Global Challenges Dinner

Dear Members,

The Officers Club Committee is delighted to invite you to an exclusive Global Challenges Dinner featuring two distinguished Guests of Honour, Defence Advisers: Group Captain Andrew Hoffmann CSC (Australia) and Commander Michael Proudman (United Kingdom).

In this rare joint appearance, the Australian and UK Defence Advisers will share their perspectives on the evolving defence and security challenges shaping their regions and the wider global environment. Their combined experience—spanning air intelligence, targeting, maritime operations, carrier strike, and Indo-Pacific deployments—promises an evening of exceptional insight.

Group Captain Andrew Hoffmann CSC currently serves as Defence Adviser to New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Chile. His career includes command of 460 Squadron, leadership of the Air Force’s tactical air intelligence squadrons as Director Air Intelligence, and key targeting and systems analysis roles supporting coalition operations in the Middle East. He holds Masters degrees in Military and Defence Studies and Philosophy, specialising in systems thinking for complex adversaries, and is a recipient of the Conspicuous Service Cross.

Commander Michael Proudman was appointed UK Defence Adviser in Wellington in 2025. Since joining the Royal Navy in 2003, he has served across mine countermeasures vessels, destroyers, and aircraft carriers, including roles on HMS YORK, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. His career includes service with the UK Carrier Strike Group during early F-35 trials, Executive Officer of HMS DRAGON, and command of HMS SPEY on the Royal Navy’s inaugural Indo-Pacific forward presence mission.

This dinner offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from two senior defence leaders whose operational and strategic experience spans multiple theatres and alliances.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a thought-provoking and memorable evening.

Date & Time: Friday 22 May | 6:15pm Arrival for 6:30pm Start

Dress Code: Mess kit with miniatures or Black tie

Cost: $149 per person – includes a welcome drink and a three-course dinner served with wines or non-alcoholic alternatives.

RSVP: Please book directly via the Northern Club website, or email events@northernclub.co.nz.

We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging and memorable evening.

Warmest Regards, 

Auckland Officers Club Social Committee