Aspen – Otago National Security Forum 2025

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Otago National Security School, and the Aspen Institute New Zealand is honoured to partner with the University of Otago and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) to host the Aspen-Otago National Security Forum 2025.

In an era of rapid technological change and shifting geopolitical power, this non-partisan forum brings together leading voices to explore escalating and emerging risks, examine what’s at stake, and discuss practical responses to mitigate risks and build a more secure future for New Zealand, its partners and the region.

Private Forum | 9:00am–3:00pm

The private forum is an invitation-only session under the Chatham House Rule, gathering senior leaders from government, intelligence, defence, business, and academia to engage in candid dialogue on the region’s most urgent strategic challenges.

Topics include:

• Shared Threats: The Australian-New Zealand Threat Landscape

• Youth and Violent Extremism

• Espionage and AI

• Foreign Interference in Elections

• National Security Strategies and Independent Intelligence Reviews

• Trading Influence: South Pacific Perspectives on China

• Frozen Conflict? Will Antarctica Become a Contested Space?

• Mischief or Malice? North Korea and Regional Security

• Shared Solutions: What Can Australia and New Zealand Learn from Each Other?

Confirmed speakers include senior leaders from the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), the New Zealand Defence Force, and experts from academia and civil society. Keynote sessions will feature:

• Andrew Hampton, Director-General of Security, NZSIS, joined by his Australian counterpart, Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security, ASIO (joining virtually, tbc), on the evolving threat landscape across Australia and New Zealand.

• Anne Neuberger, former White House advisor on Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology, National Security Council (joining virtually), speaking on AI and Espionage, moderated by Chris Taylor, Director, Statecraft and Intelligence Centre, ASPI.

• Richard Schmidt, Deputy Secretary, Defence Policy and Planning, NZ Ministry of Defence, providing an overview of initiatives to modernise the Australia–New Zealand alliance under the Defence Capability Plan 2025, to strengthen joint readiness and protect shared interests in an increasingly challenging strategic environment.

A full list of speakers will be announced closer to the event.

If you’re interested in attending the private forum, please contact us:

Public Forum + Drinks & Canapés  | 4:00pm–5:30pm

The public forum is open to all and offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from senior security and intelligence leaders from New Zealand and Australia. The panel will discuss key public-facing topics, including:

• Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: How prepared are we for the threats we face?

• Tourism & Terrorism: How can New Zealand’s open borders remain secure?

• Regional Security: The future of cooperation across our neighbourhood.

The session includes a moderated panel, audience Q&A, and a networking reception with drinks and canapés.
Whether you work in security, policy, tourism, business, or simply care about keeping our region safe, this is your chance to be part of the conversation. Tickets available here, venue space is limited.