CID X NZIIA: Pre-Election Debate 2026 - Aid, Trade and Foreign Affairs
Hon Todd McClay (National), MP's Vanushi Walters (Labour) and Teanau Tuiono (Green), and Daniel Eb (TOP)
Wednesday, 26 August 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm
National Office
Rydges Hotel Wellington, 75 Featherston Street, Pipitea, Wellington
About the Debate
Internationally we see major changes in power dynamics, disruption of trade, and greater uncertainty. We need to understand how New Zealand will navigate this challenging environment.
The event is set to be a lively discussion, moderated by Newsroom's Sam Sachdeva, with Hon Todd McClay (National), MP's Vanushi Walters (Labour) and Teanau Tuiono (Green), and Daniel Eb (TOP) sharing what they see as Aotearoa New Zealand’s role on the global stage, and their perspectives around international cooperation, development, and trade.
It will also explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s position in the Asia-Pacific region and how it can strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations and cultivate deeper partnerships.
It is open to the public (registrations required), and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panellists during the Q&A session.
About NZIIA and CID
The New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) - Whare Tāwāhi-a-mahi i Aotearoa, is an independent, non-governmental organisation that fosters expert discussion and understanding of international issues and emerging trends.
The Council for International Development (CID), is the peak body and umbrella organisation for Aotearoa New Zealand’s international development and humanitarian aid sector.
Photo: Ben Grey, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
About the Debate
Internationally we see major changes in power dynamics, disruption of trade, and greater uncertainty. We need to understand how New Zealand will navigate this challenging environment.
The event is set to be a lively discussion, moderated by Newsroom's Sam Sachdeva, with Hon Todd McClay (National), MP's Vanushi Walters (Labour) and Teanau Tuiono (Green), and Daniel Eb (TOP) sharing what they see as Aotearoa New Zealand’s role on the global stage, and their perspectives around international cooperation, development, and trade.
It will also explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s position in the Asia-Pacific region and how it can strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations and cultivate deeper partnerships.
It is open to the public (registrations required), and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panellists during the Q&A session.
About NZIIA and CID
The New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) - Whare Tāwāhi-a-mahi i Aotearoa, is an independent, non-governmental organisation that fosters expert discussion and understanding of international issues and emerging trends.
The Council for International Development (CID), is the peak body and umbrella organisation for Aotearoa New Zealand’s international development and humanitarian aid sector.
Photo: Ben Grey, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Membership
NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.