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The October Lookout: The Choices Ahead
The October edition of The Lookout reflects on the Aspen NZ Security Forum, which brought together 70 senior leaders in Queenstown to explore the connections between New Zealand’s economic prosperity and national security. We share six key themes from the discussions, alongside Aspen NZ alumnus Alexander Plimmer’s reflections on AI, leadership and human agency, following his participation in the Global Changemakers Workshop in India. Also featured: upcoming New Zealand Security Dialogues.
New Zealand’s Place in a Contested World: The Choices We Cannot Avoid
How can New Zealand strengthen its security and resilience in a more contested world? The Aspen NZ Security Forum brought together leaders and experts to consider the choices ahead, from Pacific security and emerging technologies to defence capability and economic resilience.
Insights from Global Changemakers 2026
In his article Decision-Making in an Age of AI, Alexander Plimmer, 2026 Global Changemakers Scholarship recipient and Aspen NZ alumnus, reflects on the questions raised at the Aspen Institute International Partners’ Global Changemakers Workshop in Hyderabad, India. He explores how AI is reshaping decision-making, the risks of reinforcing existing inequalities, and why human judgement and accountability remain essential as these technologies advance.
As Alexander writes, “the ability to delegate a decision does not necessarily mean that we can delegate responsibility for its consequences.”
Press release: Aspen NZ Security Forum examines NZ’s security and resilience
The Aspen NZ Security Forum brought together leaders and experts from across government, intelligence, defence, business and academia in Queenstown on 16 October 2026 to discuss New Zealand’s changing security environment.
The September Lookout: The Longer View
The September edition of The Lookout explores the evolving relationship between national security and economic prosperity, the role of AI in scientific discovery, and how emerging leaders are navigating decision making in an age of AI, with a reflection from scholarship recipient, Arne Larson, on his time in India at the recent Global Changemakers Workshop.
Decision Making in an Age of AI
Aspen NZ scholarship recipient Arne Larsen reflects on the 2026 Global Changemakers Workshop in Hyderabad - four days exploring AI, power and decision making, from Plato to a live policy simulation, and the question that stuck with him most.
The August Lookout: Three Shifts Worth Watching
The August edition of The Lookout looks at three shifts shaping the world around us: changing security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, the forces driving global AI investment and growth, and the evolving relationship between news, technology and trust. Together, they raise important questions about how global changes are shaping New Zealand’s future.
Arotake-Makariri: The Winter Review 2026
The Arotake-Makariri - Winter Review reflects on Aspen NZ’s work over the first half of the year, as New Zealand navigates an increasingly contested and uncertain world. From the launch of our Security Programme and regional Security Dialogues to new decision making initiatives and opportunities for emerging leaders, we share highlights from the conversations, relationships and partnerships helping strengthen New Zealand’s leadership capability, resilience and place in the world.
The June Lookout: Mid Year Signals
The June edition of The Lookout considers how leaders are navigating security, trust and New Zealand’s place in a more contested world. We explore signs of common ground in international affairs, what AI cannot replace in leadership and decision-making, and introduce two New Zealand scholarship recipients preparing to represent Aspen NZ at the Global Changemakers Workshop in India. Also featured: upcoming events and opportunities to connect with Aspen NZ.
2026 International Scholarship Recipients Announced
We are excited to announce the Aspen NZ youth alumni scholarship recipients for the 2026 Global Changemakers Workshop, being held in Hyderabad, India this September.
The August Lookout - Navigating Cyber Threats and AI's Role in Food Security
Welcome to The Lookout. This month, we explore the escalating threats in cyberspace, the potential of AI to tackle one of humanity’s most urgent challenges, and the enduring impact of visionary leadership.
The Lookout - Are you prepared for AI's impact on the workplace?
Welcome to The Lookout. This month, we take a closer look at the forces reshaping leadership, strategy, and decision-making - from AI’s impact on the workplace to shifting security dynamics in our region.
Arotake-Raumati - The Summer Review 2024
Welcome to the Summer Review - Arotake-Raumati, where we reflect on our activities from the past six months. Thank you to all of our supporters who have engaged with our seminars, workshops and courses, and stayed connected with us through The Lookout. A few highlights are…
AI: Opportunity, Hype, or Both?
As AI transforms industries and sparks global debate, a recent panel moderated by Aspen Institute NZ CEO, Christine Maiden Sharp, tackled the big question: is AI more hype or opportunity? Featuring expert insights from the University of Otago and Te Whai Ao Dodd-Walls Centre, the discussion explored AI’s impact on business, education, and policy, offering actionable advice for all.
Arotake-Makariri - The Winter Review 2024
Welcome to Arotake-Makariri, our Winter Review, where we pause to reflect on the past six months and celebrate our Aspen NZ community. Many of you have participated in our seminars, online forums and courses, and have stayed engaged through The Lookout. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey - your support as donors and active participants is crucial in enabling the Aspen NZ programme to thrive.
A few highlights from the past six months:
Welcome to the August edition of 'The Lookout'
In our August edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen Security Forum, one of the world's premier forums focussed on current international affairs. Followed by Leadership In Action with a look at the remarkable perseverance of our partner Aspen Ukraine, plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's report on Roadmap for Wildfire Resilience: Solutions for a Paradigm Shift which explores the bold policy action required to change the trajectory of how we manage and prepare for wildfire impacts.
Welcome to the July edition of 'The Lookout'
In our July edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen Ideas Festival, and take a look at five key takeaways from this year's event. Followed by Leadership In Action with a review of our recent NZ-India Forum, which explored the numerous opportunities to develop our bilateral relationship further. Plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's latest report on Re-Engineering American Security: Cultivating Talent for Competitiveness
Arotake-Makariri - The Winter Review 2023
Welcome to Arotake-Makariri, the Winter Review, where we take a moment to reflect on our activities and engagements of the past six months. We are grateful for your participation in our online seminars, in-person forums, and for staying connected through The Lookout. A few highlights are…