The NZIIA Podcast

An expert panel discussion on the global rise of autocracies, effects on New Zealand and how citizens and societies can respond. 
Organised by the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) in collaboration with the Global Studies Programme at the University of Auckland. Featuring contributions by:
Associate Professor Chris Ogden
Associate Professor Timothy Kuhner
Associate Professor Maria Armoudian
Professor Jennifer Curtin
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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 Board
Chlöe Swarbrick MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
Kate Wilson Butler, Chapman Tripp
Kristy Harrison, Stantec
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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 Wellington
Professor Lise Howard, Georgetown University
Derek Grossman, RAND Corporation (virtual)
Emily Mosley, Australian Institute of International Affairs
Professor Alan Tidwell, Georgetown University
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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 Institute
Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity
Professor Jason Mika, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau
Juan Carlos Baker Pineda, Ansley Consultants
Catherine Beard, BusinessNZ
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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 Canterbury
Professor Caitlin Byrne, Griffith University
Zichen Wang, Founder, Center For China and Globalization
Professor Lise Howard, Georgetown University
Abhishek Sharma, Observer Research Foundation
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