About this Event
This event is to be co-hosted by New Zealand Asia Institute and the Global Studies Occasional Speaker Series
Synopsis
Lawrence will explore how Europe and New Zealand are strengthening ties in an increasingly interconnected and contested global environment. His remarks will highlight the value of working with like-minded partners in the Asia-Pacific region to uphold open, rules-based cooperation and deliver practical outcomes.
He will touch on deepening trade engagement, including the EU’s dialogue with CPTPP members, and expanding collaboration in research and innovation through Horizon Europe — where New Zealand and Korea are associated and Australia and Japan are engaged in dialogue with the EU to join.
The talk will also address growing cooperation on security in the Asia-Pacific, including EU initiatives such as CRIMARIO II and IORIS, which support partners to better manage maritime spaces through information sharing, training, and capacity building.
Overall, the focus will be on partnership in action — connecting regions, sharing expertise, and building resilience together.
Event details
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: Case Room 4 (009) Level 0 , Sir Owen G Glenn Building, The University of Auckland Business School, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland 1010, pay parking available beneath the building).
Bio
H.E. Mr Lawrence Meredith is the European Union Ambassador to New Zealand since December 2023. The EU is a very close like-minded partner with New Zealand, both strong supporters of the rules-based international order and free trade. EU-New Zealand relations are going from strength to strength through cooperation on trade, research and innovation as well as climate and environment.
His most recent role prior to arriving in New Zealand was Director for Neighbourhood East and Institution Building within the European Commission, managing relations and cooperation with the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries.
Ambassador Meredith studied at Oxford University and holds a First-Class Honours B.A. in Russian and French from The Queen's College. He speaks English, French, Russian, Spanish, German and Italian. He is a keen birdwatcher, enjoys biking, and supports Bradford City.
We look forward to welcoming you to our event.
w: auckland.ac.nz/nzai
w. Global Studies, University of Auckland
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The University of Auckland Business School, Decima Glenn Room, Level 3, Sir Owen G Glenn Building, Albany, New Zealand
USD 0.00
