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Dr Michael Johnston

Senior Fellow

Michael is a Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative. He leads the Initiative’s work on education. He is a cognitive psychologist with a background in literacy research, educational assessment and psychometrics.

Prior to his time at the Initiative, he was the Associate Dean (Academic) of the Faculty of Education at Victoria University of Wellington. Between 2005 and 2011, he worked at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), where he developed a new, more reliable, marking system for NCEA examinations. In 2024, Michael chaired a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Education Minister Erica Stanford. The MAG advised on the development of a knowledge-rich curriculum for English and mathematics. Following that work, Michael is currently a member of the Curriculum Coherence group, which advises on the development of knowledge-rich curricula across all school subjects. Michael is also a member of a technical advisory group to NZQA on assessment for NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship.

In his time at The New Zealand Initiative, Michael has published reports on Modern Learning Environments, systems reform in education,  teacher education, the use of AI in education, and pathways for industry training and apprenticeships.

Phone: 044990790

Email: michael.johnston@nzinitiative.org.nz

Recent Work

Podcast: Reimagining student pathways

In this episode, Michael talks to Beth Nalter, a careers counsellor at Saint Dominic's College, about the challenges and limitations of the current education system's approach to vocational training and career pathways for young people. They explore how schools predominantly focus on university pathways, overlooking the value of trades and vocational education, and discuss strategies to provide students with more diverse and meaningful career opportunities. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Beth Nalter
19 June, 2025
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The Memory Paradox: Why Our Brains Need Knowledge in an Age of AI

Abstract In an era of generative AI and ubiquitous digital tools, human memory faces a paradox: the more we offload knowledge to external aids, the less we exercise and develop our own cognitive capacities. This chapter offers the first neuroscience-based explanation for the observed reversal of the Flynn Effect—the recent decline in IQ scores in developed countries—linking this downturn to shifts in educational practices and the rise of cognitive offloading via AI and digital tools. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Professor Barbara Oakley
"McGraw Prize recipient (the 'Nobel Prize' of education), New York Times bestselling author, and creator of the world's largest Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with over 4 million students. "
View profile
Ken-Zen Chen, Eulho Jung and Terrence Sejnowski
Research Paper
19 June, 2025
2025 06 13 submission

Submission: The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 2) - by Dr Michael Johnston and Stephanie Martin

1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 2) is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Submission
12 June, 2025
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Newstalk ZB: John MacDonald discusses Dr Michael Johnston's report on modern learning environments

John MacDonald discussed Dr Michael Johnston's report on Newstalk ZB, revisiting The New Zealand Initiative's research on modern learning environments. Dr Johnston's report, originally published in 2022, exposed the Ministry of Education's practice of mandating large open-plan classrooms without conducting proper evaluations of their educational effectiveness. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
John MacDonald
Newstalk ZB
6 June, 2025

Newstalk ZB: Dr Michael Johnston on declining apprenticeship numbers

Dr Michael Johnston was mentioned by Newstalk ZB in their news segment about the declining number of trainees and apprentices in New Zealand, following his recent report on trades training and improving vocational pathways. Dr Johnston suggested that introducing a graduated training wage as apprentices progress through their training could provide incentives for apprentices, in response to data showing a 12% drop in learners and a 19% decrease in continuing apprentices from previous years. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Newstalk ZB
16 May, 2025

Podcast: When universities take sides

In this episode, Michael and James discuss institutional neutrality in universities, examining how the Education and Training Act Amendment Bill addresses universities' ability to take official positions on political matters. They analyse Otago University's draft statement on institutional neutrality, exploring the distinction between universities "taking positions" versus "making statements" on controversial issues, and consider how the legislation could be improved to better protect academic freedom. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Dr James Kierstead
16 May, 2025

Podcast: Putting student learning at the centre of school governance

In this episode, James and Michael discuss how the Education Training Amendment Bill transforms school governance in New Zealand. They examine the bill's shift to make student learning the paramount objective for school boards, new requirements to address truancy through attendance management plans, and enhanced assessment standards to improve educational outcomes. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Dr James Kierstead
8 May, 2025

Press Statement: The New Zealand Initiative supports industry-led training reforms, calls for school pathway changes

Wellington (Thursday, 24 April 2025) - The New Zealand Initiative strongly supports the Government's move to give industries more control over apprenticeships and training. "Minister Simmonds' announcement today addresses a key issue in our vocational education system," says Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Press Statement
24 April, 2025

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