Massey University students and high school pupils take part in a security and defence exercise.
A workshop held last month at Massey University’s Manawatū campus explored what defence and security really means to New Zealand.
Events held on the day included group exercises and a panel discussion chaired by former diplomat and Centre for Defence and Security Studies director Professor Rouben Azizian.
The panel discussion, which included guest speakers Rachel Butler from NZ Customs, Deidre McDonald from the Ministry for Primary Industries and John Battersby from the New Zealand Police, was watched by local high school pupils.
Topics discussed included the increasing importance of security for New Zealand and its development; how the nation’s borders are not immune to new threats and challenges such as cyber-attacks; climate change; resultant natural disasters and transnational crime; and New Zealand’s dependence on secure trade routes and maritime lanes for economic progress.
Following the discussion, the pupils joined Massey students and staff to hear how a major or minor in defence and security studies, as part of a Bachelor of Arts, could provide a myriad of employment opportunities.
The workshop was organised by Talent Central, in partnership with Tuia kia Tipu and the Centre for Defence and Security Studies.