STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY 2026

The project will be facilitated by the committee comprising of Peter Cullen, Donna Dentice, Lynn McKenzie, Colin Carr Roger Morrell and administrative support from Sally Selwood. The Rotary Club of Wellington and Mt Victoria, Cullen Breakfasts and private sponsors are generous in their financial support allowing us to provide the programme free of charge to participants.

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Inaugural Breakfast

We will launch the project with a breakfast with Erica Stanford on Thursday 12 February.  If you would like an invitation to this breakfast please contact breakfasts@cullen.nz

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Project for 2026

The project task will be quite different this year and will include a short essay and presentation to the Committee.  Short listed teams will then go on the make their presentation to Members of Parliament.  Much more about the project will be outlined at the first workshop on 23 February.

 

Scholarships for winning team

Following a successful new partnership in 2025, Victoria University of Wellington will again this yea  award $5,000 scholarships to each member of the winning team. This generous contribution provides a strong start to each student’s university journey and reflects the value the University places on the learning and experience gained through participation in the Strengthening Democracy Project.

 

 

Workshops

We will again have a series of workshops at "the loaves and fishes" meeting room adjacent to the Wellington Cathedral of Saint Paul in Molesworth Street. Afternoon tea starts at 4.00 pm with the speakers between 4.30 and 6pm.A great range of speakers are planned for 2026. Speakers will be updated here as they are confirmed.

 

• 23 February – What is democracy and why strengthen it

 

Andrew Little (Mayor of Wellington), “Getting involved in politics, being Leader of the Opposition and overseas involvement in democracy”

 

Donna Dentice “outlining the Project”

 

Boyd Klap, Member of the Dutch Resistance as a school boy Boyd is a remarkable individual whose life story cannot be captured in just a few lines. However when he previously spoke at a workshop, students consistently rated him as a standout speaker. His story is outlined here:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300327725/man-on-a-mission-against-discrimination

His topic is “Why democracy has been important in his life and why he treasures it.”

 

 

• 9 March – Constitutional framework

 

Dean Knight University Professor specialising in public and government law. “Aotearoa- New Zealand’s Constitutional Eco-System”

 

Andrew Butler leading KC and former law lecturer “Weaknesses in our constitution and how to strengthen it”

 

Justice Matthew Palmer KC former High Court Judge specialising in Public Law. “The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s Law and Constitution”.

 

• 23 March – Pulling democracy back from the brink

 

James Picker Parliamentary Advisor on Select Committee process. ”How to make a effective submission to a select committee.”

 

Dame Kerry Prendergast, former Mayor of Wellington and currently holds a number of significant governance positions on “Being involved in Politics”

 

Sir Bill English former Prime Minister of New Zealand “Getting involved and the strengths and weaknesses of our electoral system”

 

• 20 April – Checks and Balances

 

Anna Fifield New Zealand journalist who is currently the Asia-Pacific editor at The Washington Post. "The crucial role of the 4th estate in strengthening democracy both in New Zealand and internationally; the importance of trustworthy news sources in an age of disinformation."

 

Hon Tama Potaka Cabinet Minister(TBC) “Getting involved in politics, and role as a Government Minister”

 

Colin Keating Chair United Nations Security Council, Secretary of Justice and Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “When does a country stop being democratic?”

 

• 11 May – The challenge: putting yourself forward

 

Tamatha Paul MP for Wellington Central (TBC) “Why I got involved in Politics”

 

Afnan AL -Rubayee Political Migrant and Wellington City Councillor “Why I got involved in Politics”

 

Hugo Vitalas, Deputy Chief Executive Public Service Commission “The role of the Public Service Commission and how an independent public service strengthens democracy”

 

• 25 May – The future: bringing it all together

 

Peter Boshier Former principal judge of the Family Court and Chief Ombudsman “Reflections on Strengthening Democracy”

 

Lawrence Meredith (TBC ) European Union Ambassador to New Zealand. “The emergence of populism in Europe and the division within democracies that has followed it.” 
 

Other key dates

• 4 June – Submission: Part 1 of the project

• 9 June (Tuesday) – 4 pm Visit to Government House with tour and meet with Dame Cindy Kiro

• 14 June – Stage 2 of the project (approx. 20 minute presentation per team; further details provided on 23 February)

• 23 June – Stage 3 of the project for short listed teams (approx. 30 minutes per team; exact time to be confirmed)

• By 3 July – Prizewinners notified

• 23 July – Presentation Breakfast with Hon Nicola Willis, Minister presenting the prizes

• 30 July – Parliament Day – for the winners  (with increased student and staff participation in 2026)