NZIIA Wellington Branch - New Zealand Institute of International Affairs

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NZIIA Wellington Branch - New Zealand Institute of International Affairs

The New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) is to promote discussion and understanding

Today there are around 10 branches throughout New Zealand and the Wellington Branch is the largest. The Wellington Branch is fortunate in being in the same city as the Institute's National Office which organises speakers, forums, hosts book launches and round table discussions. Speakers include diplomats, politicians (notably Foreign Ministers), academics, members of the Defence Forces, members of the press and NGOs amongst others. Generally there are at least 2 speakers per month but there can be as many as a dozen talking on a variety of international issues.

15/06/2026

On 1 July 2026, The NZIIA Wellington Branch is delighted to host Dr Lachlan Strahan, historian, former Australian diplomat, and author of The Curious Diplomat: A Memoir from the Frontlines of Diplomacy, for a special book launch and discussion online across New Zealand.

Drawing on more than three decades of diplomatic service across the Indo-Pacific and beyond, Dr Strahan offers a rare insider's perspective on the practice of diplomacy, the making of foreign policy, and the personalities and events that have shaped Australia's engagement with the world. From postings in Germany, Korea, India, and the Solomon Islands to work on some of the most significant strategic challenges of recent decades, The Curious Diplomat provides a compelling account of life on the front lines of international affairs.

In a conversation with Chair of the NZIIA Wellington Branch, Dr Strahan will reflect on the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, the role of diplomacy in an increasingly contested world, and the lessons he has drawn from a career spent navigating complex international relationships. The discussion will also explore the enduring importance of curiosity, judgment, and human connection in diplomatic practice.

This event offers a unique opportunity for diplomats, policymakers, academics, students, and anyone interested in international affairs to engage with one of Australasia's most experienced diplomatic practitioners and celebrate the launch of an important new contribution to the literature on diplomacy and foreign policy.

Event details:

Date: Wednesday 1 July 2026, 5:30-6:40pm ONLINE (Zoom link to be sent to confirmed registrants)

Register: NZIIA members free; Non members $5 https://events.humanitix.com/curious-diplomat-nz-book-launch-with-lachlan-strahan

Please consider joining the NZIIA Wellington Branch for an annual fee of $70. We are a non profit organisation and each year host around 30 events. Please select Individual/ Wellington

https://www.nziia.org.nz/membership-form/

Schrodingers Books

NZIIA Wellington has partnered with Schrodingers Books at 137 Jackson Street, Petone and Strahan's book "The Curious Diplomat" can be purchased in store in late June or online via:

https://schrodingersbooks.co.nz/p/the-curious-diplomat-a-memoir-from-the-frontlines-of-diplomacy

14/06/2026

This Friday 19 June 530pm, the NZIIA Wellington Branch is pleased to host HE Manuel Tovar Rivera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, includinga keynote address, fireside chat and Costa Rican themed networking reception.

This is the first visit ever to Aotearoa New Zealand by a Costa Rican Foreign Minister and offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Minister Tovar. Following a fireside chat with the Chair of the NZIIA Wellington Branch and a short Q&A, there will be a networking reception commencing at 7pm. This reception, kindly sponsored by the Embassy of Costa Rica, will include Costa Rican food and drinks and an expo stand providing information on Costa Rica.

Pre-registered only for security reasons. No walkups allowed. Non Members may attend by paying the registration fee. For further information or to register please visit :
https://events.humanitix.com/costa-rica-foreign-minister-manuel-tovar-rivera

Wellington International Leadership Programme Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand Institute of International Affairs - NZIIA - National Office

30/03/2026

Great event last week with our distinguished panel on Russian disinformation campaigns on Ukraine and Poland. Look forward to seeing members and guests at the next event!

24/12/2025

Happy Holidays from NZIIA Wellington Branch to all our members, partners, sponsors and speakers this year! We look forward to 2026 with another great portfolio of events fostering expert discussion and understanding in international affairs, particularly as they relate to Aotearoa New Zealand!

26/11/2025

On Wednesday 10 December 5:30-7:30pm, the NZIIA Wellington Branch is hosting HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo for a special evening reflecting on his remarkable 50 year diplomatic career with the Mexican Foreign Service. Join us for an evening of rich stories, memorable photos (there will be lots more like the Nelson Mandela photo!), practical insights, and a thought-provoking conversation on diplomacy, leadership, the importance of family and Mexico’s place in an ever-changing world.

Beginning his career at just 18 years old, he rose rapidly through the ranks to become the youngest Ambassador in the modern history of the Mexican Foreign Service. His postings have ranged from Sweden during the Cold War, to Washington in the late 1980s, to historic roles as Itinerant Ambassador to 39 nations across Africa and the Middle East. He has served in high-impact positions in Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Caribbean, and today represents Mexico in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu, while serving as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Wellington.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand how diplomacy has transformed—from the era of telegraphs and long-distance cables to the age of social media and public engagement—and how Mexico has navigated these changes.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/reflections-of-50-years-in-the-mexican-foreign-service

04/08/2025

Last Tuesday we had the pleasure of hearing from John Pearson (British HC UK in New Zealand) and Margaret Cooney (Octopus Energy NZ) discussing how the UK connects climate, growth and security.

The discussion provided a valuable insight into the both key critical challenges and opportunities in addressing climate change and also corporate perspectives from British clean energy tech company Octopus Energy in NZ.

NZIIA Wellington thanks both our speakers for their insights plus attendees for their valuable contributions to the Q&A!

15/05/2025

On the 27th May following the Branch AGM, NZIIA Wellington is holding an event titled “Egypt and South Africa- NZ Gateways to Africa”.

Confirmed speakers are the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa HE (Colonel) Johnny Sexwale 🇿🇦 and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt HE George Tadros 🇪🇬. The event will be moderated by Dr Olayinka Moses from Te Herenga Waka- Victoria University of Wellington with concluding remarks by Dr James Kember, NZIIA Board Chair and former Ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia.

To register visit: https://events.humanitix.com/nziia-wellington-africa-event-and-reception

At the conclusion of Q&A there will be a networking reception with canapés from Egypt and South Africa and a selection of South African wines available to try. We look forward to seeing you there!

South African High Commission-Wellington Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Wellington

10/05/2025

On Monday, the NZIIA Wellington Branch hosted the Ambassador of Georgia 🇬🇪 to Australia and New Zealand His Excellency Beka Dvali. The Ambassador provided a presentation on “Withstanding Geopolitical Storms And Resolving Security Dilemmas: The Case of Georgia”.

The Ambassador provided a great overview of the country of Georgia, the long history and more recent history, foreign policy, the Rugby 🏉 connection, NZ-Georgia relations, economic opportunities and more. There were some great questions from attendees. 🇬🇪

Address

Level 3 Railway West Wing, Victoria University Of Wellington, Pipitea Campus
Wellington
6011

Telephone

+6444635356

Website

https://www.nziia.org.nz/, https://linktr.ee/nziiawelling

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