Suzannah Jessep's April 2026 CE Update
Kia ora koutou. Today we released Perceptions of Asia: Pacific New Zealanders’ Perspectives, the latest piece in our long-running Perceptions research series. This report looks at how Pacific communities in New Zealand view Asia and the role Asian countries play in the Pacific. It adds another layer to nearly 30 years of work in this space and helps us understand how different communities are engaging with the region – an area where there’s still plenty more to explore.
This week the Foundation launched our latest research report, Perceptions of Asia: Pacific New Zealanders’ Perspectives
This evening we’ll be marking the launch at an Asia After Five event in Wellington, with co-authors Dr Ashalyna Noa and Fine Lavoni Koloamatangi, joined by former Foundation board member Pulotu Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i. If you’re nearby at 5pm and have the time, come along, we’d love to see you. Auckland and Christchurch events will follow soon.
Track II: non‑governmental, expert‑led diplomacy
Events in the Middle East this year have shown just how quickly global shocks reach New Zealand. Fuel supply, shipping routes, agricultural inputs, insurance markets, all have felt the ripple effects. Even when conflict feels far away, the impact here in New Zealand lands quickly.
As we try to navigate a more complex world, having diverse relationships and trusted channels across the Indo-Pacific helps us understand what’s happening and the opportunities and threats we face. With formal diplomacy under pressure (yes, the Trump factor!), candid, well-informed conversations are more important than ever.
Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia chairman Datuk Prof Mohd Faiz Abdullah addressing the dialogue
Over recent weeks, we’ve met with experts from Japan and South Korea, and last week we hosted the Institute of Strategic and International Studies from Malaysia, led by Chairman Datuk Prof Mohd Faiz Abdullah. Many of these partnerships have been running for more than 15 years, which means the conversations are incredibly valuable. As well as helping us to decode global affairs, they also give us insights into how other small and middle-sized countries are responding and what options we might have to work together.
Late last month, Foundation trustee Professor David Capie led a delegation to Japan with Pacific expert Professor Jon Fraenkel, China specialists Alistair Crozier and Dr James To, North Asia expert and former diplomat Philip Turner, and security expert Dr Julia Macdonald. A lot has changed since our last visit in 2023, including Japan electing its first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, in a landslide victory.
The New Zealand delegation met with think tanks, academics and other informed voices to discuss regional affairs
Straight after Japan, our director research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald, headed to Seoul for the Asan Plenum 2026, focused on “Modernising Alliances.” Her panel revisited former PM Ishiba’s idea of an “Asian NATO”, with Julia emphasising the importance of working within the Indo‑Pacific’s existing, layered security architecture rather than trying to extend and deepen the NATO model.
Asan Plenum 2026, Seoul, South Korea
On the operational front, the fuel crisis hasn’t yet significantly affected our travel or programme delivery, but we’re watching closely. If we need to adapt, we will — COVID-19 proved we can pivot pretty quickly while still keeping our connections strong. Face-to-face is always best, but technology has come a long way and it’s amazing what online forums we can now be part of and lead.
Looking ahead
The Foundation's Asia Symposium will be held in Wellington on 20 May
Asia Symposium – 20 May, Wellington: In partnership with The Asia Foundation, we’re hosting a full‑day symposium bringing together leading experts from across Asia and New Zealand. We’ll be tackling big themes: trade, energy, development, technology, demographics, multilateralism and diplomacy. It’s free, but seats are disappearing fast, and if you’re quick you might still snag one.
Southeast Asian Tech Entrepreneurs – May: Next month we’ll welcome a delegation of Southeast Asian tech entrepreneurs to New Zealand to connect with Kiwi innovators. If you’re in Auckland on 19 May, come along to hear about their work and the tech trends shaping the region. Details to come.
Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore – May: The head of the Asia Media Centre, Graeme Acton, has selected two New Zealand journalists to accompany him to Singapore for Asia’s leading defence gathering. It’s the only conference I know of where the US and China lay out their strategic worldviews in the same room, and where you can watch, in real time, how the region reacts to both. It’s a rare opportunity for our journalists to see the dynamics of Indo‑Pacific security up close and to bring those insights back to New Zealand audiences. I will also be attending and will report back.
Leadership Network: Manila Hui and Asian Leadership Conference: Two exciting opportunities are coming up for our Leadership Network:
Manila Hui - 14 under‑40 leaders will head to the Philippines for leadership training, cultural immersion, business and NGO visits, and a deep dive into what makes the Philippines tick.
Asian Leadership Conference, Seoul - seven network members will join world leaders and sector experts in Seoul for one of the region’s most influential gatherings on Asia and global affairs.
Stories from both activities will be on our website soon.
Wishing you all the best for the month ahead, and looking forward to seeing many of you at our events.
Ngā mihi nui,
Suz Jessep
