Reality Check Radio: Dr James Kierstead on university grade inflation

Dr James Kierstead
Paul Brennan
Reality Check Radio
27 August, 2025

Dr James Kierstead talked to Paul Brennan on Reality Check Radio about his report "Amazing Grades", which exposes how New Zealand universities have become increasingly generous with their grading over recent years.

Dr Kierstead explained that the surge in high grades stems from academics adopting more lenient assessment practices rather than any genuine improvement in student ability, a pattern that became starkly evident during the pandemic. Watch below.

Stay in the loop: Subscribe to updates