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.

John Cochrane web 145 x 145 copy

Members' Zoom meeting with Sir Ian Taylor

Sir Ian Taylor’s recent NZ Herald columns have documented his experience returning to New Zealand and taking part in the government's trial of self-isolation. In this members' Zoom meeting, Sir Ian will detail his experience with government bureaucracy. Read more

29 November, 2021
Webinar
  Member only event
Anne Wyllie web 2

Webinar: Why New Zealand needs better Covid testing systems, with Dr Anne Wyllie

Saliva-based PCR tests are an efficient, less intrusive, and accurate alternative to COVID-19 deep nasal swabs. Dr Anne Wyllie, a New Zealand-born researcher at Yale University, led the development of Yale’s SalivaDirect test authorised for use in the USA, and independently validated in Portugal, Mexico, Ireland and the Philippines. Read more

28 September, 2021
Webinar
Supermarkets webinar

Members' webinar: Keeping the shelves stocked: Covid-19 and retail supply chains

Chris Quin Foodstuffs North Island & Spencer Sonn Countdown The global pandemic and New Zealand’s current lockdown present challenges for everyone, but especially so for the retail sector. Both Countdown and Foodstuffs North Island have kindly agreed to share their experiences in supply chain management in a webinar with our members. Read more

9 September, 2021
Webinar
  Member only event
Web Bill and Matt v2

Webinar: A new model for disability support

Individualised Funding (“IF”) is a rapidly-growing alternative funding model for disability support. IF gives each recipient control of a personal budget they can use to obtain the support services best suited to their individual needs. Read more

27 August, 2021
Webinar
tony abbott and John Key

Members' lunch with Hon Tony Abbott and Rt Hon Sir John Key

The New Zealand Initiative in association with Worldwide Support for Development (WSD) is pleased to invite you to meet Hon Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia. Tony Abbott is an advisor to the British Board of Trade and Patron of WSD. Read more

22 April, 2021
Auckland
  Member only event
Auckland feature

Members' drinks and networking

We invite members of The New Zealand Initiative to join us for drinks and discussion at a reception with Westpac's Chief Executive David McLean, Chapman Tripp’s Managing Partner Nick Wells and the Initiative's Director Oliver Hartwich. Now that the election dust has settled, it is time to reflect on the coming Parliamentary term. Read more

3 December, 2020
Auckland
  Member only event
Wellington feature

Members' drinks and networking

We invite members of The New Zealand Initiative to join us for drinks and discussion at a reception with Rt Hon Sir Bill English, Forsyth Barr Managing Director Neil Paviour-Smith and the Initiative’s Director Oliver Hartwich. Now that the election dust has settled, it is time to reflect on the coming Parliamentary term. Read more

9 November, 2020
Wellington
  Member only event
Chris Hipkins feature3

Members' Lunch with Hon Chris Hipkins

As Minister for Education, Health, State Services, Ministerial Services and Leader of the House, Chris Hipkins is responsible for a broad range of public policy. In particular, we look forward to discussing his education reform plans and getting an update on the health management of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

19 August, 2020
Auckland
  Member only event
Simon Bridges feature2

Members' webinar with Hon Simon Bridges

Hon. Simon Bridges, Leader of the Opposition and chair of Parliament’s Epidemic Response Committee joins us for a webinar to answer your questions. Read more

8 April, 2020
Members webinar
  Member only event
Grant Robertson feature2

A conversation with Hon Grant Robertson

Fiscal policy will be front and centre in this election year. With the Government’s infrastructure package announced earlier this month, the Government has begun laying out the platform on which it will campaign for re-election. Read more

20 March, 2020
Webinar
  Member only event

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