Honouring Sir Donald McKinnon
With immense gratitude and admiration, we honour The Rt. Hon. Sir Donald McKinnon ONZ GCVO as he steps down from his roles as Trustee and Director of the Aspen Institute New Zealand, while continuing to support us as Co-Patron. Sir Don’s impact on Aspen NZ and his enduring legacy of leadership make this a fitting moment to reflect on an extraordinary journey, one whose influence is far from over.
Sir Don’s relationship with Aspen began through the Aspen Ministers Forum (AMF), a global network of former foreign ministers founded by Madeleine Albright. His sustained involvement with AMF for nearly two decades became the catalyst for Aspen Institute’s leadership to back the establishment of an Institute in New Zealand, led by Christine Maiden Sharp, where he served as inaugural Chair. Drawing on his signature warmth, wisdom, and extensive diplomatic experience, Sir Don played a pivotal role in shaping Aspen NZ into a trusted platform for open and constructive dialogue across New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia.
Reflecting on his early days with AMF, Sir Don recalled his first meeting with Madeleine Albright:
"From first meeting Madeleine in January 1993, when we were both on the UN Security Council, I knew I was in the presence of a very special person. She had wrapped her huge intellect around all the issues of the day and the ones still emerging. We, at the AMF, will all miss her very much - her values, her intellect, her energy, her warmth and sense of humour."
Sir Don’s distinguished career extends far beyond the Aspen Institute. Over 21 years in New Zealand Parliament, he served as Deputy Prime Minister (1990–1996) and was the country’s longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1990–1999). From 2000 to 2008, he led the Commonwealth of Nations as Secretary-General, earning international recognition for his diplomatic balance and resolve. His honours include New Zealander of the Year (2003), the Order of New Zealand (2007), Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order (2009), and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for resolving the Bougainville conflict - each a testament to his extraordinary record of public service.
Under Sir Don’s visionary leadership, Aspen NZ has grown into a vibrant forum for ambitious ideas and critical conversation, bringing together leaders from across generations, sectors, and cultures. We are indebted to his guidance and delighted that his association with Aspen NZ continues in his role as Co-Patron.
“A local arm of the Aspen Institute is not only valuable to New Zealand, but to our neighbours in the South Pacific and Asia. There is no forum like it for long-term discussions on critical issues.” - Sir Donald McKinnon
“Working alongside Sir Don has been one of life’s great privileges, from the first conversations about establishing Aspen in New Zealand, to witnessing that vision come alive and thrive. A gentle giant, Sir Don remains endlessly positive, thoughtful, and ever ready to contribute his vast international wisdom and influence when it matters most. While this may mark the close of a pivotal chapter, it is certainly not the end - just the beginning of a new phase in his journey with Aspen NZ.”
- Christine Maiden Sharp, CEO, Aspen Institute New Zealand
We look forward to celebrating with Sir Don at the Aspen-Otago National Security Forum next month in Queenstown, and in December for the special end-of-year tribute from the Board.