About Us

The McGuinness Institute is a non-partisan think tank working towards a sustainable future for New Zealand. The Institute applies hindsight, insight and foresight to explore major challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand over the long term.

We are committed to positively influencing public policy by empowering New Zealanders to have the uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations that are required to enable New Zealand to realise its potential.

The Institute’s work is guided by the following principles:

Kaitiakitanga and sustainability

Focusing on guardianship, responsibility and intergenerational equity with a view to achieving long-term benefits for all of New Zealand. Our work focuses on the year 2058 as a benchmark.

Mātauranga and mōhiotanga

Acknowledging both traditional and contemporary knowledge. Where possible, using the skills of observation, critical thinking, interpretation, strategy and forward engagement to ensure knowledge is easily accessible to new generations. Our work generally focuses on young people between 18 and 25 years of age.

Manaakitanga and fairness

Building reciprocity, integrity, trust, sincerity and equity. Actively seeking diverse perspectives in order to develop innovative work practices, stress-test assumptions and avoid biases. Our work focuses on collaborating with local, national and global institutions, including government organisations, NGOs, iwi, hapū and Pasifika organisations to actively develop initiatives that contribute to New Zealand’s social capital.

Curiosity and chronicling

Approaching projects and research with open and inquisitive minds. Where possible, recording events and ideas over time in a factual and detailed way. Our work focuses on producing informative, evidence-based, accessible research, enabling New Zealanders to learn lessons from the past and develop effective policy for the future.