Max Rashbrooke

Max Rashbrooke is a senior research fellow at Victoria University of Wellington's School of Government (Te Kura Kāwanatanga), specializing in economic inequality, democratic participation, and public policy. His work bridges academic research and public commentary, making him one of New Zealand's most sought-after voices on wealth distribution and social justice issues.

Rashbrooke's research interests focus on economic inequality and wealth distribution in New Zealand, with particular attention to how policy decisions impact social stratification. His work examines democratic participation mechanisms, open government initiatives, and social security systems, often connecting these themes to broader questions of fairness and opportunity in New Zealand society. He has a strong focus on translating complex economic concepts into accessible public discourse.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on wealth inequality, tax policy, housing, and democratic innovation. Analyzing these works reveals a trajectory from documenting inequality patterns to proposing concrete policy solutions, with increasing attention to implementation challenges and political feasibility. His writing spans academic journals, policy reports, and popular media, creating a bridge between scholarly research and public debate.

• Bruce Jesson Senior Journalism Award (received twice)
• Winston Churchill Fellow (2015)

Rashbrooke is highly active in public discourse as a fortnightly columnist for Stuff and contributor to outlets including The Guardian, The Spinoff, and Newsroom. His work extends beyond traditional academic boundaries through media commentary, public speaking, and policy engagement. While not described as supervising formal academic advisees, he plays a significant role in shaping public understanding of inequality issues through his accessible writing and media presence.