Embassy Hosts Polar Explorers and Climate Change Scientists

Dr. Lonnie Thompson and his wife and longtime colleague, Dr. Ellen Mosley-Thompson – both internationally renowned polar explorers and climate change scientists – spent the week of Sept 23-30 in New Zealand, where Lonnie was honored as a “Byrd Scholar”.  While in New Zealand, Dr. Thompson spoke to an audience at the US Embassy in Welington, giving a very well received presentation on climate change … (more)

E-Journal:  See you in the USA

Diversity Visa Lottery system Now open

The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery system opened for applications on October 2, 2008.  Those considering entering the lottery should apply as early as possible.  In the past, extremely heavy demand in the final days of the registration period has resulted in some applicants being unable to register for the program.  No entries will be accepted after noon EST on December 1.

This year, for the first time, applicants will be able to check the status of their application via the e-DV website. In order to check their status, applicants must retain a copy of the confirmation page from their application process … (more)

Five Years of NZ-U.S. Climate Change Partnership

Joint Statement by New Zealand and the United States following the Fifth Meeting under the US/New Zealand Bilateral Climate Change Partnership

Officials and researchers from New Zealand and the United States met 15 September, 2008, in Wellington, New Zealand, to review progress and discuss future directions under the United States – New Zealand Bilateral Climate Change Partnership … (more)

Trans-Pacific Partners and U.S. Launch FTA Negotiations

U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab and Ministers of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement; Brunei Darussalam Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister II Lim Jock Seng, Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Alejandro Foxley, New Zealand Trade Minister Phil Goff and Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, met today and announced the launch of negotiations for the United States to join the comprehensive Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement … (more)

Sharing Common Ideals

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has concluded a very successful and friendly visit to New Zealand across the last weekend of July.  She arrived in Auckland on the evening of July 25th where she was met by NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Bill McCormick.

While here Secretary Rice was the guest of New Zealand government and on July 26th had meetings with Prime Minister Clark, Foreign Minister Peters, and Leader of the Opposition John Key.  She was also hosted at a function by the United States New Zealand Council where she spoke on the strong and enduring friendship between the U.S. and N.Z.

Following a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, the evening concluded with a performance by the New Zealand Trio, a chamber music group, playing 'Helix', a piece by New Zealand composer John Psathas.  The following day, the Secretary left for Samoa to meet with Pacific Island Foreign Ministers.

One of the Kiwi NZPRT soldiers in Bamiyan ceremonially welcomes Laura Bush.

First Lady Laura Bush visits New Zealand troops in Afghanistan

United States First Lady Laura Bush visited New Zealand troops working in Afghanistan as part of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT). Her visit, on Sunday, was part of her third unannounced visit to Afghanistan, and occurred ahead of the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, to be held in Paris on June 12.

Mrs Bush was greeted by the New Zealand troops with a traditional challenge and haka before meeting with members of the NZPRT, including the NZPRT Commander, Colonel Darryl Tracy. Following the greeting, Mrs Bush remarked that the NZPRT has been very effective in Afghanistan … (more)

Other Recent Events

• Tribute Paid for Role In Tribute '08
• History Repeats in Rotorua
• Ambassador Attends launch of Islamic Awareness Week

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