2026 Aspen NZ Security Forum Programme

New Zealand’s Place in a Contested World 

The Aspen NZ Security Forum is Aspen Institute New Zealand’s flagship annual leadership forum, bringing together senior leaders from business, government, defence, technology, investment, research and international partners to explore the strategic questions shaping New Zealand’s security, resilience and prosperity. 

Designed and convened by Aspen Institute New Zealand, the Forum reflects Aspen's distinctive approach to informed, non partisan dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives to examine the strategic choices facing New Zealand. 

8:15am – 8:45am

Registration
PHASE ONE | UNDERSTANDING THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT
8:45am – 8:55am

Opening

Christine Maiden Sharp Chief Executive, Aspen Institute New Zealand
8:55am – 9:30am

Strategic Assessment: New Zealand & Australia in a Contested World

What has changed in New Zealand and Australia's strategic environment, and what does it mean for the choices ahead?

Moderator
Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon Co-Patron, Aspen Institute New Zealand; former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Secretary-General
In conversation with
Andrew Hampton Director-General, NZSIS
Carolyn Bull Executive Director, RAND Australasia
9:30am – 10:30am

Session 1: Pacific Stability, Maritime Security & Strategic Access

With Principal Partner PwC New Zealand

How is strategic competition reshaping the Pacific, and what does it mean for New Zealand?

Moderator
Andrew Brown Executive Director, PwC New Zealand
Panellists
Anna Powles Associate Professor, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Massey University
Richard Griffith Principal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
10:30am – 10:55am

Morning Tea
PHASE TWO | BUILDING NATIONAL CAPABILITY
10:55am – 11:55am

Session 2: AI, Cyber & the New Strategic Advantage

With Strategic Theme Partner Microsoft

How will technology reshape New Zealand's strategic advantage over the next decade?

Session Moderator
Lewis Mills Director of Corporate Affairs and Special Counsel (National Security), Microsoft
In conversation with
Andrew Clark Director-General, GCSB
Panel Moderator
Blake Herzinger Asia Defence and National Security Policy Lead, Microsoft
Panellists
Jeremy Clarke-Watson Deputy Chief Executive, National Security and Resilience, DPMC
Associate Professor Reuben Steff Geopolitical Analyst, Mendel University, Czech Republic
11:55am – 12:15pm

Group Discussion
12:15pm – 1:00pm

Lunch
1:00pm – 1:40pm

Special Presentation: Research Security — When Openness Becomes a Strategic Vulnerability

Speaker
Cortney Weinbaum Senior Management Scientist, RAND
1:40pm – 2:50pm

Session 3: Defence Capability, Deterrence & Dual-Use Innovation

With Strategic Theme Partner North Ridge Partners

How can New Zealand build the defence capabilities it will need in the years ahead?

Moderator
Christin Burns Managing Partner, North Ridge Partners
Panellists
Finn Templeton Partner, Altered Capital
Jude Rushmere Chair, SYOS Aerospace
Dr Christopher Laing Chief Technology Officer, Starboard Maritime Intelligence
2:50pm – 3:30pm

Session 4: Economic Security & National Resilience

Can New Zealand prosper without greater economic resilience?

Moderator
Christine Maiden Sharp Chief Executive, Aspen Institute New Zealand
Panellists
Dr Julia Macdonald Director, Research and Engagement, Asia New Zealand Foundation
Major General John Howard (Ret) Former inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence, NZDF
3:30pm – 3:45pm

Special Presentation: Modernising New Zealand's Payment Systems

Speaker
Dr Anna Breman Governor, Reserve Bank of New Zealand
PHASE THREE | LEADING NEW ZEALAND FORWARD
3:45pm – 4:15pm

Group Discussion: The Strategic Choices Ahead

Facilitator
Christine Maiden Sharp Chief Executive, Aspen Institute New Zealand
4:15pm – 4:30pm

Closing Remarks

Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon Co-Patron, Aspen Institute New Zealand; former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Secretary-General
4:30pm – 6:30pm

Closing Reception