About our events

The New Zealand Initiative holds events throughout the year to promote debate, disseminate ideas, and connect with our supporters. Our events include public forums, conferences, and debates. We also organise outreach activities with secondary schools, universities, and young professionals.

Public Forums: The Initiative occasionally hosts larger public events with prominent international speakers. These events are a great opportunity to discuss ideas and meet new people in an informal setting.

Member-only Events: Exclusive to members to the Initiative.

Members' Lunch with Alexander Heffner

This is a members-only event with Alexander Heffner. Alexander hosts the PBS program The Open Mind and created Breaking Bread with Alexander, which airs on Bloomberg TV. Read more

20 September, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event

Members' Lunch with Hon Nicola Willis

This is a members-only event with the Minister of Finance Hon Nicola Willis. She will address attendees with a short presentation, which is followed by questions and answers. Read more

14 June, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event

Members' Lunch with Hon Tama Potaka

This is a members-only event with Hon Tama Potaka. As one of the current cabinet ministers with a profound connection to Maoridom, his insights and perspectives are invaluable. Read more

24 May, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event

The Future of Our Universities | Education Symposium

New Zealand universities are facing a range of challenges even beyond glaring budget shortfalls and painful staff cuts. How we recognize and evaluate research continues to be a source of controversy. Read more

15 May, 2024
Wellington
  Member only event

Members' Lunch with Rt Hon Winston Peters

This is a members-only event with Rt Hon Winston Peters. This lunch provides an opportunity to hear Minister Peters' insights first-hand and discuss New Zealand's foreign policy. Read more

10 May, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event

Members' Lunch with Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

This is a members-only event with the Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. He will address attendees with a short presentation, which is followed by questions and answers. Read more

12 April, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event

Members' Retreat 2024

Our annual members' retreat is a chance to cover the major aspects of New Zealand politics and economics, and will provide plenty of room for discussion, engagement and networking. Please contact Chelsy at events@nzinitiative.org.nz for further information. Read more

4 April, 2024
Queenstown
  Member only event
Thumbnail Cabinet Congestion webinar

Webinar: Cabinet Congestion

New Zealand’s political executive has expanded into a morass of portfolios, ministers, and departments. Affecting everything from ministerial workload to departmental resource management, this growth creates inefficiencies in our most important policymaking body. Read more

Max Salmon, Hon Stuart Nash and Dr Oliver Hartwich
26 March, 2024
Webinar
Thumbnail

Members' Lunch with Brooke Roberts

As the nation's capital, Wellington is a place of government and administration. It is also a place for business and entrepreneurship - but we can do better. Read more

Creative HQ
28 November, 2023
Wellington
  Member only event

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