The National Council meeting.

• Position: Institute Notes - New Zealand Institute of International Affairs - Conference notes

The NZIIA's 25th Annual Dinner was held at the Wellington Club on the evening of 16 June as the usual prelude to the National Council. One hundred and thirty guests were present, with Dr Brook Barrington, the recently appointed chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as guest of honour. He delivered a thoughtful address between courses. (The text can be found elsewhere in this issue.) Auckland branch stalwart Dr Stephen Hoadley's elevation to life membership was announced during the dinner.

The National Council met in the same venue next morning. Opening proceedings, the president, Sir Douglas Kidd, noted the passing of two NZIIA personalities since the last council--former president Professor Gordon Orr and former Standing Committee member Erima Henare.

The election of officers followed. Sir Douglas, Professor Rob Rabel and Professor Athol Mann were all re-elected by acclamation. Dr Anthony Smith, who has been acting as chair of the Research Committee following the departure of Dr John Subritzky on posting as high commissioner in Malaysia, was elected to the position. Dr Hoadley was formally elected as a life member, and all honorary vice presidents were re-elected. With regard to the Standing Committee, three members--Adele Mason, Anthony Scott and Richard Nottage--stood down, and Nic Keating and Dr Negar Partow were elected as co-opted members.

In accepting re-election Sir Douglas predicted an exciting and troubling year' ahead internationally. He noted a number of bright spots in the NZIIA's 2014 programme, including two addresses by Prime Minister John Key. Numerous high profile speakers had been hosted. He especially commended the increased participation of students and younger people, and urged branches to reach out to them.

Executive Director Peter Kennedy, who is shortly to relinquish his position, reported that the National Office is running well. He noted several measures taken in the last two years to improve the performance of the institute, including the new website and the new financial accounting system. He thanked all who had supported him during his tenure, especially Executive Secretary Synonne Rajanayagam. Later in the meeting it was announced that Maty Nikkhou-O'Brien would succeed him in early August.

In reporting on the NZ International Review, Dr Ian McGibbon noted the troubling blow out in the deficit this year, caused mainly by a fall off in membership, which he suggested was a warning sign...