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

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 benefits to the region, but 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 pressures, New Zealand's policy options, and the place for economic security, this panel discussion will bring practical insights and evoke thoughts among attendees interested in the international affairs in the Pacific. 

Our panel will consist of: 

• Associate Professor Anna Powles, Massey University
• Dr. José Sousa-Santos, Massey University
• Chris Parsons MNZM DSD, Former Deputy Chief of New Zealand Army
• Daniel Garnett (Board Member, Host) 

FREE ENTRY with drinks and nibbles served for a warm networking atmosphere. 

Let's make a positive impact from the first actionable steps of discussing various perspectives 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).