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.