NZ Institute of International Affairs

NZIIA Akl Branch AGM 2026 + presentation on NZ’s Trade Policy During an Era of Geoeconomics and Global Conflict

We would like to invite you to attend the NZIIA Auckland Branch’s Annual General Meeting for 2026, which will be held on Tuesday 28th April 2026. During this AGM we will be sharing about how the past year has been, thank the current committee, update everyone on what the upcoming year will look like with exciting events and also election of a new committee, and meet the new Executive Director of NZIIA! If you are interested in joining the new Auckland Branch committee, please send your nominations and self-nominations to the current Chairperson of NZIIA’s Auckland Branch Francesca Long ( francescalong111@gmail.com ) by the 26th April . After the AGM finishes at around 6:30pm, we would love you to also meet the new Executive Director of NZIIA, Catherine Grant Makokera! With a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in International Trade, Catherine will be sharing on the topic of New Zealand’s Trade Policy During an Era of Geoeconomics and Global Conflict. With all the conflicts taking place currently, and disruptions to supply chains felt globally at all levels, attendees are in for a treat with Catherine’s timely presentation, with the opportunity to also ask questions at the end. We look forward to seeing you there! Please sign up, as there will be limited seats. And please notify the Chair if you are unable to make it after registering so that we can reopen a spot. Bio: Catherine is an experienced international relations and economic diplomacy expert having worked in the public, private and academic sectors. She is currently the Executive Director of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. She has extensive experience as an international development consultant, heading teams of experts supporting a wide range of projects in the areas of trade and economics in Southern and Eastern Africa, the Pacific and New Zealand. Catherine was a diplomat for New Zealand for 10 years, posted in New York, Geneva and South Africa. She participated in United Nations, International Labour Organisation and World Trade Organisation negotiations. She is a Research Associate of the Public Policy Institute at Auckland University. Important branch documents for your viewing: AGM Agenda Minutes of the 2025 Branch AGM Branch Chair’s Report for 2025 and summary of 2025’s Branch events