US NZ Partnership Forum 2015

The New Zealand United States Council is delighted to announce the launch of the NZUS Council Mike Moore Internship Programme, a partnership with the University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington and Air New Zealand.

NZUS Council Chairman Hon. Simon Power QSO said “In keeping with the theme of Pacific Partners: The Next Generation at our recent USNZ Partnership Forum in Auckland, the NZUS Council is keen to help the next generation of New Zealand leaders to build a deeper understanding of the USA through working in Congress and building personal relationships with Members of Congress and their staff. We are pleased to put this unique programme on a firm footing for the longer term”.

The internship programme was set up in 2011, following the Christchurch earthquakes, by New Zealand Ambassador to the USA, Rt. Hon Mike Moore. The programme started with students from the University of Canterbury’s Law School and was extended to Politics students from Victoria University. Over the last three years twelve students from the two schools have undertaken two month internships in the Washington DC offices of various Members of Congress, earning credits as part of their academic learning.

“The opportunity to observe the workings of United States politics from the inside is an incredible one and ultimately life changing for the successful students,” said University of Canterbury Dean of the School of Law, Associate Professor Chris Gallavin. “It is an important opportunity as it greatly assists in the development of our students – students prepared to make a difference and who are truly unique in the career market place.”

Air New Zealand’s Head of Government and Industry Affairs Duncan Small said, “Air New Zealand is proud to be able to support the exchange of young leaders between New Zealand and the United States. Our growth into North America and our new route to Houston beginning this year will bring New Zealand and the United States closer together. It is important that our future leaders understand each other’s cultures and political systems. We are delighted to facilitate that along with the NZUS Council, Victoria University of Wellington and University of Canterbury”

Professor Jennifer Windsor, Victoria University of Wellington Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, says she welcomes the leadership role of the NZUS Council, along with the continued cooperation of parties to the internship programme. "It's an example of the capital city experience that Victoria University offers its students. Our connections in the centres of politics in Wellington and Washington provide opportunities that will influence students for their lifetime."

Ambassador Mike Moore said he welcomed the support of the four partners to sustain the internship programme which he predicted would give a long term return on investment over the next 30-40 years. “The internship programme benefits the NZ-US relationship not only by providing young New Zealanders with fluency in the workings of the US Government, but also by exposing Congressional offices to the work of the New Zealand Embassy and the “can do” attitude of our young people.”

The NZUS Council looks forward to working with our partners in the next few months to select the next crop of New Zealand interns to head up to Washington DC.

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