New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Palmerston North

21/05/2026

🌏 Only 3 days to go - limited spots remaining!

How has the New Zealand-China relationship evolved over the past decade, and what could the next decade look like?

Join Alistair Crozier, Executive Director of the New Zealand China Council, for a timely and insightful discussion reflecting on the major shifts since the 2014-2016 period, from geopolitics and trade to China’s growing role in the Pacific and the wider influence of US-China relations.

This targeted session will also include an interactive Q&A discussion.

📅 Date: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Monday 25 May
📍 Venue: Hancock Community House, 77–85 King Street, Palmerston North
🕔 Doors open: 5.15pm

FREE entry, RSVP is required. Light refreshments are provided for a warm networking space.

https://events.humanitix.com/the-evolving-new-zealand-china-relationship

The event is brought to you by the NZIIA Palmerston North Branch in partnership with the New Zealand China Council.

11/05/2026

🌏 The Evolving New Zealand-China Relationship in 2026

How has the New Zealand-China relationship changed over the past decade and where is it heading next?

Join us for an insightful evening with guest speaker Alistair Crozier, Executive Director of the New Zealand China Council, as he explores the shifting political, economic, and geopolitical dynamics shaping one of New Zealand’s most important international relationships.

📅 Date: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, 25 May 2026
📍 Venue: Hancock Community House, 77–85 King Street, Palmerston North
🕔 Doors open: 5:15pm

FREE entry, RSVP is required. Light refreshments are provided for a warm networking space.

🔖https://events.humanitix.com/the-evolving-new-zealand-china-relationship

The event is brought to you by the NZIIA Palmerston North Branch in partnership with the New Zealand China Council.

12/04/2026

Are you aged 12-24 living in Palmy and got a mean idea? 💁💁‍♀️

Our branch would like to share with you two great funding opportunities from Palmerston North City Council for rangatahi:

💡 Youth-led Initiatives Fund
Supports projects, events, and activities that get young people involved in arts, sport, learning, and community life. Rangatahi lead the ideas and decisions, with adults supporting along the way.

To apply, your project must:
- Benefit young people aged 12–24 in Palmerston North
- Be youth-led
- Be supported by a registered local community group or organisation

🏅 Youth Council Scholarships Fund
For young people who demonstrate:
- Strong involvement in sports, arts, community activities, or academics
- Active contribution and leadership in Palmerston North
- Motivation to grow, learn new skills, and take on responsibility

Applications close: Midnight, Friday 10th May 2026

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), definitely check it out and apply: https://www.pncc.govt.nz/Community/Community-projects-and-programmes/youth-services/Youth-grants

14/10/2025

Are you passionate about global affairs, diplomacy and international engagement?🌏

Join the NextGen Track II Masterclass to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to launch your career in international relations.

This event is organised by IPU New Zealand and the Asia New Zealand Foundation, with support from the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs’s Palmerston North Branch.

WHEN: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm, 22 October 2025
WHERE: IPU New Zealand Library

Led by Dr James To, Manager (South Island & Track 2 Programme, Asia New Zealand Foundation) this interactive workshop offers a unique chance to:

🔹Explore topics in global security, defence, and foreign policy across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

🔹Take part in interactive discussions and learn about international diplomacy and Track II dialogues.

🔹Build professional skills and connections for future careers in global engagement.

FREE entry, RSVP is required.
👉 Register at https://tinyurl.com/34c5eh8f

Afternoon tea will be provided.

27/09/2025

Enjoy a free screening of the Cuban drama "The World of Nelsito", as part of the Latin America & Spain Film Festival (LASFF) 2025.

This event is hosted by the Cuban Embassy and the Office of the Mayor, and facilitated by Local Arts Ambassador Shaun Kay, with the support from NZIIA Palmerston North branch. 👇

🕕 Time: 6 PM, Friday, 3rd October
📍 Venue: Event Cinemas Palmerston North
🎟 Cost: Free entry
🍿 Includes: Complimentary refreshments + entertainment

Five diplomatic embassies, high commissions, and consulates will also be attending, making it a great opportunity to engage with members of the diplomatic community and enjoy an evening of cultural celebration.

For more information, please contact Shaun Kay at [email protected]

04/09/2025

🌸 Celebrate spring in the City Centre! 🌸

Palmy BID is teaming up with IPU New Zealand again this year to bring you Cherry Blossom Fest 2025 on 20 Sept (11:30am–2:30pm) at Coleman Place.

A vibrant showcase of culture, activities, community & sakura spirit.

Check out more information below 👇

🌸 Cherry Blossom Fest 2025 🌸

Join us - alongside IPU New Zealand and Youth Space - to celebrate the culture and springtime vibrancy of Cherry Blossom Fest under the beautiful sakura (cherry blossom trees) at Coleman Place!

📍 20 September | 11.30am – 2.30pm

Featuring:
🌸 Performances by the IPU New Zealand Kodama Japanese Drum Team + interactive experience
🌸 Performances by the Soran Dance Team - Hana
🌸 Shodo - Japanese Calligraphy demonstration + interactive experience
🌸 Paper crane origami construction
🌸 Traditional Japanese Gown ‘Dress Up Photo Booth’
🌸 Matcha Tea Making demonstration
🌸 Candyfloss machine
🌸 Themed face painting

BE IN TO WIN:
Follow Palmy BID and IPU New Zealand on Facebook for details on how to take part in our Cherry Blossom Fest prize promotions — featuring exciting giveaways including...
👉 Purchase the ‘Cherry Blossom' Patisserie at Alexandre Patisserie & Chocolaterie & enter the draw to win a Kodama Drum Team performance for your nominated school! Winner must have receipt of purchase & be present upon announcement at Cherry Blossom Fest 2025.
👉 Take a selfie with the IPU Cherry Blossom Tree in the City Centre to be in with a chance to win 1 of 2 $100 Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant vouchers or a cherry blossom tree!
👉 Enter online to win either: 1x $500 Trumps Voucher for Mum, 1x $200 Libre Voucher for Dad, or 1 of 5x $100 Harvey Norman Tech vouchers for the kids! Winners will be drawn at 1pm on the day at Cherry Blossom Fest and MUST be present to claim their prize!

Keep an eye out for more on the above promos so you don’t miss out! 👀

04/09/2025

Last month, NZIIA Palmerston North branch was pleased to host a Malaysian delegation in our city. Over two days, we showcased local innovation and community spirit through visits to NovoLabs, Precycle NZ, The Factory, Mason Brothers Honey, Massey University, IPU New Zealand, PNCC, CEDA, FoodHQ, and more.

The delegation, Esther Yab and Jonathan Lim, representatives from the Malaysia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and Stellar SparX International, expressed great interest in building stronger links with Palmerston North, including opportunities for Malaysian students to study here. A special highlight was meeting the Sri Lankan High Commissioner at Massey, which added to the international flavour of the visit.

Thanks Nelson Harper, our Chair, for leading the two-day visit and our partners for hosting us!

25/08/2025

We are thrilled with the outcome of hosting “Talk Global, Act Local with NZIIA” last week, held in partnership with IPU New Zealand.

IPU alumni Hằng Phạm, Michelle Nguyen, Sean Chapman, and Chouly Thy (joining online Babston College, USA), from different graduating classes, returned to share their experiences of transitioning from study into building careers both locally and internationally. Our theme “Real People, Real Stories” highlighted how volunteering and involvement with organisations such as NZIIA can enrich social networks, develop skills, and enhance employability after graduating. 🌎

We were impressed by the engagement and curiosity of IPU students, who participated actively in a Q&A session and registered interest in our local branch.

Special thanks to the IPU Management Team and Sue Cranston for sponsoring the event catering and working with us in making this event possible.

NZIIA Palmerston North remains committed to inspiring students, fostering connections, and supporting career development. 🤝

Students interested in joining or learning more are warmly encouraged to get in touch with us at [email protected]

16/08/2025

At the Youth Wellbeing Summit introducing New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Palmerston North to Palmy youth

12/08/2025

📣Join us for “Talk Global, Act Local with NZIIA”, an engaging info session co-hosted by New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA)’s Palmerston North branch and IPU New Zealand.

This event is your chance to explore how international issues connect with local action and how you can get involved.

What to expect:

✅An introduction to NZIIA’s mission, events and activities

✅Real-world insights from IPU alumni who have gained valuable experience through NZIIA

✅Practical ways for students to get involved in events, volunteering, and career-building opportunities

✅FREE pizza & casual networking to follow! 🍕

📅 Date: Wednesday, 20 August
🕠 Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: IPU Library, IPU New Zealand

👉Register NOW at: https://events.humanitix.com/talk-global-act-local-with-nziia

Whether you’re passionate about international relations or simply curious, this session is a great way to meet the NZIIA Palmerston North branch’s Board, like-minded peers and discover opportunities in international affairs.