The Aspen Institute New Zealand leadership collectively have had a long and memorable association with the Queen in their respective official roles representing New Zealand.

Co-Patron and Chair, Sir Don McKinnon, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, came to know Queen Elizabeth well during his nine years as Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

"I felt an enormous privilege knowing her during that time ... you knew she was on top of the issues and that she always felt there was much we could do for the Commonwealth. The Queen has always contributed an aura of stability when the political world is in convulsions."

Had a great time connecting with the fine folks @NZAspen on this complex topic. Even better to talk with a few of our #USNZYouthCouncil members who also participated! Thanks for the stimulating discussion! U.S. Ambassador for NZ, Tom Udall.

Welcome to the August edition, leading with 'security' with excerpts from the 2022 Aspen Security Forum from an interview with Chief of M16 to the rejuvenation of NATO.

Welcome to Arotake-Makariri, the Winter Review, where we reflect on our activities over the past six months.

For the first time in three years, the Aspen Ideas Festival returned to its home in Aspen, Colorado. The festival epitomises the essence of Institute, relentless curiosity, unearthing facts, respecting different points of view, non-partisan collaboration, and leading with solutions.

Welcome to the June edition, leading with Sir Don McKinnon and the Chinese planned Pacific security pact and the future of democracy, plus an in-depth focus on #UkrainianDialogues.

Welcome to the May edition, leading with Ukraine's Defence of Freedom and conversations with Aspen Kyiv, plus an in-depth story on New Zealand's rising sea levels.

Welcome to Arotake-Raumati, the Summer Review, where we reflect on our activities over the past six months. Many of you have taken part in our online seminars, workshops and stayed connected via The Lookout.

A few highlights are:

• Rt. Hon. Sir Bill English joining the board

• Launching Te Kākano, our Supporters Programme

• Multi sector engagement in our seminar on Misinformation Challenges

The sea level is rising twice as fast as previously forecast around parts of New Zealand, according to research published by NZ SeaRise, putting our two largest cities at risk decades earlier than expected.