Maxim Institute Podcast

End of an Error: What Replaces NCEA?

NCEA is being scrapped. What comes next could transform New Zealand schools. Education experts Dr Michael Johnston and Stephanie Martin unpack what went wrong, from fragmented learning and grade inflation to inconsistent grading and weak vocational pathways. They explore how a knowledge-rich curriculum might lift achievement and how schools can prepare young people for a future reshaped by AI—one that values both academic and vocational pathways.

Dignity, Death, and Choice: Amanda Achtman on Euthanasia and Culture

What does it mean to die with dignity? And how does the legalisation of euthanasia shape the way we value life, suffering, and care? In this episode of the Maxim Institute Podcast, Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle speaks with Canadian writer and educator Amanda Achtman. A former political adviser, Amanda has worked on the front lines of Canada’s euthanasia debate and founded Dying to Meet You, a project exploring death, culture, and hope.Together they look at Canada’s expanding euthanasia laws, the danger of normalising assisted suicide, and the ripple effects on vulnerable people and their families. Drawing on stories from those facing end-of-life struggles, Amanda reflects on humour, love, and the true meaning of dignity.

Lessons from Canada: Euthanasia in New Zealand

Canada has become “the euthanasia capital of the world,” according to Amanda Achtman. Since legalising assisted death in 2016 and expanding access in 2021, what began as an exception with supposed safeguards has quickly become routine, now accounting for around 5% of Canadian deaths.In this episode, Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle speaks with Canadian writer and advocate Amanda Achtman about how those changes unfolded and what they mean for New Zealand as Parliament considers similar reforms. Together they explore the risks of eroding safeguards, the impact on people with disabilities and the elderly, the pressure placed on health workers, and the danger of normalising assisted death in hospitals, hospices, and care homes.Amanda also shares stories that reveal the cultural cost of making euthanasia commonplace, and highlights why palliative care and genuine support are essential.

Tim Wilson | Grievance Rules? Why Distrust Needn’t Destroy Us

Distrust in New Zealand isn't just growing—it's curdling into grievance. Executive Director Tim Wilson unpacks alarming new data showing Kiwis now distrust every institution—government, media, even business—more than ever before. He asks whether there are times when distrust can actually be useful.Read⁠ the column on ⁠Substack⁠.

Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts | Why an Atheist Academic Changed Her Mind on Churches’ Tax Status

She used to believe churches should pay taxes. But after over a decade of research, atheist law professor Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts has had a change of heart. Listen to the podcast to discover why.Read⁠ the column on ⁠Substack⁠.