Australia Hui a time for connections and reflection

Our Australia-based Leadership Network members and Foundation staff in Melbourne

As more members cross the ditch to pursue opportunities, the shape of the Network’s presence in Australia is shifting. There are now Leadership Network members based across Australia with hubs in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, all of which are increasing in number.

We started the hui by reflecting on the importance of whakawhanaungatanga and finding your niche, whether that be by discovering a generational trading connection or through the utilisation of the power of dialogue.

There’s a difference between a karakia and an Acknowledgement of Country — a karakia brings in a spiritual element and is often tailored to the context of the gathering, while an Acknowledgement of Country is grounded in place, history, and Indigenous sovereignty. Both practices hold deep significance and enrich the way we engage with each other.

Leadership Network member and former Foundation researcher Jordan King facilitating a session with Prof Michael Wesley on global affairs

It was grounding to hear a karakia again during the hui. We reflected on how the integration of te reo Māori has evolved over time — for those who left New Zealand more than a decade ago, hearing karakia or te reo used regularly can feel surprisingly new.

The next day’s discussions built on this foundation by exploring our change in engagement with the Foundation and to explore what we could do better to remain connected.

I've only been in Melbourne for three months, and having fellow network members here has really helped me settle in. Having a sounding board of people who have also been through the move (and have also introduced me to a great accountant) has been invaluable. Despite Australia being so similar to New Zealand, it’s still not quite the same and I’ve realised just how much I miss home.

Sydney-based network member Annabelle O'Donnell leading a session

Next up was a presentation of the 2025 Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples Survey, which highlighted the growing importance of Asia to New Zealand and recent trends including the increase in Kiwis travelling to Japan. My Instagram feed can attest to this increase. 

This session was complemented by a facilitated discussion with Professor Michael Wesley. The discussion provided us with an opportunity to ask for his insights on New Zealand and Australia’s approach to Asia and the rise in protectionism.

The Foundation's director research and engagement Julia MacDonald and manager research programme Alex Smith presented on the findings from the latest Perceptions of Asia research

For me, a key takeaway from the session was that New Zealand brings a bicultural and treaty-based perspectives with the importance of te reo embedded in our culture and Australia brings scale and a strategic influence.

Together, Australia and New Zealand present a partnership that is culturally rich and regionally responsive to Asia. And there’s untapped potential in soft power whether that be through sport, education or tourism.

Network members Derek Lieu, Jane Wang and Jimmy Yao participating in a session on whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building)

We ended the hui by doing what we do best, eating. The Melbourne-based network members led us around the city sampling the best food Victoria’s diaspora has to offer. From fancy hot chocolates to char kway teow and pho, I’ve found some new laneways to explore.

The hui provided a chance to reconnect with the Leadership Network and the Foundation and remind all of us that despite moving away from New Zealand, we can continue to deepen our connections with Asia and with each other.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.