Maxim Institute Podcast

Maxim Institute Podcast

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.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Stephenson’s Euthanasia Amendment Bill Is Not What Kiwis Voted For

    In 2020, two-thirds of New Zealanders voted to legalise euthanasia on the basis of certain safeguards. Now, ACT MP Todd Stephenson’s amendment bill proposes to remove them, allowing euthanasia for people without a six-month prognosis, letting doctors offer it to patients, and requiring all care facilities to permit it on site. This is not what Kiwis voted for. Communications Officer Rebekah Bermingham speaks with Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle about how these proposed changes would take New Zealand far beyond what voters consented to—and what we can learn from Canada’s troubling experience.

    29 min

  2. 18 SEPT

    End of an Error: What Replaces NCEA?

    NCEA is being scrapped. What comes next could transform New Zealand schools. Education experts Dr Michael Johnston and Stephanie Martin unpack what went wrong, from fragmented learning and grade inflation to inconsistent grading and weak vocational pathways. They explore how a knowledge-rich curriculum might lift achievement and how schools can prepare young people for a future reshaped by AI—one that values both academic and vocational pathways.

    36 min

  3. 4 SEPT

    Dignity, Death, and Choice: Amanda Achtman on Euthanasia and Culture

    What does it mean to die with dignity? And how does the legalisation of euthanasia shape the way we value life, suffering, and care? In this episode of the Maxim Institute Podcast, Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle speaks with Canadian writer and educator Amanda Achtman. A former political adviser, Amanda has worked on the front lines of Canada’s euthanasia debate and founded Dying to Meet You, a project exploring death, culture, and hope. Together they look at Canada’s expanding euthanasia laws, the danger of normalising assisted suicide, and the ripple effects on vulnerable people and their families. Drawing on stories from those facing end-of-life struggles, Amanda reflects on humour, love, and the true meaning of dignity.

    26 min

  4. 27 AUG

    Lessons from Canada: Euthanasia in New Zealand

    Canada has become “the euthanasia capital of the world,” according to Amanda Achtman. Since legalising assisted death in 2016 and expanding access in 2021, what began as an exception with supposed safeguards has quickly become routine, now accounting for around 5% of Canadian deaths. In this episode, Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle speaks with Canadian writer and advocate Amanda Achtman about how those changes unfolded and what they mean for New Zealand as Parliament considers similar reforms. Together they explore the risks of eroding safeguards, the impact on people with disabilities and the elderly, the pressure placed on health workers, and the danger of normalising assisted death in hospitals, hospices, and care homes. Amanda also shares stories that reveal the cultural cost of making euthanasia commonplace, and highlights why palliative care and genuine support are essential.

    26 min

  5. 2 APR

    Tim Wilson | Grievance Rules? Why Distrust Needn’t Destroy Us

    Distrust in New Zealand isn't just growing—it's curdling into grievance. Executive Director Tim Wilson unpacks alarming new data showing Kiwis now distrust every institution—government, media, even business—more than ever before. He asks whether there are times when distrust can actually be useful. Read⁠ the column on ⁠Substack⁠.

    15 min

  6. 27 MAR

    Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts | Why an Atheist Academic Changed Her Mind on Churches’ Tax Status

    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.

    17 min

  7. 20 MAR

    Maryanne Spurdle | Our Jenga towers are tipsy

    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 are clear: when public institutions exist to sustain themselves rather than serve the people, we all lose.  Read⁠ the column on ⁠Substack⁠.

    17 min

  8. 13 MAR

    Jason Heale | Feeding our children or dependence?

    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.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Maxim Institute Podcast
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maxim Institute Podcast
  • Show Website
    Maxim Institute Podcast