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  • Three Future Leaders from Samoa heading to the conference are (l-r): Teresa Penn, Karl Laulu and Toai Bartley

    Samoans off to Future Leaders Conference in Pago Pago - February 2013

  • US Ambassador Huebner's Top 10 efforts from US Mission New Zealand and Samoa for 2012

    US Ambassador Huebner's Top 10 efforts from US Mission New Zealand and Samoa for 2012

  • Congratulations to all 20 award recipients at the Realise the Dream secondary school science awards on Friday, 14th December 2012 - at the Royal Society of New Zealand.

    And The American Ambassador Outstanding Award Goes To … Sohail Abdulla.

  • Alec Ross, Senior Advisor for Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at The Project (R)evolution Conference in August 2012.

    Alec Ross, Senior Advisor for Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at The Project (R)evolution Conference in August 2012. Click above to find out more.

STEP Program

  • STEP Program.If you are a U.S. Citizen currently traveling abroad, you may wish to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You can do so through the Department of State's STEP system.

Mission News

  •  DoS Seal
    January 21, 2013 - Inaugural Address by President Barack Obama
    Inaugural Address by President Barack Obama, January 21, 2013

    United States Capitol
     
    11:55 A.M. EST
     
    THE PRESIDENT:  Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice,
    members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:  
     
    Each time we gather to inaugurate a President we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution.  We affirm the promise of our democracy.  We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names.  What makes us exceptional -- what makes us American -- is our allegiance to an idea articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:
    “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  [read entire address] [watch video]
  • Department of State
    December 21, 2012 - Joint Call For Responsible Behavior At Sea During Southern Ocean Whaling Season.
    “The Governments of Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States jointly condemn any actions that imperil human life at sea during the 2012-2013 Southern Ocean whaling season.
    “We reiterate our call to the masters of all vessels involved to ensure that safety of human life at sea is not endangered and international collision avoidance regulations are observed to avoid injury or loss of life among protestors and whaling crew.
    “We draw their attention to the International Maritime Organization’s 17 May 2010 resolution on assuring safety during demonstrations, protests or confrontations on the high seas, and the International Whaling Commission’s 2011 Resolution on Safety at Sea. 
    State Department: The Governments of Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States jointly condemn any actions that imperil human life at sea during the 2012-2013 Southern Ocean whaling season.

    We reiterate our call to the masters of all vessels involved to ensure that safety of human life at sea is not endangered and international collision avoidance regulations are observed to avoid injury or loss of life among protestors and whaling crew.

    We draw their attention to the International Maritime Organization’s 17 May 2010 resolution on assuring safety during demonstrations, protests or confrontations on the high seas, and the International Whaling Commission’s 2011 Resolution on Safety at Sea.  [read entire statement]
  • U.S. Department of State
    December 14, 2012 - US Ambassador offers condolences to Samoa
    US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa David Huebner congratulates President Obama on winning the US Election.
    “This election was a true celebration of our vibrant democracy. As it is for our friends in New Zealand and Samoa, it is always a proud moment to see democracy in action.”
    The Ambassador serves in New Zealand and Samoa at the pleasure of the President and looks forward to continuing his work in further strengthening the countries’ relationship.

    US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa David Huebner offers his thoughts and condolences to the families of Cyclone Evan’s victims and everyone sheltering from the escalating violent storm.

    “Our thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones and everyone in Samoa enduring the cyclone. It must have been a distressing night and now residents are bracing for more.”

    “Fortunately, with their resilience, strength and sense of community spirit, I know the people of Samoa will get through this.”

    “Our staff in Samoa report limited cell phone coverage and power outages have led to drained cell phone batteries making it difficult for people to check on loved ones. However, US Embassy Apia staff are today talking with hotels, shelters and hospitals to ensure citizens’ safety.”

    American citizens in Samoa who need emergency assistance from US Embassy Apia staff can call +685-777-1776.

    Relatives concerned for US citizens in Samoa can contact the US Consulate General in Auckland on 09-303-2724. [read statement] [latest emergency information]

  • State Dept Seal.
    US Ambassador expresses condolences for shooting victims

    US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa David Huebner expresses his deep condolences to those affected by the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

    "I am shocked and overwhelmed by this horrendous tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all affected by the shooting.

    “I would like to thank New Zealanders for their expressions of sympathy and condolence to America on this tragic day."
    [President Obama's Statement]
  • DoS Seal
    September 27, 2012 - New award offered for top secondary school science students
    Students selected to take part in the prestigious Genesis Energy Realise the Dream event for an excellent piece of science research will this year have the chance to win an additional award. 
     
    The Royal Society of New Zealand is delighted to announce the American Ambassador Outstanding Award, which will enable the winner to represent New Zealand at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2013. 
    Students selected to take part in the prestigious Genesis Energy Realise the Dream event for an excellent piece of science research will this year have the chance to win an additional award.  

    The Royal Society of New Zealand is delighted to announce the American Ambassador Outstanding Award, which will enable the winner to represent New Zealand at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2013.  [read the statement]
  • Department of State Seal.
    February 5 , 2013 - Secretary Kerry on New Zealand's Waitangi Day

    On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send congratulations and best wishes to the people of New Zealand as you commemorate the February 6 anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This is an opportunity to reflect both upon New Zealand’s unique culture and diverse heritage and to celebrate the promise of the future as new generations carry on your rich traditions.

    The United States and New Zealand share a strong and enduring friendship, which has continued to deepen since we first established diplomatic relations in 1942. Our countries share a commitment to work together to bring peace, stability, and sustainability to the Pacific region and beyond.

    As New Zealanders around the world come together to celebrate, I wish you a happy Waitangi Day, and a prosperous and successful year. [read the statement]

Embassy Notes

Immigrant Visa Changes

  • Effective February 1, 2013, all individuals issued
    immigrant visas overseas must pay a $165.00 USCIS Immigrant
    Fee before traveling to the United States. Only prospective
    adoptive parents whose child(ren) is/are entering the United
    States under either the Orphan or Hague Process, Iraqi and
    Afghan special immigrants who were employed by the U.S.
    government, returning residents, and those issued K visas are exempt from the new fee. The below USCIS website has more details on the new fee, including contact information for USCIS, if there are further questions:
     
    www.USCIS.gov/immigrantfee 
    Effective February 1, 2013, all individuals issued immigrant visas overseas must pay a $165.00 USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the United States. Only prospective adoptive parents whose child(ren) is/are entering the United States under either the Orphan or Hague Process, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants who were employed by the U.S. government, returning residents, and those issued K visas are exempt from the new fee. The below USCIS website has more details on the new fee, including contact information for USCIS, if there are further questions: USCIS.gov/immigrantfee 

     

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SMART Traveler App

  • SMART Traveler App

    The Department of State now has a "Smart Traveler" app for U.S. travelers going abroad. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad (requires iOS 4.0 or later). Smart Traveler provides easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, U.S. embassy locations, and more. [read more] [download app]