Join us at the 2025 Conference

The NZIIA national conference 2025 aspires to be the premier public event for international affairs in Aotearoa New Zealand. It provides a platform for experts from Government, business, academia, and non-Government organisations both from New Zealand and overseas to discuss the most important international affairs issues of our times.

The conference theme focuses on a global shift in which economic relationships are reassessed in light of increased geopolitical competition in a more security-conscious, fragmented and less stable world. This was one of the three key strategic shifts in international affairs identified by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in its 2023 Strategic Assessment, and it is a key driver for New Zealand foreign and trade policy formulation. Through keynote addresses and a series of discussion panels, the conference will address the above overarching theme and a series of sub-themes, including the effects of a shift from economics to security on: 

  • Direction of New Zealand foreign policy
  • Reshaping the international system
  • International trade and investment
  • Sustainability and climate change
  • Defence and national security
  • Engaging with the Pacific region
  • Applying matauranga Māori to foreign and trade policies
  • New Zealand’s perceptions of Asia
  • Rapid technological change and its effects on international relations
  • New Zealand in World Affairs – trends over the past two decades and solutions for the future.
The conference will build upon the Institute’s reputation for fostering expert discussion and understanding of international affairs, especially as they relate to New Zealand. It aims to meet the high professional standards of previous NZIIA conferences, which have contributed significantly to public discourse on international affairs through keynote addresses from senior New Zealand and international ministers, officials, business leaders, academics, and more.

This is a hybrid event - join us in person in Wellington, at Tākina OR online/virtually on Tuesday 17 June 2025!

REGISTER NOW!

Testimonials from previous sponsors, speakers and attendees

It was one of the best conferences I have been to.

Partner, public affairs consultancy

I would like to congratulate you on the event last Thursday. It was excellent! I have attended many similar events in Washington DC and New York City, and the event organized by NZIIA was one of the best in my career. 

Business Development Executive, international media organisation

Thanks very much for the work in the lead up – the Minister was really pleased to attend and be part of it.  I’ve only heard positive feedback from the event, well done on lining up such an impressive suite of speakers and panelists! 

Private Secretary, New Zealand Government

Our enormous thanks to you and the team, for your coordination, your comprehensive advice, and your patience with our processes – we really appreciated it here. 

Senior Policy Officer, Minister’s office, New Zealand Government 

Thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. I leant a lot from the conference and am very happy to meet you and many great individuals from various institutions. 

Professor at an international university

It was wonderful to be involved — thanks again for the invitation and congratulations on a brilliant conference.

Professor at a New Zealand university

An excellent and informative forum that sparked quite a bit of thought and conversation.

Regional Director, US-based multinational company

It was an excellent conference. 

Deputy Secretary, New Zealand Government Ministry