Welcome to the final Lookout of 2025. As we head into 2026, three forces are setting the pace: geopolitical realignment, rapid technological change, and an information environment where trust is harder to secure. These pressures make one thing clear - outcomes improve when decision capability and dialogue keeps up.
Across New Zealand, from corporates to community organisations, the message is the same: we need stronger, more confident decision makers who can handle complexity. This edition looks squarely at that challenge.
Global Affairs explores how AI is reshaping choices. Critical Conversations looks at Judy Samuelson’s insights on leadership under pressure. Connected Communities explores what remains distinctly human as technology accelerates.
Looking ahead to 2026, our focus stays practical: improving outcomes, building trust, and strengthening national and economic security through high quality dialogue - from our fast-paced Debugging Decision Making roundtable in Queenstown, to global affair discussions in Auckland, leading into the 2026 National Security Forum.
A busy, purposeful start to the year - all aimed at helping New Zealand make better decisions in a tougher world.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
Ngā mihi - Christine and the Aspen Institute NZ team
Global Affairs
Building Decision Capability in an AI-Driven World
As AI reshapes the way work is done, global research is drawing attention to a consistent theme: technology is only as effective as the decisions that govern it. BCG’s recent report shows that the organisations gaining most from AI are those investing in human capability and judgment. University of Auckland experts echo this, calling for “human-AI co-thinking” that strengthens reasoning and accountability. Although AI may now be outperforming experts in technical fields, it is still human oversight that determines quality and trust. For leaders, building that decision making capacity is becoming essential.
Critical Conversations
Standing Firm on Shifting Ground: The New Rules of Principled Leadership
In her recent commentary, Judy Samuelson shares a surprising insight from the Resnick Aspen Action Forum: the leaders who thrive in chaos aren’t those with the strongest opinions - they’re the ones with the strongest practices. Conviction, she shows, isn’t about certainty; it’s about developing the systems and habits that keep leaders grounded when everything else is in flux. In New Zealand, where leadership is being tested in new ways, her insights offer a timely reminder: strengthening judgment begins with strengthening the practices that sustain it.
Connected Communities
AI and the Human Spirit - or - The Human Side of Technology
At this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival, a conversation on AI and the human spirit offered an interesting lens on what remains uniquely human in an age of accelerating technology. Brené Brown and Microsoft researcher Kate Crawford reflected on the kinds of human intelligence AI still can’t quite reach, from discernment and situational awareness, to the ability to sit with contradiction and humour. Brown joked that she mainly wants AI to do the laundry so she has more time for creativity, a comment that captured both the appeal and the irony of technological progress. An interesting listen, which raises thoughtful questions about what capacities - human and AI - we should rely on most as we navigate change.
Coming Up - Local
Critical Conversations
2025 Socrates Programme
December 8-10 | Queenstown
Will We Ever Trust the News Again?
The Socrates Seminar returns in December with a critical conversation on media, trust, misinformation, and democracy - moderated by Aspen Digital’s Vivian Schiller, a former senior executive at NPR, The New York Times, and Twitter.
Held at Taramea, a purpose-built private meeting space in a rural setting, the seminar runs over 3 half-days and offers a rare chance to step away from daily demands and engage with leaders from across sectors, to challenge assumptions, explore solutions, and help shape the future of trust.
Debugging Decision Making is a fast paced, one day roundtable that helps participants uncover hidden assumptions, test values, and avoid the traps that distort well intentioned choices. Participants in this inclusive roundtable use real-world case studies, open dialogue, and a systematic decision framework to build stronger, more resilient decision habits. The result: turning good intentions into more possibilities for future actions, and better outcomes.
Take advantage of our earlybird pricing, available until 31/12/2025.
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