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.

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Upcoming Public Forums

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Members' Retreat 2025

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 us at events@nzinitiative.org.nz for further information. Read more

3 April, 2025
Auckland
  Member only event

Webinar: Making Local Government Work

Join us for a crucial discussion about transforming our local government system. The New Zealand Initiative’s new research reveals why councils struggle to deliver for their communities - and more importantly, how this can be fixed. Read more

Nick Clark, Victor Luca and Oliver Hartwich
10 December, 2024
Webinar
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Members' Lunch with Hon Paul Goldsmith

This will be a members' lunch with the Media and Communications Minister, Hon Paul Goldsmith, as we discuss the future of the media and Roger Partridge's new report, "Reining in the Supreme Court." Minister Goldsmith will share insights on his role in his diverse portfolios. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the Minister and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's Media Bill and the Supreme Court. Read more

22 November, 2024
Chapman Tripp
  Member only event
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Members' Lunch with Alexander Heffner

This is lunch 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
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Reflections on American democracy with Alexander Heffner

We would like to invite you to a discussion with prominent US broadcaster and historian Alexander Heffner, host of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) "The Open Mind" and Bloomberg TV's "Breaking Bread with Alexander", and the co-author of the bestselling book "A Documentary History of the United States". Alexander will share his insights on the state of American democracy in the lead-up to the 2024 US Presidential elections. Read more

16 September, 2024
Wellington
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Members' Event: Health Innovator's Summit

This is a members-only event. The Health Innovators’ Summit is a day event bringing together politicians, members of The New Zealand Initiative, professional health associations, and senior journalists to learn about innovative solutions for better healthcare in New Zealand. Read more

14 August, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event
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Webinar: Driving Change: How road pricing can improve our roads

Road Pricing Webinar A Smarter Way Forward Have you ever hit a pothole and wondered, "Why aren't our roads better maintained?" Or sat in gridlock thinking, "There must be a better way"? Our current transport funding model is not just creaking under the strain – it is fundamentally broken. Read more

Dr Matthew Birchall and Dr Oliver Hartwich
9 July, 2024
Webinar
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Webinar: AI in Education: Navigating the opportunities and risks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will impact education, offering opportunities and posing risks. The New Zealand Initiative's upcoming report, "Welcome to the Machine: Opportunities and risks of generative Artificial Intelligence for education," authored by Senior Fellow Dr Michael Johnston, provides a science-based framework for navigating this new landscape. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston, Prof Barbara Oakley, and Dr Oliver Hartwich
17 June, 2024
Webinar
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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
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Members' Dinner with Dee Templeton

This is a members-only event hosted by Microsoft. Dee Templeton is Vice President of Partnerships and Operations in the Technology & Research division at Microsoft, and serves as a strategic advisor to Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott. Read more

12 June, 2024
Auckland
  Member only event

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