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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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
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Webinar: Trade Routes: Charting new pathways

Join us for a discussion of policy initiatives to strengthen vocational education pathways in New Zealand. Drawing inspiration from Germany's successful dual-training model, Josh Williams and Dr Michael Johnston will discuss initiatives in secondary and tertiary education to enhance the status and quality of trades and industry training. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich, Dr Michael Johnston, and Josh Williams
20 March, 2025
Webinar
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What's next after school?

It's a question that keeps parents awake at night and weighs heavily on young New Zealanders. While university is the right path for many, it's not the only path to a rewarding career. Read more

19 March, 2025
The BUSY School Campus
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Members' Lunch with Craig Stobo

This will be a members' lunch with Craig Stobo, Chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), who will provide valuable insights into New Zealand's evolving financial landscape. This lunch is an opportunity to engage directly with a key decision-maker and gain valuable insights into the future direction of New Zealand's financial markets. Read more

12 March, 2025
Auckland
  Member only event
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Webinar: The Art and Science of Learning

Get ready for a fascinating journey into the art of learning with Professor Barbara Oakley, the brilliant mind behind the popular online course "Learning How to Learn" and New York Times bestselling author, as she joins us as our new Senior Fellow. Over the next 5 months, Barbara will embark on an exciting mission across New Zealand, collaborating directly with Primary and Secondary schools to transform how teachers approach education, particularly in mathematics. Read more

Professor Barbara Oakley and Dr Oliver Hartwich
4 March, 2025
Webinar
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Members' Lunch with Hon David Seymour

This will be a members' lunch with Hon David Seymour as he shares his insights as a coalition party leader and the future Deputy Prime Minister. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the Minister and gain valuable insights into the coalition's future plans. Read more

21 February, 2025
Auckland
  Member only event
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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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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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