The NZUS Council was delighted to host Professor Dan Schnur from California in New Zealand this week. Professor Schnur is a leading political strategist and academic who teaches politics, communications, and leadership at the University of Southern California, Pepperdine University, and the University of California, Berkeley. He brings decades of hands-on experience in American politics, including serving as national communications director for Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign, as spokesperson for former California Governor Pete Wilson, and as chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
During his visit, Professor Schnur engaged with leaders across government, business, academia, and the media. His programme coincided with the 2025 US Business Summit, where he delivered a keynote address on “America’s New Playbook”, exploring the shifting political dynamics shaping the relationship between the United States and its international partners. He expanded on this theme in media interviews and through a range of other engagements throughout the week.
Professor Schnur met with a broad cross-section of New Zealand’s policy and business community, including university audiences in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch; national media; senior public sector officials; business leaders; and emerging political leaders. These discussions offered valuable perspectives on navigating an increasingly complex global environment and understanding how both New Zealand and the United States can work together to address shared challenges.The NZUS Council would like to extend special thanks to ExportNZ and ASB Bank for their support in hosting two key events for Professor Schnur in Wellington and Christchurch.
Media coverage from the visit:
