The Friends of New Zealand Congressional Caucus, whose purpose is to strengthen the economic, political, and social links between the United States and New Zealand, was established in February 2005.  At a press conference in the Capitol announcing the launch of the Caucus, founding Co-chairs Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) and Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) emphasized the importance to the United States of broader trade relations with New Zealand.  The bipartisan support in Congress exemplified by the 27 Republicans and 27 Democrats who had joined the Caucus at its launch. While the initial objective on trade was to promote the start of negotiations on a bilateral FTA, the Caucus strongly advocated US entry into the Trans Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations. 

The Council and its members played a key role in the formation of the Caucus. John Mullen participated in the press conference along with the New Zealand Ambassador and the US Chamber, and the Council hosted a reception in the Rayburn House Office Building to celebrate the launch.

The current Caucus Co-Chairs are Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX), who succeeded Mr. Kolbe when he retired from Congress, and Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA), who replaced Ms. Tauscher when she was appointed Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Membership, now stands at 63. Several members were lost following the November 2008 elections but membership has again begun to increase in the new Congress. The Caucus indicated its strong support for the United States Trade Representative decision to join the Trans Pacific Partnership trade negotiations in 2008, and in March 2009 urged President Obama to move forward with the negotiations. 

Caucus co-chairs Larsen and Brady have remained active on New Zealand issues.  Both spoke at the opening reception for the 2009 Partnership Forum and currently plan to organize and lead a Congressional Delegation to attend the 2011 Forum in Christchurch, New Zealand.

To view a list of members of the Friends of New Zealand Congressional Caucus, click here.