Pacific Security - Why it matters to Aotearoa

Join us for an expert panel on regional threats, challenges, and opportunities around the Pacific and how they impact Aotearoa.

Global power struggles are increasingly played out in the Pacific - Aotearoa's big, blue, neighborhood. Diplomatic, economic, and defence engagement within the region is intensifying, and a raft of complex challenges - and opportunities - are emerging.

As custodians of almost a third of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) area in the world, the region faces a tremendous task in monitoring this maritime domain. New Zealand's security interests are deeply entwined in this "blue continent", and all signs point towards a deterioration. Boosts in external economic investment, particularly in climate resilience, and political focus may prove beneficial to the region. However, important questions remain about whether the fundamental interests of external powers benefit Pacific peoples, who are disproportionately bearing the brunt of environmental damage and global inequalities.

Centring on hybrid threats, geopolitical pressure, New Zealand's policy options, and the place for economic security, this panel discussion will bring practical insights for anyone interested in international affairs in the Pacific.

Our panel will consist of:

Associate Professor Anna Powles, Co-Leader of the Pacific Defence Diplomacy Project, Massey University
José Sousa-Santos, Member Transnational Crime Panel of Experts, Massey University
Chris Parsons MNZM DSD, Former Deputy Chief of New Zealand Army, MyFarm Investments Executive
Daniel Garnett (Board Member, Host)

Event details:

Date: Wednesday, 17th July
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Venue: The Globe Theatre (312 Main Street, Palmerston North)

FREE ENTRY with drinks and nibbles served.

NZIIA members are invited to attend a networking session with the speakers following the event - catering will be provided.

Join us to discuss perspectives on security in the Pacific and making meaningful connections!

This event is organised by the Palmerston North branch of New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, sponsored by South-East Asia Centre of Asia Pacific Excellence (SEA CAPE).