In a time marked by complex global issues and changing regional dynamics, the relationships between New Zealand, the Pacific, and the wider international community have become more vital than ever.

Join us for an important and thought-provoking panel discussion on Closing the Connection Gap: New Zealanders, the Pacific, and Global Affairs. In collaboration with the Pacific Coopoeration Foundation, the session will build on insights from the 2025 “Perceptions of New Zealanders of the Pacific” Report, a study by PCF that offers a timely pulse check on how New Zealanders view the Pacific, Pacific peoples, and Aotearoa’s place in the region. The findings reveal a deep respect for Pacific nations and a “connection gap” between values and lived engagement — a theme underpinning the evening’s discussion.

The night will start off with a sharing of the key findings from the report by Joanna Bourke the Chief Executive of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation. This will be followed by a distinguished panel of experts discussing the challenges and prospects of strengthening ties, focusing on crucial topics like regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and New Zealand's role within the Pacific and on the international stage.

Speakers and bios:

Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Member of NZ Parliament and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

Carmel is the Labour Party's Deputy Leader and the Labour MP for Kelston in West Auckland. In the 53rd Labour Government, she served as the Minister for Social Development and Employment, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister for Auckland, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region). She also served as the 20th Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, the first Pacific and third female in the role. Among others, she is committed to building a sustainable, diverse, inclusive and resilient arts and culture sector, and strengthening Aotearoa New Zealand’s ties with the Pacific region.

Mr Sione Tekiteki, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Auckland University of Technology

Sione Tekiteki is a Senior Lecturer at the Auckland University of Technology, Law School. He served at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in three positions over nine years, most recently as Director for Governance and Engagement. Sione has worked in the Pacific for over 20 years in prominent political advisory and strategic policy roles. He has extensive expertise in public international law, strategic engagement and diplomacy, multilateralism, and regional security and democratic governance issues. Sione’s research focuses on public international law, Pacific regionalism, politics, and regional security, especially how small states engage with external power structures.

Sarah Fetuani

Sarah is a law student at the University of Auckland and an active member of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. She holds a master’s degree in international security from the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS), Massey University, and a degree in Political Science and History from Auckland University. She has also studied public policy and communication management. Previously, she worked at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Her interests centre on the Pacific region and its peoples, including New Zealand, with a strong commitment to promoting good governance and leadership that prioritise people. She has a keen interest in security theory and law, particularly in combining diverse security perspectives to enhance regional relationships and understanding of important issues affecting the region.

Moderated by: Hamish McDougall, Executive Director, New Zealand Institute of International Affairs