Press release: Aspen NZ Security Forum examines NZ’s security and resilience
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aspen NZ Security Forum explores how New Zealand can strengthen its security and resilience
Leaders and experts gather in Queenstown to consider New Zealand’s choices in an increasingly contested world.
Queenstown, New Zealand - 21 October 2026
How can New Zealand navigate an increasingly contested world while strengthening its own security, resilience and ability to act? That was the central question at the Aspen NZ Security Forum, held in Queenstown on Friday 16 October.
The Forum brought together leaders and experts from government, intelligence, defence, business, research and academia to consider how shifts in global power, technological change and economic uncertainty are shaping New Zealand’s security and prosperity, and the choices the country faces in response.
Discussions ranged from the implications of strategic competition for New Zealand’s relationship with China and the Pacific, to the impact of AI and cyber security, the protection of sensitive research, and the future of defence capability and domestic industry.
Held under the Chatham House Rule, the Forum brought together perspectives from across sectors on the security questions facing New Zealand and the choices ahead.
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Director-General Andrew Hampton outlined to the forum how global developments were influencing the domestic security challenges facing New Zealand and the need for an all-of-society response.
“The national security threats New Zealand faces have intensified in recent years and will increasingly require a mindset shift from both public and private organisations in order to effectively respond,” Mr Hampton told the forum.
The Pacific was also a key focus, with discussions considering how the region’s changing priorities and perspectives shape New Zealand’s approach to security and stability. They emphasised the need to understand Pacific countries’ own strategic priorities, rather than assume that longstanding relationships will always mean alignment.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Dr Anna Breman, stressed the importance of economic resilience and the role the payment system plays in economic security:
“Our work on access to cash is part of that, but the resilience of digital systems is also of utmost importance and a key priority for our supervisory work.”
Across the Forum, discussions considered how New Zealand can translate a better understanding of its security environment into practical decisions. This includes recognising vulnerabilities in critical systems, developing sustainable capabilities and strengthening public understanding of how national security connects with economic prosperity and everyday life.
Chief Executive of Aspen Institute New Zealand, Christine Maiden Sharp, said:
“What made this Forum distinctive was bringing together people from different sectors who rarely have the opportunity to challenge each other’s thinking on New Zealand’s security, prosperity and place in the world,” said Christine Maiden Sharp, Chief Executive of Aspen Institute New Zealand.
“The depth and openness of the discussion reflected the extraordinary range of experience and perspectives our contributors brought to the Forum, and I thank them for their willingness to engage so constructively. We hope these conversations continue well beyond the Forum, prompting fresh thinking about the choices and opportunities ahead, and how New Zealand can strengthen its preparedness and resilience.”
The Aspen NZ Security Forum is part of the Institute's wider work to connect leaders across sectors and borders, encourage informed and non-partisan dialogue, and strengthen understanding of the strategic questions shaping New Zealand's future.
The Forum was supported by PwC New Zealand as Principal Partner, Microsoft and North Ridge Partners as Strategic Partners, and Citadel Edge as Partner.
ENDS
Media contact:
Christine Maiden Sharp | CEO
Aspen Institute New Zealand