Broken Boughs: The role of effective family interventions

9 October 2009

Too many New Zealand children are mired in dysfunction. But though the problems are bleak, we needn't throw in the towel. Effective family intervention programmes hold out real hope of change, of reversing the slide into dysfunction.

Healing interpersonal wounds: A case for forgiveness

7 October 2009

There is an idiom in the English language that is commonly used when someone is on the defence and being accused of a transgression. When all other defences have run out, the accused will conclude by saying, "I'm only human." It is interesting that the essence of this statement infers that fallibility is the core of our humanity, rather than many of the other things that make humans unique from other species.

Sandbagging the Family: The impact of recession on couple and parenting relationships

15 September 2009

This article illustrates the risk of family breakdown facing many societies today and argues that it is incumbent on government decision-makers to develop and deploy the sandbags of family-strengthening policy.

Submission on Income splitting for families with children

30 June 2008

Maxim Institute supports the introduction of income splitting, with two qualifications. Firstly, we believe there is a case for more fundamental reform of personal income tax, involving a lowering of rates and a flattening of the rate scale, and that the introduction of income splitting would not preclude reform in the future. Secondly, we believe that income splitting should be available to all families, and should not be limited to families with children.

Family Courts Matters Bill

10 April 2008

The purpose of this Bill is "to make Family Court proceedings more open and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Family Courts." It does this by making procedural changes to a number of Acts that rely on the Family Court.

Craving connection

A report released in the UK this week examines the risks of new media on children, highlighting both the possibilities and pitfalls of the internet.

Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill

16 May 2007

The vote on the third reading of the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill, as occurred on 16 May 2007. The vote on the second reading, as occurred on 21 February 2007, is also included.

Smoke and mirrors

Why the consensus amendment to Sue Bradford's discipline Bill isn't all it's been heralded as.

Section 59: the consensus amendment

Commentators and politicians of all persuasions have acclaimed the consensus amendment to the so-called "anti-smacking Bill". However, closer examination reveals that it would not do what is claimed to.

Chester Borrows' Amendment

13 March 2007

This Fact Sheet explains the effects of Chester Borrows' proposed amendment. It is a more flexible alternative to the Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill and importantly, would protect parents from prosecution who used mild force to lovingly discipline their children.

Craving connection

A report released in the UK this week examines the risks of new media on children, highlighting both the possibilities and pitfalls of the internet.

The Doha Declaration for the Family

On 6 December 2004 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a significant Declaration that affirms the importance of the family: the Doha Declaration for the Family. This Issue Snapshot looks at the context and significance of the Declaration, and the response of the New Zealand government.

The War between the State and the Family: How Government Divides and Impoverishes

12 April 2007

The release in late March 2007 of a new book by Patricia Morgan has highlighted again the intrusion of the State into family life, and the way in which government-driven incentives intended to improve social outcomes can actually undermine the social fabric.

Do kids need a Dad?

The poet George Herbert once wrote: One father is worth more than a hundred schoolmasters...

A funny way of 'not being involved'

The tax debate heats up in Britain as the Conservative Party announces plans to give tax relief for childcare to working mothers

Healing interpersonal wounds: A case for forgiveness

7 October 2009

There is an idiom in the English language that is commonly used when someone is on the defence and being accused of a transgression. When all other defences have run out, the accused will conclude by saying, "I'm only human." It is interesting that the essence of this statement infers that fallibility is the core of our humanity, rather than many of the other things that make humans unique from other species.

Sandbagging the Family: The impact of recession on couple and parenting relationships

15 September 2009

This article illustrates the risk of family breakdown facing many societies today and argues that it is incumbent on government decision-makers to develop and deploy the sandbags of family-strengthening policy.

Submission on Income splitting for families with children

30 June 2008

Maxim Institute supports the introduction of income splitting, with two qualifications. Firstly, we believe there is a case for more fundamental reform of personal income tax, involving a lowering of rates and a flattening of the rate scale, and that the introduction of income splitting would not preclude reform in the future. Secondly, we believe that income splitting should be available to all families, and should not be limited to families with children.

Family Courts Matters Bill

10 April 2008

The purpose of this Bill is "to make Family Court proceedings more open and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Family Courts." It does this by making procedural changes to a number of Acts that rely on the Family Court.

The physical health benefits of marriage

24 July 2007

The value of marriage is hotly contested in today's political and cultural climate. Yet, there is a growing body of sound international research which shows that marriage benefits couples and children in many ways. One key benefit associated with marriage is improved physical health for spouses. This research note sets out some of the research which gives rise to this claim.

Broken Boughs: The role of effective family interventions

9 October 2009

Too many New Zealand children are mired in dysfunction. But though the problems are bleak, we needn't throw in the towel. Effective family intervention programmes hold out real hope of change, of reversing the slide into dysfunction.

Paternity problems

A new private member's Bill has the potential to bring hope to children who do not know the identity of their fathers.

Family Proceedings (Paternity Orders and Parental Tests) Amendment Bill

13 March 2008

This purpose of this Bill is to amend the Family Proceedings Act, adding provisions to allow a man, who has "reasonable grounds to believe" that he is the father of a child, to request a paternity test be taken.

Going Further With Fathers

1 November 2007

Going Further With Fathers is a research report that asks whether fathers can make unique contributions to their children's lives. The report contains a literature review of studies that have asked this question and a brief overview of fatherhood in New Zealand.

Paternity testing in New Zealand

2 February 2007

This Policy Paper sets out the principles that could guide changes to the laws on paternity testing. Changes to the laws would provide the opportunity to make the process for men determining paternity quicker and more effective, whilst still retaining protective safeguards for mothers.