Established in 2001, we are a non-partisan, non-government organisation focused on advancing New Zealand’s interests in a strong bilateral relationship.
Our Story
We are funded by business, academia, civil society, and government to provide platforms to advance opportunities for New Zealanders, communicate the importance of the relationship, and build supportive constituencies for New Zealand in the US.
At the foundation of the relationship between our countries is an enduring set of common interests and shared values. As an organisation we have played a critical role in re-establishing connections, strengthening the relationship across multiple fronts, and advocating tighter economic and trade integration.
We remain strong advocates for open and competitive markets, including ongoing advocacy for free trade agreements, and protection of the rules-based global trading system.
Building off this legacy the Council has adopted a broader policy programme that recognises the diverse range of interests we share with the US. In addition to trade we have a focus on technology and sustainability, food, education, and defence and security.
Our Work
Together with our policy programmes we undertake a range of other activities. Here are a few examples.
The NZUS Council has established a media fellowship programme to encourage high-quality reporting that supports informed discussion about the New Zealand/United States relationship.
The Media Fellowship was launched in 2024 and the first candidate awarded their placement was Fulbright scholar Peter McKenzie, pictured with Council Executive Director Fiona Cooper.
For further information on the Fellowship: www.nzuscouncil.org/nzus-council-media-fellowship/
In 2011 we established the Mike Moore Congressional Internship programme. Each year we send four young New Zealanders to the US to spend six weeks interning in congressional offices gaining a unique insight into the US political scene.
We now have an alumni of 28 and growing. This group represents future New Zealand leaders and many now are in interesting and influential roles across the commercial and public sectors in New Zealand and abroad.
Find out more about our internship programme here: www.nzuscouncil.org/internship-programme
The NZ-US Trade & Investment Reports have been commissioned by the NZUS Council and produced by Sense Partners.
The reports serves as an important insight into the current state of affairs in the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and the United States.
Read the reports here: www.nzuscouncil.org/reports/
The Council leads 2-3 focused delegations to the US each year with the purpose of making and maintaining connections. In December 2018, we led a small delegation to the US with meetings in early December 2018 in Chicago, Washington DC, and San Francisco following the 2018 mid-term elections.
Focused on US trade policy, digital trade, data regulation, the future of food and alternative proteins we met with US officials, think-tanks, business groups, and political figures.
Contact us to find out more: [email protected]
The hosting of Partnership Forums has been a core element of the Council’s programme since our establishment. They have provided an invaluable opportunity to make and maintain high level connections.
Prior to the pandemic, these were organised for every 18-24 months.
Partnership Forums
A key set piece for the Council since its establishment has been the hosting of successive Partnership Forums. Held alternatively in New Zealand and in Washington DC, they have provided invaluable opportunities to bring together political, policy, and business leaders from both countries.