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.

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 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

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…

Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In our May edition, we put In Focus Why You Need to Think for Yourself, a thought-provoking essay on the role critical thinking plays in shaping our society. Followed by Leadership In Action with a timely and informative read on Blockchain, Crypto, and Household Financial Security, a new report from the Aspen Financial Security Programme. Plus, an In Depth look at the Hinrich Foundation's latest report on Geopolitics in Space, which investigates how Starlink and satellite internet are reshaping the future.

Welcome to the April edition of The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In this edition, we put In Focus AI, Social Media and Democratic Challenges, the topic of our most recent seminar, the eighth in the series Critical Thinking and Values Based Leadership. Followed by Leadership In Action with Beyond Borders, our new podcast and YouTube series, a curated selection of discussions on critical global issues. Plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's Science and Society's new report on Clinical Trial Diversity which investigates how clinical trials can be improved by including a broader spectrum of the population to provide greater outcomes.