Weaponised Words: Disinformation and International Affairs
Dr Gavin Ellis (Former Editor-in-Chief of the NZ Herald)
Wednesday, 29 October 2025 5:30pm
Nelson
Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Road, Tahuanui
Disinformation has played a role in international affairs since Mark Antony’s rival labelled Cleopatra a witch, but digital networks and artificial intelligence have taken disinformation to new levels of sophistication.
It is both the oldest and the newest weapon of international coercion and influence. Dr Gavin Ellis, honorary fellow at Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, examines the power of weaponised lies.
Dr Gavin Ellis is an honorary fellow at Koi Tū The Centre for Informed Futures.
He is a researcher, consultant, and commentator with six decades of experience in news media.
A former editor-in-chief of the New Zealand Herald, he lectured on media, communications, and propaganda at the University of Auckland for a decade.
He is the author of three books and numerous research papers including a series on the Christchurch mosque attacks.
He is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism, and a recipient of the Commonwealth Astor Award for contributions to media freedom.
Disinformation has played a role in international affairs since Mark Antony’s rival labelled Cleopatra a witch, but digital networks and artificial intelligence have taken disinformation to new levels of sophistication.
It is both the oldest and the newest weapon of international coercion and influence. Dr Gavin Ellis, honorary fellow at Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, examines the power of weaponised lies.
Dr Gavin Ellis is an honorary fellow at Koi Tū The Centre for Informed Futures.
He is a researcher, consultant, and commentator with six decades of experience in news media.
A former editor-in-chief of the New Zealand Herald, he lectured on media, communications, and propaganda at the University of Auckland for a decade.
He is the author of three books and numerous research papers including a series on the Christchurch mosque attacks.
He is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism, and a recipient of the Commonwealth Astor Award for contributions to media freedom.
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