2025 Annual Report

The Foundation’s role in building Asia-related awareness and capability continues to be relevant and valued. This was reinforced by the latest Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey – now in its 28th year – which shows a continued rise in knowledge and interest among New Zealanders.

Of those who were surveyed, 75 percent said Asia is important to New Zealand’s future and almost 60 percent felt they had a reasonable level of knowledge about the region. These are encouraging trends that reflect the Foundation’s long-term investment in public understanding.

As part of the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, we also hosted the Asia Summit in Wellington — a full day event bringing together business, political, academic and media leaders to discuss New Zealand’s place in a rapidly evolving Asia. The Summit reinforced the importance of Asia to New Zealand’s future and highlighted the value of open, informed dialogue on regional issues.

In early 2025, the Foundation convened its full Honorary Advisers Network in Auckland – the first meeting of both onshore and offshore advisers in four years. The Network is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Winston Peters. His engagement, as well as that of the Prime Minister, underscored the Government’s continued commitment to building strong relationships in the region. The discussions were thoughtful and forward-looking, offering valuable insight into how New Zealand is perceived across Asia and where future opportunities may lie.

Two new Honorary Advisers joined the network during the year - Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria of Malaysia and Professor Jolan Hsieh of Taiwan, and we farewelled Annie Wu and Hu Shuli Li. We are grateful to have such deep regional and subject-matter expertise on our network.

The Board also welcomed the appointment of three new Trustees: Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie and John Boswell, all of whom bring diverse experience and knowledge. We were also pleased to welcome Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as an ex officio member of the Board. These appointments have further strengthened the Board’s capacity as we look to the future.

We also acknowledge the contributions of Te Poa Karoro (Paul) Morgan, Pulotu Tupe Solomon Tanoa’i and Ziena Jalil, who completed their terms on the Board during the year. Each has made a valued contribution to the Foundation’s governance and strategic direction, and we thank them for their service and commitment.

During the year, the Board adopted the Foundation’s new Strategy 2025-2028, positioning the organisation to respond more strategically to the evolving opportunities and challenges in New Zealand–Asia relations. The refreshed strategy sets a clear direction for strengthening the Foundation, deepening insights across New Zealand and expanding regional networks.

Over the course of the year, the Foundation continued to deliver across a wide range of programmes – in business, arts, sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, internships, media, research and Track II diplomacy. The underlying goal remains the same: to equip New Zealanders to engage confidently and effectively with Asia.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Suzannah Jessep, our Chief Executive, for her leadership and continued commitment to the Foundation’s purpose and performance.

I also want to thank our staff, trustees, Honorary Advisers and partners for their efforts during what has been a productive and strategically significant year.

As we enter the Foundation’s fourth decade, we remain focused on our long-term goals and committed to playing a constructive role in New Zealand’s engagement with Asia.

HON DAME FRAN WILDE, DNZM QSO Chair