Maxim Institute

real issues.

this week: No. Seventy 3 JULY 2003

Something different this week. We pose questions on three important topics to stimulate thinking and promote discussion. We believe a Civil Society framework provides some answers to these questions, but acknowledge there are many different views and opinions.

Government

1. Is Parliament the highest authority?

2. Does an increasing amount of legislation limit rather than promote liberty?

3. Is New Zealand sovereignty being eroded by international law?

4. Is there a conflict between rights for special groups and the same law for everyone?

5. Can more government spending solve our social problems?

Education

1. Is public education in New Zealand free, compulsory and secular?

2. Should schools have more freedom to run their own affairs?

3. Are 'excellence' and 'equal outcomes' compatible goals?

4. What role should parents have in the education of their children?

5. Do we expect education to solve our social problems?

Nationhood

1. What does it mean to be a New Zealander?

2. Can New Zealand be both bi-cultural and multi-cultural?

3. Do we have a national story?

4. To what extent does our past shape our future?

5. What's your vision for New Zealand 50 years from now?

Maxim roadshow - Over the next two months Maxim is presenting its vision for a better New Zealand in nine centres around New Zealand. We extend a special invitation to readers of Real Issues to attend these meetings. The first is in Tauranga on Tuesday 15 July. Other centres are: Hamilton, Wellington, Palmerston North, Hastings, Napier, Rotorua, Nelson and Dunedin. For dates of when we're in your area please visit: www.maxim.org.nz/ri/whatson.html

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - Martin Luther King

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

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Real Issues is a weekly email newsletter from the Maxim Institute. The focus is current New Zealand events with an attempt to provide insight into critical issues beyond what is usually presented in the media. This service is provided free of charge, although a donation to Maxim is appreciated. Items may be used for other purposes, such as teaching, research or civic action. If items are published elsewhere, Maxim should be acknowledged.

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