The November Lookout: Improving Outcomes for 2026
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to the final Lookout of 2025. As we head into 2026, three forces are setting the pace: geopolitical realignment, rapid technological change, and an information environment where trust is harder to secure. These pressures make one thing clear - outcomes improve when decision capability and dialogue keeps up.
Across New Zealand, from corporates to community organisations, the message is the same: we need stronger, more confident decision makers who can handle complexity. This edition looks squarely at that challenge.
At a glance:
Global Affairs: Building Decision Capability in an AI-Driven World
Critical Conversations: The New Rules of Principled Leadership
Connected Communities: The Human Side of Technology
Upcoming Events: Debugging Decision Making
Global Affairs explores how AI is reshaping choices. Critical Conversations looks at Judy Samuelson’s insights on leadership under pressure. Connected Communities explores what remains distinctly human as technology accelerates.
Next week, we host our second Socrates Seminar: Will We Ever Trust the News Again?, where participants tackle what trust now demands from leaders.
Looking ahead to 2026, our focus stays practical: improving outcomes, building trust, and strengthening national and economic security through high quality dialogue - from our fast-paced Debugging Decision Making roundtable in Queenstown, to global affair discussions in Auckland, leading into the 2026 National Security Forum.
A busy, purposeful start to the year ahead - all aimed at helping New Zealand make better decisions in a tougher world
We hope you enjoy this edition.