Maxim Institute Podcast

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-b...

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...

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.