The Centre for Strategic Studies: New Zealand (CSS:NZ) is an international and military affairs research (strategic studies) centre located in Wellington, New Zealand. Jointly supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Victoria University of Wellington, it is based in Victoria University's School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations.

History

Established in 1993 following a perceived need to examine New Zealand's international relations and situation more closely, the centre has had four directors. Terence O'Brien, who was a former New Zealand diplomat with a career as New Zealand Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, the European Commission in Brussels, and the United Nations in New York, was appointed as Director when the centre was first established. The Centre developed a reputation for independent advice and put out a number of publications and thought pieces related to New Zealand security and defence issues. David Dickens, the former deputy director of the CSS, took over when Mr O'Brien's term finished in 2001 but a Parliamentary Select Committee enquiry into his appointment issued a critical report and Dickens lasted less than two years until 2002. Dickens was succeeded by Peter Cozens who retired in late 2009. Robert Ayson, formerly with the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre of the Australian National University, took over as Director and concurrent Professor of Strategic Studies in early 2010. The Current Director is Professor David Capie.

Selected publications