Sophie Woodham our Junior Ambassador

On Wednesday November 27 the Delegation had the pleasure of welcoming Sophie, a student from Columba College Dunedin. Sophie was our “Junior Ambassador” for the day after she won first prize in the EU Essay competition, sponsored by the Delegation, the Polish Embassy and the Poles down south organisation. Here is the full report on her experience :

In August I wrote an essay on the topic: 'Some people criticise the European Union; why is it so vital'?. I was lucky enough to win the Southland-Otago wide essay competition run by the Polish Heritage of Otago & Southland Charitable Trust which meant I came to Wellington to shadow the EU Ambassador and her team for a day!

One Cappuccino, countless handshakes, one golden plate of Ferrero Rochers, one incredibly well-travelled Argentinian dog, and exposure to over eight languages later, I had spent Wednesday November 27 scraping just the tip of the iceberg of the ins and outs of the delegation of the European Union to New Zealand. Guided by principles of realism, unity and partnership, the Union strives for tangible climate action, strengthening of trade partnerships and humanitarian aid amongst an array of other objectives which I learned through the course of the day.

Up on the 14th floor in downtown Wellington, I met the new ambassador EU Ambassador-designate to New Zealand Nina Obermaier and her team. Catching up on the latest developments in Brussels, Brexit quickly became a topic of debate. The fast-paced and topical nature of conversation was extremely engaging and I was in awe learning how Nina and the team operate as diplomats and political advisors.

The 5am-start day was packed full of diplomatic discussion, trade insight, international relations, meetings and courtesy calls. A few of my favourite parts include meeting His Excellency Mr Fabrizio Marcelli, Ambassador of Italy to New Zealand, marvelling at just how many languages the diplomats spoke (up to seven fluently!), visiting Parliament House and wracking the brains of the German, Irish-Australian and Dutch interns at the EU delegation on how they got there!

I left the delegation with a real vision for my future as I look towards the world of government policy, international relations and possibly diplomacy (if I can get my French up to scratch!) The day was an invaluable experience from which I look to build on my potential future career. It was a jam-packed day of action and debate - for that I am so grateful to Krzysztof Dzikiewicz (Chris, of Poles Down South), First Secretary Per and his team, EU-delegate to NZ Nina Obermaier for her willingness to give me such an insight into the life of an ambassador and diplomat, as well as everyone else who made this fantastic opportunity possible!

We loved having Sophie join us and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!