The British Council works in 109 countries promoting co-operation between Britain and other nations. One of those countries that Britain shares a most thriving relationship with is New Zealand; and The Council maximises this partnership by encouraging and supporting projects of professional exchange to mutual benefit in a range of key sectors including the arts, education, science, technology, the environment, good government, social reform, the humanities, design, enterprise, law, journalism, publishing and information.

The British Council was established in New Zealand in 1947 and in 1997 to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary here, the Council, together with the British High Commission, is celebrating the close ties between Britain and New Zealand with a range of over 250 events under the umbrella of The Link. The events encompass all those areas which The Council works in plus other areas such as sports, trade and commerce. One of the flagship projects of The Link is the Schools InterLink Project, nurturing youth relationships.

The British Council and British High Commission are delighted to be involved with this exciting, innovative and exploratory project and sincerely hope that all those involved will gain a valuable insight into the similarities and differences in the social and cultural lives of their contemporaries on the other side of the world, as well as developing long lasting friendships.