Censorship or critical thinking? The battle for our online freedom rages on. In the Maxim Institute column this week, Communications Coordinator Sisilia Teu explores the Department of Internal Affairs proposed media regulator. Is it a noble pursuit of safety or a slippery slope towards government-controlled content? Sisilia explores the perils of excessive regulation and the alternative path to a resilient society. She argues the issue isn't just about protecting children but about safeguarding the essence of free speech.

In this week's column, Marcus Roberts, Director of Research and Development, sheds light on an important issue that has been the subject of much debate - prisoners' voting rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Marcus takes us on a journey through history, exploring the evolution of prisoners' right to vote and the different opinions that have emerged over the years. He also discusses the latest recommendations from He Arotake Pōtitanga Motuhake - Independent Electoral Review. He draws on his own research paper, "Democracy Unlocked: How Should We Determine Our Electorate?" to delve into the question of whether voting should be viewed as a privilege or a fundamental right. Through his insightful analysis, Roberts encourages us to think critically about this complex issue and consider the implications of our decisions for the future of our democracy.

In the Maxim Institute Column this week, Researcher Maryanne Spurdle looks at our idea that the government can solve all our problems. She questions the optimism of wealthy Kiwis pleading for higher taxes, highlighting the diminishing returns of government spending in critical sectors. Instead, she urges us to support grassroots organisations already making an extraordinary impact. Maryanne shows how community initiatives can address affordable housing, food insecurity, and financial illiteracy issues. She explores the power of people-led solutions and why they surpass centralised services.

We shouldn’t settle for elections as popularity contests. We have to move beyond surface-level likability and focus on what matters: effective governance, sound decision-making, and safeguarding our nation's interests. In the Maxim column this week, Jason Heale encourages us to take the focus off superficial traits and ask ourselves who is the most capable of representing us in Government before we get to the polling booth.

In this week's column Director of Research and Development, Marcus Roberts delves into the recent political defections in Aotearoa New Zealand. He suggests that personal conflicts and public reasons may not be the only factors at play. Marcus emphasises the importance of political parties adapting to their electorates' evolving needs and concerns. Ultimately, MPs must prioritise the needs of their constituents over personal grievances.

Is New Zealand's government running scared or just responding to events? Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has lit two policy bonfires in just two months, but is it a cynical ploy for re-election or a prudent response to challenges like inflation and natural disasters? In our weekly column, Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts weighs in on the debate, questioning whether dropping unpopular policies signifies representative democracy or a failure to lead. As the election approaches, the article raises important questions about the role of government in balancing public opinion and long-term goals.

TikTok has been banned in several countries over privacy and national security concerns. Foreign interference through the app is a genuine concern as we head into an election year. Aotearoa New Zealand must invest in local tech and educate the public on digital platform risks. In this week's column, Communications Coordinator Sisilia Teu talks about how banning TikTok on government devices could set a precedence for businesses and citizens. Let's protect our digital future.

Are Attendance Officers the solution to truancy rates hitting a decade-high? We're not convinced. In an election year, the government is allocating $74m to tackle the issue, but is it too little, too late? With chronic absenteeism on the rise, it's clear that more needs to be done. In the Maxim column this week, researcher ‘Alapasita Pomelile explores the facts and explains why we need a multifaceted policy approach to address the root causes of truancy.

Te Pūkenga's merger of 25 vocational education providers is causing a string of resignations; the question remains, is it working? In this week's column, Communications Manager Jason Heale highlights that some of the best-performing institutions are pushing back. Cutting access to vocational education could leave people with fewer paths to bettering themselves.

Regional development should be amplified, not absorbed, and one size doesn't fit all. Let's implement what works and let successful institutions continue offering specialised education.

The latest trend in AI technology is making its way into classrooms and universities, causing concern among educators worldwide. This week Communications Coordinator, Sisilia Teu, probes the various responses, including fears of a decline in critical thinking, plagiarism, and problem-solving skills. She also looks at the positive embracing of AI by some institutions. She concludes that while AI may shape the future of education, human interaction must remain at the heart of learning.