Maxim Leadership Academy

About the Programme

Maxim Institute is an independent public policy think tank committed to a more free, just, compassionate and hopeful society. We believe in the power of ideas—to shape our institutions, our culture, and our future.

The Maxim Leadership Academy is a 12‑week residential programme for intellectually curious university students and recent graduates who are passionate about contributing to public life. As an Academy Fellow, you’ll live, learn, and grow alongside other dynamic, emerging leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The programme explores fundamental questions of justice, human worth, and truth through the lens of the Christian intellectual tradition. Fellows are also invited to engage meaningfully with Christian faith, and with its relationship to contemporary issues in culture, civic life, and ethics.

This is more than a course—it’s a full experience. From daily discussions and lectures to shared meals, field trips, and late‑night debates, you’ll be invited to think deeply, live deliberately, and engage meaningfully with the big questions shaping our world.

The Ideas That Form Us

Through seminar‑style classes you’ll explore:

• The philosophical roots of justice, liberty, and human dignity
• Biblical and classical sources of Western thought
• The political and moral frameworks that have shaped our democracy
• Current challenges facing New Zealand society today—from social cohesion to institutional trust, the constitution, poverty, and policy reform
• Practical frameworks for making change in government, civil society, and culture

You’ll also receive hands‑on training in media and communications—learning how to write op‑eds, speak persuasively, and engage well in public conversations.

Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to train you how to think—critically, compassionately, and courageously.

Beyond the Classroom

As a Fellow, you’ll participate in:

• Extended field trips to Wellington, the Bay of Islands, and Waitangi
• Leadership formation and character development workshops
• Formal debates, research projects, and political simulations
• Weekly networking dinners with politicians, media leaders, and civil society insiders

By the end of the programme, you will have gained not only a deeper understanding of public life but also the tools to engage with it. These tools are grounded in history, shaped by community, and driven by conviction.

Who Should Apply?

You’ll need to:

• Be a current university student or recent graduate
• Be curious about the world
• Be committed to making a meaningful difference in public life

You don’t need to have studied politics or public policy—but if you have a strong interest in politics, policy, communications, NGOs, or the public sector, this programme is for you.

We’re seeking individuals who are intellectually engaged, open to new ideas, and ready to grow as thoughtful leaders.

This educational experience is shaped by Christian thought and practice and is principally, though not exclusively, for those who are committed to this faith. We welcome applications from those of other faiths or of no faith, though we encourage those applicants to consider first whether they will be able to benefit from meaningful engagement with all aspects of the programme.

Does that sound like you? We’d love to hear from you.

Important Information

Programme Dates

• Applications close: 29 August 2025
• Programme starts (orientation): Sunday, 9 November 2025
• First day of classes: Monday, 10 November 2025
• Christmas break: 20 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
• Programme ends: Friday, 13 February 2026
• Graduation: Thursday evening, 12 February 2026

Location

This is a residential programme, held at Cape Horn, Mt Roskill (Auckland).

Field Trips

• Wellington – Meet with policymakers and MPs, visit the Beehive, and attend workshops
• Bay of Islands – Classes and team‑building in one of the most beautiful spots in Aotearoa
• Waitangi – Join commemorations of the Treaty anniversary

Fees & Costs

• Programme fee: $1,500 (covers food & accommodation)
• All travel for programme activities is covered by Maxim
• Fellows cover their own travel to/from Auckland at start and end

Weekly Schedule

Monday – Friday

• 8:30am | Morning devotions
• 9:00am – 3pm | Seminar‑style classes & academic sessions

Afternoons

• 3 afternoons/week: Independent project work, reading & reflection
• 1 afternoon: Formal debate
• 1 afternoon: Leadership formation session

Evenings

• 1 evening/week: Formal dinner with a guest from politics, media, or civil society
• Additional networking events throughout the programme

Every second Saturday: Mandatory house meeting & team‑building

Sundays: Rest & personal time

Note: While you’ll receive a calendar in advance, dates & events may change. Fellows will be notified as early as possible.