Mission News 2010

October 14, 2010 - Edward Gresser - The 2010 Elections: A Foreign Policy Non-Debate?

Edward Gresser spoke at U.S. Embassy Wellington on October 14, 2010, on the 2010 Elections: A Foreign Policy Non-Debate? Listen to Edward's presentation on iTunes: more/photos/audio »
October 1-2, 2010 - U.S. Ambassador Huebner hosted a conference called Connecting Young Leaders.

On October 1-2, the U.S. Embassy in Wellington New Zealand hosted a 2-day conference called Connecting Young Leaders (CYL). The conference brought together a group of 50 University students from around the country with a variety of academic backgrounds. more/photos/blog/video »
September 23, 2010 - World of Wearable Arts - Some of the 2010 Winning entries and the stories behind them. Watch the video.

The Public Affairs Section at the United States Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, hosted 8 American and 2 British finalists who were visiting Wellington for the World of Wearable Art Awards. Locally known as "WOW' this event is an annual fashion design completion and show that attracts entrants for all over the world. The event runs over 8 nights and is seen by 15,000 people. Last year's Supreme Winner was American designer David Walker from Alaska. Three artists provided a presentation of their designs and talked about their work processes and inspirations to an audience of students and lecturers from three design colleges. The students and artists were able to network and share their work and the visitors presentation provided inspiration to the students. more/video/photos »

September 23, 2010 - William Chafe: Obama and the Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement

William Chafe spoke at U.S. Embassy Wellington on September 23, 2010, on the expectations associated with the Obama presidency and the challenges he faces in trying to realize those expectations. He spoke of the dramatic changes in human rights in America that have occurred in the past 50 years, but also the degree to which we (and the President) have generated expectations that are hard to achieve. more/video/photos/audio »
September 13, 2010 - Joseph Cirincione: The Policy and Politics of the New U.S. Nuclear Security Agenda

oseph Cirincione spoke at U.S. Embassy Wellington on September 13, on The Policy and Politics of the New U.S. Nuclear Security Agenda. Joseph Cirincione joined Ploughshares Fund as president in March 2008. He is author of Bomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons and served previously as... more/video/audio/photos »
September 11, 2010 - 9/11 Memorial Service, Christchurch.

Paul Fiffick - Acting Public Affairs Officer: Let me begin by conveying best greetings from Ambassador David Huebner. He really wanted to be here today but, unfortunately, is out of the country. Thank you all for being here. read more/photos »
August 25, 2010 - RANDALL JIMERSON - The Archive is Politics: Neutrality is Not an Option

Randall Jimerson is professor of History and director of the graduate program in Archives and Records Management at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, USA. Mr. Jimerson visited Wellington recently to speak at the annual Archives and Records Association of New Zealand (ARANZ) conference. more/audio »
August 13, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner meets "Chelsea the Kiwi" - Massey University, Palmerston North.

The Ambassador made an official visit to Palmerston North on Friday, August 13th during which he visited Massey University for the first time. As part of his University program, the Ambassador toured the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences hosted by Head of Institute Professor Frazer Allan and Professor Hugh Blair. read more/photos »
August 9, 2010 - ROBERT SUTTER - U.S. Policy and Prospects in Asia During the Obama Administration

On August 9, 2010, Robert Sutter - Visiting Professor, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University Washington, D.C - spoke at US Embassy Wellington on the U.S. Policy and Prospects in Asia During the Obama Administration. more/photos/video »
August, 2010 - Four New Zealand Companies Recognized for their Participation in AMVER

Four New Zealand ships were chosen for 2009 Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) awards for active participation: the Kakariki, the Tore the Forum Samoa II, the Tangaroa. The awards program recognizes those vessels, which regularly... more/photos »
July 26-30, 2010 - Dr Satu Limaye's New Zealand Visit

On July 26, 2010, Dr Satu Limaye Spoke at the US Embassy Wellington on 'An Interim Assessment of U.S.-Asia Pacific Relations During the Obama Administration'... more/photos/videos »
July, 2010 - Kay Hyman, Nick Greanias and the Texas Girls' Choir

Kay Hyman, General Manger of Starship Children's Hospital, U.S. Consul in Auckland Nick Greanias, and the Texas Girls' Choir after their performance at Starship Hospital, Auckland. view photo »
July, 2010 - US Consul Matt Wall with the Stamford Women's Rugby Team

US Consul Matt Wall showed his support to the victorious Stamford Women's Rugby Team who played a freindly against a University of Auckland side during their 2010 tour. view photo »
July 3, 2010 - President Obama made of Toast

Yes, that’s me with a portrait of President Obama (center) and Wellington artist Maurice Bennett (right). Maurice’s favored medium is bread. He has toasted an array of political figures such as Prime Minister John Key and former Prime Minister Helen Clark, as well as cultural icons such as Elvis and the Mona Lisa. He once sold a billboard-sized portrait of... read more »
July 3, 2010 - Arbor Day Parade, Greytown

I unfortunately had a conflicting prior engagement, so my colleague Laura Scandurra attended Greytown’s 120th Arbor Day celebration on my behalf last weekend. Greytown has the distinction of having held New Zealand’s first Arbor Day, so it was important that we attend. The celebration included an educational display on the history of Arbor Day, a parade, an official welcome ceremony, remarks by... more/photos »
July 1 and 2, 2010 - Independence Day Events in Auckland and Wellington

Because of the vagaries of the weather this time of year, we held our celebration at the Intercontinental Hotel in the form of an evening reception, rather than an afternoon picnic out in a park. Because of the size of the available room, we had approximately 350 guests drawn from all segments of New Zealand society including university and secondary school students, teachers, and members of the faith, philanthropic, arts, LGBT, business, and public service communities. Among the many public servants present were Ministers... more/photos/videos »
June, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner visits Invercargill

I finally had the opportunity a couple weeks ago when I flew to Invercargill to give a speech at the annual conference of the Federated Farmers of New Zealand, at the invitation of my friends Don Nicholson (President of Federated Farmers) and Conor English (C.E.O.). I went directly from the airport to... more/photos »
June, 2010 - Fulbright Awards

New Zealand was the fifth country to sign up for the Fulbright Program with the United States, in 1948. Since then more than 2,500 students, academics, professionals, and artists have traveled between our two countries on Fulbright exchanges. About 1,400 of them have been Kiwis who traveled to... more/photos »
June, 2010 - U.S. Students visit New Zealand for Science Research - NSF

Hailing from universities across the United States, the students will spend the next 10 weeks at various New Zealand universities researching subjects as diverse as “The Effect of Polar Ancestry on Heat Tolerance of the New Zealand Temperate Black Cod” and “Using Detrital Thermo-chronology to... more/photos »

June 29, 2010 - Philip Levy spoke at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington on the state of American Trade Policy

Philip Levy spoke at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington on the state of American Trade Policy. “Trade policy is a key part of American leadership in the world, and it is fundamental to preserving and extending the gains from economic growth. There is a dangerously large gap between public perceptions of international trade and the findings of those who study it carefully.” more/photos »
June 24, 2010 - 2010 IFAI New Zealand Conference and Trade Expo

In Auckland, on June 24, 2010 Consul General Randy Berry attended the opening cocktail function of the 2010 IFAI New Zealand Conference and Trade Expo. more/photo »
June 16, 2010 - Ambassador David Huebner at the 42nd NZ National Fieldays

The 42nd New Zealand National Agriculture Fieldays event took place from June 16-19, 2010 in Hamilton, New Zealand. Ambassador David Huebner attended the opening ceremony and VIP activities as well as toured the sites (including the U.S. Commercial Service New Zealand exhibit) on June 16th. Ambassador Huebner likened Fieldays to... more/photos »
June 3, 2010 - 'Plastiki Ahoy' - From Ambassador Huebner's Blog

I’m blogging today from atop a pile of junk floating in Apia harbor. Really. Of course, the pile of junk has been painstakingly crafted into the form of a 60-foot catamaran named the Plastiki. Made of approximately 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles, the boat is sailing from San Francisco to... more/blog/photos »
May 31, 2010 - Memorial Day 2010

The day started with a flag raising ceremony in Q.E.II Park in Paekakariki, which followed by a church service at Old St Paul's... read more/photos »
Late May, 2010 - Kiwi competitors returning from the 2010 VEX Robotics Competition World Championship

In late May the Ambassador met many of the successful Kiwi competitors returning from the 2010 VEX Robotics Competition World Championship in Dallas, Texas, at a celebration held at Auckland’s Sky City. The various schools competed as individual teams, under the banner of Kiwibots New Zealand. Kiwibots was supported by the U.S. Embassy in Wellington with a recent US $1500 grant to help... more/photos/blog »
May 27, 2010 - Dr Thomas Preston: US Embassy Wellington talk on 'Biological Warfare: The New Face of Terrorism'

The threat posed by biological weapons to state security in the twenty-first century is often under-appreciated by both scholars and practitioners alike, lost in their usual focus upon nuclear proliferation. But while such proliferation merits concern, the rapid pace of the biotechnical revolution and spread of related know-how and technology – coupled with the rise of terror groups (like Al Qaeda) whose focus is upon creating mass casualty attacks – makes biological warfare a far more more/photos/video »
May 18, 2010 - Judge Peggy Hora's talk on Drug Treatment Courts in the 21st Century

Drug treatment courts are an excellent example of a successful deviation from established practice. They were created by sitting criminal court judges, overwhelmed and appalled by the real world they saw before them each day. Not only do drug treatment courts introduce new concepts and practices to the legal community, but they do so while protecting the defendant’s procedural and substantive rights. video/photos/blog »
May 10, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner welcomed to Aotea College

On Monday 10 May 2010 Ambassador Huebner was welcomed to Aotea College with a powhiri and was entertained by their kapa haka group, the Academy Performing Arts class and “The Fource’ Sweet Adelines ( Barbershop) Quartet. After being entertained by the Academy class, Ambassador Huebner talked with the group about his own experience as a music student and how beneficial it is to... more/video/photos »

April 28, 2010 - The New Zealand American Association in Wellington held a reception to welcome US Ambassador David Huebner

The New Zealand American Association in Wellington held a reception on April 28 2010 to welcome US Ambassador David Huebner and his partner Dr Duane McWaine. Over 100 people attended the event where the Ambassador gave a talk introducing himself and elaborating on his interests; inparticular his outreach programs to students, youth leaders and scienceand technology programs. He explained he has had meetings with student representatives of all main universities and encouraged the NZAA to continue in its goals of creating friendships between New Zealanders and Americans. view photos »
April 28, 2010 - U.S. Embassy celebrates Earth Day with Room 8 at Thorndon School

The U.S. Embassy celebrated Earth Day with Room 8 at Thorndon School on 28 April, 2010. Earth Day is in its 40th year and is marked on 22 April each year. It began in 1970 as a day to generate awareness and action for the environment and today remains an important day in the American calendar. We (4 staff from the U.S. Embassy) spent 90 minutes with Room 8 talking about the small things we can do for the environment, about the wonderful efforts of Room 8 to recycle, compost and be environmentally friendly. We got up close and personal with a solar oven which has cooked rice, pumpkin and other delicious things – truly impressive. Other highlights included planting herbs (coriander, rosemary, oregano) and broccoli in the class garden, and a close encounter with millions of worms. The students each recited their pledges to the environment – everything from looking after the class garden, to picking up litter. We’re really impressed with Room 8 and would like to thank them for having us to visit. We had a ball. watch video »
ANZAC DAY 2010 - The US Marines on Poppy Day, April 23, 2010

The Embassy’s Marines joined their New Zealand and Australian counterparts on the streets of Wellington on Poppy Day; the morning of Friday 23 April. “Partnering our counterparts this morning is a small way we can acknowledge the ANZAC spirit,” said Staff Sergeant Jarrod Birchler.“Kiwis and Aussies value integrity and camaraderie. They met, and meet, adversity with courage and determination.” Making an allusion to the ANZAC Ode of Remembrance he added, “At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we too, will remember them.” view photos »
April 22, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner's Tawa College visit

On April 22, 2010 Ambassador Huebner visited a group of Year 12 and 13 history and legal studies students at Tawa College, Wellington. The Ambassador was invited to speak to the students about the American Revolution and the Constitution to tie in with their current curriculum. A wide range of topics were covered in an often lively discussion – from what an Ambassador does, to the Declaration of Independence and beyond. view photos »
April 20, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner's Blog Post - My First Visit to the Mainland

I recently took my first trip to the South Island. Unfortunately, I could only get away from Wellington for six days because of the press of other business, but that was thankfully just enough time to get a proper, partial introduction to Te Wai Pounamu. The trip started off brilliantly with an evening at the Christchurch Symphony as the guest of Lady Adrienne Stewart, a vivacious force of nature with a passion for the arts... read more »
April 7, 2010 - Ten new Global Research Alliance (GRA) Fellowships.

The U.S. Government announced today that it will support the participation of developing countries in the Global Research Alliance through ten new Global Research Alliance (GRA) Fellowships. read more »
March 27- April 1, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner's visit to Christchurch and Dunedin

At the end of March Ambassador Huebner visited to Christchurch and Dunedin. The photo at left: Ambassador Huebner next to an LC-130 Hercules aircraft in Christchurch. This ski equipped aircraft is used to fly to Antarctic bases including our base at the South Pole. For larger photos follow the link. view photos »

March 4, 2010 - The American Chamber of Commerce Wellington

The American Chamber of Commerce’s Wellington chapter met Ambassador Huebner at a reception hosted by Minter Ellison Rudd Watts on March 4, 2010. The occasion also provided an opportunity for Ambassador Huebner to present Colgate Palmolive a special plaque to recognize the company’s 33 years of AmCham membership. view larger photo »
March 4, 2010 - Weta Workshop/Digital

In Wellington on March 4, 2010 Ambassador Huebner met and toured Weta Digital, Weta Workshop, Park Road Post Production and Stone Street Studios. The four sister companies are responsible for many recent and current box office successes including Avatar, Lord of the Rings, The Lovely Bones and King Kong. view larger photo »
Late February, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner visits Pakuranga College, Auckland

In late February Ambassador Huebner visited Auckland’s Pakuranga College, where he met senior staff and had a conversation with a Year 12 History class, which ranged across diverse aspects of U.S. history, culture, and society. view photos »
February 27, 2010 - Apollo 13: Mission Control Reception

The New Zealand International Festival of the Arts opening night of Apollo 13:Mission Control on 27 February 2010 at Downstage Theatre, in Wellington, New Zealand. view photos »
February 24, 2010 - Samoa welcomes US Ambassador Huebner

This was Ambassador Huebner's first official visit to Samoa. Ambassador Huebner presented his credentials to the Head of State, his Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi. While in Samoa, Ambassador Huebner met with Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, other government officials, the private sector, diplomatic corps, and educational institutions. view photos »
February 22-23, 2010 - The Discover America Trade Seminar

The Discover America Trade Seminar is an annual event the New Zealand Visit USA Committee hosts for New Zealand’s travel industry. It is the largest and most important U.S. travel showcase in New Zealand. Approximately 146,000 New Zealanders visit the United States annually. read more »
February 17-19, 2010 - Students discuss U.S./New Zealand relations

Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Frankie Reed, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, visited Wellington February 17-19. During her visit, Ambassador David Huebner hosted her and a group of local university students to a lively discussion on U.S./New Zealand relations. read more »

February 16, 2010 - PerfectVision/TUANZ After 5 event

The U.S. Commercial Service in Wellington, New Zealand and the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) worked together to support PerfectVision, an Arkansas-based, New-To-Market company specializing in satellite TV and communications equipment/components. read more »
February 13, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner attended the American Ambassador's Cup Rugby tournament

Ambassador Huebner attended the American Ambassador's Cup Rugby tournament on February 13, 2010. The trophy, the American Ambassador’s Cup, was first presented by Ambassador John F. Henning in 1967 and has been played every year since, in a 7-a-side tournament between Wellington’s rugby clubs. It is Wellington’s premium Club Rugby Sevens tournament. view photos »
Mid-February, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner's visit to Auckland and Rodney District

Ambassador Huebner was in Auckland and Rodney District in mid-February. Among other engagements, he visited the University of Auckland, where he had a tour of some of the top research centres; he spoke with school students at Warkworth’s Mahurangi College; and met with US and New Zealand military veterans. view photos »
February 4, 2010 - Ambassador Huebner with the USA Rugby Seven's Team - Wellington, New Zealand

Ambassador Huebner met the United States Rugby Sevens team a few days before the February 5-6 IRB Rugby Sevens event, which was held in Wellington, New Zealand. United States finished the tournament well, by winning the Shield final 17-14 against Tonga. Fiji won the overall final and the Cup against Western Samoa: 19-14. view photos »
January 2010 - The redevelopments of Eden Park and the Auckland Art Gallery

In late January, Ambassador Huebner visited two of Auckland’s most high-profile construction projects: the redevelopments of Eden Park and the Auckland Art Gallery. view photos »

U.S. Consul General Randy Berry's Cambridge Visit

In mid January, U.S. Consul General in Auckland, Randy Berry, travelled to Cambridge, where he met local council officials and spoke with the Cambridge Men’s Probus Club and the local media. read more »
Officials commission joint US-NZ Antarctic Wind Turbines

US Ambassador David Huebner and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully officially commissioned a joint effort to bring renewable energy to Antarctica. At a ceremony in Auckland on January 16, three wind turbines, which were completed last year and had been providing limited power to New Zealand’s Scott Base and the American McMurdo Station, were put into full service. read more »
U.S. Ambassador David Huebner's remarks on the postponement of visit to New Zealand by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

U.S. Ambassador David Huebner held a press conference in Auckland on January 14 to discuss the postponement of the planned visit to New Zealand by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was due to arrive in New Zealand on January 15 but had to return to Washington to deal with the unfolding crisis following the major earthquake in Haiti. The Ambassador expressed his sincere regret over the loss of life in Haiti and the humanitarian catastrophe developing there, as well as disappointment about the postponement of the visit. He said that the Secretary had all intentions of continuing her trip, but that once reports came out on the enormity of the humanitarian disaster in Haiti, she decided to return to Washington. read more »
Marines lend Santa a Helping Hand

U.S. Marines will be out in Wellington shopping malls this weekend partnering with the Salvation Army to ensure that toys find their way to Santa-sacks in needy homes this Christmas. Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Jarrod Birchler says the Wellington based detachment leapt at the opportunity to continue the Christmas tradition.
NZ Anti-Drugs Campaigner Mike Sabin Speaks at US Embassy

Mike Sabin is New Zealand’s leading private sector educator and campaigner on the methamphetamine epidemic. Wednesday 2 December he addressed an audience of NZ government agency, NGO and corporate specialists about the methamphetamine epidemic in New Zealand. He reported on findings, (particularly lessons learned) from his US State Department Voluntary Visitor program.
Embassy Volunteers Bring Thanksgiving to Wellington

Volunteers from the United States Embassy worked together with Wellington based members of the New Zealand chefs association to bring a Thanksgiving Dinner to 120 clients of Wellington’s Downtown Community Ministry - some of Wellington’s most at need.

Secretary Clinton in New Zealand

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