A Government for the People

1 October 2009

It is common to think that direct democracy is what democracy should be. But despite its apparent appeal, most communities are not ruled by direct democracy. Instead, representative democracy in which electors choose representatives who then rule on behalf of is taken to be a way to approximate direct democracy.

A Government for the People

1 October 2009

It is common to think that direct democracy is what democracy should be. But despite its apparent appeal, most communities are not ruled by direct democracy. Instead, representative democracy in which electors choose representatives who then rule on behalf of is taken to be a way to approximate direct democracy.

Submission on Electoral Finance Reform

26 June 2009

Elections are a fundamental part of what makes our society work. The Government is in the process of looking into laws that regulate elections. Maxim Institute has made a submission to the first stage of the this process, arguing that the law needs to strike an appropriate balance in respecting both freedom and equality, while also allowing citizens to participate. This balance is difficult to find, but it is particularly crucial that freedom is respected as a first principle when it comes to the way that elections are run. The submission also looks at what should constitute advertising in the lead up to an election.

Britain's declining value on life: the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (HFE) is new legislation that will regulate reproductive laws in Britain. The Bill's aim is to update the existing law around the science and ethics of reproduction, due to substantial technological advances in the area.

Is it Just Tax? The shaping of our society

16 October 2008

This discussion paper continues the Tax Discussion Series by taking up the questions about the way society looks and the way people are treated and act. These questions are usually answered by theories of justice and compassion, freedom and responsibility. These issues are part of a bigger question about what we want our country to look like, so they have implications for many areas, including taxation, which is the specific focus of this paper.

A question of identity

An Englishman, an Irishman and a Maori man were sitting at a dining room table on census night 2006 in New Zealand...

We will remember them

On Tuesday, ANZAC Day, New Zealand paused to remember those who have served our country in the time of war. We gave thanks for those who fought for ...

A question of identity

The census sought information about what ethnic group people identify with, rather than their ethnic origin.

Flying the Flag

The United States celebrates Flag Day this week; the anniversary of the adoption of the star spangled banner (June 14 1777). As the United States pauses ...

A Government for the People

1 October 2009

It is common to think that direct democracy is what democracy should be. But despite its apparent appeal, most communities are not ruled by direct democracy. Instead, representative democracy in which electors choose representatives who then rule on behalf of is taken to be a way to approximate direct democracy.

"MMP and the Constitution: 15 years past; 15 years forward"

A conference marking the fifteenth anniversary of New Zealand's referendum on MMP has highlighted the changing nature of our vote.

Constitutional change cautious

The Committee conducting the Inquiry into New Zealand's constitutional arrangements has said any changes should be cautious.

Appointing a new Governor General

As the current Governor-General's term approaches its end, the process of appointing a successor will begin.

A Government for the People

1 October 2009

It is common to think that direct democracy is what democracy should be. But despite its apparent appeal, most communities are not ruled by direct democracy. Instead, representative democracy in which electors choose representatives who then rule on behalf of is taken to be a way to approximate direct democracy.

Submission on Electoral Finance Reform

26 June 2009

Elections are a fundamental part of what makes our society work. The Government is in the process of looking into laws that regulate elections. Maxim Institute has made a submission to the first stage of the this process, arguing that the law needs to strike an appropriate balance in respecting both freedom and equality, while also allowing citizens to participate. This balance is difficult to find, but it is particularly crucial that freedom is respected as a first principle when it comes to the way that elections are run. The submission also looks at what should constitute advertising in the lead up to an election.

Making the law clearer for everyone

While political parties are busy trying to understand the impact of the Electoral Finance Act on themselves, they are neglecting the effect it is having on the general public.

The "law of commonsense"? (Electoral Finance Act 2007)

This issue snapshot looks at the Electoral Finance Bill in its revised and final form (which has now become the Electoral Finance Act 2007) and the damaging effect that it will have on democratic participation.

Damaging democracy: the Electoral Finance Bill

The Electoral Finance Bill has caused a stir in New Zealand's political scene. This issue snapshot looks at what the Bill seeks to do, the changes it would make, and the way in which this new regime would, in practice, alarmingly stifle free speech and democracy.

Making the law clearer for everyone

While political parties are busy trying to understand the impact of the Electoral Finance Act on themselves, they are neglecting the effect it is having on the general public.

The "law of commonsense"? (Electoral Finance Act 2007)

This issue snapshot looks at the Electoral Finance Bill in its revised and final form (which has now become the Electoral Finance Act 2007) and the damaging effect that it will have on democratic participation.

Crimes (Repeal of Seditious Offences) Amendment Bill

24 October 2007

The vote on the second and third readings of the Crimes (Repeal of Seditious Offences) Amendment Bill, as occurred on 18 October 2007 and 24 October 2007.

Crimes (Repeal of Seditious Offences) Amendment Bill

24 October 2007

The purpose of the Crimes (Repeal of Seditious Offences) Amendment Bill is to repeal in full sections 80 - 85 of the Crimes Act 1961, which set out the offences of sedition. These offences make it unlawful to encourage or incite others to commit offences against those in authority, to encourage "violence, lawlessness, or disorder," or to behave in such a way that may "endanger the public safety."

Damaging democracy: the Electoral Finance Bill

The Electoral Finance Bill has caused a stir in New Zealand's political scene. This issue snapshot looks at what the Bill seeks to do, the changes it would make, and the way in which this new regime would, in practice, alarmingly stifle free speech and democracy.

Britain's declining value on life: the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (HFE) is new legislation that will regulate reproductive laws in Britain. The Bill's aim is to update the existing law around the science and ethics of reproduction, due to substantial technological advances in the area.

Lessons from Latvia

Interview with Inese Slesere, Latvian Member of Parliament.

The Federalist Papers

The rejection of the European Constitution by France and Holland might be lamented as a blow to a united Europe, but it has at least one good spin off: at last we are beginning to see some coherent argument on the role of the state and the benefits of nationhood.

Changes in the European Union

On May 1, 10 new countries joined the European Union. In doing so, they joined the 15 existing member states to create the world's largest trading bloc, and with 450 million citizens the world's largest economy. Dr Michael Reid wonders whether the optimism surrounding the change is sustainable.

When the tail wags the dog

New Zealand was not the only country to hold an MMP general election at the weekend...

"MMP and the Constitution: 15 years past; 15 years forward"

A conference marking the fifteenth anniversary of New Zealand's referendum on MMP has highlighted the changing nature of our vote.

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.

Submission on the Policing Bill

28 March 2008

Maxim Institute believes that the Policing Bill is a timely and appropriate piece of legislation that deserves the support of all Members of Parliament and that the process culminating in the current Bill has been transparent, wide reaching and effective and has lead to a Bill that reflects the needs of the New Zealand Police and our communities in the twenty first century.

Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill 2007

11 December 2007

The vote on the first reading of the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill, as occurred on 11 December 2007.

Kiwi Keith. A Biography of Keith Holyoake by Barry Gustafson

15 November 2007

Barry Gustafson, one of New Zealand's most well respected political scientists, has published a new biography. His latest subject is "Kiwi" Keith Holyoake, New Zealand's Prime Minister and the leader of the National Party throughout the 1960s.

Is it Just Tax? The shaping of our society

16 October 2008

This discussion paper continues the Tax Discussion Series by taking up the questions about the way society looks and the way people are treated and act. These questions are usually answered by theories of justice and compassion, freedom and responsibility. These issues are part of a bigger question about what we want our country to look like, so they have implications for many areas, including taxation, which is the specific focus of this paper.

Governing for the Good: What does it really mean?

21 August 2008

Governing for the Good: What does it really mean? is the first paper in a Tax Discussion Series that considers the basis for a just, fair and compassionate taxation system for New Zealand. Governing for the Good examines the link between taxation and government activity, outlining the role of government and the community in society.

Corrupted liberty?

1 June 2007

"Democracy" is generally regarded as a good thing. But "democracy" as a concept is much wider than what happens in the voting booth and, in general, it has little to do with campaign billboards or political broadcasts.

Compassionate Conservatism

8 March 2007

In Compassionate Conservatism, author Marvin Olasky outlines his vision of how a government can best assist needy communities and individuals. This book review provides a brief overview of Compassionate Conservatism and discusses some of its policy implications and how they relate to New Zealand

Oaths modernisation

In the last few years the New Zealand Government has undertaken a review of the oaths and affirmations system that has remained largely untouched for 50 years. This Issue Snapshot considers the Oaths Modernisation Bill which is the product of this process, the background to the Bill and also outlines some of its key elements.