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.

The Aspen Institute NZ hosted its inaugural Socrates seminar titled

"The Future of Business- How to create real value in a changing world"

over two days in Queenstown. The event brought together 21 influential participants from various sectors including agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals, energy, and finance. Judy Samuelson, the New York-based Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Business & Society, moderated the sessions.

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.

The second forum in our International Dialogue Series, in collaboration with Ananta Aspen Centre in India, focused on 'Navigating the Digital Frontier.' With a mission to 'turbocharge' the relationship between India and New Zealand, the forum opened new communication channels through the Institute's international network to explore digital technology opportunities. 

In our first edition for 2024, we put In Focus a recent article from Executive Director of the Institute's Business and Society Programme, Judy Samuelson, on How Boards, Investors, and Workers Can Support CEOs to tackle critical issues. Leadership in Action introduces Aspen Digital's AI Elections Initiative which recommends strategies to mitigate the potential threats posed by generative AI and deep fakes in the upcoming US elections. Followed by an In Depth report on Building Bridges, Earning Trust: The WHY and the HOW of Public Trust in Science, which investigates why public trust in science has been wavering, and what can be done to improve it. And we announce our upcoming events, read more to find out how you can get involved…

Welcome to the Summer Review - Arotake-Raumati. In this edition, we will be reflecting on our accomplishments and activities from the past six months. We are grateful to all of our supporters who have engaged with our seminars, workshops and courses, and stayed connected with us through The Lookout. A few highlights are…