Rt Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs

10 May 2008
Media statement

Working Holiday Scheme signed with Poland

New Zealand and Poland have established a Working Holiday Scheme to encourage young visitors to both countries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today.

“The scheme allows people aged between 18 and 30 to visit and work for a year in the host country. This will enable young New Zealanders and Poles to experience each other’s countries and cultures in greater depth than is possible through a short-term visit,” said Mr Peters, who is currently in Europe.

“We now have Working Holiday Schemes with 15 European countries, opening doors for New Zealanders to travel and work for a year in those countries. A further 11 are currently under negotiation.

“We see the European Union as a natural partner for New Zealand, and our relations with the newer EU member states, such as Poland, are continuing to develop.

“Schemes such as this help increase contact and understanding at a personal level between countries, which in turn plays an important part over time in advancing and strengthening the official relationship,” Mr Peters said.

The agreement was signed in Warsaw by New Zealand Ambassador Philip Griffiths, and Polish Labour Minister Jolanta Fedak. It is intended that the scheme will commence on September 29.

ENDS

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