22 November 2005

Maxim Institute wins international prize for initiative in public relations

Maxim Institute is delighted to receive its third international prize of 2005. On 9 November, the US-based Atlas Economic Research Foundation announced that Maxim Institute had won second place in the Templeton Freedom Prize for Initiative in Public Relations.

Maxim's application centred on our nationwide, multifaceted NZ Votes project - created to inform and motivate New Zealanders to become more involved in the democratic process leading up to the 2005 general election.

The project included the www.nzvotes.org website, the hosting of 29 public political forums with MPs and candidates around New Zealand and the production and free distribution of an educational DVD explaining the MMP electoral system.

"We used a variety of communication channels including multimedia, electronic communications, events, print and radio, to promote the message; know what you are voting for and make your vote count", says Maxim Institute Communications Manager, Amanda McGrail.

"An informed citizenry who understand the electoral system is vital for preserving freedom in a democracy and we are thrilled that our efforts to advance this have been acknowledged internationally as both valuable and effective", says Amanda McGrail.

ABOUT THE TEMPLETON FREEDOM PRIZE:

"The Templeton Freedom Prize for Initiative in Public Relations recognises superior achievement by think tanks in reaching the public. This Prize was created as an additional incentive for the winners of Templeton Freedom Award Grants for Institute Excellence to devote significant attention to the task of increasing their impact on a broad public audience."

Maxim Institute was eligible to apply for this award because we won two awards earlier this year (in the categories of Institute Excellence and Social Entrepreneurship). Maxim Institute received US$5,000 for winning second place in the public relations category.

For more information about The Atlas Economic Research Foundation visit; www.atlasusa.org

ENDS

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