MEDIA ADVISORY
MAXIM INSTITUTE
17 JULY 2006 - For immediate release
Two weeks left to find out what Kiwis think about ‘social justice’
Maxim Institute invites readers from around New Zealand to share their thoughts on ‘social justice’. The phrase is
bandied around by politicians, lobbyists, academics and charities; but what do ordinary Kiwis think ‘social justice’ is?
Launched in May this year, the research project, Exploring Social Justice: A New Zealand Perspective, is trying to find
out how New Zealanders view the concept of ‘social justice’ and what they think a socially just society looks like.
The online survey is being conducted by Dr Myron Friesen of the University of Canterbury. The project is being sponsored
by Maxim Institute, an independent public policy think tank.
Dr Friesen and Maxim Institute invite readers to submit their views on ‘social justice’ by completing the online survey
at: www.socialjustice.co.nz before 31 July 2006. All entries will go into the draw to win one of thirty music vouchers
worth $30.
“Despite its popular use, the concept of social justice is loosely defined. Academics, politicians, journalists and the
general public often use the term with contradictory implications. We want to know if any coherence can be found in the
midst of this diversity”, says Dr Friesen.
Research sponsor, Maxim Institute, says the research project is an innovative attempt to try and capture the distinct
New Zealand flavour of this hotly debated concept and is part of a larger goal of helping to promote informed debate on
political and social issues affecting New Zealanders.
ENDS