Ambassador Bill McCormick dicusses the NZ-US friendship in his remarks at the Fourth of July celebration.

Independence Day Celebrated at Camperdown

U.S. Ambassador Bill McCormick warmly welcomed guests to Camperdown to celebrate the Fourth of July.

“I am pleased to have so many people here in our Lower Hutt home tonight – Gail and I love having small groups of people over,” he laughingly remarked to the near 200-strong crowd.

As part of the evening’s festivities both Ambassador McCormick and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, addressed the guests.  Both described the depth and breadth of the friendship between the New Zealand and the United States.

“From my first-hand experience I can say the friendship between our two countries is strong,” said Ambassador McCormick reflecting on his visits to factories, schools, vineyards, farms, museums and rugby stadiums.

He added that the strength of the relationship was supported by much activity “on regional and multi-regional issues.”

Minister Peters mirrored the Ambassador’s sentiments saying: “The bilateral relationship between New Zealand and the United States is in excellent shape.  Building on a long history of friendship and common interests, our two countries have looked at ways to strengthen the relationship. There has been increased dialogue between the New Zealand and US governments across a wide range of issues.”

Ambassador McCormick also took the opportunity to present a plaque of appreciation to Darcy and Anne Nicholas. Several works of Maori art from the couple’s collection have been on display at the Ambassador’s residence since 2006. The works hang alongside Native American art that the McCormicks have had shipped in from Portland, Oregon. 

As they left, guests were given home-made chocolate-chip cookies and the suggestion that they be enjoyed the traditional way alongside a glass of warm milk.