Todd Breyfogle, Executive Director of Seminars and Executive Leadership marks the 75th anniversary of the first Aspen convening, of what would become the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies in 1949.

We are excited to announce we are taking nominations to attend CityLab, the premier global summit that gathers the world's leading urban experts, being held in Mexico City this October. This event is a unique opportunity to exchange bold ideas and evidence-based solutions to the most pressing challenges cities face today.

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:

Our inaugural Aspen Sister City Youth Seminar brought together visiting exchange students from Aspen High School and their hosts from Wakatipu High School to delve into the concept of regenerative tourism. Moderated by Dr. Susan Houge Mackenzie, Associate Professor from the University of Otago's Department of Tourism, the seminar provided a platform for cultural exchange and critical dialogue.

The recent Aspen Institute New Zealand course on Evidence and Values Based Decision Making, sponsored by the Parliamentary Education Trust, marked a significant milestone in parliamentary professional development. The groundbreaking course brought together MPs to reflect and learn together, regardless of party politics, to improve decision outcomes.

“The course has given me insights into the why and how of decision making. An empowering and deeply engaging course. A deep dive into critical concepts.”

In this edition, we put In Focus the recent Socrates Seminar on The Future of Business, which served as an invaluable platform for engaging discussions and emphasised the imperative for strategic foresight and collaborative action in business. Leadership in Action celebrates Aspen moderator and University of Otago politics professor, Robert Patman, who received the prestigious 2024 Critic and Conscience of Society Award. Followed by In Depth, which examines the latest OECD Economic Survey of NZ.

In this edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen International Committee Meeting in Mexico City. Leadership in Action celebrates local Aspen Alumni and distinguished international climate scientist, Jim Salinger, who was recently awarded the prestigious title of 2024 New Zealander of the Year. Followed by In Depth, which examines a fascinating report on Transatlantic Public Opinion and Ukraine, and the relevance of this in a year when over 64 countries hit the polls.

From March 25th to the 27th, the Aspen Institute International Committee convened in Mexico City, hosted by Aspen Mexico.

“The Aspen Institute International Partners form a vibrant and thriving community. We share insights and forge plans to work together across borders.”

In our March edition, we put In Focus the upcoming visits from the Aspen Council and the Aspen Institute, highlighting the opportunities these offer our community here in New Zealand.

Leadership in Action reviews our recent forum on Navigating the Digital Frontier, with our partner Ananta Aspen in India, which showcased a wide range of prospects for tech businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries. 

Followed by two In Depth pieces; the first a report on why Investors Want to Know Your Sustainability Case, including what are the key elements of a successful Sustainability Business Case. The second article explores Sir Geoffrey Palmer's essay on The Novel Evolution of MMP under the Luxon Government, discussing the intricacies and implications of this unique arrangement.