Maxim Institute Podcast

In this episode of The Select Committee, we take a look at New Zealand First’s proposed Kiwi Kids Grant: $5,000 a year for each of a family’s first three children during their first three years. We ask what this policy says about our culture and whether it would actually lift the birth rate.
We then turn to ACT’s classroom behaviour policy, which would allow disruptive students to be removed using reasonable and proportionate force. Is this a necessary intervention that protects students’ ability to learn, or does it risk escalating conflicts with students?
Finally, we discuss Winston Peters describing a statement by Chris Hipkins as a “lie”, and Chlöe Swarbrick’s ejection from the House after accusing Speaker Gerry Brownlee of “double standards”. We ask whether Parliament’s declining standards are weakening the quality of political debate.
We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we examine Russia’s allegation that a man arrested there approached the NZSIS to spy for New Zealand. We ask what the claim—true or otherwise—reveals about New Zealand’s role in the Five Eyes intelligence network.
We then turn to National’s decision to rule out The Opportunity Party as a coalition partner. With TOP polling close to 5%, we consider whether the move legitimises the party and whether its “centrist” reputation matches its policies.
Finally, we discuss the Greens’ campaign launch and proposed one-year pause on new AI data centre consents. We ask what the rise of minor parties says about political fragmentation, coalition incentives, and voting as self-expression.
We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we examine the Greens’ Kiwi Power proposal, support for rooftop solar, and New Zealand’s dry-winter problem. We ask whether a state-owned energy entity would lower electricity bills.
We then turn to the Government’s proposed changes to council–iwi agreements as part of Resource Management Act reform. Will national rules provide greater certainty?
Finally, we discuss the names chosen for the new Cook Strait ferries, Kupe and Cook, and explain how the political reaction reflects a culture war in search of an opponent.
We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

Receive our latest columns and podcasts straight to your inbox:
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In this episode of The Select Committee, we consider ACT’s acquisition of broadcaster Paul Henry, and ask whether celebrity cut-through can translate into the discipline and compromise required of an MP.
We then turn to the latest polls, examining why individual results can mislead and how the Poll of Polls offers a clearer picture of an increasingly competitive election.
Finally, we discuss New Zealand’s newly announced strategic partnership with India and what it signals geopolitically. We also examine the $20 billion investment target in the free trade agreement, and why there are differing accounts of what it means.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we discuss New Zealand First’s proposal to remove voting rights for permanent residents, and whether tying the vote more closely to citizenship would give it greater meaning.
We then turn to the proposed under-16 social media ban, asking whether a law intended to protect children can be enforced without sacrificing online privacy.
Finally, we consider China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, and what New Zealand’s measured but uneasy response reveals about diplomacy as a small state caught between major powers.
We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

Receive our latest columns and podcasts straight to your inbox:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://maximinstitute.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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