Queenstown will host senior New Zealand and Australian national security leaders this weekend as the Aspen-Otago National Security Forum 2025 opens its doors to the public for a rare community dialogue.
This is the sixth year of the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka National Security Forum. For the first time, it is a joint venture between the University and the Aspen Institute New Zealand, part of the global Aspen Institute network that includes the Aspen Strategy Group, which runs the substantially larger Aspen Security Forum each year in Colorado and Washington D.C. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute is also a partner.
The theme of this year's forum, held on October 11, is 'Australian and New Zealand National Security: Shared Threats, Shared Solutions'. Speakers include current and former intelligence officials from New Zealand and overseas.
Aspen Institute of New Zealand CEO Christine Maiden Sharp says this year's event provides a rare and exciting opportunity for the local community to engage directly with national security leaders with a public session to close the forum between 4.00pm and 5.30pm.
Public session topics include:
- Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure - Are we prepared for the threats we face?
- Tourism & Terrorism - How growing places like Queenstown will meet the challenges of targeted threats to business and infrastructure
- The role of diplomacy in national security
"Conversations like these typically happen in Wellington or Canberra – bringing them to Queenstown reflects our commitment to inclusive dialogue and regional engagement."
University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson, who will officially open the forum, says hosting the event in Queenstown aligns with the University building its presence in the region.
"As part of our strategic focus on building a stronger footprint in Queenstown Lakes District, I'm pleased we are able to partner with Aspen to bring this important national event to the region. The forum addresses a topic of growing international relevance and Queenstown provides a unique setting to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration," he says.
Professor Robert Patman
University of Otago Professor of Politics and forum co-director Robert Patman says the event is timely.
"It is important to be able to bring New Zealand and Australian policy practitioners and specialists together to discuss mutual security concerns at a time of considerable uncertainty.
"Such uncertainty is linked to intensified geopolitical rivalries and the proliferation of issues that do not respect borders. Thus, the Aspen-Otago National Security Forum provides a chance for participants to exchange ideas and learn from each other on a range of security challenges."
Ms Maiden Sharp also welcomes PwC New Zealand as the headline sponsor for the event.
"PwC's commitment to building trust in society and solving important problems reflects the Aspen Institute New Zealand's mission to bring leaders together for constructive, non-partisan dialogue on the issues that matter most.
"PwC's support helps launch the Forum in its inaugural year, ensuring these vital conversations reach beyond the room to inform thinking across sector and borders."
Registration:
The public session is open to all, but venue space is limited. To secure your ticket, register here.
