A People to People delegation that recently traveled to the South Pacific had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, during the students’ tour of the Parliament House. The delegation got a chance to see the ins and outs of how the New Zealand government functions. First, students toured the Chamber, the room where the House of Representatives sits to debate bills and consider parliamentary business. They also saw the Maori Affairs Committee Room and the beautiful Galleria, as well as the exterior of the Executive Wing, known as the Beehive.

The Parliament guide answered the students’ questions while providing an overview of New Zealand’s government and the history of the Parliament House, Library and Beehive. Later that day delegates went to a recording studio to create either their own music tracks or a TV news show. Their next destination was the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, which in Maori means “Our Place.” The delegation’s primary group leader was Bruno Bernardino.