PACIFIC FUTURES
This conference focussed on the influences shaping the Pacific's future and some of its biggest challenges. Shifts in global power and globalisation, climate change, rising inequality, changing multilateral relations, crime in the Pacific, labour migration and ongoing advances in technology are all serving to add to the geopolitical and development context of the Pacific. The environmental, political and economic uncertainty created by these trends may exaggerate the current vulnerabilities and dependencies the region experiences.
We also looked at how youth are stepping into new leadership and economic roles that will help the region diversify and move forwards. They are generating new models of leadership, new business opportunities and a raft of ways to assist their own countries to develop.
The conference was vital for understanding the new dynamics in the Pacific and what these mean for the diplomatic community, the business community, and for Pasifika and New Zealand communities everywhere.
We were delighted to partner with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Pacific Cooperation Foundation to make this conference a great success.
ABOUT NZIIA
The New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that seeks to encourage an understanding of the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.
NZIIA fosters wider understanding of international issues, trading partnerships and relationships with other countries. It does this by creating a programme of events and initiatives that enable audiences to hear a range of speakers with various viewpoints. It hosts public addresses by visiting experts and dignitaries, roundtable events including Track II dialogues, and generates an annual conference. Branches around the country host a lively programme of events and the National Office has been hosting a range of events in both Wellington for some years and in Auckland over the last year.
NZIIA’s main communications platforms are the website, social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and the NZ International Review. This publication has been in existence for 44 years. It is the only national magazine exclusively devoted to international issues as they affect New Zealand. It is available for all members as part of their subscription and to students at universities in New Zealand.
The National Office is housed at Rutherford House, Level 3, Pipitea campus, Victoria University of Wellington. It has a very close relationship with the University both in the context of organising seminars and in arranging venues for lectures.
MEASLES
There is currently a measles outbreak in New Zealand with a significant outbreak in Auckland, and people who are not vaccinated are especially at risk. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very serious. People planning to visit Auckland, particularly those from out of town, should be aware of this. More information can be found on the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website.
If you think you could have measles or aren't yet vaccinated, it may be wise to stay at home. Anyone with symptoms should contact a health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.