A meeting of the minds
Our team come from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives all aimed at solving society’s critical issues. The Institute is lucky enough to be supported by some of the world’s most forward-thinking leaders and well known New Zealanders. Our global reach enables us to access the very best experts, facilitators and educators. And throughout our organisation we embrace everyday people and young emerging leaders who bring in fresh-thinking and passion.
Our Trustees
Locally, the Institute has co-patrons the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark and the Rt. Hon. Sir Donald McKinnon, who, along with a diverse and highly experienced group of well-known New Zealanders, are looking to be inspired and use their resources to put ideas into action. Christine Maiden Sharp is the Founder and CEO of The Aspen Institute New Zealand, formerly Executive Director of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Singapore.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Donald McKinnon
ONZ GCVO, Co-patron and Director
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, and Commonwealth Secretary-General. Sir Donald McKinnon is Co-Patron and was the inaugural Chair of the Institute in New Zealand. McKinnon is a current member of the Aspen Minister’s Forum, formerly chaired by the late Madeleine Albright.
“A local arm of the Aspen Institute will not only be valuable to New Zealand, but to our neighbours in the South Pacific and Asia. There is no forum like it for long-term discussions on critical issues and the Aspen name, is a big drawcard”.
The Rt. Hon. Helen Clark
ONZ SSI PC, Co-patron
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Administrator of United Nations Development Programme, Helen is Co-Patron of the Institute in New Zealand. Helen, during her role at the United Nations, was an active member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leaders Council for Reproductive Health and chosen to deliver the 2014 Albright Global Development Lecture.
“The Institute will help raise the standard of debate on issues that matter most to New Zealanders, provide access to an extraordinary global network and enable current and future New Zealand leaders to contribute to new ideas on key issues on a world stage”.
Dame Patsy Reddy
GNZM CVO QSO DStJ, Trustee and Director
Former Governor General of New Zealand, lawyer and business executive, with extensive experience in governance and consulting roles, both in the private and public sector. Dame Patsy is a Trustee and Director of the Institute in New Zealand. Dame Patsy has made a significant contribution to New Zealand, and brings a passion for innovation and the arts, a deep commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
‘‘As a local organisation with global influence and with the depth and breadth of the topics it explores, the Aspen Institute New Zealand is an important thought leader. I believe New Zealanders have the capacity to lead the world in our efforts to be responsible guardians of te taiao - the environment that sustains us - and in our commitment to create a just and equitable society’’.
Christine Maiden Sharp
Founder and CEO
Former Executive Director of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Singapore and consultant with McKinsey & Company, Christine is the Founder and Chief Executive of the Institute in New Zealand. Christine was inspired to launch this initiative when she returned to live in New Zealand, after having lived and worked in Asia, Australia and USA for much of her professional life.
“Seeing New Zealand through an international lens focuses the mind on our core qualities that are worth preserving and investing in: looking outward, welcoming diversity of views, being adventurous, innovative and curious to find common ground”.
Our Directors
Our board, including the Rt. Hon. Sir Don McKinnon, is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of our operations.
Sir Bill English
KNZM, former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Bill retired from politics in 2018 and sits on the board of Wesfarmers Ltd, and Todd Corporation. With his family he is a director and investor in several private companies in primary production and serving the philanthropy and disability sectors. He consults to NZ and Australian companies and governments.
Dame Patsy Reddy
GNZM CVO QSO DStJ, Trustee
Former Governor-General of New Zealand, lawyer and business executive, with extensive experience in governance and consulting roles, both in the private and public sector. Dame Patsy is a Trustee and Director of the Institute in New Zealand, and is the first female Chair of NZ Rugby.
Katie Milne
DIRECTOR, Vice President World Farmer's Organisation
Katie was the first female to the hold the role of National President of Federated Farmers from 2017 to 2020, an organisation run by farmers promoting better policies in areas like biosecurity and international trade. In 2018, Katie became a board member of WFO from the Oceanian Constituency and in 2022 was elected Vice President.
Neil Jacobstein
CHAIR OF AI AND ROBOTICS, SINGULARITY UNIVERSITY
Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Stanford University’s MediaX Program 2007-2021. Over 25 years of artificial Intelligence R&D and application experience. Member of U.S. National Academy of Sciences Division on Earth and Life Studies Committee 2013-2020, Strategic Planning Group 2020-2021, New Voices Program 2022-2023. Henry Crown Fellow and experienced seminar moderator at the Aspen Institute. University of Otago Enterprise Fellow 2020-2023.
Jane Taylor
Barrister
Jane is a barrister and independent hearing commissioner. Her current governance roles include Deputy Chair of the External Reporting Board (XRB), director of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Forest Investments NZ Limited and guardian of the Aotearoa Circle.
Eru Lyndon
Chair Waitangi Ltd
Ngapuhi, Ngati Hine, Ngati Kahu, Ngati Wai, Ngati Whatua, Ngati Toa. Eru is chair of Waitangi Ltd, Regional Public Service Commissioner for Northland, Deputy Chief Executive Te Tiriti Reconciliation Office for Crown Maori Relations, Regional Commissioner for Social Development Northland, and is a member of the University of Auckland Business School’s advisory board.
Sir Maarten Wevers, Chair
KNZM, Senior Diplomat
Sir Maarten was formerly Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, serving Prime Ministers Helen Clark and Sir John Key. He was also Ambassador to Japan, and High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, and has held varied governance roles in the not-for-profit and government sectors.
Elliot Gerson
(Observer) Executive VP Aspen Institute
Elliot is an Executive VP at the Aspen Institute, responsible for Policy and Public Programs, and International Partners. He was a Rhodes Scholar and administers US Rhodes Scholarships. Elliot has held executive roles in state and federal government and served on non-profit boards.
Get involved
If you’re keen to get involved, we hold regular Topic Forums to discuss New Zealand’s most challenging and complex problems, while our Leadership Seminars are designed to fast-track emerging leaders and bright thinkers. On the ground, we also hold a number of Public Events to inspire creative thinkers.