This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Otago National Security School, and we are honoured to partner with the University of Otago and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) to host the Aspen-Otago National Security Forum 2025.
Australia is New Zealand’s closest and most long-standing security partner. The threats we share are many, although sometimes of different size or shape, and not always simultaneously. Yet the solutions can be synchronised. We can learn from each other, cooperate on pressing issues, and highlight differences in ways that are insightful and promote innovation.
The non-partisan Aspen-Otago National Security Forum will bring together leading voices to explore escalating and emerging risks, examine what’s at stake, and discuss practical responses to mitigate risks and build a more secure future for New Zealand, Australia and the wider region.
Closed Session | 9:00am–3:00pm
The closed session is an invitation-only session under the Chatham House Rule, gathering senior leaders from government, intelligence, defence, business, and academia to engage in candid dialogue on the region’s most urgent strategic challenges.
Topics include:
Shared Threats: The Australian-New Zealand Threat Landscape
Youth and Violent Extremism
Espionage and AI
Foreign Interference in Elections
National Security Strategies and Independent Intelligence Reviews
Trading Influence: South Pacific Perspectives on China
Frozen Conflict? Will Antarctica Become a Contested Space?
Mischief or Malice? North Korea and Regional Security
Shared Solutions: What Can Australia and New Zealand Learn from Each Other?
Confirmed speakers include senior leaders from the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), the New Zealand Defence Force, and experts from academia and civil society. Speakers and topics include:
Andrew Clark, Director General and Chief Executive of the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), delivering the keynote address on the evolving threat landscape across Australia and New Zealand.
Anne Neuberger, former White House advisor on Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology, National Security Council (joining virtually), speaking on AI and Espionage, moderated by Chris Taylor, Director, Statecraft and Intelligence Centre, ASPI.
Richard Schmidt, Deputy Secretary, Defence Policy and Planning, NZ Ministry of Defence, providing an overview of initiatives to modernise the Australia–New Zealand alliance under the Defence Capability Plan 2025, to strengthen joint readiness and protect shared interests in an increasingly challenging strategic environment.
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service’s (NZSIS) Head of Counter-Terrorism discussing the growing concern, shared by the Five Eyes intelligence partnership, over Youth Radicalisation to violent extremism, and how NZ is responding.
Dr Liz Buchanan (ASPI), polar security expert, examining the Australia-NZ-US strategic partnership in Antarctica
Gen. In-Bum Chun, former commander of ROK/US forces (joining virtually), speaking on South Korea's pursuit of nuclear deterrence and regional stability
The full list of speakers will be announced closer to the event.
If you’re interested in attending the closed session, please contact us:
Public Session + Drinks & Canapés | 4:00pm–5:30pm
The public session is open to all and offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from senior security and intelligence leaders from New Zealand and Australia. The panel will discuss key public-facing topics, including:
Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: How prepared are we for the threats we face?
Tourism & Terrorism: How can New Zealand’s open borders remain secure?
Regional Security: The future of cooperation across our neighbourhood.
The session includes a moderated panel, audience Q&A, and a networking reception with drinks and canapés.
Whether you work in security, policy, tourism, business, or simply care about keeping our region safe, this is your chance to be part of the conversation. Tickets available now, venue space is limited.