Social justice is not simply an academic concept or a fashionable buzzword.

It is about people and how they live together. Government cannot bestow identity, inspire hope or secure belonging; it cannot shape character or show love. These things, which are vital for human flourishing, are forged and sustained through living and dynamic relationships with family, charities, sports clubs, iwi and churches. Social justice is at the heart of a free, just and compassionate society and it makes demands of each one of us: to care, to give and to be involved in the communi- ties in which we live. The Maxim Institute Forum 2007 brings together individuals and leaders from all walks of life to explore how we can play our part in working for social justice in New Zealand.

Speakers include:

	| Professor David Fergusson | Early Start: developing a suc- cessful early intervention programme		| Professor Peter Saunders | The power of community and the limits of government
Professor David Fergusson is one of New Zealand's leading social scientists. He is the most cited Australasian researcher in the areas of psychology and psychiatry and has published over 300 books and articles in this area. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and is an Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Psychological Society. For the last 30 years he has been Director of the Christchurch Health and Development Study.		Professor Peter Saunders is Social Research Director at the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) in Australia. He is also Professor Emeritus of the University of Sussex in England. His research has largely focused on issues of poverty, social inequality and welfare reform. Professor Saunders is a regular contributor to newspapers, radio and current affairs programmes.
	| Judge Andrew Becroft | Youth in crisis? The real issues about youth offending in New Zealand		| Lyn Campbell | Getting our hands dirty: social justice from the grass roots up
His Honour Judge Andrew Becroft has been the Principal Youth Court Judge of New Zealand since 2001. Judge Becroft's distinguished career has seen him practising law and serving in the justice system and in the community for many years. He assisted in founding the Mangere Community Law Centre and is the Patron of the New Zealand Speak Easy Association.		Lyn Campbell has been a Commissioner with the Families Commission since 2004. She previously worked in senior management in secondary education and as a Children's Advocate with the Christchurch City Council. Lyn is a Board member of the Baptist Council of New Zealand, VisionNetwork NZ, and Te Kaupapa Whakaora, an alternative education programme.
	| Dr Myron Friesen | Perspectives on social justice in New Zealand		| Nick Tuitasi | Stories from the street
Dr Myron Friesen recently completed research into New Zealanders' views of social justice for Maxim Institute. He is currently a post-doctoral research Fellow at the University of Canterbury, researching parenting with the Canterbury Child Development Research Group, and has also taught developmental, personality and family psychology.		Nick Tuitasi has been with the New Zealand Police for the past 25 years. For the last 15 years he has specialised in crime prevention and working with at-risk families. Nick set up a programme called Community Approach that was used as a blueprint by the Police for projects around New Zealand. He is married with three daughters.
	| Rob Harley | Hope for the future: face to face with New Zealand's young leaders	| MP Panel Discussion | How can government respond to the challenge of reinvigorating civil society in New Zealand?
Rob Harley worked in mainstream media for 26 years before taking up communications consultancy. His documentaries have earned wide recognition both in New Zealand and overseas. Rob will be interviewing three young New Zealanders about how they are involved in pursuing social justice in their communitites.		Taking part in the MP Panel Discussion will be the following Members of Parliament: National Party Deputy Leader, Hon Bill English; United Future Leader, Hon Peter Dunne; New Zealand First Deputy Leader, Peter Brown; and Green Party MP, Sue Bradford. Further representatives will be confirmed soon.

Governor-General to launch Maxim Institute's new book

His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, The Honourable Anand Satyanand PCNZM will officially launch Maxim Institute's new book, Pursuing Social Justice in New Zealand: 14 New Zealanders share their stories of communities helping people in ways government cannot, at the book launch during the Forum. The book features stories and compelling arguments from a range of New Zealanders, some well known, others less so, but each with a common experience: when it comes to providing social justice—whether in sport or business—in protecting the environment or helping immigrants—communities are best. Contributors include John Graham, Dr Pita Sharples, Jim Hopkins, Lyn Campbell, and Ruby Duncan.