Panel Discussion

2

CPD

Governing in a changing geopolitical climate

John McKinnon and the Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon share insights on geopolitical change and what it means for New Zealand boards.

Speaker(s)
Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon, John McKinnon
Date
5:00pm — 7:00pm, 26 May 2026
Venue
Dentons Wellington
Location
Level 4, 40 Bowen Street, Wellington 6011
Price members
$55.00 incl GST
Price non-members
$100.00 incl GST

Overview

Join experienced chairs Sir Don McKinnon ONZ GCVO and John McKinnon CNZM as they explore what the changing geopolitical climate means for New Zealand boards. 

Trade, regulation and security now weigh as heavily on strategy as demand itself. Boards are navigating an environment where geopolitical alliances directly affect cost structures, market access and risk exposure. 

Drawing on decades of leadership in international relations and governance, Sir Don will share insights from his time as New Zealand’s longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Prime Minister, and Commonwealth Secretary-General. 

John McKinnon, chair of the New Zealand China Council, brings extensive diplomatic experience, including three postings to China for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, twice as Ambassador, along with leadership roles as former Secretary of Defence and executive director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. 

Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon 

ONZ, GCVO 

Sir Don McKinnon was first elected to parliament in 1978. He was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister in 1990 and became the longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand's history. 

During his term in this role, he developed the Asia 2000 programme, which evolved into the Asia 2000 Foundation before becoming the Asia New Zealand Foundation. 

He was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work brokering a ceasefire between Bougainvilleans and the Papua New Guinea Government, which lead to the signing of a peace agreement in 1997. 

Following his 21-year career in New Zealand politics, McKinnon served as Commonwealth Secretary-General for eight years from 2000 to 2008. 

Sir Don is a former chair or Regional Facilities Auckland, former Chairman of the New Zealand China Council and Brain Research NZ and served as a trustee of the Waitangi National Trust. 

In 2022 the Foundation recognised the important role Sir Don McKinnon played in the establishment of the Asia New Zealand Foundation by recognising him, alongside Philip Burdon, as a Foundation Founder.   

 John McKinnon  

CNZM  

John McKinnon is the current chair of the New Zealand China Council.  He has been posted to China three times for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including twice as Ambassador. He is also a former Secretary of Defence, and former executive director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. 

John is also a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University in Wellington. 

 

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.  See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Jill Dawson
Wellington Branch Manager

+64 27 278 8814
+64 4 470 2673
jill.dawson@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Wellington branch acknowledges the generous support of

A S B

The East Coast region also thank

 

The Manawatu region also thank

Book this event

  • Wellington

    date
    26 May 2026

    Members — $55.00

    Non-members — $100.00