Maxim Institute

I recently learned of this New Zealand-based organization from a colleague who returned from the Antipodes. The Maxim Institute was established in 2001 and has begun to have an impact on that country's political life. This is how it describes itself:

A research and public policy organisation committed to promoting the principles that underpin a Civil Society. It analyses, publishes and comments on important social and cultural issues to inform and inspire the public and decision-makers. Maxim Institute provides New Zealanders with the resources and motivation to be better informed, more active participants in the democratic process.

The Maxim Institute maintains specialized research centres with the following objectives:

For the married, intergenerational family to be supported and promoted in policy and culture.

For parents to have the authority to select their child's school and for schools to have the authority to select curriculum and use their finances in the way they see fit.

For policy and culture to reflect a clear understanding of the relationship between freedom and responsibility.

For the next generation of leaders to be informed and inspired by a coherent understanding of Civil Society.

This organization appears to merit some attention from those of us in the northern hemisphere. As I myself will be in that part of the world next year, perhaps I should take a slight detour to Auckland and see what the Maxim Institute is all about.