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:

Our inaugural Aspen Sister City Youth Seminar brought together visiting exchange students from Aspen High School and their hosts from Wakatipu High School to delve into the concept of regenerative tourism. Moderated by Dr. Susan Houge Mackenzie, Associate Professor from the University of Otago's Department of Tourism, the seminar provided a platform for cultural exchange and critical dialogue.

The recent Aspen Institute New Zealand course on Evidence and Values Based Decision Making, sponsored by the Parliamentary Education Trust, marked a significant milestone in parliamentary professional development. The groundbreaking course brought together MPs to reflect and learn together, regardless of party politics, to improve decision outcomes.

“The course has given me insights into the why and how of decision making. An empowering and deeply engaging course. A deep dive into critical concepts.”

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.

From March 25th to the 27th, the Aspen Institute International Committee convened in Mexico City, hosted by Aspen Mexico.

“The Aspen Institute International Partners form a vibrant and thriving community. We share insights and forge plans to work together across borders.”

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.

The second forum in our International Dialogue Series, in collaboration with Ananta Aspen Centre in India, focused on 'Navigating the Digital Frontier.' With a mission to 'turbocharge' the relationship between India and New Zealand, the forum opened new communication channels through the Institute's international network to explore digital technology opportunities. 

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…

“The Aspen Institute’s Global Changemakers event was an incredible experience. The opportunity to learn from so many different people each with their own fascinating stories and experiences was an absolute privilege. The combination of intellectual and social discussions was the perfect mix to make for a memorable experience that got the most out of everyone.” Peter Southey-Jensen, Aspen NZ Youth Alumni & Scholarship Recipient

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.

We are excited to announce the scholarship recipients or the first Aspen International Partner's young leaders workshop, in Berlin later this year.

We are excited to announce the first Aspen International Partner's young leaders workshop, and are delighted to offer up to three scholarships for Aspen NZ Alumni to attend, as well as an additional two scholarships to cover return airfares from NZ to Berlin for "Democracy Forward: Inspiring Change in Today's World" from 30 November - 3 December 2023 in Berlin, Germany. This workshop presents a unique opportunity for young leaders who have a keen interest in democracy and are aged approximately 25-30 years.