The National Council meeting.

• Position: Institute Notes

As the usual prelude to the National Council meeting, the NZIIA's Annual Dinner took place on 18 June. One hundred and twenty-five guests were present at this black tie affair at Government House to mark the NZIIA's 80th anniversary. The host, Governor-General and NZILA Patron Sir Jerry Mateparae, addressed the gathering on the international role of the governor-general. (The text of his address is to be found elsewhere in this issue.)

The National Council met in the Wellington Club the following morning. Sir Douglas Kidd, presiding, noted the passing of two people who had made important contributions to the NZIIA--Life Member Theo Roy and former NZIIA Director John Scott.

Both the president's and the director's reports were tabled in the 2014 annual report. Sir Douglas noted that more than 3000 people had attended 40 events during the year, keeping up momentum developed in recent years. He noted a number of high profile meetings.

Director Peter Kennedy referred to the development of the NZIIA's new website and the establishment of a new more efficient Xero accounting system as two important achievements of 2013. He drew attention to the wide-ranging scope of the meetings hosted or co-hosted by the National Office during the year with security, economic and trade topics all receiving attention.

There were no changes in the officeholders as a result of the election of officers. The president, vice president and treasurer--Sir Douglas Kidd, Prof Rob Rabel and Athol Mann respectively --were all reelected by acclamation. Dr John Subritzky was elected chair of the Research Committee, and Dr Ian McGibbon confirmed as managing editor of the NZ International Review. The list of honorary vice presidents was re-elected with the addition of former MFAT chief executive Simon Murdoch. Tricia Wallbridge and Calvin Pleydell were elected as co-opted members of the Standing Committee.

The council formally elected Scott Thomson as a life member. Sir Jerry Mateparae had presented him with his certificate at the dinner the previous evening.

The council agreed to change the title of the director to executive director.

Athol Mann presented the accounts for 2013, which showed a small surplus. The budget was approved.

The National Council discussed measures to reduce the dissatisfaction felt by some members at having to take the NZ International Review as part of their subscription. It agreed to make available the option of taking the journal in digital form...