Get involved in the issues that matter to the future of New Zealand
A platform for your voice
At the Aspen Institute New Zealand, we bring people together to explore the ideas, values, and decisions shaping our future.
We believe better conversations lead to better leadership, better decisions, and stronger, more connected communities.
Our work is grounded in three main focus areas: Global Affairs, Critical Conversations, and Connected Communities – each offering powerful ways to get involved, contribute, and make a lasting impact.
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GLOBAL AFFAIRS for better global solutions and connectivity
From international trade and security, to diplomacy and global affairs, we explore the geopolitical shifts that matter – and how they affect us here at home.
Diplomatic Dialogues – Interactive, online forums with diplomats, government officials, and policy advisors.
Aspen Otago Security Forum – High-level discussions on national security, strategic interests, and regional cooperation, in partnership with the University of Otago.
International Dialogues – Through our global Aspen network, we bring together international experts to share ideas and insights on current global challenges.
CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS for better leadership and informed thinking on the big questions of our time
We run seminars and courses on issues as diverse as trust in media, the future of business, and climate change – equipping people with the skills to make better decisions and navigate complexity.
Socrates Seminars – Professionally guided, multilateral discussions that cultivate clarity, values-based leadership, and a 360-degree perspective.
Leadership Seminars – Expertly moderated, in-depth conversations, that explore core values to meet complex challenges, and to lead with clarity and conviction.
Evidence & Values-Based Decision Making – A group-delivered course for professionals and policymakers, who want to improve decision outcomes, and lead with principle and precision.
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES for better local solutions from the ground up
From exploring local challenges like housing and sustainable tourism, to supporting youth leadership and civic engagement, we connect communities and develop leaders equipped to lead across generations, regions, and borders.
Sister Cities Challenges Series – Collaborative community-focused forums, on shared issues that connect Queenstown and Aspen, Colorado, and inspire collective problem-solving.
Rising Generations Programme – Coming soon. A new initiative, supporting young New Zealanders to grow their leadership potential and civic confidence, through mentoring, dialogue, and exchange.
Past events
The Aspen Leadership Seminar experience
One method. Multiple formats. Infinite results.
Aspen Leadership Seminars start from a simple premise: the difficult decisions leaders make are moral, not technical. Leaders must understand the values that animate their decisions. Once you sharpen your own values, leading others then requires you to understand and forge alignment among diverse values systems. Our seminars meet participants where they are in their leadership journey and then guides them to the next level.