Guest blog post by U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Lit Wei Chin. In late September, the US Embassy of New Zealand held the Connecting Young Leaders conference in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). This brought together the US-NZ Youth Council across the country from Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. It was an opportunity for us to engage with …
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Guest blog post by U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, James Fleury. 65 young Kiwi leaders from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin met for the US Embassy Youth Council Conference in the capital last week. The three-day conference allowed the participants to build connections with fellow youth councillors from the different cities, diplomats, embassy staff and several …
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Guest blog post by U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Daryn Govender. In July, U.S.-NZ Youth Councils across New Zealand had the honor of participating in a session with Daryl Davis, a renowned expert on race relations in the U.S. Davis was the child of parents serving in the U.S. Foreign Service, meaning that he grew up …
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Guest blog post by U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Darren Young. Ngā mihi o Matariki ki a tātou. Matariki greetings to one and all! Auckland Youth Councillors recently had the privilege of engaging in talks on space diplomacy and policy. Our first guest from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the U.S. was Mike …
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Guest blog post by U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Angus Drumm The Auckland Youth Council members recently had the privilege of chatting with the owner of the NZ Breakers basketball team, Matt Walsh, and lecturer of sport management at Unitec, Dr Katherine Bruffy. The Youth Council talked with the guests about some contemporary issues in sport, …
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Guest blog post by James Fleury from the U.S. Embassy Youth Council Fifty members of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council had the chance to learn the finer details of the US political system from Professor Todd Belt, Director of Political Management at George Washington University. The US Embassy Youth Council has members from across New …
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UPDATE: This is now closed. Thanks for your applications, we’ll get back to you shortly. The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is pleased to announce the 2020 Youth Council Program. This is an opportunity for students and young professionals in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland to engage with U.S. experts, dignitaries, and officials from a …
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Now that you have your student visa, you need to start planning for your arrival in the United States. Booking your travel from your home town to your university is just one part of that process. Here are a few things to consider: Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation. EducationUSA advising centers organize live or virtual pre-departure …
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Yesterday we talked about completing your university application. Congratulations! Now that you have been admitted to a U.S. university you will need to apply for a student visa. You can watch this video to learn more about applying for your student visa: Once you are ready to apply for your visa, visit: ustraveldocs.com/nz/ for information about …
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By the time you have researched your options and thought of ways to finance your study, you should have a short list of institutions in which you’d like to apply. A good goal is to have 3-6 institutions on your short list, including a range of selectivity. Applying for U.S. study is a task that …
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If you want to study in the U.S., it is important to think about how you will finance your studies. This often goes hand-in-hand with Step 1: Research Your Options. At the same time you are researching universities for best overall fit, you should also be considering potential funding and scholarship opportunities. University is a …
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The United States is home to more than 4,000 universities. With so many options to choose from, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. The first step is to research your opportunities and learn more about the U.S. higher education system. It is important to find a school that fits your needs, priorities, and long-term …
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Deputy Chief of Mission, Kevin Covert, attended the Creative Futures industry meet-and-greet at The Roxy Cinema , and experienced some of the ground-breaking digital interactions on display – including Dr. Grordbort’s Invaders, & works by speakers from Disney & Weta Digital . The Embassy was proud to support Miramar Creative ’s Creative Futures conference – the two-day event offered insights into new technologies and demonstrated …
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WASHINGTON DC – Building on five years of success in collaboration with emerging leaders in the Pacific, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Cultural Vistas, is pleased to announce the 46 leaders from 20 Pacific countries and territories chosen to attend the 2019 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Conference taking place in Suva, Fiji from …
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This week marks the 19th annual International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which celebrates and promotes the benefits of international education and exchange programs worldwide. Initially created so that America could inspire its students to travel abroad, IEW now encourages and supports foreign students interested …
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This week marks the 19th annual International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which celebrates and promotes the benefits of international education and exchange programs worldwide. Initially created so that America could inspire its students to travel abroad, IEW now encourages and supports foreign students interested …
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We’re looking for young Maori and Pacific Islanders who are passionate about improving their communities and countries! If you’re between the ages of 25-35, apply today to attend our Young Pacific Leaders conference in Fiji in March. Apply by 2 DECEMBER here ! More Information: The sixth Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Suva, Fiji will take place the first week …
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The 2018 US-NZ Youth Council is up and running! Youth Council cohorts in Auckland and Wellington convened for the 1st time this year on May 4th and May 10th respectively. Across the two regions 28 aspiring and emerging young leaders gathered to discuss issues of importance to youth, highlight key pillars of the US-NZ relationship, and identify …
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Guest blog post by U.S. NZ Youth Councilor, Araina Kazia Pereira On International Women’s Day I was lucky enough to take part in a number of events. Firstly, a roundtable discussion with U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins alongside some incredible NZ women, American Chamber of Commerce members, exchange program alumni and youth council discussing both issues …
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The fifth Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Honolulu, Hawai‘i will take place January 16-18, 2018, through a partnership between the East-West Center’s Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) and the U.S. Department of State . This comprehensive conference will provide emerging Pacific leaders, ages 25-35, with new skills and knowledge to advance the region’s economic vibrancy and civic engagement, thereby contributing to regional security …
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Guest post by, Isabelle Walker, a member of the 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council. This October 17th and 18th I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council Diplomacy in Action Conference in Wellington. The conference, hosted by the U.S Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), was a unique opportunity for emerging …
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By Mara Hosoda U.S. Consulate General staff. Views from the Field: Opportunities and Challenges facing Youth Employment in New Zealand and the U.S. Jobs and employment are critical to the successful growth and development of every economy. But what happens when there is a gap at the start of the employment stage? When youth and …
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Registrations are open for the ‘Future Leaders of the Pacific’ conference in Auckland on Saturday 11th November! Register here. Join us to develop new skills and knowledge for youth participation in leadership and advocacy, and more importantly, to grow your network of leaders. In partnership with The Wonderful Group and The Moko Foundation, the US Embassy New Zealand is holding …
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By Jenna, Rika, Shane, and Zach (Students of Punahou School) Punahou School of Hawai’i and Riverdale School of New York learn about social responsibility, economics, and the environment on a cultural exchange program in Christchurch, Hamilton, and Auckland. In July 2017 select students of Punahou School based in Honolulu, Hawai’i visited New Zealand as a …
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By U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Victoria Triegaardt. With the new Ambassador settling into his role at the Embassy there’s been a flurry of activity for the U.S. NZ- Youth Council. At the start of September there was a career development morning where the Youth Councilors heard from New Zealand alumni of State Department programs and …
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The U.S. Embassy hosted its ‘Back from Camp’ reception on September 21, 2017. Recently returned camp counselors were greeted by U.S. Embassy Staff, and alumni and staff from local camp placement providers. The U.S. camp counselor program is one of the most popular exchange programs in New Zealand, with nearly 900 participants across almost every …
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Guset blog post by Alexia Hilbertidou. I was chosen by space agency NASA to ride on-board their 747 jumbo jet aircraft during a special overnight mission. In one 10 hour flight, I travelled at -70C and zero per cent humidity while measuring stardust and taking in the breath-taking displays of the atmosphere, such as the …
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Guest blog post by Robbie Morrison, 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council member. Christchurch U.S.-NZ Youth Council chatting science, technology, health, and trade promotion with U.S. diplomat Craig Halbmaier. The Christchurch branch of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council is always excited to engage with experts, dignitaries and officials from the United States. On Friday 14 July the …
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Each March a celebration of the rich history between Hawaii and Aotearoa descends onto the Hawaii Village at the Pasifika Festival in Auckland. Since launching the Hawaii Village in 2014, we continue to support the Hawaii Village Committee members who work tirelessly on a striking two day display of Hawaii arts, culture and food. This …
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UPDATE: Applications are now closed. To apply for the Youth Council, please 1) submit the online Application Form and 2) email your CV to HosodaMK@state.gov by Friday March 31, 2017 at 5pm. Website: nz.usembassy.gov Facebook: @newzealand.usembassy Twitter: @usembassynz Hashtag: #USNZYouthCouncil. Background The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand Youth Council program started in 2010 by former U.S. Ambassador David Huebner. …
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Guest Blog by Thomas Goodin, Young Entrepreneur and Alumni of Young Enterprise Scheme and VentureUp Justin Milano was the first speaker for the 2017 Project Connect series, presenting at AUT on the Four Pillars for Entrepreneurial Success. Justin helps entrepreneurs build thriving companies. As a serial entrepreneur and executive coach, he uses a unique blend …
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“How will the new U.S. President affect New Zealand? What is the impact of gerrymandering on the U.S. elections? How does the Electoral College work? Who do you think will win the Presidential Election?” These questions and more have been posed by New Zealand youth in high schools and universities. Students’ questions reflect their interests …
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By staff in the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate Auckland. Sewam American Indian Dance was founded by award winning dancer and educator, Eddie Madril to bring the music, arts, and culture of Native American dance to audiences around the world. Specializing in the dances of United States Plains Indians, Sewam Dance has performed across the …
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Guest post and views of U.S. Embassy Youth Council member, Josiah Tualamali’i. Everyone’s heard of the US Space Agency NASA’s space missions and the exciting push for Mars, but lesser known about is the exploration and research they do inside earth’s atmosphere. Members of the US Embassy Youth Council and University of Canterbury students got …
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By Daniel Millward, U.S. Embassy Youth Council Member. Risk is a fact of our everyday lives. But what happens when an everyday risk becomes a one-off crisis? The Auckland Youth Council met with a master of the science (and art) of risk mitigation and crisis management – and learned he had some, but not all …
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By U.S. Embassy Youth Council Members Sarah Peraira and Hannah Craighead. During the 22 and 23rd of August, we were lucky enough to attend the Open Source Open Society (OS/OS) conference in Wellington. The Conference theme was how technology and open ways of working can transform your life, your work, your organisation and our society. Through speeches, panels and workshops, …
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By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. The month of August was action-packed with youth outreach in Auckland, which gave U.S. Consulate General staff members and kiwi youth the opportunity to engage on issues of significance to both the United States and New Zealand. Topics of discussion this month included the U.S. presidential elections …
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By Alex Dunlap, Winter Fellow, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. The Baseball New Zealand 13 and under team recently completed tournament play in the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Maryland. This year, the tournament field consisted of 10 champions from across the United States and 8 international teams representing Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, the …
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Guest blog post by Josiah Tualamali’i. A 21 year old Samoan Kiwi studying Politics and History at the University of Canterbury & member of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council. Around our main Universities in Aotearoa, the US Embassy NZ has their Youth Councils. This helps the US Embassy NZ to build a two-way relationship with …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On July 4, 2016 NASA’s Juno mission arrived at Jupiter to study the large, distant planet. Studying what Jupiter is made of and what lies beneath its swirling clouds is critical to understanding how the solar system and Earth came about. Auckland was fortunate to …
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By Mike, Emily and Shivani, Public Affairs. Adriana Gascoigne, Founder and CEO of Girls in Tech , recently visited New Zealand to keynote at Project Connect in Auckland and Wellington – a speaker series founded by the U.S. Embassy and the Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT). Alongside the Project Connect talks, Adriana had a series of meetings, round-table discussions and dinners throughout the country – including a …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)–heart disease, cancers, lung disease and diabetes–are a major issue for the Pacific. NCDs are the leading cause of death in the Pacific and in some Pacific Island countries life expectancy is declining as a result of NCD-related premature deaths. Developing a sustainable …
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Guest blog post by James Coventry, Auckland U.S.-NZ Youth Council Member and Shivani Ranganathan, Public Affairs/ Political-Economic Sections, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. During the week of June 1st through June 20th, the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland participated in multiple events to celebrate World Refugee Day. On Monday June 13th, members of the Auckland National …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On June 16, 2016, diplomats Emily Armitage and Cavan Fabris spoke to Auckland High Schools about the American Civil Rights Movement. These presentations were a part of the American Insights Program which offers opportunities for schools to engage directly with U.S.diplomats. The diplomats introduced the …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. Held every May, Youth Week is a New Zealand nationwide festival of events to celebrate the talents, passion, and success of local young people. Youth Week recognizes the contributions and achievements of young people in New Zealand and is organized by Ara Taiohi, a National …
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By: Shivani Ranganathan, Mara Hosoda and Amanda Leavall, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On Friday, June 3rd, 2016, Associate Professor Jennifer Curtin from The University of Auckland- Politics and International Relations and Dr. Rhonda Evans, Director from the Edward A. Clark Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies at The University of Texas …
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By Victoria Triegaardt, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Wellington and Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. The last three months were action-packed with opportunities for U.S. Diplomats to reach out to youth in Auckland and Wellington high schools. Upon request from New Zealand high schools, U.S. Diplomats presented U.S. history topics through …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. On April 25, 2016 the Auckland Youth Council met with Ambassador Mark Gilbert. In recognition of the recently-signed COP 21 Agreement on Climate Change, signed by 155 countries in New York on April 20, Earth Day, the group discussed climate change, especially in relation to the …
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By Mara Hosoda and Victoria Triegaardt, Public Affairs U.S. Consulate Auckland and U.S. Embassy Wellington. The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand has run the U.S.-New Zealand Youth Council program since 2010. The program is based on the university structure with a student group at the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. NASA is on a mission to foster innovation around challenges affecting us at home and in space; this year it created the world’s largest international annual hackathons. On Friday April 22, 2016, Acting Consul General, Emily Armitage kicked off the 2016 NASA Space Apps Challenge …
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NASA Space Apps Challenge is a 48-hour multi-disciplinary global weekend hackathon—for developers, entrepreneurs, astronomers, coders, marketers, product designers, data analysts, engineers, artists, enthusiasts etc. You don’t need to be an expert about space, just willing to work cooperatively as team to come up with creative solutions to one of the challenges set by the international …
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