Energy Challenges Seminar

The first seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership Series on Energy, was held on line, over three days, 2.5 hours per day from September 16-18th. It was a full house with 35 participants including experts from MBIE, Contact Energy, Meridian, Electricity Authority, Centre for Informed Futures and the Callaghan Institute.

The seminar series provides a framework for thinking about complex issues, using a non-partisan, values based approach. 

The constructive and engaging discussion was moderated by experts in systems sciences, sustainable energy and policy formation:

Neil Jacobstein - Director of Aspen Institute New Zealand, Aspen Crown Fellow, Chair AI and Robotics Track Singularity University and Distinguished Scholar Stanford’s MediaX program.

Dr Ben Irons - Co-founder and Director of Habitat Energy and former energy and sustainability consultant at McKinsey & Company.

Sir Maarten Wevers - Director of Aspen Institute New Zealand, former Chief Executive of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

Testimonials

The Aspen conversations were unlike any experience I have had before. A diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, experiences and perspectives were facilitated superbly to create genuine, open dialogue.

James Tipping, Chief Strategy Officer, Electricity Authority – Te Mana Hiko

I thoroughly enjoyed the NZ Energy Seminar. Good mix of participants from across the community, great moderators and a diversity of views coming forward. Great to have young minds at the table. 

Prof Basil Sharp, Energy Centre, University of Auckland

The Aspen Institute is a great institution and we are privileged to have its presence in New Zealand.

Heath Milne, CEO Development West Coast