NZUS Council Mike Moore Congressional Interns depart for Washington DC post mid-terms

The New Zealand United States Council today farewells four interns on their way to work in Washington DC courtesy of the NZUS Council Mike Moore Internship Programme. The programme is conducted in partnership with the University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington and Air New Zealand.

The interns are Annie MacDonald, Laura MacDonald, Max Berkert and Kaitlyn White.

NZUS Council Chairman Leon Grice said “this programme provides a fantastic opportunity for young New Zealand leaders to have a unique US political experience, working in Congress and building personal relationships with US House Representatives and their staff. It fits our goal of strengthening the bilateral relationship and increasing engagement between New Zealand and the US.”

The internships are named in honour of former New Zealand Ambassador to the USA, Rt. Hon Mike Moore, who established the programme after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010-11. The programme now involves students from the University of Canterbury’s Law School and Victoria University’s School of Political Science and International Relations. Since the internship was established, 28 students from the two universities will have served for 10 weeks in the offices of various Members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle.

“The opportunity to observe the workings of United States politics and law making from the inside is very special for the successful students,” said University of Canterbury Dean of the School of Law, Professor Ursula Cheer. “It is a wonderful opportunity that enhances the development of our students and helps prepare them for their careers and making a difference in the world.”

Air New Zealand’s Head of Government and Industry Affairs Andrew Kirton said, “Air New Zealand is proud to be able to support the exchange of young leaders between New Zealand and the United States. We are continuing to grow our presence in the North American market. It is important that our future leaders understand each other’s cultures and political systems. We are delighted to facilitate that through this internship programme.”

Professor Stephen Levine, Victoria University of Wellington Professor of Political Science, said "This internship in Washington has proven to be an enormously valuable experience for the interns fortunate enough to be selected. Each intern has been able to get an inside look at US politics and congressional life, interacting with members of Congress, political staff, and with Americans visiting the capital. The insights gained and relationships formed in Washington give this programme a unique impact, giving the New Zealand interns lasting impressions of US politics and of life in America."

The NZUS Council and partners look forward to welcoming back the interns in the New Year.

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