Watch the video, review the presentation slides or read the transcript of Dr Ganesh Ahirao speaking to Trust Democracy’s AGM on 7 July 2026 on the topic ‘The Triple Alliance: Economics, Politics, and Power’
Tag: Deliberative democracy
The Future of Democracy: from public opinion to public judgment through public deliberation
Watch the video or read the transcript of the Future of Democracy panel featuring Iain Walker, Chris Finlayson KC, Dr Claire Timperley and Max Rashbrooke. The event was held at Victoria University of Wellington on 11 May 2026.
Doing Democracy Better: Iain Walker speaking tour, 10-14 May
In May, Trust Democracy is co‑hosting a national speaking tour by Iain Walker, a leading advocate and communicator in the global effort to make democracy work better. This post provides tour details, including details of the public events in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and online.
Twinkles of democratic hope
Trust Democracy’s Chair, Simon Wright, reflects on 2025 and finds some twinkles of democratic hope.
Deciding Together: The Future of A F Thomas Park – the Home of the Takapuna Golf Course
Trust Democracy committee member, Anna Curnow, shares initial reflections on Auckland Council’s latest deliberative forum, which she facilitated.
Policy Exchange wrote a report against citizens’ assemblies – here are our thoughts
Trust Democracy committee member, Finn Shewell, responds to claims that citizens’ assemblies are less accurate than tossing a coin.
More Referenda, Better Democracy?
Watch the video or read the transcript of Associate Professor Matheson Russell speaking to Trust Democracy’s AGM on 12 May 2025 on the topic ‘More Referenda, Better Democracy?’
Media Watch: All eyes on Democracy
Over the last month, we may well have seen more media attention on deliberative democracy in Aotearoa than in the entirety of 2024
Will trusting politicians with a longer term strengthen our democracy?
New Zealanders may soon be asked to consider whether we trust our elected Members of Parliament enough to allow them an extra year between elections. Parliament’s Justice Committee is currently considering the two bills that together would make a referendum on this a reality. Trust Democracy’s submissions call for both bills to be withdrawn and attention focused instead on making NZ’s democratic system more robust.
Notice of 2025 AGM featuring Matheson Russell
Trust Democracy is pleased to announce that its 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 12 May at St Andrew’s on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, and via Zoom, and will feature an address by Associate Professor Matheson Russell on the topic ‘More Referenda, Better Democracy?’