Robson Lectures

Our annual Robson Lecture is a highlight of our Unity Day agenda featuring a keynote speaker who shares their expertise and insights on society related topics.

The Robson Lecture is in honour of Dr John Lochiel Robson (1909 - 1993).

John Robson Collection

2025

DrJessica Berentson-Shaw

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"Improving lives by changing the way we talk about complex issues"

Jess Berentson-Shaw(c)2025_Tabitha Arthur Photography_lr--2_edited.jpg

Watch Video (starts at 0:14:20)

2024

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley

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Rebuilding Community, Restoring Trust: Why the Local Matters

Watch Video

2023

Dr Ned Fletcher

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"The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi"

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Previous John Robson Lecture presenters include:

2001: Dame Sian Elias
2002: Greg Fortuin
2003: Judge Peter Callinicos
2004: Grant Powell
2005: Dr John Harre
2006: Pam Thorburn
2007: Tariana Turia
2008: Governor-General, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO
2009: Kim Workman
2010: Moana Jackson
2011: Hannah Bentley, Trevor Bradley, Neal Swindells.
2012: Judge Andrew Becroft
2013: Professor of Maori Studies, Margaret Mutu.
2014 (Pilot City Forum): Russell Fairbrother QC, Toro Waaka, Tom Hemopo, Annette Harris, Fran Lowe, Helen Nesbit.
2015:
2016:
2017:
2018:
2019: Tā Kim Workman
2020: Postponed (not held), Covid.
2021: Professor Tracey McIntosh
2022: Dr Carwyn Jones
2023: Dr Ned Fletcher
2024: Professor Paul Spoonley
2025: Dr Jessica Berentson-Shaw (lecture starts at 0:14:20)