunities abroad, driven by a cost-of-living crisis, stagnant wages, and a housing shortage. Researcher Dr Stephanie Worboys observes that this trend reflects a breakdown in the intergenerational contract and urges policymakers to address these pressing issues to ensure a secure future for all generations.

Two whistleblowers from a three-person euthanasia review committee have revealed significant oversight failures, raising concerns about the implementation of physician-assisted suicide and the protection of vulnerable individuals. Despite warnings, there are calls to relax restrictions. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle insists that it’s vital to reassess whether the law can truly ensure safety and comp...

New Zealand is facing a demographic decline, with projections indicating that 20% of the population will be over 65 by 2034. This poses dual challenges: an increased demand for government services coupled with a decrease in resources to deliver them. Communications Manager Jason Heale says we need to re-evaluate our superannuation system and consider alternative approaches to address the needs of...

As New Zealand grows more secular, religious freedom risks erosion even as it remains crucial. Research Fellow Marcus Roberts argues it's a cornerstone of democracy, protecting everyone's right to express their beliefs and preventing government overreach.

In a world obsessed with ‘being authentic,’ what if the real you isn’t all that great? This week, Executive Director Tim Wilson explores this very idea in his column A Defence of Inauthenticity . From the Polkinghorne trial to the pressure of social media’s ‘real self’ narrative, Tim makes a bold case for why sometimes being a little unreal might actually be better—for you and society. Tune in for...

Smartphones frequently provide content without context, leaving Gen Z vulnerable to misinformation. Former intern (and Gen Zer) Alexandra Lay explains how cultivating the habit of reading books can counteract groupthink and foster thoughtful reflection in an era where social belonging outweighs truth. Read the column on Substack.

Executive Director Tim Wilson chats with Professor Nicholas Aroney on New Zealand’s choice to stay out of the Australian Federation and the cultural, political, and geopolitical forces that have shaped the ANZAC bond.

Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour exposes a glaring contradiction in New Zealand's welfare reform strategy: while championing "Social Investment" as a data-driven approach to break cycles of disadvantage, the government overlooks superannuation, which amounts $23.2 billion annually—almost equal to the cost of all other welfare programmes combined.

Forget the yellow submarine—we’re a lever-pull away from cancellation living in today’s red chair society. In this week’s column, Researcher Maryanne Spurdle draws a clever parallel between a playful segment on The Graham Norton Show and alarming displays of intolerance in society. She urges a change in approach, advocating for a return to honest debate where dissenting voices are considered. Read...

As the Government prepares to introduce new gene technology legislation, Dr Stephanie Worboys warns that we may open a Pandora's Box.   She raises critical concerns about the unintended consequences of gene technology, from off-target DNA effects to ecological damage and moral dilemmas.   With New Zealand on the brink of significant legislative changes, Stephanie offers a well-informed caution...