INSTITUTE NOTES.

National Office and branch activities.

A function for corporate and institutional members was held at the Portrait Gallery in Wellington on 7 December, with the foreign minister, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, giving a short address.

On 21 February the Irish secretary-general of foreign affairs, Joe Hackett, addressed a meeting in Wellington on 'Small Nations and International Relations: Ireland's Approach to Foreign Policy'.

The NZIIA's flagship conference 'International Solutions: Aotearoa New Zealand's Place in a Troubled World' will be held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on 8 June.

Auckland

The branch held a Christmas garden party at Kinder House on 17 December, at which NZIIA President Richard Grant and NZIIA life member Steve Hoadley gave talks.

Hawke's Bay

The following meetings were held:

17 Nov HE Nina Obermaier (ambassador of the European Union to New Zealand).

28 Nov Chris Seed (chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade).

1 Dec Simon Draper (executive director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation).

Nelson

The branch's annual cocktail party and AGM was held on 7 December. The outstanding contribution to the branch of out-going chair Bill Unwin and long-serving committee member Richard Griffin, who both stood down, was recognised. In presenting his sixth and final annual report, the former noted that it had been 'a fresh and delightful experience to present a full year of interesting speakers'. He also pointed to the improvements made at the Nelson Golf Club, which meant that the branch now had 'an excellent venue' for its meetings. He acknowledged the backing received from the National Office, and paid tribute to Prof Roberto Rabel for his support over the years. With 'a steady and loyal membership', the branch was in good heart as he handed over the reins. The following officers were elected:

Chair--Oke Blaikie

Secretary/Treasurer--Gay Hervey

Committee--Steve Green, Paul...