National Office and branch activities.

• Date: 01 May 2023

The NZIIA was associated with the Latin America Centre for Asia Pacific Excellence in meetings in Wellington and Auckland on 27 and 28 February respectively on 'Latin America and Regional Trade: Trans-Pacific Views on Current Developments'. They featured Dr Deborah Elms, the founder and executive director of the Asian Trade Centre and president of the Asia Business Trade Association, and an expert panel.

On 11 April Dr Benedetta Berti, head of policy planning in the office of the NATO secretary-general, addressed a meeting at the British high commission on 'The Implications of the War in Ukraine on Regional Security in the Indo-Pacific'.

The NZIIA's AGM was held in Wellington on 27 April. Afterwards Anna Fifield, the Washington Post's Asia-Pacific editor, gave the annual lecture. A full report will be provided in the July-August issue.

David Evans has replaced Raylene Liufalani as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's representative on the NZIIA Board.

Auckland

On 1 March the branch held its AGM. The following officers were elected:

Co-Chairs--Gary Russell (until 1 August) and Prof Rouben Azizian

Treasurer--Jodi Johnston

Administrator--Francesca Long

Committee--Jose Alonso-Trabanco, Na'or Alfassi Berman, Tim Carter, Alan Chan, Boguslaw Nowak Following the AGM branch deputy chair Jodi Johnston spoke on 'The Good, Bad and Ugly of American Politics'.

The following meetings were also held:

12 Apr NATO official Dr Benedetta Berti, 'Why Ukraine Matters--a NATO Perspective'.

14 Apr David Vaeafe (Pacific Cooperation Foundation) and Associate Prof Sandra Tarte (University of the South Pacific), 'Navigating a Stormy Ocean: New Zealand and Regional Politics in the Pacific'. This meeting was cohosted with the Massey University Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies and the Pacific Cooperation Foundation.

Christchurch

On 15 March HE Neeta Bushan, India's high commissioner to New Zealand, gave a presentation to the branch on 'India's Ties with New Zealand and Other Pacific Countries on an Upward Trajectory'.

Hawke's Bay

On 23 May Mr Philip Gregan (chief executive, New Zealand Wine Growers) spoke to the branch on 'The World of Wine and the Implications for New Zealand'.

Nelson

On 27 April HE Nina Obermaier, the European Union's ambassador to New Zealand, addressed the branch on 'Partners in Turbulent Times'.

Palmerston North

To celebrate International Women's Day a panel discussion was held on 8 March, jointly hosted by the branch, the Palmerston...