Hosted by the Centre for Strategic Studies at the InterContinental Wellington. Registration for in-person event includes lunch and morning/afternoon tea

Register here for WEBINAR attendance

New Zealand’s maritime security interests are becoming increasingly stressed in the face of a range of challenges including the impacts of climate change, technological shifts and a more complex geopolitical environment. This one-day Symposium will bring together leading experts to discuss the New Zealand Government’s new maritime security strategy and maritime security challenges across the Indo-Pacific region. Topics include the impact of COVID-19 on maritime security and New Zealand’s maritime borders, threats to security in maritime Southeast Asia, South Pacific approaches to maritime security and the ‘Blue Economy’, challenges in the southern oceans, and more.

Speakers confirmed to date include:

Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Maritime Security

Peter Mersi, Chief Executive, Ministry of Transport

Dan Eaton, Director, National Security Policy, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

Simon Murdoch, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Chief Executive of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

Dr Rebecca Strating, Executive Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University, Melbourne

Professor Robert Ayson, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington

Professor Karen Scott, Faculty of Law, University of Canterbury

Dr Anna Powles, Centre of Defence and Security Studies, Massey University

Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean, Rajaratnam School for International Studies, Singapore (via Zoom)

Associate Professor Joanna Mossop, Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington

Sam Leske, Director of Intelligence, Planning and Coordination Services, Ministry of Primary Industries

Cecile Hillyer, Divisional Manager International Security and Disarmament Division; Ambassador for Counter Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand

Commodore Mathew Williams, Maritime Component Commander, New Zealand Defence Force

Catriona Robinson, General Manager Operations, Associate Deputy Secretary, Immigration New Zealand

Justin Allan, Manager Strategic Coordination Unit, New Zealand Customs