A first batch of University of Otago political science students are getting a taste of grassroots politics and activism through internships with politicians, political parties and others.
The annual internship programme places third-year students with a range of host organisations.
The 2008 programme, which was officially launched yesterday, involves 18 students who have been placed with individuals and groups including MP Pete Hodgson, the Dunedin Council of Social Services, local television station Channel 9 and World Vision.
Such internships were common at other universities and Otago had been trying to introduce a programme for several years, Prof Marian Simms from the department of politics said.
The fact it had now come together was down to "the motivation of students" and the willingness of hosts to participate, she said.
The students, who would be with their hosts one day a week throughout the second semester, would not be on work experience but would carry out "high-quality research projects", Prof Simms said.
"The aim . . . is to introduce students to the local and regional side of government and politics, and to introduce them to the type of research undertaken by New Zealand MPs, local governments and community groups."
The students would also be able to observe the way policy was formulated.
Peter Mee and Carlos Chambers (both 21) are both based in Mr Hodgson's Dunedin North electorate office.
Mr Mee is studying the local organisational structure of the Labour Party and its influence on campaigning, while Mr Chambers is investigating whether the newly-passed Electoral Finance Act changes the way candidates campaign.
Both said they were enjoying the experience.
"It's a different experience from classes, but it should be good," Mr Mee said.
World Vision's Auckland-based advocacy and communication manager Emma Sutcliffe, who attended the launch, said the interns placed there would be studying the tactics the organisation used to engage with people to influence policy and effect behavioural changes in society.
That would include looking at media campaigns, social mobilisation and political lobbying.
