ABOUT US
We offer the best of both hemispheres. Local presence with global influence.
We create space for a deeper conversation
It’s time for us to come together as a nation to tackle the issues that matter to New Zealanders and our region. This is what the Aspen Institute does. We convene discussion and inspire ideas that inform and empower individuals to solve society’s most important problems.
The key word here is ‘convene’. We work between fields and across all political, social, economic and religious divides to find common ground. The upshot is that all parties leave better informed and better equipped to effect change in their own worlds.
Tap into our global network
Our global reach enables New Zealanders to tap into one of the most influential networks in the world. With over 500 employees spread across 14 countries, The Aspen Institute offers unprecedented access to global resources headed by trustees such as Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Mike Bezos, alongside local co-patrons the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark and Rt. Hon. Sir Donald McKinnon.
Our story starts in Queenstown. And Aspen.
In 2018, The Aspen Institute New Zealand was formed as an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit organisation established for all New Zealanders. It was founded by Christine Maiden Sharp with co-patrons the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark and the Rt. Hon. Sir Donald McKinnon.
The original home and inspiration of the Institute was Colorado. As the first partner in the southern hemisphere, we've come back to the organisation’s roots by basing ourselves in Queenstown, Aspen’s sister city. What better place to meet up than here since Whakatipu-wai-māori is the mauri/spiritual leader that represents ‘the essence that binds the physical and spiritual elements of all things together’.
Our history. Seventy years of enabling ideas.
The Aspen Institute was formed by Walter Paepcke in 1949, just a few years after the most diversionary wars the world has seen. Inspired by the natural beauty of Aspen, leaders from all over the world came there to set aside their differences and build a better future for the world.
Fast forward 70 years and today the Institute leads on almost every issue - always valuing reason, hope, drive, creativity and freedom.
New Zealand is often at the forefront of this thinking. Young as a nation, we are a place of inspiration and the birthplace of many inspiring world leaders. A place of democratic moderation, where ‘Finding Common Ground’ is etched in our DNA.
A world of influential contacts
With over 500 employees spread across 14 countries, we offer unprecedented access to global resources and convening power of the Aspen Institute.
Each partner is independently financed and operated, with their own team on the ground. Together, we work collaboratively across borders, addressing global challenges and developing values-based leaders.
The Aspen Institute and its partners:
Get involved
If you’re keen to get involved, we hold regular Topic Forums to discuss New Zealand’s most challenging and complex problems, while our Leadership Seminars are designed to fast-track emerging leaders and bright thinkers. On the ground, we also hold a number of Public Events to inspire creative thinkers.