Research Manager

Maryanne Spurdle

Maryanne Spurdle holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Auckland, a BA in Communications from California State University at Fullerton, and is a World Journalism Institute Fellow. She held a variety of positions before joining Maxim Institute in 2023, writing, editing and designing material for mainstream media and non-profit organisations.
One of Maryanne’s early roles was at a charity that supports vulnerable and homeless adults in the north of England. That experience informed and fuelled her desire to discover and communicate the best ways that families, communities, and governments can encourage human flourishing in a complex world.

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Maxim Internship Manager and Researcher

Dr Stephanie Worboys

Stephanie joined Maxim Institute in 2024. She holds a PhD in Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington and a BA in Philosophy from Bethel University of St Paul, MN. Before moving to New Zealand, Stephanie worked with marginalised and homeless youth in the US. She has experience in the banking sector, church leadership, and missions. Stephanie is interested in film, theology, and op-shopping. She is a regular runner and enjoys getting outdoors. Her research interests include moral and political philosophy, the criminal justice system, restorative justice, and mental health and loneliness. Stephanie is married to Greg, a local Anglican minister, missionary, and all-around nice guy.

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Researcher

Thomas Scrimgeour

Thomas Scrimgeour joined the Maxim research team in 2024. He holds a BTh from Laidlaw College and is a graduate of the Maxim Internship Program. Before settling for a desk job, Thomas worked for five years as a landscaper, alongside prior experience working in the community sector. Thomas’ research interests include housing, social connectivity, and the future of community.

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Researcher

Debora Spiekermann

Debora holds a master’s degree in philosophy from Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) in Munich. She specialised in ancient philosophy, ethics, and the concept of human dignity, with a particular interest in the ethical implications of emerging technologies such as AI. Debora has worked for the Austrian government, a Christian youth magazine, and a MedTech startup. In addition to her work with Maxim, she also works at the Institute for Bioethics and Medical Anthropology in Vienna (IMABE). Debora is married to Phillip, a German Kiwi.

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Senior Fellow

Dr Paul Henderson

Paul is Senior Fellow at Maxim Institute and Adjunct Senior Fellow to the T.C. Beirne School of Law at the University of Queensland. His training is in English, philosophy, theology, and education. Paul taught for twelve years, working for departments of education in Europe, Africa, and Asia. He has written education policy and designed and tested compulsory sector, tertiary sector, and national curricula. Working from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) , under John Key, he was secretary to a cross-party committee tasked to review school choice and educational reform.

Paul is an award-winning teacher and former national debating coach. He has authored five books. He is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, the University of Cambridge (Sidney Sussex), and Laidlaw college. He also holds a PhD from Australian Catholic University. His research focuses on applied artificial intelligence. Paul’s association with the Institute goes back to its origins in the 1990s as the New Zealand Education Development Foundation.

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