In this compelling episode of RCR 360, host Maree Buscke sits down with Professor Elizabeth Rata from Auckland University to examine the state of New Zealand’s education system and its broader implications for democracy.

The discussion tackles the growing influence of tribal sovereignty and how it threatens to replace liberal democracy as the foundation of New Zealand’s political system. Professor Rata unpacks the role of critical race theory and postmodernist ideology in reshaping education, questioning whether these trends erode core democratic values.

The conversation also delves into the concept of partial loyalty within a liberal democracy and why freedom of speech and informed opinion must be at the heart of any credible education system. Looking at curriculum content, they explore Shakespeare’s place in teaching English and make the case for a subject-based, knowledge-rich curriculum taught by educators who are truly experts in their fields.

Tune in to RCR 360 for a deep dive into the ideological battle shaping New Zealand’s schools and what’s at stake for the next generation.