NZIIA Wellington Branch is delighted to welcome members and guests to an upcoming event "Building a More Resilient Future in a Changing Climate: How the UK Connects Climate, Growth and Security"

This event will bring together the Deputy British High Commissioner to New Zealand John Pearson, and the Chief Operating Officer of Octopus Energy NZ, Margaret Cooney for a fascinating event on how the UK approaches the nexus between climate change, security and economic growth.

John Pearson will cover his personal experiences with these issues throughout his career and the UK's modern approach to these global challenges. He will cover how the UK has put climate, nature, and clean energy at the core of domestic and international policy priorities and integrated it into key strategies like the recently released industrial strategy and security strategy. This will outline the journey the UK has been on to more than halves its emissions since 1990, while significantly growing the economy and outlining the path ahead.

Margaret Cooney will discuss her thoughts on clean energy transition, technology and security and talk about what Octopus Energy has done in the UK and their goals in New Zealand. Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business headquartered in Great Britain, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future across 18 countries with cutting edge energy products now provided to 7.7 million households globally.

Following short keynotes from John Pearson and Margaret Cooney there will be fireside chat and opportunity for Q&A from the audience.

At the conclusion of the Q&A there will be a networking reception for all attendees kindly sponsored by the British High Commission.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday 29 July, 5:30-7:45pm

Venue: RHLT1, Pipitea Campus, Victoria University of Wellington

Doors Open: 5:05pm Q&A will be open to attendees.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

-Registrations are required to attend this event. No walk ups allowed. Non members can attend by paying the registration fee.

-Should you have not renewed your NZIIA membership please do so prior to registering for this event.

-One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your full first and surname, email address and phone number that matches your ID.

-If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist will operate.

-In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guests are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.

BIOGRAPHIES OF OUR SPEAKERS

Deputy British High Commissioner to New Zealand
John Pearson

In the early 2000’s John was the first in the UK to publish on the climate security nexus and helped to inform the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the time. Since then he’s integrated a sustainability focus into his work as a diplomat from helping to protect the Amazon while posted in Brazil, leading the UK’s South East Asia climate network, to supporting Laos’s transition to renewables while Ambassador there.

Chief Operating Officer (Country Head), Octopus Energy NZ

Margaret Cooney

Margaret Cooney is the Chief Operating Officer of Octopus Energy New Zealand, a role she's held since June 2020. She spearheads the company's New Zealand operations, focusing on energy sector innovation. Margaret previously led Powershop New Zealand and has held various roles in energy and technology companies in the UK, US, and New Zealand. With deep expertise in energy market regulation and innovation, she also contributes to an Electricity Authority advisory group. Margaret is dedicated to using technology for more affordable and sustainable energy and fostering a competitive New Zealand energy market. She holds Law and Economics degrees from the University of Canterbury and also studied at the University of California, Berkeley.

Building a More Secure Future in a Changing Climate: How the UK Connects Climate, Growth and Security

Choose your tickets

NZIIA Wellington Individual/Corporate Member 2025 ticket

NZIIA Student Member 2025 (Must use VUW or Massey email to register) ticket

Non Member/ Guest ticket

Donations

NZIIA Wellington Branch is a non-profit and a Koha/Donation would be much appreciated to support hosting future events.