Environmental Diplomacy Symposium 2025 @ Zealandia

Join Us at the Environmental Diplomacy Symposium 2025 @ Zealandia in March!

Step into the heart of environmental change at the NZIIA Wellington 2025 Environmental Diplomacy Symposium, where diplomatic leaders, experts, and future change-makers, including high school and university students, come together to discuss global strategies for addressing climate change, advancing sustainability, and promoting conservation and biodiversity. This landmark NZIIA Wellington event, set against the stunning Zealandia Ecosanctuary, offers a unique and beautiful setting for this crucial dialogue.

Be Inspired by Distinguished Speakers:

• Keynote: "Australia’s Green Economic Transition" by HE Harinder Sidhu AM, Australian High Commissioner.
• Climate finance insight session with Ambassador Viktor Vavricka, Swiss Ambassador to New Zealand, and Dr Olayinka Moses (VUW) offering valuable Swiss perspectives on climate finance and the essential role of global partnerships.
• Conservation Panel: A dive into conservation efforts and diplomacy through multiple lenses, featuring New Zealand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Te ao Māori perspectives.
  • Dr Danielle Shanahan, Adjunct Professor of Conservation (VUW) and CEO of Zealandia
  • HE Kira Christianne Azucena, Ambassador of Philippines to NZ
  • HE Carolina Molina, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Australia
  • Miriana Stephens, Te Taumata/ Wakatu (Whakatu)

• Sustainability Panel: Explore the sustainability efforts of New Zealand and France, with a focus on their environmental policies, international collaborations, and the future of sustainability diplomacy.
  • Mike Burrell, CEO of the Sustainable Business Council of NZ
  • HE Laurence Beau, Ambassador of France to NZ
  • HE Arto Haapea, Ambassador of Finland to Australia and NZ
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• Climate Change Panel: A discussion on climate change mitigation and adaptation, featuring speakers from New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and the Pacific, sharing their strategies, challenges, and collaborative approaches to combating climate change.
  • Dr Christina Hood, Head of Compass Climate
  • HE Ard van der Vorst, Ambassador of Netherlands to NZ
  • HE Harinder Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner to NZ
  • One further speaker to be confirmed

This symposium isn’t just about discussions—it’s about action, building a sustainable world, and retaining our biodiversity. You will gain insights into innovative approaches, global initiatives, and the power of diplomacy in driving meaningful environmental change.

Why Attend?

• Inspire and be inspired through thought-provoking discussions on how countries can collaborate to protect the planet.
• Network with speakers at the evening reception at Rata Restaurant (6:20-8:00pm). Enjoy canapés and drinks with stunning views of Zealandia's sanctuary at sunset.
• Optional Kiwi tour of Zealandia: Wrap up your experience with an unforgettable evening tour of Zealandia’s wildlife sanctuary, exploring New Zealand's unique conservation efforts. You may even see a Kiwi!

Attendees will leave the symposium not only with a deeper understanding of the global efforts in climate action and conservation but also with a renewed commitment to their role in creating a sustainable future.

This event is organised by the NZIIA Wellington branch and proudly brought to you by our gold sponsor, the Australian High Commission, our silver sponsors, the Embassy of Switzerland and the Embassy of the Netherlands and our host partner Zealandia Ecosanctuary.

Event details

Date/Time: Wednesday 12 March 2025 2:00-8:00pm. Reception in Rata Restaurant from 6:20-8:00pm

Venue: Zealandia Ecosanctuary, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori

Doors Open: 2:00pm Registration opens. Zealandia exhibit open 2-2:30pm. Symposium begins at 2:30pm

Registration fee (includes reception): 

NZIIA Wellington Branch Member $40
NZIIA Corporate/Institutional Member $50
Non Member $80
Optional Zealandia Twilight tour $100 (limited places available)

Parking is available at Zealandia, Chaytor Street or at the overflow carpark at Birdwood Crescent. Public Transport: The Metlink number 2 Karori bus stops at Zealandia with a short 5 min walk down Chaytor Street.

Optional Zealandia Twilight Private Tour ($100 per person) is available for attendees that will start around 730pm and conclude around 945pm. You will have the opportunity to experience the New Zealand forest and its inhabitants as the sanctuary transforms from daylight to night during this special guided experience. What you might see: Kākā | Tuatara | Tūī | Shags | Little Spotted Kiwi | Pāteke | Hihi | Ruru. All proceeds of tour go to Zealandia conservation efforts.

Student Registration for NZIIA Wellington student members at Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University is via separate invitation only. 

Terms and Conditions 

-Registrations are required to attend this event. No walk-ups allowed.
-Should you have not renewed your NZIIA Wellington 2025 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. 
-Refunds available up until 7 days prior to Symposium.
-In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guest are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.