This conversation occurred at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs flagship conference in Wellington on June 2025. Climate change is one of the gravest threats to New Zealand’s security and prosperity, and ultimately our wellbeing. The New Zealand Government has three priorities in addressing this challenge, including climate diplomacy and international negotiations, supporting climate action and resilience in the Pacific region, and supporting a domestic transition at home. But is what New Zealand and the global community doing sufficient? What more can be done to address and mitigate climate change internationally, while mitigating potential negative economic, social and environmental issues. This expert group discusses such questions.Moderated by Esther Guy-Meakin, NZIIA BoardChlöe Swarbrick MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New ZealandKate Wilson Butler, Chapman TrippKristy Harrison, StantecSupport the show
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1:16:58
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1:16:58
Trump 2.0: what it means for New Zealand and the World
This discussion occurred at the NZIIA flagship conference in Wellington in June 2025. The return of US President Donald Trump to the White House has created tumultuous news on a daily basis. The Administration’s approach to Ukraine, the Middle East, international trade, competition with China and reform of US Government institutions are creating shockwaves, and may have very long-lasting effects on the international system. The ‘reckons’ on where US foreign and trade policy are heading are everywhere. But how do we cut through all the noise to understand exactly where rhetoric differs from action? How are countries like New Zealand affected? And what should New Zealand and other countries and regions do to respond? This expert panel addresses these questions and more.Moderated by Emeritus Professor Roberto Rabel, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of WellingtonProfessor Lise Howard, Georgetown UniversityDerek Grossman, RAND Corporation (virtual)Emily Mosley, Australian Institute of International AffairsProfessor Alan Tidwell, Georgetown UniversitySupport the show
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1:06:02
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1:06:02
Trade and economics in a geopolitical maelstrom
This discussion occurred at the NZIIA flagship conference in Wellington in June 2025. The New Zealand Government has unveiled a ‘Going for Growth’ strategy to enable economic growth, deliver more jobs and grow incomes. Central to the strategy are efforts to double exports by value in 10 years and increase foreign investment. Yet many nations are placing lesser priority on open economic relations with countries like New Zealand, as the world becomes more securitised, fragmented and unstable. Is New Zealand’s economic strategy aware enough of the global challenges? What more can be done to retain and grow New Zealand’s economic connections with the world as geopolitical storms rage? Will it be possible to keep a rules-based trading system? This expert panel discusses.Moderated by Rosalie Nelson, Chief Executive of Edmund Hillary Foundation / Hillary InstituteShamubeel Eaqub, SimplicityProfessor Jason Mika, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata RauJuan Carlos Baker Pineda, Ansley ConsultantsCatherine Beard, BusinessNZSupport the show
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1:11:13
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1:11:13
A changing international (dis)order: implications for New Zealand & the region
This discussion occurred at the NZIIA Conference in Wellington in June 2025. For decades, New Zealand’s approach to international relations has been driven by a pursuit of multilateralism, collective security and free trade. Since the end of the Cold War, this has been enabled to some extent by the pre-eminence of US power. However, the international order and the institutions underpinning it, are changing. The rise of China and other Asian powers is altering international affairs in profound ways, sparking competition and instability. Erosion of democratic norms and authoritarianism is also making indelible marks on world affairs. Likewise, conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa, Myanmar and elsewhere are inflicting damage and trauma, and challenging the rest of the world to act. This expert panel assesses where the international system is heading, and what liberal democracies like New Zealand can do in response.Moderated by Dr Serena Kelly, University of CanterburyProfessor Caitlin Byrne, Griffith UniversityZichen Wang, Founder, Center For China and GlobalizationProfessor Lise Howard, Georgetown UniversityAbhishek Sharma, Observer Research FoundationSupport the show
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1:20:28
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1:20:28
EVENT AUDIO: NZIIA Annual Lecture 2025 with Hon Judith Collins KC, Minister of Defence
At the NZIIA Annual Lecture 2025 on 6 May, held at the National Library of New Zealand, Hon Judith Collins KC, New Zealand Minister of Defence discussed the importance of New Zealand’s Defence Capability Plan announced on 7 April. The plan outlines investments to enhance the New Zealand Defence Force over the next 15 years, with a focus on the critical investments needed in the next four years.The Minister is introduced by Dr James Kember, Chair of NZIIA. Support the show
Welcome to the podcast of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA). Here we foster expert discussion of international affairs, especially as they relate to Aotearoa New Zealand. These are the views of those speaking, and not of the Institute. To find out more visit www.nziia.org.nz.
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