Auckland CBD is experiencing an exodus, with businesses fleeing and retail offences soaring. Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown warns against tunnel vision when addressing our crime problem, advocating for a more comprehensive approach. He emphasises the need to repair broken families and strengthen community structures for effective reintegration and long-term crime prevention ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more