In this edition, we put In Focus sustainable trade and where New Zealand stands in global terms, an important issue with U.S. tariffs once again back on the table. 

Next, Leadership in Action features Aspen President and CEO, Dan Porterfield, reflecting on how to ignite leadership potential.

In Depth reports on the extraordinary Dunedin Study of 1032 babies since birth. In its 52nd year, with 90% still participating, the findings have had major impact on policy settings in New Zealand and so much more is yet to come. Read more…

In this edition, we examine the upcoming US election. In Focus explores strategies offered by leading scientists and engineers in Advice to the Next President. Next, Leadership in Action celebrates Aspen NZ alumni and staff, awarded scholarships to the 2024 Global Changemakers Workshop and Aspen International Partner's Collaboration with the Steven's Initiative. In Depth investigates the intersection of AI and national security, featuring original papers from international security experts. Read more…

In this edition, In Focus explores 10 Insights on the Future of ESG, a summary of the key take-aways from the 2024 Aspen ESG Summit, which highlights why ESG principles are a commercial imperative for businesses aiming to thrive long-term. Next, In Depth takes a closer look at the global impact of emerging trade dynamics between the US and China, examining a new report Does Geopolitics Now Determine Global Trade? And as AI continues to advance, Leadership in Action showcases a forward-thinking panel from this year's Aspen Ideas Health festival, where experts discuss How AI is Transforming Healthcare.

In this edition, In Focus delves into our forum on Sustainable Food Futures, highlighting opportunities for NZ and India to collaborate. Next, In Depth examines the Institute’s latest Science and Society report on Tactics for Trust, exploring the growing trust gap in science and strategies to rebuild it. Leadership in Action features the historic USD 185.7 million investment from the Bezos Family Foundation to establish the Centre for Rising Generations, dedicated to equipping young people with tools for civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership.

In July’s edition, we put In Focus Summer in Aspen, where the Institute's flagship events showcase the best of what the Institute offers. In Depth delves into the Hinrich Foundation's recent report on Developing Global AI Governance for Foundational AI, which highlights the necessity and potential strategies for establishing comprehensive and robust global AI governance. Leadership in Action celebrates Women Leading the Way to a Brighter Climate Future, demonstrating their innovative approaches, commitment and leadership to a more sustainable future.

Todd Breyfogle, Executive Director of Seminars and Executive Leadership marks the 75th anniversary of the first Aspen convening, of what would become the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies in 1949.

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:

In this edition, we put In Focus the recent Socrates Seminar on The Future of Business, which served as an invaluable platform for engaging discussions and emphasised the imperative for strategic foresight and collaborative action in business. Leadership in Action celebrates Aspen moderator and University of Otago politics professor, Robert Patman, who received the prestigious 2024 Critic and Conscience of Society Award. Followed by In Depth, which examines the latest OECD Economic Survey of NZ.

In this edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen International Committee Meeting in Mexico City. Leadership in Action celebrates local Aspen Alumni and distinguished international climate scientist, Jim Salinger, who was recently awarded the prestigious title of 2024 New Zealander of the Year. Followed by In Depth, which examines a fascinating report on Transatlantic Public Opinion and Ukraine, and the relevance of this in a year when over 64 countries hit the polls.

In our March edition, we put In Focus the upcoming visits from the Aspen Council and the Aspen Institute, highlighting the opportunities these offer our community here in New Zealand.

Leadership in Action reviews our recent forum on Navigating the Digital Frontier, with our partner Ananta Aspen in India, which showcased a wide range of prospects for tech businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries. 

Followed by two In Depth pieces; the first a report on why Investors Want to Know Your Sustainability Case, including what are the key elements of a successful Sustainability Business Case. The second article explores Sir Geoffrey Palmer's essay on The Novel Evolution of MMP under the Luxon Government, discussing the intricacies and implications of this unique arrangement.

In our first edition for 2024, we put In Focus a recent article from Executive Director of the Institute's Business and Society Programme, Judy Samuelson, on How Boards, Investors, and Workers Can Support CEOs to tackle critical issues. Leadership in Action introduces Aspen Digital's AI Elections Initiative which recommends strategies to mitigate the potential threats posed by generative AI and deep fakes in the upcoming US elections. Followed by an In Depth report on Building Bridges, Earning Trust: The WHY and the HOW of Public Trust in Science, which investigates why public trust in science has been wavering, and what can be done to improve it. And we announce our upcoming events, read more to find out how you can get involved…

In our November edition, we put In Focus our newest course Evidence and Values Based Decision Making (EVBDM) held at Waitangi. Leadership in Action reviews the Institute's latest report on the World's Leading Sports Systems and how effective governance impacts on a nation's sporting results. Followed by In Depth, where we consider What Impact AI Will Really Have, revealing some key insights and informative articles to help navigate this rapidly evolving technology.

The inaugural Evidence and Values Based Decision Making (EVBDM) course at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for Te Kahui Hononga / Northland Intersectoral Forum Regional Leadership Group provided a unique platform to explore and enrich decision-making skills in our community.

In our October edition, we put In Focus the transparent and robust NZ Election Process as a testament to the enduring power of democracy. Leadership in Action spotlights our Co-Patron and Director, Sir Don McKinnon's role in the opening of Te Arawhata - New Zealand Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy.  Followed by a sobering In Depth section, where we share a heartfelt message to the Aspen Community from Dan Porterfield, the Institute's CEO, on Hamas's terrorist attack against the people of Israel and the unfolding crisis. 

A message to the Aspen Institute community from CEO Dan Porterfield, in light of the recent Hamas attack in Israel.

In our September edition, we put In Focus Sponge Cities a recent report from the Helen Clark Foundation: can they save New Zealand from future floods due to climate change? Leadership in Action introduces McNulty Prize-winner Dr. Dixon Chibanda, whose remarkable initiative, the Friendship Bench, is transforming global mental health. We take an In Depth look at why Asian carbon registries are vital to meet the world's climate targets by 2030.

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.

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