Mike Cousins, Author at U.S. Embassy & Consulate in New Zealand

International Education Week with Hannah Lobb

This week marks the 19th annual International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which celebrates and promotes the benefits of international education and exchange programs worldwide. Initially created so that America could inspire its students to travel abroad, IEW now encourages and supports foreign students interested ...

By Mike Cousins | 14 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Hannah Lobb, IEW, International Education Week, Kenyon College, Sport Scholarship, Swimming, U.S. Department of Education

International Education Week with Oscar Yip

By Mike Cousins | 13 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #IEW2018, Fulbright New Zealand, IEW18, International Education Week, Occidental College, Oscar Yip, University of Otago

Antarctica in The Cook Islands

Guest blog post from Craig Grant, director of science engagement at Otago Museum. This week the Otago Museum Science Engagement Team and the Far From Frozen exhibition travelled to the Cook Islands. In partnership with the US Embassy in New Zealand, and with support from Air New Zealand, we are hanging out with more than 500 local ...

By Mike Cousins | 28 September, 2018 | Categories: News, Public Affairs | Tags: Antarctica, Cook Islands, Far From Frozen, Otago Museum

NZ students now eligible for NASA Internships

New Zealand Government Press Release Hon David Parker Minister for Economic Development. New Zealand tertiary students will be offered the chance to participate in NASA’s International Internships Programme, under an agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and NASA. “Through the programme, high-achieving students will have the opportunity to work in NASA’s best and most ...

By Mike Cousins | 27 August, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Hon David Parker, International Internships Programme, NASA, New Zealand Space Agency, Sir William Pickering, U.S. Ambassador Brown

Secretary Pompeo’s Call With New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters

Readout – Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 21, 2018 State.gov . The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: ‎ Secretary Pompeo spoke yesterday with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Peters for New Zealand’s continued support in working towards the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK as agreed ...

By Mike Cousins | 22 August, 2018 | Categories: Key Documents, News, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: DPRK, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Michael R. Pompeo, Winston Peters

Signing of the KIWI Act

“This is a historic day for the United States and New Zealand partnership…” – Ambassador Scott Brown. Press Release, U.S. Embassy Welllington, August 2nd, 2018. Ambassador Scott P. Brown strongly welcomes President Trump signing the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors Act, or KIWI Act, into law today in Washington, D.C. The KIWI Act will allow eligible New Zealand nationals to ...

By Mike Cousins | 2 August, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Commercial Opportunities, Connecting with Kiwis, Key Documents, News, President of the United States, Press Releases | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Donald J. Trump, Kiwi Act, Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors Act

Auroras, Galaxies, Black Holes and High-Altitude Adventures on NASA’s SOFIA

By Will Seal, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Consulate Auckland. Seeing the Aurora Australis, traversing the Antarctic Circle, and peering into never before seen stars in the centre of our Milky Way galaxy might individually sound like unique achievements – but for the crew and astronomers of NASA’s SOFIA airborne observatory, it’s all in a ...

By Mike Cousins | 6 July, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Antarctic Circle, Aurora Australis, Christchurch, NASA, SOFIA

U.S. Passport Execution Fee Will Increase to $35

From travel.state.gov. Effective April 2, 2018, the passport execution fee will increase from $25 to $35. The $10 execution fee increase only applies to U.S. passport applicants using the DS-11 form, such as first-time applicants over 16, children under 16, and applicants who re-apply after reporting their previous passport lost or stolen. The $10 fee increase does not apply ...

By Mike Cousins | 27 March, 2018 | Categories: Consular Affairs, News | Tags: Passport Execution Fee

New Orleans music down the streets of Wellington – Free Agents Brass Band

Yesterday, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown introduced the Free Agents Brass Band (FABB) to the enthusiastic crowd at Wellington’s Cuba Dupa carnival. The Embassy supported Cuba Dupa by bringing FABB from the U.S. to Wellington to perform at Cuba Dupa and a local school, as well as leading a music workshop with local musicians. When Hurricanes Katrina & Rita ...

By Mike Cousins | 26 March, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Brass, Cuba Dupa, FABB, Free Agents Brass Band, Music, New Orleans, Wellington

Women in Business: A Young Leaders Learnings from International Women’s Day

Guest blog post by U.S. NZ Youth Councilor, Araina Kazia Pereira On International Women’s Day I was lucky enough to take part in a number of events. Firstly, a roundtable discussion with U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins alongside some incredible NZ women, American Chamber of Commerce members, exchange program alumni and youth council discussing both issues ...

By Mike Cousins | 15 March, 2018 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: Araina Kazia Pereira, International Women’s Day, IWD

NCAA Eligibility Center Representative Tours New Zealand

In response to the growing interest in U.S. sports scholarships among New Zealand high school athletes, the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is hosting a representative from the Eligibility Center of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in March. We are fortunate to have Associate Director Ashley Thornburg visiting NZ and sharing her knowledge about ...

By Mike Cousins | 8 March, 2018 | Categories: Education | Tags: NCAA, NCAA Eligibility Center

Pacific Women Leaders: Ana File-Heather

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the Pacific Women Leaders series, I met with Ana File-Heather, owner of Red Door Coffee Bar and Unique Island Streetwear. Ana File-Heather is desperately trying to hire a new barista. She owns the Red Door Coffee Bar in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, but, ironically, coffee isn’t the main thing she wants to ...

By Mike Cousins | 19 January, 2018 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Ana File-Heather, Gail Brown, Pacific Women Leaders, Red Door Coffee Bar, Unique Island Streetwear

Remarks at “Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships” to Commemorate World AIDS Day 2017

Remarks John J. Sullivan Deputy Secretary of State George C. Marshall Center Washington, DC November 30, 2017 DEPUTY SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Thank you, Ambassador Birx. You and your team at the department, and the efforts you lead throughout the interagency, are why we are able to stand here today and reflect upon so many positive stories. ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 December, 2017 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Documents, Key Officials, News, President of the United States | Tags: Donald J. Trump, John J. Sullivan, Rex Tillerson, World AIDS Day 2017

Helping EcoQuest carry out important research on one of New Zealand’s rare and endemic species

Guest blog by David Clarke of the EcoQuest Education Foundation. EcoQuest Education Foundation Te Rarangahau Taiao (EcoQuest) is a Charitable Trust, registered with the Charities Commission. We have a commitment to service learning, providing students from the United States with opportunities for learning through real life case studies and research in a new environment in ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 December, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Charities Commission, David Clarke, EcoQuest, EcoQuest Education Foundation, Hūnua Ranges, pekapeka tou poto, short-tailed bat, Small grants

U.S.-NZ Youth Council Diplomacy in Action Conference in Wellington

Guest post by, Isabelle Walker, a member of the 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council. This October 17th and 18th I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council Diplomacy in Action Conference in Wellington. The conference, hosted by the U.S Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), was a unique opportunity for emerging ...

By Mike Cousins | 22 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: Action Conference, American Chamber of Commerce, U.S.-NZ Youth Council, U.S.-NZ Youth Council Diplomacy

International Education Week with Harrisson Jull

This week marks the 18th annual International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which celebrates and promotes the benefits of international education and exchange programs worldwide. Initially created so that America could inspire its students to travel abroad, IEW now encourages and supports foreign students interested ...

By Mike Cousins | 16 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Disney World, Education USA, Harrisson Jull, Harvard, IEW, International Education Week, Las Vegas, Miami, Puerto Rico, Sarah Aschebrock, Times Square, U.S. Department of Education, Universal Studios

International Education Week with Sarah Aschebrock

By Mike Cousins | 15 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Education USA, IEW, International Education Week, Sarah Aschebrock, U.S. Department of Education, University of Miami, Women’s Rowing

Roadie! Ambassador Brown visits the Manawatu.

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. One of the greatest Kiwi traditions is the summer road trip. Well, it might not be summer just quite yet, but in the spirit of this celebration of the season, Ambassador and Gail Brown jumped in the car and headed off up the island this week, to the ...

By Mike Cousins | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Building Clever Companies, Manawatu, Manawatu Chamber of Commerce, Manawatu District Mayor Helen Worboys, Mayor Grant Smith

Calling Scholars: Apply for a fully funded 2018 exchange program in the United States

Apply by Friday January 12, 2018 at 5pm New Zealand time online using this form. What is the program about? Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. ...

By Mike Cousins | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: Education, Scholars, SUSI 2018

Calling Secondary School Educators: Apply for a fully funded 2018 exchange program in the U.S.

Apply by Friday January 12, 2018 at 5pm New Zealand time online using the Form . What is the program about? The five-week Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign secondary educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. ...

By Mike Cousins | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: fully funded 2018 exchange program in the U.S., Secondary School Educator, SUSI, SUSI 2018

Opportunities and Challenges facing Youth Employment in NZ and the U.S.

By Mara Hosoda U.S. Consulate General staff. Views from the Field: Opportunities and Challenges facing Youth Employment in New Zealand and the U.S. Jobs and employment are critical to the successful growth and development of every economy. But what happens when there is a gap at the start of the employment stage? When youth and ...

By Mike Cousins | 3 November, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: LeadersUp, New Zealand, U.S.-NZ Youth Council, USNZYouthCouncil, Youth Employment

U.S. South Pacific Scholarship opportunity through the East West Center

The U.S. Embassy New Zealand is excited to share the following opportunity for students from Pacific island countries to apply for a merit-based scholarship to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s level study at the University of Hawai’i. Applications opened in August 2017 and will close February 1, 2018. What is the U.S. South Pacific Scholarship? The East ...

By Mike Cousins | 2 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: agriculture, Business, communication/journalism, Cook Islands, Education, environmental studies, Fiji, gender studies, Kiribati, Nauru, NGO management, Niue, Papua New Guinea, political science, public administration, public health, Samoa, Solomon Islands, STEM fields, Tonga, Tuvalu, U.S. South Pacific Scholarship, Vanuatu

Hurry! Registrations are open for the ‘Future Leaders of the Pacific’ conference

Registrations are open for the ‘Future Leaders of the Pacific’ conference in Auckland on Saturday 11th November! Register here. Join us to develop new skills and knowledge for youth participation in leadership and advocacy, and more importantly, to grow your network of leaders. In partnership with The Wonderful Group and The Moko Foundation, the US Embassy New Zealand is holding ...

By Mike Cousins | 2 November, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: Auckland, Future Leaders of the Pacific, Māori and Pasifika

Ambassador Brown speaks at Infrastructure NZ’s Building Nations conference 2017

On October 27 at Infrastructure New Zealand’s ‘Building Nations Symposium’ annual conference, Ambassador Scott Brown delivered remarks to an audience of over 300 senior executives and leaders of the infrastructure development sector. In his remarks the Ambassador noted the shared challenges faced by both countries in designing and implementing infrastructure that is both resilient to ...

By Mike Cousins | 27 October, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Commercial Opportunities, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: #BNS2017, Ambassador Scott Brown, Chair of Infrastructure NZ, Infrastructure New Zealand, Patrick Brockie, US Commercial Service

Liliana Gil Valletta at the Impact Wahine Forum

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. This September the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand welcomed a very special guest – Liliana ‘Lili’ Gil Valletta. A global business leader and entrepreneur, Lili emigrated from Colombia to the United States at age 17, and would later became one of the youngest executives at Johnson & Johnson, ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 October, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, East Asia & Pacific, News, Wahine Toa | Tags: CIEN+, CulturIntel™, Impact Wahine Forum, Jeanette Ross Smith, Johnson & Johnson, Latino community, Liliana ‘Lili’ Gil Valletta, Maruata Ngarewa Cribb, Patea Area School, Rebekah Craig, Vanisha Swamy

“Brand Strategy by Design” with Andy Cunningham

Guest blog post by U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Jay Choe. Andy Cunningham was in Auckland for the Project series , founded by the U.S. Embassy and the Auckland University of Technology. See below for further Project events coming up. “Brand Strategy by Design” was the third event I attended as part of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council. Upon ...

By Mike Cousins | 26 September, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Business, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Andy Cunningham, Apple, Brand Strategy by Design, Jay Choe, Pixar, Project17, U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor

Small grants funding opportunity of up to $7,500 USD – details….

The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand announces a small grants funding opportunity of up to $7,500 USD for projects in the realm of Science, Technology, Health, Environment and Business. Eligibility is limited to non-profit/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and educational institutions within New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Niue. Proposals should demonstrate creativity, substance, and relevance ...

By Mike Cousins | 3 August, 2017 | Categories: Business, News, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: Business, Environment, Health, innovation, Science, Small grants, Space, Technology

TEDxWellington with Hasbro’s Phil Sage

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. This week Phil Sage, Senior Director of Design and Development at Hasbro, was in Wellington on an Embassy-sponsored visit to speak at TEDxWellington and meet some of Wellington’s tech and entrepreneurship community. Phil’s TEDxWellington talk to a sellout audience of 1,000 (with a livestream audience of 5000, #1 trending ...

By Mike Cousins | 23 June, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Bizdojo, Creative HQ, Demian Smith, DK, Mahuki, NZ VR/AR Association, Phil Sage, ProjectRNZ, Puekeko Pictures, Sir Richard Taylor, TEDxWellington, Wellington East Girls’ College

American Universities Admissions Workshop

By Katie Sleeman, Education Advisor Education USA. What started as a small roundtable discussion in Auckland about a school’s understanding of the American university admissions process turned in to a workshop series spanning New Zealand. During the week of April 3rd, U.S. Embassy Education Advisors Katie Sleeman and Aime Black organized full-day professional development workshops ...

By Mike Cousins | 2 May, 2017 | Categories: Education | Tags: Aime Black, American Universities Admissions Workshop, EducationUSA, Katie Sleeman, USA Education

What’s Chargé d’Affaires Candy Green been up to in April?

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Chargé d’Affaires Candy Green has spent the last months eagerly engaging with the Kiwi public and deepening our friendships with New Zealand partners. She was pleased to welcome two U.S. speakers to the 2017 Green Property Summit, New Zealand’s foremost forum to discuss smart cities of the future. ...

By Mike Cousins | 30 April, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, News | Tags: 2016 Women of Influence, 2017 Green Property Summit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Chargé d’affaires Candy Green, Engineering and Energy, Keith Woodley, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, U.S. Youth Council, USS Sampson

U.S. Marines’ support on Poppy Day Appeal

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The United States Marine Corps stood side by side with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) in Wellington and Christchurch in the annual Poppy Day Appeal. This is the tenth year that U.S. Marines have assisted with the ...

By Mike Cousins | 28 April, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: New Zealand Defence Force, NZDF, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, RSA, The Bridge of Remembrance, U.S. forces in New Zealand, United States Marine Corps

NEW ZEALAND 2017 – VISITOR INFORMATION FOR WORLD MASTERS GAMES

The Department of State provides U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in New Zealand the following information related to the 2017 World Masters Games taking place in and around Auckland, New Zealand, from April 21 to 30, 2017. This fact sheet is meant to provide information regarding the current conditions within the country to U.S. ...

By Mike Cousins | 4 April, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: U.S. citizens, WORLD MASTERS GAMES

Applications are open for the espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program – Apply Now!

Applications are now open for the espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) 2017. Up to 20 international female candidates selected from countries around the world will be matched with leading female executives from America’s top sports organizations for a month-long mentorship (September 24, 2017 to October 31, 2017). The experience focuses on empowering emerging leaders to support their communities ...

By Mike Cousins | 29 March, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Sports Diplomacy | Tags: CEO of Netball Northern Zone, espnW, Fran McEwen, Global Sports Mentoring Program, GSMP, Health & Wellbeing Partnership Leader, Julie Paterson, Melodie Robinson, Shanelle Barrett, Sports Presenter, Technical and Events Advisor Triathlon NZ, Wellington City Council

NASA’s Super Pressure Balloon launch window opens March 25

Posted on blogs.NASA.gov March 20, 2017 at 10:48 pm by Jeremy Eggers . While the launch window for NASA’s next Super Pressure Balloon launch from Wanaka, New Zealand, opens March 25, there are a number of factors that need to align prior to making an actual launch attempt. Operationally, all the balloon systems—power, communications, telemetry, etc.—need to be checked out and tested. Today, ...

By Mike Cousins | 23 March, 2017 | Categories: News, Science & Tech | Tags: NASA, Super Pressure Balloon, U.S. Department of State, Wanaka

Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Worldwide Caution

U.S. Consulate General Auckland – Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Worldwide Caution. As part of the Department of State’s continuous efforts to provide U.S. citizens traveling abroad with information about safety and security events, we are updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions, political violence, and criminal activity against U.S. ...

By Mike Cousins | 18 March, 2017 | Categories: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages

Chargé d’affaires Candy Green at the Air Tattoo

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Chargé d’Affaires Candy Green attended the Air Tattoo held at Ohakea in celebration of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 80th Anniversary. 25 February 2017, Ohakea/Wellington. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) celebrated its 80th Anniversary from 24th to 26th February 2017 with an Air Tattoo ...

By Mike Cousins | 3 March, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, News | Tags: Air Force, Air Tattoo, Base Ohakea, Chargé d'Affaires, Chargé d’affaires Candy Green, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee, Ohakea, RNZAF, U.S. militaries

Project17 Auckland: “Four Pillars for Entrepreneurial Success”

The Auckland University of Technology is kicking off our Project17 speaker series with a bang – Justin Milano (Good Startups, USA), serial entrepreneur, executive coach, intrepid traveller, author and producer will be sharing some valuable insights and inspiration… If you are an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, or simply want to encourage entrepreneurial thinking in yourself and your ...

By Mike Cousins | 14 February, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: AUT, entrepreneur, Good Startups, intrapreneur, Justin Milano, Project17, Transforming Fear into Creativity, USA

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release December 07, 2016 President Obama spoke yesterday by phone with Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand to thank him for the close friendship and partnership the two leaders have enjoyed over the last eight years. During that time, U.S.-New Zealand cooperation reached unprecedented ...

By Mike Cousins | 8 December, 2016 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Documents, Key Officials, News | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Barack Obama, Climate Change, conservation challenges, Prime Minister John Key, White House

The American Dream: Myth or Reality?” Guest Blog by Lisa Mave

The American Dream: Myth or Reality?” Guest Blog by Lisa Mave on the 2016 Program of the Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) Lisa Mavé is an alumna of the SUSI program in June/July of 2016. Lisa is Head of the Social Sciences Faculty at St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland. She is responsible for coordinating the ...

By Mike Cousins | 28 November, 2016 | Categories: Alumni, Education, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S. | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Geography, History, Myth or Reality, Social Sciences Faculty, Social Studies, St. Cuthbert’s College, Study of the United States Institutes, SUSI, SUSI program, Urbana-Champaign

Sewam American Indian Dance shares Native American culture with New Zealanders

By staff in the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate Auckland. Sewam American Indian Dance was founded by award winning dancer and educator, Eddie Madril to bring the music, arts, and culture of Native American dance to audiences around the world. Specializing in the dances of United States Plains Indians, Sewam Dance has performed across the ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 November, 2016 | Categories: Art & Culture, Youth Outreach | Tags: Eddie Madril, Native American culture, Otonga Primary School, Pakuranga Heights School, Rotorua High School, Sewam American Indian Dance

Wahine Toa: Kiri Nathan

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. This month I’d like to introduce Kiri Nathan, an elegant mother, fashion designer, Māori female leadership and youth advocate of Ngā Puhi and Tainui descent. She has developed an internationally-recognized brand – Kiri Nathan – a high-end fashion label with a Māori heart and ...

By Mike Cousins | 27 October, 2016 | Categories: Art & Culture, U.S. & New Zealand, Wahine Toa | Tags: Aulii Cravalho, Beyonce, Demi Lovato, Kiri Nathan, korowai, Maori, Mariah Carey, Moana, Nancy Gilbert, Wahine Toa

#NationalParksUSNZ Photo Competition

UPDATE: The Contest is now CLOSED. Thanks for all your stunning #NationalParksUSNZ entries, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service . Find out who the winner is right here . *** On October 4, 2016, the Embassy will launch a photo competition, #NationalParksUSNZ, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service. The winning entry’s prize includes a $400 gift card to REI (a well ...

By Mike Cousins | 30 September, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, Events, National Parks, News | Tags: #NationalParksUSNZ, 100th anniversary, National Parks, Photo competition, U.S. National Parks

U.S. Embassy Youth Councilors find out about NASA’s Atmospheric Tomography Mission

Guest post and views of U.S. Embassy Youth Council member, Josiah Tualamali’i. Everyone’s heard of the US Space Agency NASA’s space missions and the exciting push for Mars, but lesser known about is the exploration and research they do inside earth’s atmosphere. Members of the US Embassy Youth Council and University of Canterbury students got ...

By Mike Cousins | 28 September, 2016 | Categories: Science & Tech, Uncategorized, Youth Outreach | Tags: Atmospheric Tomography, Atom, Big Bang Theory, DC-8, Dr. Paul Newman, Josiah Tualamali'i, NASA, University of Canterbury, US Embassy Youth Council, US Space Agency

Connecting Young Leaders for a Festival for the Future 2016

By Mike Cousins | 27 September, 2016 | Categories: News, Youth Outreach | Tags: #FFTF16, #USNZCouncil, Connecting Young Leaders, CYL, Festival for the Future, U.S. Embassy Youth Council

Ele and Eric speak Open Source Open Society

By U.S. Embassy Youth Council Members Sarah Peraira and Hannah Craighead. During the 22 and 23rd of August, we were lucky enough to attend the Open Source Open Society (OS/OS) conference in Wellington. The Conference theme was how technology and open ways of working can transform your life, your work, your organisation and our society. Through speeches, panels and workshops, ...

By Mike Cousins | 15 September, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: Department of Homeland Security Digital Servic, Development and Operation, DevOps, Ele Munjeli, Eric Hysen, Google, Open Source Open Society, OS/OS

U.S. Engagement in the Pacific – Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 10, 2016 View article. The United States deeply values our relationship with the countries of the Pacific region, with which we share common history, values, and goals. The Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are close partners of the United States on many global issues, and their challenges are our ...

By Mike Cousins | 11 September, 2016 | Categories: Fact Sheets, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News | Tags: Barack Obama, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Economic Development, Health, John Kerry, oceans, Our Ocean conference, Peace, Security, Sustainable Fisheries

Eric Hysen – from Google to Government

Thanks to the U.S. Embassy and KiwiConnect , Eric Hysen of the United States Digital Service came to New Zealand to keynote at the annual Open Source Open Society conference. At the conference Eric spoke on the challenges and rewards of modernizing U.S. Government systems. Eric is one of the Founding members of the USDS , and is the Digital Service Lead for the United States Department of Homeland Security. As a former employee at Google, Eric has worked ...

By Mike Cousins | 8 September, 2016 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Agile, Alina Siegfried, Bizdojo, Creative HQ, Defense, Departments of Homeland Security, Education, Eric Hysen, GRID Auckland, Health and Human Services, KiwiConnect, Open Source Open Society, startups, State, USDS, Veterans Affairs

A Day in the Life of Promoting Fire Island National Seashore Park

A guest blog post by Elizabeth Rogers from the National Park Service. Most mornings you can find me sipping coffee, thumbing through email and checking Fire Island National Seashore’s Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram pages on my mobile phone. The tiny red bubbles notifying me of likes, comments, and shares make me smile. It is encouraging to ...

By Mike Cousins | 26 August, 2016 | Categories: Environment, National Parks | Tags: Elizabeth Rogers, Fire Island National Seashore, National Park Service, NPS100

Flashback: 2.30am…. on route to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016

Last June, the U.S. Embassy were proud to support New Zealand startup company Founders attendance at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summi t in Silicon Valley, USA. Let’s hear about their experience at GES2016… April McLennan – Founder & Trustee at Limitless Charitable Trust… There’s an excitement that comes with early morning starts. Flashback: 2.30am, June 18, 2016. Emerging from a bleary-eyed ...

By Mike Cousins | 28 July, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, April McLennan, GES2016, Limitless Charitable Trust.

Wahine Toa: Olivia Hall

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. The Ngāti Rārua iwi in the upper South Island is known for its strong female leadership, beginning with the women that the iwi was named after Raruaioio and Raruatere. Generations later their legacy holds true as they introduce a current female leader, Olivia ...

By Mike Cousins | 15 July, 2016 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, Wahine Toa | Tags: Burnham Military Camp, Central Otago, Iwi, Maori, Māori culture, Meke Māori Excellence Awards, Nancy Gilbert, Ngāti Rārua, Olivia Hall, Raruaioio, Raruatere, Renaissance Māori Art, Wahine Toa

NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman visits New Zealand

[ View the story “NASA Deputy Adminstrator Dava Newman visits NZ” on Storify ]

By Mike Cousins | 15 July, 2016 | Categories: Former Ambassadors, Key Officials, Science & Tech | Tags: Dava Newman, Dr Dava Newman, NASA, Science, STEAM, STEM

President Obama and U.S. Ambassador Gilbert on the Tragic Shooting in Orlando

President Obama on the Tragic Shooting in Orlando Today, as Americans, we grieve the brutal murder — a horrific massacre — of dozens of innocent people. We pray for their families, who are grasping for answers with broken hearts. We stand with the people of Orlando, who have endured a terrible attack on their city. ...

By Mike Cousins | 13 June, 2016 | Categories: Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs | Tags: Barack Obama, Florida, Orlando, Shooting

From Foggy Bottom to the High Seas: Ocean Diplomacy from an Intern’s Perspective

Repost from DipNote – by Nicole B. Grajewski. In the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), a day in the office could mean a day onboard a traditional Polynesian double-hulled canoe with an Under Secretary of State, Foreign Service Officers, international diplomats, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. While the inner-workings ...

By Mike Cousins | 7 June, 2016 | Categories: Environment, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Our Ocean | Tags: Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental, Economic Growth, Energy, Environment, John Kerry, our oceans

Memorial Day 2016

May 29: U.S. Ambassador Gilbert, Nancy Gilbert and the U.S. Consul General attended the 68th annual U.S. Memorial Day commemoration service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on Sunday, May 29. The Ambassador laid a wreath and accepted on behalf of the Embassy a United States flag folded by U.S. veterans. Attendance at the event numbered around 100 – veterans ...

By Mike Cousins | 30 May, 2016 | Categories: Events, Former Ambassadors, News | Tags: kapa haka, Mayor Brown, Memorial Day, New Zealand Defence Force, Paekakariki, Queen Elizabeth Park, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert, USMC

Wellington Memorial Day events 2016

May 28-30: Re-post from The Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust website : Memorial Weekend 2016 (May 28-30) promises a heritage weekend with a difference for those who want to re-live the days from 1942-44 when U.S.Marines out-numbered locals in parts of Kapiti by 15-1. This is a great opportunity for those who lived through these times, their ...

By Mike Cousins | 25 May, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Events, News | Tags: Marines, Memorial Day, New Zealand American Association, The Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust, Wellington

Youth Council Highlights: Discussing Cybersecurity, Gender Equality, and Climate Change

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. On April 25, 2016 the Auckland Youth Council met with Ambassador Mark Gilbert. In recognition of the recently-signed COP 21 Agreement on Climate Change, signed by 155 countries in New York on April 20, Earth Day, the group discussed climate change, especially in relation to the ...

By Mike Cousins | 24 May, 2016 | Categories: Business, Consulate General, Events, Former Ambassadors, Human Rights, Our Ocean, Public Affairs, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: Ambassador, Ambassador Mark Gilbert, Business, Consulate General, Earth Day, Events, Haunui Waka, Human Rights, Our Ocean, Public Affairs, Science & Tech, Sir Peter Blake Trust, Te Toki Voyaging Trust, Youth Outreach

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Visiting New Zealand

The U.S. Secretary of the Navy (or SECNAV), Ray Mabus, is visiting New Zealand this week to meet with New Zealand’s military leaders and officials on a wide range of issues. In his time as Secretary of the Navy, Mabus has visited more than 140 countries and territories and all 50 U.S. states representing the ...

By Mike Cousins | 16 May, 2016 | Categories: East Asia & Pacific, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Barack Obama, Ray Mabus, Royal New Zealand Navy, SECNAV, U.S. Secretary of the Navy

Ambassador Gilbert Speaks at Mount Albert Grammer School

The afternoon of May 9th Ambassador Gilbert spoke at a Mount Albert Grammar School senior assembly in Auckland. Speaking of his three favorite U.S. presidents, Ambassador Gilbert also discussed the election process with school prefects. This opportunity also allowed Ambassador Gilbert the chance to meet Mount Albert Grammar’s new Headmaster, Patrick Drumm, and recognize Head ...

By Mike Cousins | 9 May, 2016 | Categories: Education, Former Ambassadors | Tags: Kubi Witten-Hannah, Mount Albert Grammer School, Patrick Drumm, Rutgers University, U.S. Ambassador Gilbert

Consul General Higgins meets with EcoQuest students

By Public Affairs staff, Auckland. On May 3, Consul General Higgins met American study abroad students at the end of a semester-long research and study program, EcoQuest . Originally established as a partnership with the University of New Hampshire in 1999, EcoQuest now hosts American study abroad students from universities coast to coast. EcoQuest operates a Field ...

By Mike Cousins | 9 May, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Consulate General, Education | Tags: Consul General Higgins, ecology, EcoQuest, environmental policy, Melanie Higgins, resource management, University of New Hampshire

Pre-Departure Orientation & Student Visa Day

Have you been accepted to a U.S. college or university and are getting ready to go? This free pre-departure orientation will cover everything from American culture to tips for packing and success as a student in the U.S. Come with your questions! AUCKLAND: WHEN – Friday, May 27, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ...

By Mike Cousins | 5 May, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Consulate General, Education, News, U.S. Consulate Auckland, U.S. Embassy Wellington | Tags: EducationUSA, EducationUSA NZ, Pre-Departure Orientation, Student Visa Day, Study USA, U.S. Student Visa, U.S. Study

A Warm Dunedin Welcome for Nancy and Ambassador Gilbert

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On April 13 and 14, 2016 the U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert and his wife, Mrs. Nancy Gilbert, made their first official visit to Dunedin, New Zealand. The Gilberts met with a cross section of Dunedin’s government, business, university, and civil society sectors. It was a ...

By Mike Cousins | 21 April, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Doing Business in the U.S., First People's Connect, Former Ambassadors, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Animation Research, Craig Halbmaier, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Fulbright, Harlene Hayne, Nancy Gilbert, NASA, Otago Business School, Otago Museum, Pacific Islands Centre, TPP, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert, University of Otago, Vice-Chancellor, Visiting Executives Program, Youth Council

A Sea Symphony – singing with the almighty kiwi

By Davy Fogler, U.S. Embassy Wellington. As an American living abroad, I am always looking for ways to integrate into the community, and I have always loved singing – so what better way that to join the leading symphonic choir in Wellington! I became a member of The Orpheus Choir of Wellington in July 2015, ...

By Mike Cousins | 15 April, 2016 | Categories: Art & Culture, U.S. Embassy Wellington | Tags: A Sea Symphony, Orpheus Choir of Wellington, The Lion King, Vaughan Williams, Wellington Zoo

Google employee #43 and Venture Capitalist, Jeremy Wenokur, meets with NZ entrepreneurs

By Mike Cousins, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Google employee #43 (and now Silicon Valley entrepreneur/investor) Jeremy Wenokur was in New Zealand earlier this week to listen to and give startup advice to some of New Zealand’s young entrepreneurs. Jeremy’s NZ program included a roundtable (the kitchen table to be exact!) discussion with GRID Auckland startup residents, a Project Connect fireside chat ...

By Mike Cousins | 8 April, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Former Ambassadors, News, Science & Tech | Tags: American entrepreneur, AUT, Bizdojo, entrepreneur, GRID Akl, Jeremy Wenokur, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert

2016 NASA Space Apps Challenge

NASA Space Apps Challenge is a 48-hour multi-disciplinary global weekend hackathon—for developers, entrepreneurs, astronomers, coders, marketers, product designers, data analysts, engineers, artists, enthusiasts etc. You don’t need to be an expert about space, just willing to work cooperatively as team to come up with creative solutions to one of the challenges set by the international ...

By Mike Cousins | 4 April, 2016 | Categories: Events, News, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: Aeronautics, Earth, Mars, NASA Space Apps Challenge, Solar System, Space Apps, Space Station, Technology

Honoring the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

On March 11 we had the privilege of holding a reception at Camperdown in honor of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum , with representatives visiting Wellington from New York. With over 80 guests representing countries that lost citizens on September 11, 2001, and representatives from New Zealand’s first responders, we shared the story and role of the memorial and ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 April, 2016 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News | Tags: 9/11, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, 9/11 Memorial sculpture in Christchurch, Christchurch Metro fireman, Wayne Hamilton

TEDxWellington – Charles Babb talks Gaming and the Importance of Diversification

The U.S. Embassy were proud to host Charles Babb in Wellington, New Zealand to speak at TEDxWellington 2016. Charles is the Founder of Fairchild Consortium – a firm that has seasoned creatives and industry veterans venturing into Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality development. Charles Babb’s TEDx talk will be available in the coming weeks on the TEDx YouTube channel , ...

By Mike Cousins | 21 March, 2016 | Categories: Events, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Bizdojo, Charles Babb, Creative HQ, Gaming, Geo AR Games, TEDx, TEDxWellington, U.S. Ambassador Gilbert, VR, Wellington Mayor

Wahine Toa: Ana Morrison

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Rotorua has been a thriving macrocosm of Māori tourism since 1877 when local hapū, Ngāti Whakaue of the Arawa iwi, gifted the downtown area to the Crown to develop for the people of Rotorua. Central to the township is Ohinemutu Māori village, ...

By Mike Cousins | 18 March, 2016 | Categories: Wahine Toa | Tags: Ana Morrison, Maori, Ngāti Whakaue, Ohinemutu, Rotorua, Rotorua District Council, Te Arawa, Te Tatau o Te Arawa, Treaty of Waitangi, Wahine Toa

Designing Your Business Success – Jeremy Wenokur and U.S. Ambassador Gilbert

This year’s Project Connect series hosted by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the U.S. Embassy kicks off with a very special one-time only interview with Silicon Valley entrepreneur/investor Jeremy Wenokur, moderated by U.S. Ambassador, Mark Gilbert. Jeremy will discuss how NZ companies can creatively position for offshore investment as well as cultivate potential USA buyers, ...

By Mike Cousins | 16 March, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Events, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: AUT, Barack Obama, Corporate Development for Google, entrepreneurs, Google, Jeremy Wenokur, Project, Project Connect, Tech, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert

Statement on visit to New Zealand

Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Wellington. James R. Clapper , U.S. Director of National Intelligence, is on a routine visit to meet with senior officials to discuss a wide range of issues important to both countries. The relationship between the United States and New Zealand has never been stronger, and we welcome the opportunity to work closely to safeguard ...

By Mike Cousins | 14 March, 2016 | Categories: Press Releases | Tags: James R. Clapper, U.S. Director of National Intelligence

New Frontiers 2016: A Heartfelt Thank You

U.S. and New Zealand entrepreneurs, creative technologists, educators and investors visited New Zealand for the 2016 New Frontiers conference held in Whiteman’s Valley between February 12-26, 2016. The programming of New Frontiers was designed with three overarching themes: Planet, Story, and Economy. Each day featured a mix of U.S. and local keynote talks, in-depth panel discussions, open ...

By Mike Cousins | 28 February, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, Environment, Former Ambassadors, Science & Tech | Tags: creative technologists, educators, entrepreneurs, Environment, New Frontiers, Whiteman’s Valley

2016 Vex Robotics National Championship

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. Auckland Consul General Melanie Higgins attended the 2016 Vex Robotics New Zealand National Championship, which was held on February 27-28, 2016 in Auckland. The robotics competition brings together high school teams from across New Zealand, competing to represent New Zealand at the Vex World Robotics Championships ...

By Mike Cousins | 27 February, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Education, Events, Science & Tech | Tags: 2016 Vex Robotics New Zealand National Championship, Aerospace Education, and Mathematics, Aquabots, Auckland, AURA, AUT, Autodesk, Brightsparks, Consul General Melanie Higgins, CPIT, Engineering, Four Winds Foundation, Fuji Xerox, House of Science, Kiwibots, KiwiSpace, Massey University, Melanie Higgins, NZTech, Science, SMC, STEM, Technology, The Mind Lab, Unitec, Vex Robotics, WelTec

The Opening of the Shapeshifter exhibition

Ambassador Gilbert opened the 7th biennial Shapeshifter exhibition in Lower Hutt on February 25th. The outdoor sculpture exhibition is on in the Civic Gardens until March 20th and includes 50 pieces by Kiwi artists. The opening event was attended by around 250 guests including Friends of the Dowse (Hutt City’s art museum), city councillors, local MPs, members ...

By Mike Cousins | 25 February, 2016 | Categories: Art & Culture, Culture, News | Tags: art, Courtney Johnston, Et Tu Sculpture, Greg Thomas, Mayor Ray Wallace, Rotary Club, sculpture exhibition, Shapeshifter, Shapeshifter exhibition, The Dowse, U.S. Ambassador Gilbert

How to Apply for a U.S. Visa Online. It’s easier than ever!

Every year, millions of people are issued visas to travel to America, some for tourism, some to visit friends and family, some to study, some for medical treatment, some for business meetings and even some who just like to shop. All these people have something in common, they all applied for their visa to visit the ...

By Mike Cousins | 25 February, 2016 | Categories: Visa Waiver Program, Visas | Tags: U.S. Visa, Visa, Visa Waiver

New Zealand National Day

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 4, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of New Zealand on the 176th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this February 6. The United States and New Zealand are ...

By Mike Cousins | 6 February, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, Former U.S. Government Leaders, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Barack Obama, John Kerry, New Zealand, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Treaty of Waitangi, Waitangi

Hello Hamilton!

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland On February 2, 2016, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert and Auckland Consul General Melanie Higgins had a day trip to Hamilton to meet with the local government, businesses, iwi and the university. It was a fun-filled day to learn more about existing U.S. and New Zealand connections ...

By Mike Cousins | 3 February, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Doing Business in the U.S., Former Ambassadors, Public Affairs | Tags: Consul General Melanie Higgins, Cooley Law School Krinock Lecture, Hamilton, Hamilton City Council, Hamilton Gardens, Mayor’s Office, Pacific Aerospace, Tidd Ross Todd, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert, University of Waikato, Waikato Chamber of Commerce, Waikato Milking Systems, Waikato Tainui

Robotics: The C21 Team Sport

Guest blog post by Chris Campbell. Most people don’t participate in robotics in New Zealand because most people don’t know what it is, but it is the fastest growing “sport” in my US school district, Bloomfield Hills , Michigan. Sitting in my dining room in Waikanae Beach at 1:00am on December 20 to Skype my team members instead ...

By Mike Cousins | 3 February, 2016 | Categories: News, Science & Tech | Tags: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, robotics, Waikanae Beach

My SUSI Experience: The American Dream

Andrea Bossenger, Deputy Principal at Auckland’s Manurewa High School is an alumna of the 2015 Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) program. Andrea trained as a geography teacher, but now teaches history and oversees the entire social science learning area for Manurewa, one of Auckland’s biggest schools. What was the focus of your recent SUSI program exchange? In July I ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 February, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Study in the U.S. | Tags: American History, Andrea Bossinger, Manurewa, Manurewa High School, Study of the United States Institute, SUSI, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne

WAHINE TOA: Jackie Colliar

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. On the riverbank where the Waipa and Waikato rivers meet in Ngaruawahia, I met our next Wahine Toa, Jackie Colliar. She represents a rare but growing group in New Zealand –female Māori engineers. As an Environmental Engineer at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) coupled with ...

By Mike Cousins | 29 January, 2016 | Categories: Environment, Wahine Toa | Tags: Environmental Engineer, Jackie Colliar, Maori, Marae, Nancy Gilbert, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, NIWA, Te Ao Māori, Te Kauhanganui Inc, Wahine Toa

The Next Century of Stewardship

National Parks Service Centennial In the fast paced world we live it is exceedingly important to remember and preserve the past that has shaped us. An area where kiwis can readily relate is the shared passion for the outdoors and the incredible natural beauty that can be found throughout both countries. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS), ...

By Mike Cousins | 27 January, 2016 | Categories: Featured Event, Former U.S. Government Leaders | Tags: 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, Barack Obama, National Park Service, NPS

United States Begins Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program

Media Release from the Department of Homeland Security For Immediate Release DHS Press Office Contact: WASHINGTON—The United States today began implementing changes under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 (the Act). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) welcomes more than a million passengers arriving to the United States every day and is committed to facilitating legitimate travel ...

By Mike Cousins | 26 January, 2016 | Categories: Visa Waiver Program, Visas | Tags: ESTA, US Visa, Visa, Visa Waiver Program, VWP

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Opens Registration for 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit

Innovation-Focused Summit to Provide Global Investors and Economic Developers with Latest Information on Investment in the United States. WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Ambassador Mark Gilbert today announced that registration is now open for the third SelectUSA Investment Summit to be held June 19-21, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The Summit’s theme is “The Innovation ...

By Mike Cousins | 12 January, 2016 | Categories: Business, Former Ambassadors, Trade | Tags: Ambassador Mark Gilbert, Penny Pritzker, SelectUSA, SelectUSA Investment Summit, The Innovation Advantage, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Vinai Thummalapally, www.selectusa.gov

Studying in America: Make the First Move to Study in the United States in 2016!

By Aime Black and Katie Sleeman, Education Advisors It’s a new year, and a perfect time to get on track with new goals. Is studying in America one of those dreams? In 2015, over 1,400 New Zealand students studying in America pursued higher education degrees. These students are carving out their futures with undergraduate and ...

By Mike Cousins | 8 January, 2016 | Categories: East Asia & Pacific, Education | Tags: Arcadia University, Ashley Campbell, California, Carolyn Zou, Education, Education USA, Gabryel Oloapu, New York, Nick Crott, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Priyanka Shekar, Queens University of Charlotte, Rebecca Purvis, Stanford University, Study in the States in 2016, Studying in America, Tennessee, University of Missouri, Vanderbilt University, Wagner College

Toys for Tots … collecting and giving toys for Kiwi kids this holiday season

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. Wellington-based Marines have spent the last few weeks collecting toys for Kiwi kids who are having a hard time this holiday season. In the days before Christmas the Marines delivered them to the Wellington Children’s hospital and to the City Mission. The U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program began in 1947 ...

By Mike Cousins | 21 December, 2015 | Categories: Child and Family Matters, Connecting with Kiwis, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News | Tags: Assistant Detachment Commander, Barack Obama, City Mission, Detachment Commander, GySgt Patrick Hammer, Sgt Alexander Barham, Toys for Tots, U.S. Marines, USMC, Wellington Children’s hospital

Old Blue Eyes is 100 today

By a Frank Sinatra fan, Malcolm Hopwood. When Frank Sinatra sang You Make Me Feel So Young, age disappeared and only the message of love and vitality remained. So it’s hard to imagine that “Old Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra is 100 today (Saturday, December 12). He remained young and vital throughout his performing and recording ...

By Mike Cousins | 12 December, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, History | Tags: American jazz, Come Fly With Me, Frank Sinatra, Hoboken, New Jersey, Old Blue Eyes, You Make Me Feel So Young

Wahine Toa: Gina Rangi

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. This month I’d like to introduce Gina Rangi of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Raukawa iwi. Everything about Gina – her intellectual pursuit, ambition to create positive outcomes for Māori, and social life – is based on the premise that leadership is ...

By Mike Cousins | 11 December, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, Wahine Toa | Tags: Department of Conservation, Gina Rangi, Māori kawa, Nancy Gilbert, Ngāti Raukawa iwi, Ngāti Raukawa marae, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tongariro National Park, Wahine Toa, Waitangi Treaty settlement

Broadening Horizons and Building Courage: Tuākana Youth Mentoring Program

Guest blog post by Rachel Harris and Jonathan Gee. As burgeoning business leaders move into the world, bridging the gap between one generation and the next is of vital importance. The State Department was proud to fund and support the Tuākana Youth Mentoring Program run by NGO Leadership New Zealand and the Fulbright New Zealand ...

By Mike Cousins | 8 December, 2015 | Categories: Alumni, Art & Culture, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Public Affairs | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Barack Obama, Claire McQuilken, Guy Ryan, Jonathan Gee, Leadership New Zealand, Mentor, Mentoring, Nancy Gilbert, Rachael Harris, Tuākana, Victoria University of Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association, VUWSA, Young New Zealander of the Year

World War II US Servicemen in Warkworth – More Information Needed!

By Phil McKenna, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. You can also help spread the word by linking to and sharing these hashtags on social media: #AMcollection #AucklandMuseum. The Auckland War Memorial Museum has a proud history of making its collections available beyond the walls of the Museum itself. It loans artefacts, organizes traveling exhibitions, and, ...

By Mike Cousins | 2 December, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, Auckland, History, News | Tags: #AMcollection, #AucklandMuseum, Auckland history, Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand history, Tudor Collins collection, Tudor Washington Collins, US Servicemen, Warkworth photographer, World War II

A Kiwi Thanksgiving for the Hungry

By Raphael Solomon, Public Affairs Intern at U.S. Embassy Wellington. As a local kiwi working with the Embassy, it is fun to experience some of those quintessential American customs. They are the classic tropes that you always see on TV, but it’s still a bit intriguing to see that they really exist beyond that. Last week was ...

By Mike Cousins | 1 December, 2015 | Categories: Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Former Ambassadors, News, Public Affairs | Tags: DCM, Downtown Community Mission, Raphael Solomon, Rob Tate, Thanksgiving, Wellington Chef’s Association, Weltec students

Protecting the Ocean’s Last Great Frontier – Ross Sea

Repost from DipNote – Posted by Judith Garber, November 24, 2015. The Ross Sea is not going to make your short list for beach vacations. It is far away. It has no resorts. And it is really, really cold. While this 3.6 million square kilometer expanse of Antarctic waters may not be hospitable to humans, it is ideal for many plants and animals from emperor penguins, ...

By Mike Cousins | 25 November, 2015 | Categories: Environment, Our Ocean | Tags: Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, CCAMLR, Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, marine protected area, MPA, OES, Our Ocean, Ross Sea

Worldwide Travel Alert

From Travel.state.gov. Last Updated: November 23, 2015. The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official ...

By Mike Cousins | 25 November, 2015 | Categories: Consular Affairs, Security & Emergency Messages | Tags: Worldwide Travel Alert

Give Thanks this Year with Pumpkin Pie

By guest blogger, Emily Novak, Pastry Chef at One80 Restaurant . American, Emily Novak is Pastry Chef at One80 Restaurant , Copthorne Hotel in Wellington. She has the challenge and privilege of preparing the pumpkin pie for this year’s annual Thanksgiving lunch for the clients of the Downtown Community Ministry, one of our most special events of the year. ...

By Mike Cousins | 24 November, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Emily Novak, pumpkin, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving holiday, Thanksgiving recipe

Charting a Course Toward Pacific Climate Resiliency

Repost from DipNote by Richard Edwards. Climate change is already impacting the people of the Pacific. In Papua New Guinea, families are struggling to access water and put food on the table because of a severe drought. In Samoa, the owner of a modest beachfront resort has watched for years as her property erodes, with ...

By Mike Cousins | 23 November, 2015 | Categories: East Asia & Pacific, Environment, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Our Ocean, Policy | Tags: Climate Change, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Economic and Energy Issues, Environment and Climate Change, Food Security, John Kerry, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, United Nations, USAID, Water

Coloring the Ambassador’s halls: Visiting artist Susan Swartz

By Raphael Solomon, Public Affairs Intern, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. Beautiful things can bring people together like little else. Sometimes art, music and cultural exchange can be just as important to diplomacy as trade deals and defense treaties. This has been recognized since President John F. Kennedy first formalized the Art in Embassies program in 1963 ...

By Mike Cousins | 23 November, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Anne Noble, art, Art in Embassies, Art in Embassies program, Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, Nikki McIvor, Paul McLachlan, Susan Swartz, Wasatch Mountains

Kiwi, Carolyn Zou, talks to us about her U.S. Education Experience

This week marks the 16th Annual International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Initially created so that America could inspire its students to travel abroad, IEW now encourages and supports foreign students interested in making the leap to study in the United States. Today IEW is ...

By Mike Cousins | 21 November, 2015 | Categories: Alumni, Education | Tags: Carolyn Zou, Education, IEW, International Education Week, Nashville TN, Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University

Ashley Campbell, talks to us about her U.S. Education Experience

By Mike Cousins | 20 November, 2015 | Categories: Education, Science & Tech | Tags: Ashley Campbell, Biochemistry, Columbia, Education, IEW, IEW 2015, International Education Week, MO, PhD, University of Missouri

Rebecca Purvis, talks to us about her U.S. Education Experience

By Mike Cousins | 19 November, 2015 | Categories: Auckland, Education, Science & Tech | Tags: Accelerated Programs, Arcadia University, Education, IEW, International Education Week, Philadelphia, Rebecca Purvis

Kiwi, Gabryel Oloapu, talks to us about her U.S. Education Experience

By Mike Cousins | 18 November, 2015 | Categories: Education, Sports Diplomacy | Tags: All-American Academic, Black Student Union, IEW, International Education Week, LEAD Program Assistant Co-ordinator, National Psychology Honors Society, Student Alumni Association, Women’s Water Polo

Nick Crott, talks to us about his U.S. Education Experience

By Mike Cousins | 17 November, 2015 | Categories: Auckland, Education, Sports Diplomacy | Tags: Freshman, IEW, International Education Week, Nicholas Crott, Queens University of Charlotte, Sports Management, Swimming, U.S. Department of Education

Kiwi, Priyanka Shekar, talks to us about her U.S. Education Experience

By Mike Cousins | 15 November, 2015 | Categories: Education, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Education Week, IEW, Lean In Campus Leader, San Francisco Bay Area, Stanford, Stanford Graduate School of Business Ignite program, Stanford Laptop Orchestra, Stanford University, Stanford University Singers

BUILDING CREATIVE CONNECTIONS – Project Connect

Our next Project Connect event is on next week, November 18th at the Auckland University of Technology – details at the-project.co.nz . The theme…Building Creative Connections. In a world that has moved from finite choice and limited control to infinite choice and total control, how can leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, brands and organisations engage in a meaningful ...

By Mike Cousins | 13 November, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, Auckland, Business, Events, News | Tags: Auckland University of Technology, AUT, brands, entrepreneurs, Facebook Creative Shop, innovators, leaders, Mark D'Arcy - VP and Chief Creative Officer, Project Conference, Project Connect

Poetry, American diva Renée Fleming and WoW.

By Caroline Toplis, Public Affairs, Wellington. September was a very cultural month for Embassy Wellington with a number of interesting visitors coming to town. We’ve had stimulating conversations and a peek into the world of New York publishing with Jonathan Galassi; soaring voices and more than a touch of glamor with Renée Fleming; and a ...

By Mike Cousins | 13 October, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, Events, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News | Tags: Aotearoa, architecture, avant garde., Barack Obama, Boca Raton Festival of the Arts, circus, James Judd, Jonathan Galassi, Julian Hartzog, Lorene Ireland, Lynn Christiansen, Massey University’s College of Creative Arts, Mrs. Gilbert, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Renée Fleming, Sean Purucker and David Candelaria, The Adventures of Tintin, The New Republic, The New York Review of Books, Victoria University, World of Wearable Arts, WOW

Summary of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

From ustr.gov . On October 4, 2015, Ministers of the 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam – announced conclusion of their negotiations. The result is a high-standard, ambitious, comprehensive, and balanced agreement that will promote economic growth; support the creation ...

By Mike Cousins | 6 October, 2015 | Categories: Business, East Asia & Pacific, Economic Affairs, Official Reports, Policy, Reports, Trade | Tags: Addressing new trade challenges, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Comprehensive market access, Inclusive trade, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Platform for regional integration, Regional approach to commitments, Singapore, TPP, Trans-Pacific Partnership, United States, Vietnam

2017 DV Lottery

The U.S. State Department has announced the dates for the 2017 DV Lottery. Full instructions are available on the www.travel.state.gov website. Applicants born in “high admission” countries, from which there were more than a total of 50,000 immigrants during the previous five years, are not eligible to enter. Entry must be under the country of birth, ...

By Mike Cousins | 3 October, 2015 | Categories: News, U.S. Consulate Auckland | Tags: 2017 DV Lottery

Wahine Toa: Charisma Rangipunga

By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. I continued my Wahine Toa journey south to the city of Christchurch, which is the base of New Zealand’s wealthiest tribe, Ngāi Tahu. At their impressive new headquarters I met Charisma Rangipunga, who, like so many Māori women I have come across, is talented on many ...

By Mike Cousins | 30 September, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, News, Wahine Toa | Tags: Charisma Rangipunga, Iwi, Māori Language Commission, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Taranaki, Te Taura Whiri, Wahine Toa

Duke’s Global Fellowship Recipient James Tremlett, talks to us about Marine Conservation.

Guest Blog by James Tremlett, Marine Conservationist and Social Scientist, Recipient of Duke’s Global Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Could you briefly tell us a bit about yourself? I was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau and for the past few years have made my home in Pōneke. I grew up relishing any contact with the ...

By Mike Cousins | 25 September, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, East Asia & Pacific, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Science & Tech | Tags: Barack Obama, envionment, James Tremlett, Marine Conservation, marine science, oceans, Our Ocean 2015, our oceans, Tāmaki Makaurau, University of Auckland

Delighted to support TEDxChristchurch 2015

The Embassy is delighted to support TEDxChristchurch this year, held in Christchurch at the majestic Theatre Royal. UPDATE: View photos from this event on FlickR . text from TedxChristchurch.com: TEDxChristchurch 2015: Think Again will be a stunning, one-day event like no other in Christchurch! At TEDxChristchurch, curious, open, passionate people come together to be intrigued, inspired, provoked and ...

By Mike Cousins | 23 September, 2015 | Categories: Events, Featured Event, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Bill Clinton, comedian Michele A’Court, Eric Liu, Ian Wright, Isaac Theatre Royal, Journalist Rod Oram, Ladi6, musician Jason Kerrison, Robyn Twemlow, TEDxChristchurch 2015, Tesla Motors, Think Again

Entrepreneurship Expertise from NYC

Social impact entrepreneur Soraya Darabi spent a week in New Zealand, September 1-4, speaking to audiences and groups about managing change and scaling startups in an Embassy funded program. In Auckland Soraya headlined Project:Connect (a tech/entrepreneurship/innovation seminar series, of which the Embassy is a founding partner) at AUT University to two audiences totaling over 250, ...

By Mike Cousins | 22 September, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Events, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Akina Foundation, AUT University, Bizdojo, Diana Hardeman, Grow Wellington and Enspiral, Hvngry Magazine, IIP, Michelle Dickinson, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Soraya Darabi

U.S. Universities Expo 2015 – Auckland and Wellington

The world is filled with different perspectives, people, and experiences, and we cannot truly live in this world if we do not see it. An international education will open your eyes to others, and in turn to yourself.” – Sylvia from Auckland. Following the success of the previous two years, this third annual U.S. Universities ...

By Mike Cousins | 20 September, 2015 | Categories: Education, Events, Featured Event | Tags: U.S. Universities Expo, Uni expo

From Rosa Parks and #Blacklivesmatter to Terra nullius

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs U.S. Consulate, Auckland. Despite all the progress that has been made in recent decades, civil rights and the status of minority groups in society still remains an important issue that needs to be addressed in America and around the world. Here at the Embassy we are passionate about engaging with ...

By Mike Cousins | 19 September, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, Public Affairs | Tags: #Blacklivesmatter, Black Lives Matter, Dorothy Height, Fannie Lou Hamer, Megan Salmon, Rosa Parks, St. Cuthbert’s College, Terra nullius

Pacific’s ‘Future Leaders’ Gather in Auckland

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate Auckland. Fifty ‘Future Leaders’ from 19 Pacific Islands (#FPL15), including 30 New Zealand based participants, gathered in Auckland in early September for a four-day conference on social entrepreneurship and leadership. An important goal was to connect participants with Pacific diaspora communities in Auckland, the city with the largest Pacific ...

By Mike Cousins | 18 September, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, East Asia & Pacific, Events, First People's Connect, Former Ambassadors | Tags: #FPL15, Emeline Afeaki, Festival for the Future, Future Leaders of the Pacific, Global Entrepreneurship Summit, leadershi, Mark Gilbert, Orakei Marae, Otahuhu, Sasha Fisher, social entrepreneurship, South Auckland Poet’s Collective, Spark Micro-grants, The Akina Foundation, The Grid Auckland

Acclaimed National Geographic wildlife photographer Brian Skerry talks with us

Guest post by Brian Skerry, National Geographic. We caught up with acclaimed National Geographic wildlife photographer Brian Skerry ahead of his visit to New Zealand, Australia and Singapore to headline the winter series of National Geographic Live Pacific coming to Auckland and Wellington in October (details below). He talks with us about some of his most memorable experiences and what drives ...

By Mike Cousins | 15 September, 2015 | Categories: Events, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: Brian Skerry, Environment, John Kerry, National Geographic, National Geographic Live Pacific, Whales

New York and New Zealand Firefighters Mark 9/11 with Memorial Stair Climb

By Emily Armitage, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. For the second year in a row, two prominent New York firefighters were invited to take part in a Memorial Stair Climb and Commemorative Service at Auckland’s Sky Tower to pay respects to the U.S. firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and the ...

By Mike Cousins | 13 September, 2015 | Categories: Auckland, Events, News | Tags: 9/11, Anniversary, Battalion Chief Steven San Filippo, Bruce Mclaren Intermediate, Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department, Deputy Assistant Chief Robert Strong, Dilworth High School, Ground Zero, Memorial Stair Climb, New York and New Zealand Firefighters, Northcote College, Pakuranga College, United States Ambassador Mark Gilbert

Check out Our New Site!

By Michael Cousins, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy, Wellington Yes, we have a brand new website! Have a look around! The new-look website has seven sections representing broad topics that may be of interest to you. The sections are broken down further into sub-categories to assist you in finding specific information. The Seven Sections are: Visas – ...

By Mike Cousins | 24 August, 2015 | Categories: News, U.S. & New Zealand, U.S. Consulate Auckland, U.S. Embassy Wellington | Tags: Mission website, New website

Hannah and Bonnie’s Inspiring Stories from a Life Changing event

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Some awesome Kiwi talent had the experience of their lives at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Kenya, thanks to the U.S. Department of State and Embassy Wellington. Bonnie Howland, 19, of Wellington, and Hannah Duder, 23, of Christchurch, were the first New Zealanders to attend the GES on July 25 and 26. The conference, ...

By Mike Cousins | 20 August, 2015 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Success Stories | Tags: Barack Obama, Bonnie Howland, GES, Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Hannah Duder, Indigo & Iris, Kenya, University of Canterbury

Wahine Toa: Lynell Huria

By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Last month I embarked on a long-term program called Wahine Toa (Women Leaders) to meet with, learn about, and highlight to our blog readers some extraordinary women Maori leadership and their significant contributions throughout the country. In the first blog of the series, I met trailblazer ...

By Mike Cousins | 5 August, 2015 | Categories: Former Ambassadors, News, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand, Wahine Toa | Tags: Change Maker of the Year, Indigenous Rights Sub-committee, INTA, International Trademark Association, Lynell Huria, Nancy Gilbert, Ngati Ruanui, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Patea Maori Club, Poi E, Porirua, Rangimarie Hunia, Wahine Toa, Women Leaders

Soraya Darabi is coming to NZ – How to lead the audacious change needed to keep your company relevant

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The U.S. Embassy are excited to host Soraya Darabi in early September for the next Project Connect event. Soraya will speak at AUT University on September 1 on the topic “how to lead the audacious change needed to keep your company relevant”. Further details can be found at ...

By Mike Cousins | 4 August, 2015 | Categories: Events, News, Science & Tech | Tags: AUT, AUT University, Brandweek, Brooklyn, Disney, Foodspotting, GSMA, Manager of Digital Partnerships, Michelle Dickinson, Most Creative People in Business, Nanogirl, New York, Open Table, Project:Connect, project.co.nz, Sir Paul Reeves Building, Soraya Darabi, The New York Times, Time Inc, Wired Magazine, Young Global Leader, Zady

Independence Day Celebrations in Auckland and Wellington, July 2015

By Phil McKenna and Rob Tate, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Embracing the enthusiasm for sports that is such a feature of both American and New Zealand culture, the Embassy in Wellington and the Consulate General in Auckland kicked off a two-day celebration of American Independence Day. Our celebrations this year were made even sweeter, ...

By Mike Cousins | 17 July, 2015 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Events, News, Public Affairs | Tags: 239th birthday, Adam Eaton, Andy Newell, Aotea Barbershop Quartet, Attorney General Chris Finlayson, Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Boeing Australia and South Pacific, Chicago White Sox, Citibank, Coca-Cola Oceania, Daniel Webb, Declaration of Independence, General Electric, Google New Zealand, Hilton Hotels, Independence Day, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft New Zealand, Millennium Technology, Nancy Gilbert, Prime Minister John Key, the Motion Pictures Distributors Association of New Zealand, the New Zealand Screen Association, U.S. Ambassador Gilbert, United States-New Zealand Partnership Forum, Visa, Zach Duke

Looking back to the Opening of the Matariki Festival

By U.S. Ambassador, Mark Gilbert. A little while back I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the official opening of the Matariki Festival at the Dawn Karakia, alongside Auckland Mayor Len Brown and prominent Maori leaders. I had heard about the Matariki Festival prior to my arrival in New Zealand, and Nancy and I were excitedly ...

By Mike Cousins | 15 July, 2015 | Categories: Events, First People's Connect, Former Ambassadors, News, Public Affairs | Tags: Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Auckland’s Pasifika hub, Charlotte Graham, Dawn Karakia, Mangere, Mangere Arts Centre, Matariki Festival, Nancy Gilbert, One Tree Hill, Rewi Spraggon, Routeburn Track, Stardome Observatory

Wahine Toa: Meeting Maori Women Leaders across Aotearoa

By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. My family and I arrived in New Zealand with a commitment to make the most of each day — to learn, explore, and connect with the full spectrum of New Zealand society in this beautiful, culturally rich country. From my husband’s credentialing ceremony, I have witnessed ...

By Mike Cousins | 10 July, 2015 | Categories: Wahine Toa | Tags: Kainga Tuatahi, Maori, Maori Women Leaders, Mt. Eden volcano, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Rangimarie, Rangimarie Hunia, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Wahine Toa, Wahine Toa Project, Waitangi Tribunal settlement, Whai Rawa

Kia ora Aotearoa!

By U.S. Ambassador, Mark Gilbert. Yesterday was a memorable and proud day for me and my family as I officially began my Ambassadorship to New Zealand. We arrived at Government House in the late morning and were graced with a traditional Maori pōwhiri welcome and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Guard of Honour salute. ...

By Mike Cousins | 10 February, 2015 | Categories: Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders | Tags: Ambassadorship to New Zealand, ambmarkgilbert, Barack Obama, Government House, Governor-General and Lady Mateparae, Lieutenant General Right Honorable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Maori pōwhiri, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert

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