NZUS Council

24/05/2026

📢📢📢 Applications for the Fulbright NZ Graduate Awards are open!

We offer a range of awards for promising New Zealand graduate students to undertake postgraduate study or research at US institutions in any field. 🎓

Awards are valued at up to US$55,000 (plus NZ$4,000 travel funding) for up to one year of study or research in the US.
Students undertaking multi-year Masters or PhD degrees have the opportunity to apply for additional funding of up to US$40,000 towards their second year of study. 💰💰

Applications close 1 August 2026.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/4napiuo
And join our online session 9 June 2026, 5:30pm, Register here: https://bit.ly/4f49OWP

26/04/2026

24/04/2026

Got a great idea to strengthen the United States - New Zealand partnership? 🌏🇺🇸🇳🇿

🚪 Your portal is now open.

The U.S. Public Diplomacy Freedom 250 Grants Program is now live - supporting bold ideas that bring our countries closer through science, innovation, and shared values.

What we’re looking for:

✔️ Science & innovation (space, AI, Antarctica, critical tech)

✔️ Economic growth & opportunity

✔️ Educational, culture, and sport connections (& more)

✔️ A clear American element in every project

Who can apply:

✔️ Nonprofits

✔️ Educational institutions

✔️ Individuals

✔️ Government organizations

💡 Funding: USD $10K–$100K
📅 Apply by: July 15, 2026 (NZT)

👉 Learn more & apply: https://nz.usembassy.gov/grants-program-2026-nz/

Step through and unlock what’s possible.

21/04/2026

15/04/2026

The New Zealand Permanent Mission in New York (Mission) is hiring!🇳🇿🌿

The Mission is seeking an Executive Assistant working to the Mission’s Military Adviser and Administration Manager.

See the listing for all the details. You must be a New Zealand Citizen to apply and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Government Security clearance.

https://vacancies.mfat.govt.nz/job/Manhattan-Executive-Assistant-to-MILAD-and-Team-Administrator-NY/1359146666/

30/03/2026

We appreciate all the NZ officials engaged in building relationships in the US at the federal, state and local level.

02/02/2026

We look forward to the return of our five congressional interns who've had a fascinating time in Washington DC.

16/01/2026

Introducing New Zealand’s now Appointed Ambassador to the US, Chris Seed. Copies of his credentials were presented today to the Chief of Protocol at the US State Department, Ambassador Monica Crowley.
Ambassador Seed brings extensive diplomatic experience to the New Zealand Embassy in Washington D.C. He has held numerous senior diplomatic roles over more than three decades in public service, including five years as New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Photo credit: U.S. Department of State

16/12/2025

The 2025 NZUS Council Congressional Internship Programme is well underway.

Our five congressional interns have completed three of their nine weeks working on the Hill. They have settled into their accommodation close to Congress and the Supreme Court and history seems to shine from every corner. On arrival in Washington, D.C. they encountered a city starting to recover from the longest government shutdown in history and a challenging economic climate. The city was resplendent in fall leaves on their arrival, although more wintry conditions now prevail. During their first week they celebrated Thanksgiving, commenced their internships and/or spent some time with the team at the New Zealand Embassy - Washington, D.C..

Amongst their first impressions of the city, the interns noted there is a dramatic theatre to the Hill, even in the quietest moments. Huge edifices of marble exude power, class and grandeur. The Capitol, most particularly, draws the eye and has served as a reminder to the interns of the immense privilege and responsibility that comes with playing the political game in this complicated town.

We are grateful to the Members of Congress who are hosting our interns: Sophie Newton in the office of Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04), Ruby Gane in the office of Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Matteo Zhang in the office of Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Lauren Matthews in the office of Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-06) and Ben Shea in the office of Rep. Congressman Ami Bera (CA-06).

We wish them well for the remainder of their time in the USA and look forward to meeting with them in the New Year to reflect on their experiences.

13/11/2025

Great job opportunity in Washington DC.

We’re hiring!

The New Zealand Embassy is looking for a high performing and motivated team player to join the political team.
The role blends bilateral engagement and national security policy and puts you at the heart of the NZ-US relationship.
If this sounds like you, please see the link below for more detail.
Applications close at midnight NZ time on Friday 21 November.

https://vacancies.mfat.govt.nz/job/Policy-Adviser%2C-Security-and-Foreign-Policy-Washington-DC-DC-20008/1329953266/

28/10/2025

NZUS COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE

NZUS Council Business Delegation Visit to the USA
27 October 2025

This week the NZUS Council is leading a distinguished New Zealand business delegation to the USA to support and strengthen the bilateral relationship.

NZUS Council Chair Jonathan Mason said “our primary purpose is to get a deeper first hand understanding of the changes to US trade and foreign policy that have happened this year. We are also looking at the US economic and political situation and outlook at a very interesting time.”

In Los Angeles, the group will connect with local political and business leaders to identify common interests and to hear about the experiences of some New Zealand companies that have achieved success in the huge California market. We will also look at some of New Zealand’s preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

In Washington DC, the delegation will advocate on behalf of New Zealand business regarding the impact of the USA’s reciprocal tariffs, and speak to a wide range of contacts including in Congress about the direction of US policies in relation to trade, foreign policy and education.

In Chicago the delegation will connect with key stakeholders to reinforce the value of the bilateral relationship and to identify shared interests. We will also support New Zealand’s brand profile on the eve of the All Blacks game against Ireland.

The delegation members are drawn from a range of key New Zealand export sectors including meat, dairy, kiwifruit, wine, education services, and New Zealand business organisations.

ABOUT THE NZUS COUNCIL
The NZUS Council was established in 2001 to advance New Zealand’s interests in a strong bilateral relationship with the USA. The Council communicates publicly about the importance of the bilateral relationship. It provides platforms to advance opportunities for New Zealanders with the USA, such as our congressional internship programme and our Media Fellowship programme. The Council also seeks to build supportive constituencies for New Zealand in the USA including through visits to the US, such as this business delegation, and meeting with distinguished Americans when they visit New Zealand.

For more information:
Fiona Cooper, NZUS Council Executive Director
Email [email protected] | Phone +64 21 934 466
www.nzuscouncil.org