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Maxim Institute is an independent think tank, working to promote the dignity of every person in New Zealand, by standing for freedom, justice, compassion, and hope.

At Maxim Institute, we help leaders make wise decisions.

We are a public policy think-tank. We work towards a more free, just, compassionate, and hopeful Aotearoa New Zealand. Passionate about ideas, we undertake independent research in policy areas we think are critical for our future.

We are independent. We are not aligned with any political party or movement. We are motivated to promote the dignity of every New Zealander and we work across the political spectrum. As a registered charitable trust, we rely on the generosity of New Zealanders who back our vision to do our work. All our work is freely available.

We are grounded. More than just individuals and the state, we believe our nation’s health rests on the strength of relationships, communities, and social institutions. Government, then, has an important yet limited role to play alongside the institutions of a thriving civil society. We learn from the wisdom of those that have come before us and are custodians for those who come after. Maxim seeks to faithfully engage in our work in light of the history of this land and its people.

All of this is informed by our Christian foundations, our hope for the future, and our love of Aotearoa New Zealand and its people.

Our Founding Trustee

SIR JOHN GRAHAM was an exemplary New Zealander who throughout his life displayed the consistency of character and care for others we hope for in the best of our leaders. Along with his well-known leadership roles as Captain of the All Blacks, Headmaster of Auckland Grammar, and Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Sir John inspired and led many organisations, including Maxim Institute.

Appropriately, he was recognised with a CBE in 1994 for his services to education and the community, and was further honoured when he was knighted in 2011. As a Founding Trustee of Maxim Institute, Sir John Graham’s deep love for New Zealand, his passion for education, and concern for those on the margins of life remain at the heart of our work.

SIR JOHN GRAHAM LECTURE

Maxim Institute is an independent charitable trust that relies on the generous support of families, community groups, trusts, and individuals—without them, we wouldn’t exist.

We’d love to have you join our Community of Supporters. We need people like you to help us continue this work—and to grow it—so we can respond to today’s challenges and opportunities and help create a better future for the next generation.