Memorial Day Service 2020

On Tuesday, 26 May at 9:45am New Zealand Time, join us as we pause to reflect upon, and honor those, who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our peace and prosperity this Memorial Day. Watch our live-stream Service here on the U.S. Embassy Facebook page and join us virtually to remember our fallen. Watch ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 May, 2020 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Memorial Day 2020

COVID-19 Information

 Updated May 22nd, 2020. Country-Specific Information: As of May 22nd 2020, New Zealand has 1,504 confirmed & probable cases of COVID-19 within its borders ( interactive map of New Zealand cases / the latest number of cases can be found here ). 95 percent of all confirmed and probable cases have recovered. New Zealand COVID-19 Alert Levels: These alert levels specify the public health and social measures to be taken. Click here to see the current alert level for New Zealand. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 May, 2020 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID-19 Information

Passing of Ambassador Matthew J. Matthews

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 20, 2020. We are deeply saddened by the passing on May 20 of Ambassador Matthew J. Matthews and, on behalf of the Department of State, I offer our deepest condolences to his family. Ambassador Matthews had a long and distinguished career in the State Department and was admired by all with whom ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 May, 2020 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: Ambassador Scott Brown, Matt Mathews, Secretary Of State Pompeo

COVID-19 – Important Notice regarding Visa and American Citizen Services

IMPORTANT NOTICE. U.S. CITIZEN SERVICES: As of May 21, 2020, the United States Consulate in Auckland, New Zealand is resuming routine American Citizen Services (ACS).  Visa services remain suspended at this time. ACS appointments are now available for the following services: U.S. Passports Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)  Federal Benefits Processing See the  U.S. Citizen Services page  for ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 19 May, 2020 | Categories: Alert, Consular Affairs, Consulate General, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Non Immigrant Visas, U.S. Passports, Visa Waiver Program, Visas | Tags: COVID, COVID-19, COVID-19 Information, Passports, Visa, Visas

Grants Program – Notice of Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Embassy New Zealand Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  Please carefully ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 May, 2020 | Categories: Alumni, Art & Culture, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, Education, News | Tags: alumni, Education, Grant, grant opportunity, SOI, Statement of Interest

Dr. Kiya Riverman meets with the U.S. Embassy Youth Councils

On 22 April, amidst the isolation of the lockdown, the U.S. Embassy Youth Councils in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day via an online meeting. Thanks to the wonderful team at the U.S. Embassy and Consulate here in New Zealand, we were privileged to have the opportunity to listen ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 May, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Antarctic, McMurdo Station, NSF, USAP

EducationUSA Announces a Virtual College Fair

Learn about studying in the United States! Join the EducationUSA Team and 20 U.S. colleges and universities for the EducationUSA Virtual Fair. Education advisers will be hosting a live Q&A for the first hour of the fair. Virtual College Fair Thursday, May 7, 2020. 6-9pm   EducationUSA Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/666969767455846/. Students may sign up for an event ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 April, 2020 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: Education, EducationUSA, Virtual College Fair

Anzac Day 2020

Anzac Day PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 23, 2020 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to send our best wishes to the people of Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day this April 25. Today we stand together to honor the memory of the courageous heroes of Gallipoli. We also acknowledge the brave ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 April, 2020 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: ANZAC Day, Anzac Day 2020, Michael R. Pompeo, Poppy day, Secretary of State

The News Literacy Project

NOTE: This visit took place prior to the COVID-19 lockdown. “Misinformation has real-world consequences. It can lead to people dying…. Far from being theoretical, misinformation causes real-world harm that we can directly measure and it seems to be increasing.” – Damaso Reyes Damaso Reyes is an award-winning independent journalist with more than 20 years of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 April, 2020 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: damaso reyes, fact checking, media, news literacy project

Ambassador Scott Brown – Statement on COVID-19

From United States Ambassador Scott Brown:  “My team and I have been in close contact with the New Zealand Government since we all became aware of COVID-19. All countries around the world are doing everything they can to deal with this virus. As we must.  “The United States and many other countries are imposing travel ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 March, 2020 | Categories: Ambassador | Tags: Ambassador Brown, COVID-19, COVID-19 Information

U.S. Coast Guard Icebreaker To Visit Wellington

Press release. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) POLAR STAR (WAGB-10) will make a port call in Wellington later this week.  The United States has been granted New Zealand’s permission for the POLAR STAR to visit after completing its seasonal operations in support of the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program. Each year the USCGC POLAR ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Press Releases | Tags: McMurdo McMurdo, Polar Star Polar Star, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC USCGCR

Join the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand Youth Council in 2020!

UPDATE: This is now closed. Thanks for your applications, we’ll get back to you shortly. The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is pleased to announce the 2020 Youth Council Program. This is an opportunity for students and young professionals in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland to engage with U.S. experts, dignitaries, and officials from a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: 2020 Youth Council Program, YC, Youth Council

Falling in Love with Camp in America

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 February, 2020 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, J-1 exchange visitor program, Laura Knight, Lauren Rosegreen, My Summer Camp Experience, student visa, USA, USA Education

Camp America is addictive… It calls me back every year!

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, J-1 exchange visitor program, Lauren Rosegreen, My Summer Camp Experience, Oliver Batchelor, student visa, USA, USA Education

What Makes Summer Camp USA Special

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, J-1 exchange visitor program, Lauren Rosegreen, Mathew Dwyer, My Summer Camp Experience, student visa, USA, USA Education

Why Summer Camp Was the Best Career Decision I Ever Made

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, J-1 exchange visitor program, Lauren Rosegreen, My Summer Camp Experience, student visa, USA, USA Education

An Adventure To Remember

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, Dylan Lynch, J-1 exchange visitor program, Lauren Rosegreen, My Summer Camp Experience, student visa, USA, USA Education

My Summer Camp Experience

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 11 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, Gaby Vita, J-1 exchange visitor program, My Summer Camp Experience, student visa, USA, USA Education

Camp has a special way of getting you out of your comfort zone

The U.S. Camp Counselor Program is one of New Zealand’s most popular exchange programs, allowing post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers an opportunity to share Kiwi culture and learn about American history and culture at the same time. Annually more than 900 Kiwis travel to the U.S. to live and work as summer camp counselors ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 February, 2020 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: #EndlessSummerUSNZ, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor Program, Campbell Ross, J-1 exchange visitor program, My Summer Camp Experience, student visa, USA, USA Education

On the Passing of Former New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 4, 2020 State.gov On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of former New Zealand Prime Minister and World Trade Organization Director-General Mike Moore. Former Prime Minister Moore dedicated his life to serving his country at home and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 February, 2020 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: Mike Moore

Health Alert: Coronavirus Information – U.S. Consulate General Auckland, New Zealand (January 30, 2020)

Event: There is an ongoing outbreak of pneumonia first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. As of January 30th, the New Zealand Minister of Health has stated that no cases of the coronavirus have yet to be confirmed in New Zealand. We recommend you follow the below precautions: CDC has issued ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 January, 2020 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages | Tags: Corona Virus

Message for U.S. Citizens/Nationals – Registering to Vote, 2020

U.S. Consulate General Auckland, New Zealand Updated, January 17th, 2020: Message for U.S. Citizens/Nationals – Registering to Vote, 2020. Registering to Vote and submitting a ballot is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the world! Start by confirming your voter registration with your state.  Some states require absentee voters to register annually ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 January, 2020 | Categories: Alert, Consular Affairs, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Elections, elections 2020, Vote, vote2020, Voting

White Island Eruption

UPDATE 12/13/19: “The tragedy at Whakaari/White Island has been, and continues to be, unspeakably difficult for the victims and their families. Supporting them is our primary focus.    Today, at the end of a harrowing week, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge anyone and everyone who has helped.  In the immediate aftermath of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 December, 2019 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: New Zealand Police, NZ Civil Defence, White Island

Dr James To on his IVLP experience – building dynamic connections and friendships

“It’s a real privilege to be a part of this global union, to develop and build dynamic connections and friendships with common interests – this is one part of my life where I’m definitely not looking back.” – Dr. James To, 2019 U.S. Foreign Policy Decision Making IVLP participant. Dr. To recently returned from International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 December, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: International Visitor Leadership Program, IVLP, James To, U.S. Foreign Policy

Damon on his IVLP experience

“…I now have a large worldwide network of 43 counties and people that I can directly go to, to work in collaboration with them to reduce the threat to our various nations.” Damon recently returned from his International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States where he explored the underlying issues of terrorism threat, violence and extremism alongside ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Damon, International Visitor Leadership Program, IVLP

Kiwi, Sarah Lang’s IVLP experience in the U.S.

In September 2019, Sarah Lang took part in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the U.S. on Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. We are delighted that she has offered to share her experience on the trip she took in September. *** Background My name is Sarah Lang and I had the honour of being selected for an International ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 25 November, 2019 | Categories: Alumni, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Emergency Management, International Visitor Leadership Program, IVLP, Sarah Lang

Calling NZ-based Secondary School Educators…

Calling New Zealand-based Secondary School Educators: Apply for a fully-funded 2020 exchange program in the United States. Apply by Monday, January 06, 2020 at 5pm New Zealand time using this online 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. Their purpose ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 25 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Cook Islands, My SUSI Experience: The American Dream, Niue, Samoa, Secondary School, Secondary School Educators, SUSI, U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators

NZ-based University Faculty, Scholars, Academic Professionals…

Calling all NZ-based University Faculty, Scholars, Academic Professionals: Apply for a fully-funded 2020 exchange program in the United States. Apply by Monday, January 06, 2020 at 5pm New Zealand time using this online 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.  Their ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 25 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Academic Professionals, Scholars, Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars, SUSI, University Faculty

International Education Week – Step 5: Prepare for Your Departure

Now that you have your student visa, you need to start planning for your arrival in the United States. Booking your travel from your home town to your university is just one part of that process. Here are a few things to consider: Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation. EducationUSA advising centers organize live or virtual pre-departure ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: 5 Steps to Study, Community College, Federal Student Aid, Form I-20, Graduate school, IEW, IEW2019, International Education Week, Scholarship, SEVIS Fee, student visa, Undergraduate degree, universities

International Education Week – Step 4: Apply for Your Student Visa

Yesterday we talked about completing your university application. Congratulations! Now that you have been admitted to a U.S. university you will need to apply for a student visa. You can watch this video to learn more about applying for your student visa: Once you are ready to apply for your visa, visit: ustraveldocs.com/nz/ for information about ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Visas, Youth Outreach | Tags: 5 Steps to Study, Community College, Federal Student Aid, Form I-20, Graduate school, IEW, IEW2019, International Education Week, Scholarship, SEVIS Fee, student visa, Undergraduate degree, universities

International Education Week – Step 3: Complete Your Application

By the time you have researched your options and thought of ways to finance your study, you should have a short list of institutions in which you’d like to apply. A good goal is to have 3-6 institutions on your short list, including a range of selectivity. Applying for U.S. study is a task that ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: 5 Steps to Study, Community College, Federal Student Aid, Graduate school, IEW, IEW2019, International Education Week, Scholarship, Undergraduate degree, universities

International Education Week – Step 2: Finance your studies

If you want to study in the U.S., it is important to think about how you will finance your studies. This often goes hand-in-hand with Step 1: Research Your Options. At the same time you are researching universities for best overall fit, you should also be considering potential funding and scholarship opportunities. University is a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 19 November, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: 5 Steps to Study, Community College, Expected family contribution, Federal Student Aid, Graduate school, IEW, IEW2019, International Education Week, Melissa Derby, Research your Options, Scholarship, Undergraduate degree, universities

International Education Week – Step 1: Research your Options

The United States is home to more than 4,000 universities. With so many options to choose from, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. The first step is to research your opportunities and learn more about the U.S. higher education system. It is important to find a school that fits your needs, priorities, and long-term ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 November, 2019 | Categories: Education, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: 5 Steps to Study, Community College, Graduate school, IEW, IEW2019, International Education Week, Melissa Derby, Research your Options, Undergraduate degree, universities

Covert and Carter – why the U.S. is a great option for Kiwi entrepreneurs to look to for business opportunities.

In the latest in the embassy podcast series , Deputy Chief of Mission Kevin Covert had a conversation with Political/Economic Officer Nathan Carter, on why the U.S. is a great option for Kiwi entrepreneurs to look to for business opportunities. Covert and Carter briefly touch on the E-1 and E-2 Visas for business (and give examples of successful ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 November, 2019 | Categories: Business, News, Trade | Tags: Business, Carter, Covert, e-1 visa, e-2 visa, SelectUSA

Entrepreneur Ana File-Heather looks back on her IVLP experience

Between September 7 – September 27, Ana File-Heather took part in the International Visitor Leadership Program’s Women and Entrepreneurship exchange.  Ana is from Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands, and is very active in her community as both a volunteer and local business operator.  You can check out her profile on our Pacific Women Leader’s Blog here .  We are delighted ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2019 | Categories: Business, News, Scholarships and Exchanges, Science & Tech | Tags: Ana File-Heather, entrepreneurs, International Visitor Leadership Program, IVLP, Women and Entrepreneurship

Creative Futures – student reflections

Deputy Chief of Mission, Kevin Covert, attended the Creative Futures industry meet-and-greet at  The Roxy Cinema , and experienced some of the ground-breaking digital interactions on display – including Dr. Grordbort’s Invaders, & works by speakers from  Disney  &  Weta Digital . The Embassy was proud to support Miramar Creative ’s Creative Futures conference – the two-day event offered insights into new technologies and demonstrated ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2019 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, U.S. & New Zealand, Youth Outreach | Tags: AR, Creative Futures, Disney, Entrepreneurship, Gurleen Singh, innovation, Kate Hellings, Miramar creative, U.S. Embassy Youth Council, VR, Weta

SelectUSA Investment Summit – what is it all about?

Before we get into what the SelectUSA Summit is all about, let’s hear from two New Zealanders who travelled as part of U.S. Ambassador Brown’s delegation to SelectUSA Summit 2019. Melissa Gollan, Founder of RipGlobal – USA Select Summit attendee 2019: “What better team could you travel to the USA with than the USA Embassy home ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 November, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Business, Economic Affairs, News | Tags: Melissa Gollan, Roman Jewel, SelectUSA, SelectUSA Investment Summit, SelectUSA Summit

2019 Indo-Pacific Business Forum Showcases High-Standard U.S. Investment

Over 1,000 business and government leaders from the United States and across the Indo-Pacific region gathered on November 4 in Bangkok for the Indo-Pacific Business Forum to promote the value of high-standard investment, transparency, rule of law, and private-sector-led economic development. The nearly 200 U.S. business executives in attendance represented some of the world’s most ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 November, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Business, Fact Sheets, Key Documents, News | Tags: ASEAN, Indo-Pacific Business Forum

Cook Islands: SEA Camp for Young Pacific Leaders

In August 2019, the U.S. Embassy and Te Ipukarea Society (a Cook Islands NGO) conducted a Sea and Earth Advocates (SEA) Camp for emerging ocean science leaders in the Cook Islands. Through a two-day series of workshops experts encouraged 40 emerging Cook Island leaders to pursue careers in ocean sciences, technology, engineering and math. Opening ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 October, 2019 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Cook Islands, National Geographic Explorer, Sea and Earth Advocates, Te Ipukarea Society, Young Pacific Leaders

Auckland fire – notary appointments moved

Due to the fire in the Central Business District of Auckland, the U.S. Consulate General Auckland will be closed to the public on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. For applicants who were planning to visit the Consulate for our open Wednesday notary appointments from 11 am – 12 pm, you are authorized entry to complete notary ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 October, 2019 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Notification, Security & Emergency Messages | Tags: auckland fire, Notary

Project Connect: Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath

On Tuesday, 15 October 2019, former US/NZ Youth Councillor Lit Wei Chin attended a Project Connect presentation at AUT University.  The guest speaker was renowned cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath.  The author of several books and an expert on human thought and learning, Dr. Horvath spoke for an hour and fielded questions from a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 October, 2019 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Education, Events, News | Tags: Jared Horvath, Project Connect

Pacific Women Leaders: Lina Chang

By Gail Brown. For the next blog post in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Lina Chang. Lina Chang has earned the title of “Mamma” after helping more than 500 children throughout Samoa.  In 2005, Chang opened the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) which remains Samoa’s only support organization for children who are abused, abandoned, or ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 October, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: #PacificWomen, Gail Brown, Lina Chang, Pacific Women Leaders, PWL, Samoa Victim Support Group, SVSG, UNICEF

U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Islands: UN General Assembly Update

FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 3, 2019 On September 27, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced $65 million in new assistance at a meeting with Pacific Island leaders in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly.  This new assistance is in addition to $36.5 million announced at the  50th Pacific Islands Forum  in August, as well as approximately ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 October, 2019 | Categories: Environment, Fact Sheets, Key Documents, News | Tags: 50th Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Island, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, UN General Assembly, USAID

My SUSI experience was all that – and more than – I hoped it would be

SUSI Summer Teacher Programme, 2019, by Sam Englebretsen. From 8 June to 13 July I was fortunate to participate in the 2019 ‘Study of the United States Institute for Secondary Educators’ (SUSI programme) based at Amherst, Massachusetts. As part of a group of 18 secondary school teachers from all around the world, I spent five ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 October, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Sam Englebretsen, Study of the United States Institute for Secondary Educators, SUSI, SUSI programme

DV-2021 Program: Online Registration

DV-2021 Program: The revised online registration period for the DV-2021 Program begins on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and concludes on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).  Individuals who submit more than one entry during the registration period will be disqualified. Find our more about the Diversity Visa Program here. Click here for Diversity Visa instructions.   ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 October, 2019 | Categories: Immigrant Visas, News | Tags: Diversity Visa Program, DV-2021 Program

Joint Statement on Advancing Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace

The following text is a joint statement affirmed by these countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Joint Statement on Advancing Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace Information technology is transforming modern ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 September, 2019 | Categories: News, Press Releases | Tags: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Cyberspace, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, United States

50th anniversary of Conservation Week – Tracey’s little slice of paradise

On the 50th anniversary of Conservation Week, we are proud to celebrate our recent partnerships with organizations doing great and inspiring work to preserve our Department of Conservation, Garden to Table, Kapiti Marine Reserve Trust , Project Rameka Inc, Remutaka Conservation Trust and Wellington Marine Conservation Trust, to name a few. The Embassy has also supported many other environmental ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 September, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News | Tags: Department of Conservation, Garden to Table, Kapiti Marine Reserve Trust, Project Rameka Inc, QEII National Trust, Remutaka Conservation Trust, Wellington Marine Conservation Trust

New Zealand remembers September 11

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate Auckland. New Zealand remembers September 11 with a viral haka, an Auckland Sky Tower stair climb, a visit from the New York Fire Department and more…  In the week leading up to the Auckland commemoration of the 9/11 attacks, the United States Embassy and Consulate were pleased to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 September, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Auckland, Events, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: 9/11, Ambassador Brown, Auckland, FDNY, First Responders, haka, New Zealand Firefighters, NYFD, September 11th

Message for American Citizens regarding the Measles

Measles is circulating in New Zealand, particularly in the Auckland region.  Please follow the Ministry of Health link for more details about the 2019 measles outbreak.  Measles is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles virus is highly contagious and can remain so for up to 2 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 September, 2019 | Categories: Alert, Connecting with Kiwis, Messages for U.S. Citizens | Tags: Measles, Measles disease

Pacific Women Leaders: Ilalegagana Kenesareta Moananu

By Gail Brown. For the next blog post in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Ilalegagana Kenesareta Moananu. As Samoa’s first woman to become a sea captain, Ilalegagana Kenesareta Moananu knows how to push boundaries.  She is the first female captain working for Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited, and she’s constantly advocating for more women to join ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 August, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Ilalegagana Kenesareta Moananu, Pacific Women Leaders, PWL, Samoa Shipping Maritime Academy, SSMA

TEDxChristchurch 2019 Tūrangawaewae – A Place of Belonging

The U.S. Embassy was proud to support TEDxChristchurch i n 2019 – a special event with many captivating and inspirational speakers. Christchurch-based U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor and New Zealand Broadcasting School student, James Fleury, shared his views from his first TEDxChristchurch experience… *** By James Fleury TEDxChristchurch attracted over 1400 people, making it the largest TED conference ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 27 August, 2019 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Kaila Colbin, TEDxChristchurch, TEDxChristchurch 2019, tūrangawaewae

What do you get when you introduce a legendary culinary figure to a classroom full of budding young chefs?

…a recipe for success! The U.S. Embassy was thrilled to collaborate with the Wellington Culinary Events Trust on their Visa Wellington on a Plate (VWOAP) 2019 program and bring renowned LA-based chef, baker and author, Nancy Silverton, to New Zealand. Chef Nancy is credited with popularizing sourdough and artisan breads in the United States. Nancy ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 August, 2019 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Nancy Silverton, Visa Wellington on a Plate, VWOAP, Wellington Culinary Events Trust

7th Fleet P-8A Poseidon aircraft visits New Zealand

By MC1 Robert R. Shanchez, Patrol Squadron 5 (original post: cpf.navy.mil ) OHAKEA, New Zealand – A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, the “Mad Foxes,” visited Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea, Aug. 11. “We are honored to have the opportunity to visit New Zealand to strengthen our relationship with ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 August, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Base Ohakea, P-8A, P8, Patrol Squadron 5, RNZAF, Royal New Zealand Air Force

Readout of Secretary of Defense Esper’s Meeting with NZ Minister of Defence Ronald Mark

U.S. Department of Defense Aug. 5, 2019 News Release Press Operations Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with New Zealand’s Minister for Defence Ronald Mark in Auckland today to discuss the U.S.-New Zealand defense relationship. The two discussed shared collaboration on regional security issues, particularly in the Pacific Islands, and areas to strengthen U.S.-New ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 August, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, Key Officials, News | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Defense, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Minister for Defense Ronald Mark, Ron Mark, Secretary Esper, Secretary of Defense

Secretary Esper Travels to Hawaii, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar, and Seoul

Press Release. U.S. Department of Defense. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper embarks Friday, Aug 2 to visit Hawaii, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar, and Seoul. In Sydney, Secretary Esper will attend the Australia – United States Ministerial Meeting (AUSMIN) where he will join U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in meeting with their Australian counterparts. Throughout his ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 August, 2019 | Categories: News, Press Releases

Thousands line up for Airborne Space Observatory tour

Via Metro News Christchurch-based U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor and New Zealand Broadcasting School student, James Fleury, shared his MetroNews article which highlighted the importance of engaging the public on scientific outreach being undertaken by NASA in Christchurch, NZ. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the public, and VIP tour for members of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council, proved a huge success! *** ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 30 July, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: James Fleury, NASA, SOFIA, Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

Newly Declassified Material Made Available

As a result of legal proceedings in the United States related to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the U.S. Government has made public video footage pertaining to Operation Burnham and military operations in Afghanistan in 2010. The New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Government had previously requested that the United States Government ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 June, 2019 | Categories: News | Tags: FOIA, Freedom of Information Act, Operation Burnham

Pacific Women Leaders: Matalena Leaupepe

By Gail Brown. For the next blog post in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Matalena Leaupepe. Matalena Leaupepe is passionate about creating opportunities for Pacific people, and she’s been awfully successful at it. Matalena is one of only five recipients of the 2018 inaugural Te Tohu Tūmatanui o Aotearoa New Zealand Public Service Medal, awarded ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 25 June, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Pacific Women | Tags: Matalena Leaupepe, New Zealand Public Service Medal, Pacific, Pacific Women Leaders, Te Tohu Tūmatanui o Aotearoa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about E-1 and E-2 Visas

Below are Frequently Asked Questions about E-1 and E-2 Visas. Find out more about this new visa category here. Q: Must the trading company exist and/or the investment have been made before the visa can be issued? A: Trade must already be established at the time of visa application. Investments, however, may be prospective, provided that ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 25 June, 2019 | Categories: News, Visas | Tags: E-1, E-2, evisa, FAQs, treaty traders and treaty investors visas.

Happy World Sea Turtle Day …

By Dolores Prin, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Wellington. My brother-in-law is crazy about turtles. I’m not sure why, or when his passion for the weird reptiles began, but through the years it has given his friends and family an easy out for gift-giving on every occasion. John will always be happy with a turtle-adorned, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 June, 2019 | Categories: Environment, News | Tags: Sea Turtle, Turtle, World Sea Turtle Day

SOFIA Open Day

NASA’s aircraft SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is in Christchurch and is offering you one chance to tour, between 11am and 3pm on Saturday July 20. The last boarding time is 2:30pm. Find out all the details, including when tickets are available, for a free tour on Eventbrite . What is SOFIA? The Flying Observatory ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 June, 2019 | Categories: News, Science & Tech | Tags: Christchurch, NASA, SOFIA

Implementation of the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act

Press Release. United States Ambassador Scott Brown is delighted to join New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, in announcing the full implementation of the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act. “From next Monday, June 10, eligible Kiwis will be able to get online and apply for a new class ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 June, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Business, News, Press Releases | Tags: evisa, Kiwi Act, U.S. Ambassador Brown

Evisa – Good for business (op-ed)

By U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown. NZ Herald op-ed . If there’s one thing my time in Aotearoa has underscored for me is how engaged Kiwis are in the world. Kiwis love to travel. The great OE is almost a rite of passage. New Zealanders travel for pleasure and they travel for business. Thousands of New Zealanders use our ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 June, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Business, News, Visas | Tags: Ambassador Brown, evisa, Kiwi

New, increased fees for international students, exchange visitors, SEVP-certified schools

From ICE.GOV. WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized changes to fees charged by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to international students, exchange visitors and SEVP-certified schools. The new fees will take effect June 24, 2019. The fees are an estimate of the current and projected costs to fund SEVP operations, including ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 June, 2019 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: ICE, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, The Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Ambassador spent the weekend down South in Otago and Southland

U.S. Ambassador spent the weekend down South in Otago and Southland. The Ambassador tells us in the photo captions below what he got up to while in the Deep South! Click the Facebook post to find out more. Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 June, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Golden Guitar Awards, Gore, Otago, South, Southland, U.S. Ambassador Brown

E-1 & E-2 Visas

We are Rocking a New Visa: What are E-1 and E-2 visas? Treaty Trader (E-1) and Treaty Investor (E-2) visas are for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation, including New Zealand. To find out if your business qualifies, what you need to apply, and how to apply, visit our overview page here. Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 3 June, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Visas | Tags: e-1 visa, e-2 visa, evisa, Treaty Investor, Treaty Trader, Visa

The American Chamber of Commerce Women’s Chapter event

The American Chamber of Commerce Women’s Chapter debuted this morning at a sold out launch event featuring an armchair interview with Dr. Sydney Savion, GM of Learning at  Air New Zealand , led by our very own Deputy Head of Mission Susan Niblock. With the goal of supporting the interests of women doing business in the U.S. and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 May, 2019 | Categories: News | Tags: AmCham, American Chamber of Commerce

71st annual U.S. Memorial Day

Sunday marked the 71st annual U.S. Memorial Day. A commemoration service was held at  Auckland Museum . U.S. Consul General Katelyn Choe, U.S. Major Andrew Lake, Hon Minister of Defence and Veterans  Ron Mark – NZ First MP , Mayor  Phil Goff , representatives from the  NZ Defence Force , veterans and guests attended the service. Wreaths were laid in honor and remembrance of those who fell in ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 May, 2019 | Categories: News | Tags: Memorial Day 2019

Busy day out East

Ambassador Brown and Gail had a packed schedule in the Hawke’s Bay yesterday… Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 May, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Gail Brown, Hawke's Bay Business Hub, Mayor Bill Dalton, Napier, Rockit Apple Global

Webinars for Tax Practitioners

A notice from the IRS…click below for details of some handy up-and-coming webinars for Tax Practitioners. Qualified Business Income Deduction (199A) – May 30, 2019 (EST). Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – June 6, 2019 (EST). U.S. Taxation of Employees of Foreign Governments and International Organizations – June 13, 2019 (EST). U.S. Territories – Self Employment Tax – June 19, 2019 (EST). Tax Residency Status – June 27, 2019 (EST). Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 May, 2019 | Categories: News | Tags: IRS, webinars

Statement on Christchurch Call for Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2019 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of Science and Technology Policy The United States stands with the international community in condemning terrorist and violent extremist content online in the strongest terms. Underscored by the horrific terror attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15, we agree with the overarching message of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 May, 2019 | Categories: News, President of the United States, Press Releases | Tags: Christchurch

Fly away home!!

Not all amazing creatures come in bright packages. In fact, one of New Zealand’s most incredible birds is, to look at, a little on the dull side. Drab, brownish, with a little bit of grey thrown in to lighten things up, the godwit, or kuaka, doesn’t grab the imagination the way many of our native ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 May, 2019 | Categories: News, Science & Tech | Tags: Bar-tailed Godwit, godwit, Migratory Bird Day, Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre

Pacific Woman Leader: Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series I with Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi, or Ioka as she’s called, uses her hands to create art, and uses her heart to connect with her Pacific ancestry.  As the Learning and Outreach Manager for the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki, everyone on Ioka’s team are all ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 April, 2019 | Categories: Art & Culture, Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News, Pacific Women, Wahine Toa | Tags: #PacificWomen, Gail Brown, Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi

Congressional Delegation visits New Zealand

Five U.S. Senators from the Senate Appropriations Committee visiting New Zealand as part of a regional tour. They will be meeting with a wide range of people from the public and private sectors, and from academia, to discuss US-NZ bilateral relations, economics, business, agriculture, and regional security. As well as being members of the Appropriations ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 April, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: Congressional Delegation

Boma Grow Agri-Summit in Christchurch

How is technology going to transform the way we grow and sell? Every piece of the supply chain is up for the disruption. How is the market changing? Consumer tastes are evolving, and so are their expectations: of quality, transparency, and social responsibility. What business models should we be exploring? How can we focus less ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 April, 2019 | Categories: Agriculture, Business, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Abi Ramanan, Amy Keller, Boma, Grow Agri-Summit, Harry She, Raymond McCauley, Tim Cannon

Disney Imagineer, MK Haley, tours New Zealand 

U.S. Embassy NZ teamed up with Te Papa’s Innovation hub, Mahuki , to bring Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Program Manager, and Art & Technology instructor of Themed Entertainment Design at UCLA, MK Haley, to New Zealand for a series of lectures, workshops, and programming March 25-30 in Auckland (introduced by Consul General, Katelyn Choe), Wellington, Christchurch and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 April, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: art, Disney, Mahuki, Mk Haley, Te Papa, Technology, UCLA, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Program Manager

Our condolences to the family and friends of Ema Piutau

Our condolences to the family and friends of Ema Piutau Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 11 April, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News, Pacific Women, Wahine Toa | Tags: Ema Piutau

A letter “to our Californian friends” from a Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue volunteer

In 2018, the U.S. Embassy was delighted to support a talented, ambitious group of Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue (YSAR) volunteers to attend a training seminar with their counterparts, Marin County Search and Rescue (SAR), in Yosemite National Park, CA. This month, the YSAR group will host a reciprocal eight-day visit for their ‘Californian friends’ ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 April, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, National Parks, News | Tags: CA, Marin County Search and Rescue, Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue, Yosemite National Park, Youth Search And Rescue, YSAR

We’re heartbroken over the events in Christchurch – Kia kaha

U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown The horror of the senseless terrorist attacks perpetrated in Christchurch cannot be overstated. The innocent victims (may peace be upon them), who were doing nothing more than exercising their freedom to worship, will never be forgotten. The murderers who assaulted these houses of faith in Christchurch attacked all of us – our ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 March, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, News, President of the United States, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Ambassador Scott Brown, Chch, Christchurch, Gail Brown, Kia kaha

ALERT: CHRISTCHURCH situation

UPDATE: 17th April, 2019 New Zealand’s terror threat level downgraded from ‘high’ to ‘ medium’ following Christchurch terror attack. More information on New Zealand’s threat levels and definitions can be found at: dpmc.govt.nz. ALERT UPDATE: 19th March, 2019 Please see below an updated briefing on March 18 from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 March, 2019 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: alert, Chch

Observance of International Women’s Day

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC March 8, 2019 The United States is proud to observe International Women’s Day, March 8. We extend our gratitude to the diverse women and girls around the globe who have made vast contributions in lifting up those facing challenges and hardship and put their own communities and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 March, 2019 | Categories: News, Press Releases, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: International Women’s Day, IWD2019, Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Recruitment for 2019 SelectUSA Investment Summit

Embassy Led Eight Companies to 2018 Investment Event Seeking Business Opportunities in United States.  Press Release, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – Ambassador Scott Brown today announced he is recruiting companies to join the New Zealand business delegation 2019 SelectUSA Investment Summit, June 10-12, in Washington, D.C. The Investment Summit promotes the United States as the world’s premier ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 8 March, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, News, Press Releases | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Investment, Investment Summit, SelectUSA Investment Summit, SelectUSA Summit

Women of Courage by Gail Huff Brown

At the U.S. Embassy, New Zealand we are reflecting and celebrating International Women’s Day with #womenofcourage. Over the past 18 months, Mrs. Gail Huff Brown, wife to Ambassador Scott Brown and previously a professional TV news reporter, has been interviewing outstanding women and publishing the “Pacific Women Leaders” blog. This blog , published on the U.S. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 8 March, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Ana File-Heather, Ema Piutau, Fealefani Brunn, Fiafia Rex, Gail Brown, International Women’s Day, IWD2019, Jacqui Evans, Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Nicole Rex, Niki Rattle, Nora Swan, Pacific Women Leaders, Sera Tapu-Ta-ala, Suisala Mele Maualaivao, Vanessa Masoa, Vania Wolfgramme, Verona Parker

PDAS Murphy in NZ to reaffirm the strength & bright future of the U.S.-NZ relationship

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) Murphy from the Bureau of East Asian & Pacific (EAP) Affairs was in Wellington recently to continue close consultations with senior New Zealand officials to reaffirm the strength & bright future of the U.S. – NZ relationship. Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 March, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: McClay, MFAT, NZUS, Patrick Murphy, PDAS

Deep Regret B52 Will Be Unable To Join Airshow

It is with much regret that we must announce that the USAF B52 scheduled to fly over the Wings over Wairarapa Airshow at 2pm this afternoon will not be able to make it. “We know that thousands of people made plans based on being able to see the B52. We know how disappointed they will ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 February, 2019 | Categories: News, Press Releases | Tags: Airshow, B52 Air

U.S. University Expo – Auckland

UPDATE (22/2/19): The Student-Athlete Information Session from 10-11am is now SOLD OUT. We have added a shorter second session from 12:30-1pm, and the University Sports Compliance Officer delivering the session will be available for individual Q&A during the University Fair. Please register to claim your seat, and don’t forget allow time to enjoy the University ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 February, 2019 | Categories: Auckland, Education | Tags: Auckland, Grand Valley State University, Indiana University, NYU Abu Dhabi, the University of Akron, U.S. University Expo, University Expo, University of Delaware

Nearly 50 Delegates Selected for the 2019 Young Pacific Leaders Conference

Press release. WASHINGTON – Building on five years of success in collaboration with emerging leaders in the Pacific, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Cultural Vistas, is pleased to announce the 46 leaders from 20 Pacific countries and territories chosen to attend the 2019 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Conference taking place in Suva, Fiji ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 February, 2019 | Categories: News, Press Releases | Tags: #YoungPacificLeaders, 2019 Young Pacific Leaders Conference, and Hawaii, and the American-affiliated Pacific including American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Islands of French Polynesia, the Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, ustralia, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Young Pacific Leaders, YPL

New Zealand Debut of B-52 Stratofortress at Wings 20th Anniversary Air Festival

Press Release: Wings over Wairarapa Air Festival organisers have announced that a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress will be making its New Zealand debut at their Air Festival. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered  strategic bomber , designed and built by  Boeing .  It has been operated by the  United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s. The plane has a typical ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 February, 2019 | Categories: Ambassador, News, Press Releases | Tags: agricultural, Air Force Global Strike Command, B-52 Stratofortress, Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, gliders, helicopters, modern military, Wings over Wairarapa Air Festival, WWI, WWII aircraft

Nearly 50 Delegates Selected for the 2019 Young Pacific Leaders Conference

WASHINGTON DC – Building on five years of success in collaboration with emerging leaders in the Pacific, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Cultural Vistas, is pleased to announce the 46 leaders from 20 Pacific countries and territories chosen to attend the 2019 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Conference taking place in Suva, Fiji from ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 February, 2019 | Categories: News, Youth Outreach | Tags: #YoungPacificLeaders, 2019 Young Pacific Leaders Conference, and Hawaii, and the American-affiliated Pacific including American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Islands of French Polynesia, the Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, ustralia, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Young Pacific Leaders, YPL

Alumni Spotlight: Dr Jason Young

Dr Jason Young, a Political Science and International Relations academic, and Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, recently returned from a three-week International Visitor Leadership Program in the United States, titled, “U.S. Foreign Policy in East Asia and the Pacific”. The project focused on U.S. foreign policy objectives and strategies in the East Asian and the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 8 February, 2019 | Categories: Alumni, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: alumni, Alumni spotlight, Dr Jason Young, International Relations, International Visitor Leadership, International Visitor Leadership Program, New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, political science, U.S. State Department, Victoria University of Wellington

New Zealand Waitangi Day

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC February 6, 2019. Waitangi Day reminds us of our two nations’ long, deep, and enduring friendship. The first U.S. Consul to New Zealand, James Reddy Clendon, was there to witness Te Tiriti o Waitangi in February 1840. One hundred eighty years since the first U.S. Consul to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 February, 2019 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs | Tags: James Reddy Clendon, New Zealand, Pacific, U.S. Consul to New Zealand, Waitangi Day

U.S. Government Shutdown

Note: Due to a lapse in appropriations, website updates will be limited until full operations resume.  American Citizens with emergencies should contact our American Citizens Services Unit in Auckland:  https://nz.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ . Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 December, 2018 | Categories: Alert, News, Security & Emergency Messages | Tags: Government Shutdown

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters with Secretary Pompeo & VP Pence

State.gov readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC December 17, 2018 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: ‎ Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Department of State. Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Peters for New Zealand’s continued support in working towards the final, fully verified ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 December, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, East Asia & Pacific, Government Offices, News, Vice President of the United States | Tags: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Pompeo, Secretary of State, Vice President Pence, VP Pence, Winston Peters

U.S. Memorial for Pukeahu National War Memorial Park Unveiled

Press Release U.S. Embassy Wellington. The U.S. Memorial unveiled today at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park cements the long-standing relationship between the United States and New Zealand, Tamsin Evans, Deputy Chief Executive Delivery, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage said today. “Pukeahu is a special place for New Zealanders and visitors to reflect on ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 December, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Pukeahu National War Memorial, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Randall G. Schriver, Tamsin Evans, U.S. Memorial

In tribute: George H.W. Bush, 41st president

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By Public Affairs Section | 4 December, 2018 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, History, News | Tags: George H.W. Bush, President Bush

Pacific Women Leaders: Vanessa Masoa

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Vanessa Masoa – Rugby player. Mentor. By profession, Vanessa Masoa is a Careers Development Consultant to the Tertiary Education Commission (formerly Careers New Zealand). By passion, Vanessa Masoa is a determined competitor who loves the adrenaline rush of playing rugby. She now ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 30 November, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Black Ferns Rugby, Gail Brown, Pacific Women Leaders, Porirua, PWL, Tertiary Education Commission, Vanessa Masoa

Calling all University Faculty, Scholars, Academic Professionals: Apply for a fully funded 2019 exchange program in the U.S.

Apply by Monday January 14, 2019 at 5pm New Zealand time using this online 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. society, culture, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Academic Professionals, Scholars, Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars, SUSI, University Faculty

International Education Week with Miranda Livers

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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: #IEW2018, IEW, Indigenous Exchange Program, International Education Week, Miranda Livers, Willamette University

International Education Week with Melissa Derby

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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: #IEW2018, Colorado, Fort Collins, Fulbright, Fulbright New Zealand, IEW18, International Education Week, Melissa Derby, Visiting Student Researcher

SelectUSA Summit – The World’s Top Investment Destination

SelectUSA is on in Washington D.C., June 10-12, 2019. Save the date and Apply Now  selectusasummit.us/ What is SelectUSA? SelectUSA is the U.S. Department of Commerce-led program to promote and facilitate business investment into the United States.  Since its inception, SelectUSA has facilitated $45.5 billion in client-verified investment, creating and/or retaining tens of thousands of U.S. jobs. SelectUSA’s mission is to facilitate job-creating business ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 November, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Business, Commercial Opportunities, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: SelectUSA 2019, SelectUSA Investment Summit, U.S. Department of Commerce

International Education Week with Natalie Lin

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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Scholarships and Exchanges | Tags: #IEW2018, Fulbright New Zealand, Houston, IEW18, International Education Week, Natalie Lin, Rice University, Texas

Calling Secondary School Educators: Apply for a fully funded 2019 exchange program in the U.S.

Apply by Monday January 14, 2019 at 5pm New Zealand time using this 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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 November, 2018 | Categories: Alumni, News, Public Affairs, Scholarships and Exchanges | Tags: Cook Islands, My SUSI Experience: The American Dream, Niue, Samoa, Secondary School Educators, SUSI, U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators

New Zealand Defence Force presented rare award by US Navy

Original article: Stuff A New Zealand Defence Force frigate is being celebrated with a rare award presented by the United States Navy for their support. On Friday, a US Meritorious Unit Citation was presented to the New Zealand Defence Force’s Anzac frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, at the Devonport Naval Base. The United States chief of naval operations Admiral John Richardson presented the crew of HMNZS Te Kaha with ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 November, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Press Releases | Tags: HMNZS Te Kaha, New Zealand Defence Force, US Meritorious Unit, US Navy

Pacific Women Leaders: Fiafia Rex

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Fiafia Rex – founder of Oma Tafua (To Treasure Whales). Endangered whales have a special friend on the tiny island of Niue, deep in the Pacific Ocean. Her name is Fiafia Rex and she founded Oma Tafua, The Whale Conservation in Niue ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 November, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Fiafia Rex, Oceanic humpback whale, Oma Tafua, Pacific Women Leaders, Rock of Polynesia

Ambassador Brown’s first visit to Blenheim and the Marlborough region

Ambassador Scott Brown enjoyed his first visit to Blenheim and the Marlborough region as part of his ongoing program of outreach to the provincial centers of New Zealand.  He was met by guide for the day, local Member of Parliament Stuart Smith, and kicked off the visit with a courtesy call at the Regional Council ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 November, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Allan Scott Estate, Ambassador Scott Brown, Ambassador Scott P. Brown, Blenheim, Marlborough, Marlborough Girls’ College, mihi whakatau, NASA, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, RNZAF, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Woodbourne

Women in Sport Aotearoa: leading gender equity in New Zealand and promoting sport for women globally

Julie Paterson, now CEO of Tennis New Zealand , said the espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program changed her life. During her exchange, she was mentored by Deborah Slaner Larkin, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation in New York and was so inspired by the organization’s work that she returned to New Zealand and established Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA) , along with Massey University Professor and researcher, Sarah Leberman. WISPA is ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 October, 2018 | Categories: Alumni, News, Sports Diplomacy, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: espnW, Global Sports Mentoring Program, Julie Paterson, Tennis New Zealand, WISPA

Apply now! Young Pacific Leaders Conference 2019

We’re looking for young Maori and Pacific Islanders who are passionate about improving their communities and countries! If you’re between the ages of 25-35, apply today to attend our Young Pacific Leaders conference in Fiji in March.  Apply by 2 DECEMBER here ! More Information: The sixth Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Suva, Fiji will take place the first week ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 October, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: #YoungPacificLeaders, Cultural Vistas, Fiji, Maori, Pacific Islanders, Suva, U.S. Department of State, Young Pacific Leaders, Young Pacific Leaders Conference 2019, YPL

180th Anniversary of the establishment of Consular ties between the U.S. and NZ

October 12th marks the 180th Anniversary of the establishment of Consular ties between the United States of America and New Zealand. In 1838, James Reddy Clendon was appointed as the first U.S. Consul to New Zealand. Throughout his time in this role he was present at many of the earliest encounters between tangata whenua, the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 October, 2018 | Categories: Consulate General, News | Tags: 180th anniversary, consular, Consulate General

DV-2020 Program: Online Registration

DV-2020 Program: The revised online registration period for the DV-2020 Program begins on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and concludes on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).  Individuals who submit more than one entry during the registration period will be disqualified. Beware ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 October, 2018 | Categories: News, U.S. Consulate Auckland, Visas | Tags: 2020 Diversity Visa Program, Diversity Visa Program, DV Lottery

Discussing Renewable Energy in the Pacific Islands – a visit by Dr Adam Warren

By Will Seal, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate Auckland. This September, Dr. Adam Warren from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) visited Samoa and the Cook Islands to meet with government agencies, the private sector, and academia to share best practices on island energy issues, renewable energy policy, and practicalities of implementing ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 October, 2018 | Categories: News, Science & Tech | Tags: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Adam Warren, Guam, Hawaii, New Zealand High Commission, NGO Te Ipukarea Society, NREL, Puerto Rico, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Chargé d’affaires Represents U.S. at Antarctica Season Opening

Acting Ambassador Ms. Susan B. Niblock attended an extensive program of briefings, functions, and events on September 27-29  in Christchurch to celebrate the beginning of the summer season for polar research and exploration. Ms. Niblock met the Mayor of Christchurch, Hon Lianne Dalziel, to thank her for the outstanding assistance from the  Christchurch City Council.   The establishment of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 3 October, 2018 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Antarctica Season Opening, C-17 Globemaster, DCM, Globemaster, Lianne Dalziel, NASA, NASA Stratospheric Observatory, Niblock, PYLAT, Rocket Lab, Susan B. Niblock, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command

NASA…60 years and counting

Leading into World Space Week , we are celebrating 60 years of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). For six decades, NASA has led the peaceful exploration of space, making discoveries about our planet, our solar system, and our universe. At home in America, NASA research has made great advances in aviation, helped to develop a commercial ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 October, 2018 | Categories: News, Science & Tech | Tags: NASA, NASA 60th, World Space week

U.S. Ambassador visits Southland

U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown made his first trip to Southland. Welcomed to Invercargill by Nigel Skelt manager of ILT Stadium Southland and  Sarah Dowie MP , U.S. Ambassador Brown had a jam-packed schedule. First it was off to the world-class ILT  Stadium Southland /SIT Velodrome. The Ambassador had the privilege to meet up with the Invercargill  Verdon College  track cycling team and then ride ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 September, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: Ambassador, ambscottbrown, Corbin Strong, Creative HQ, ILT Stadium Southland, Mark O'Connor, Meccaspresso, MP Sarah Dowie, Neil McAra, Sarah Dowie MP, SIT Velodrome, Southland, Southland Chamber Of Commerce

Pacific Women Leaders: Nora Swann

By Gail Brown, wife of US Ambassador Scott Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Nora Swann, Designer for the  Pacific Fusion Fashion Show . “I’m creative, flamboyant, loud, and fun.  That’s me,” Nora Swann declares when asked to define her personal fashion style.  She loves to visit op-shops to buy different patterns and textiles ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 September, 2018 | Categories: Art & Culture, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: #PacificWomen, Gail Brown, Nancy Elizabeth Thompson, Nora Swann, Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, Pita Nikolas Taufatafua

Salisbury Attack: Joint Statement by Leaders of France, Germany, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom

We, the leaders of France, Germany, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, reiterate our outrage at the use of a chemical nerve agent, known as Novichok, in Salisbury on 4 March. We welcome the progress made in the investigation into the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, and take note of the attempted ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 September, 2018 | Categories: News, Notification, Political Affairs | Tags: Canada, France, Germany, Salisbury Attack, United Kingdom

Nicole Rex – Broadcast Media Specialist, Cultural advocate

If there’s one person you can count on to throw a party and pull together a crowd, it’s Nicole Rex. She has been involved in numerous Pacific and community events across Auckland and Wellington, including the Polynesian and Pasifika Festivals. Born in New Zealand, her large extended family is Niuean. Her grandfather, Sir Robert Rex, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 August, 2018 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News | Tags: Niue

Lightning Storms! Volcanoes! Even more exciting areas of U.S.-NZ scientific cooperation

Professor Craig Rodger is the Head of the Physics Department at the University of Otago in New Zealand. His primary research field is “Space Weather”, and he also acts as an independent advisor to NASA. He has travelled multiple times to Antarctica, won a Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Award in 2015 – and plays a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 August, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Lightning Storms, NASA, Professor Craig Rodger, University of Otago, World Wide Lightning Location Network, WWLLN

Space Weather and Kiwis at NASA: More exciting areas of U.S.-NZ scientific cooperation

Professor Craig Rodger is the Head of the Physics Department at the University of Otago in New Zealand. His primary research field is “Space Weather”, and he also acts as an independent advisor to NASA. He has travelled multiple times to Antarctica, won a Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Award in 2015 – and plays a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 August, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Fulbright New Zealand, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, Professor Craig Rodger, Space Weather, Van Allen Belt, William Pickering

Ambassador Brown’s busy day in Rotorua

Ambassador Brown had a successful day in Rotorua: where he reached out to local iwi Te Arawa, visited a company with significant trade with the United States, was the keynote speaker at a business lunch hosted by local MP Hon Todd McClay, and enjoyed a ride down the Redwood Forest on a NZ-designed U.S.-produced high ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 August, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: MP Hon Todd McClay, Redwood Forest, Rotorua, Te Arawa

U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown visits Auckland and Tauranga

Over a few days in Auckland, Ambassador Brown talked U.S. policy with constituents of MP David Seymour and the U.S. Consulate’s Youth Council, met with leaders from Auckland’s Sikh and Jewish communities, checked out a local Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality company’s tech, celebrated US-NZ business ties at the American Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner, and shot ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 August, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: AmCham, AR, Auckland, BallanceNZ, Tauranga, USNZYouthCouncil, VR

Pacific Women Leaders: Sera Tapu-Ta’ala

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Sera Tapu-Ta’ala, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua. No one understands the serious health problem that diabetes inflicts on Pacific people better than Sera Tapu Ta’ala.  As a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua, she has spent ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 August, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gail Brown, Pacific Women Leaders, PWL, Sera Tapu Ta’ala

Commander U.S. INDOPACOM visits New Zealand

Press Release U.S. Embassy, Wellington. Admiral Phil Davidson, the Commander of USINDOPACOM, has arrived in New Zealand for an official visit to meet with senior leaders in the New Zealand government and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Admiral Davidson assumed command of USINDOPACOM on May 30 of this year. This is his first visit to New Zealand ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 August, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Key Officials, News | Tags: Admiral Phil Davidson, Pacific Partnership, RIMPAC, USINDOPACOM

Pacific Women Leaders: Verona Parker

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Verona Parker – Broadcaster, Beauty Queen, Mother. When I sat down to interview Verona Parker she was still the General Manager of TV3 in Samoa.  It’s a job she loved. However, change came in July when it was time to leave the television ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 3 August, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: #PacificWomen, Beauty Queen, Broadcaster, Gail Brown, Mother, Pacific Women Leaders, Verona Parker

Are you a U.S. Citizen in New Zealand? Remember Your Vote Counts!

Are you a U.S. Citizen in New Zealand? Your vote counts this November  #Midterms2018 ! Did you know that many U.S. elections for house & senate seats have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters? Details on how to vote ➡  https://nz.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/ Be absent but accounted for! Remember Your Vote ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 July, 2018 | Categories: News, U.S. Citizen Services, U.S. Consulate Auckland | Tags: Absentee Voters, midterm elections, Vote, vote 2018

Independence Day in Wellington and Auckland, 2018

U.S. Mission in New Zealand hosted the 2018 Independence Day event in Wellington last week, and in Auckland last night. Here are a selection of photos from each event: Wellington: Auckland:   Related: Full photo gallery Wellington Full photo gallery Auckland Videos, Wellington Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 July, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ambassador Scott Brown, Gail Brown, Independence Day, Independence Day 2018

Sue Niblock down in Dunedin for the New Zealand International Science Festival

It was a busy weekend down in Otago for our Deputy Chief of Mission, Sue Niblock. Sue was honored to participate on a panel at the New Zealand International Science Festival on “the future of scientific collaboration across the globe”, alongside UK Deputy High Commissioner to NZ, Helen Smith, Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ewen McDonald, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 July, 2018 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: International Science Festival, Lauder Research Station, NASA, New Zealand, NIWA, Otago, Otago University

Pacific Women Leaders: Jacqui Evans

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Jacqui Evans, director of “Marae Moana”. At the young age of sixteen, Jacqui Evans became fascinated with the beauty of the local marine life of the Cook Islands. Being a local, she would attend school trips to snorkel in the lagoon where ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 July, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Ambassador Scott Brown, Cook Islands, Gail Brown, Jacqui Evans, Marae Moana, New Zealand, Pacific Women Leaders, PWL, Rarotonga

Fieldays 2018. Acu-POLARIS detects the causes of mastitis in dairy cows in 3 ½ hours or less

Many of New Zealand’s close friends and partners, like the United States, recognise Fieldays as an opportunity for companies to showcase their products and services to the rural sector. Fieldays 2018, recently held in Hamilton, New Zealand on June 13 – 16 proved to be just that! There is no question that Innovative technologies are ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 July, 2018 | Categories: Agriculture, Ambassador, News | Tags: Acu-POLARIS, Acumen Detection, Ambassador Brown, Fieldays, Fieldays 2018, mastitis, New York, Tim Moshier

Trafficking in Persons Report 2018

From State.gov. “This year’s report focuses on effective ways local communities can address human trafficking proactively and on how national governments can support and empower them. Local communities are the most affected by this abhorrent crime and are also the first line of defense against human trafficking. By engaging and training law enforcement, religious leaders, teachers, tribal ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 June, 2018 | Categories: News, Official Reports, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Michael R. Pompeo, TIP 2018, Trafficking in Persons Report

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

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎ Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. They discussed the strength of the U.S.-New Zealand relationship, including global counterterrorism and defense cooperation, and our efforts to promote security and free and fair trade in the Indo-Pacific. Readout ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 June, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Key Officials, News, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Michael R. Pompeo

U.S. urban designer visits New Zealand as part of Guangzhou-Auckland-Los Angeles Tripartite intern program

Joseph Rosenberg is a Los Angeles-based landscape/urban designer, one of three in the Guangzhou-Auckland-Los Angeles (GALA) Tripartite Leadership Intern Programme invited by the Tamaki Makaurau Design Alliance (TMDA). This programme has three firms in Auckland each hosting one intern, two from Guangzhou and one from Los Angeles, with the aim of developing shared learning, shared ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 27 June, 2018 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Auckland, GALA, Guangzhou, Joseph Rosenberg, landscape designer, Los Angeles, Tamaki Makaurau Design Alliance, University of Pennsylvania, urban designer

Be aware of ESTA scams

Looking for a USA Visa ? You may be eligible for an ESTA . This is the only official U.S. government Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website for applying for ESTA: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ . If at any time, you are being asked to pay more than the equivalent of U.S. $14.00, then you are not at the U.S. Customs and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 27 June, 2018 | Categories: News, Non Immigrant Visas, Notification, Travel & Tourism, U.S. Consulate Auckland | Tags: Department of Homeland Security, DHS, ESTA, scam, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, USA Visa, Visa Waiver Program

Mid-Winter Antarctic Celebration and the President’s Mid-Winter message

U.S. Embassy staff attended the NZ Antarctic Society’s annual Mid-Winter Antarctic Celebration at Victoria University on June 20.  Notable Antarctic figures such as Randall Heke shared stories from their time on the Ice and discussed ongoing research with the current team.  Attendees were lucky enough to be able to ask questions of researchers at Scott ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 June, 2018 | Categories: News, President of the United States, Science & Tech | Tags: Donald J. Trump, mid-winter, Mid-Winter Antarctic Celebration

The Ambassador’s busy day in Hamilton

On Friday June 8, U.S. Ambassador Scott P. Brown visited Hamilton, New Zealand’s fourth city by size and the country’s largest inland center, for a program ahead of Fieldays. He started by catching up with Mayor Andrew King, who shared some interesting perspectives on the opportunities and challenges faced by Hamilton. Being a huge Rocky Horror Picture ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 June, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Ambassador Scott Brown, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Hamilton, Hon Tim Macindoe, Jamie Strange, Mayor Andrew King, Professor Bruce Clarkson, Riff Raff, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Security and Crime Science Centre, University of Waikato

A new era for Project Connect – WINTalk 2018

The U.S. Embassy has been in partnership with the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) since 2012 to bring you the Project technology/entrepreneur series…Project Connect. In 2018 Project Connect has entered into a new partnership with some innovative and talented people down in the Wynyard Quarter in Auckland. The WINTalk Project Connect Event Series 2018 is a collaboration between AUT, Wynyard Innovation Neighbourhood and the US Embassy of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 June, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: AI, AUT, Dr Ming, Project, Project Connect, WinTalk

Joint Statement of President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un at the Singapore Summit

White House Press Release June 12th, 2018 Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit. President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 June, 2018 | Categories: Key Documents, Key Officials, News, President of the United States, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Donald J. Trump, DPRK, Kim Jong Un, Michael R. Pompeo, Singapore Summit

Welcome to the 2018 US-NZ Youth Council!

The 2018 US-NZ Youth Council is up and running! Youth Council cohorts in Auckland and Wellington convened for the 1st time this year on May 4th and May 10th respectively.  Across the two regions 28 aspiring and emerging young leaders gathered to discuss issues of importance to youth, highlight key pillars of the US-NZ relationship, and identify ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 May, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: Auckland, US-NZ relationship, US-NZ Youth Council, USNZYouthCouncil, Wellington

In the Footsteps of the Marines 2018

Preparations are well underway for the seventh running of the Kapiti Joggers and Walkers In the Footsteps of the Marines charity event on Sunday 27 May 2017. Last year more than 170 walkers and runners participated, including several Marines and US Embassy staff.   However, this year, because of uncertainty over the availability of Waterfall ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 23 May, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Footsteps of the Marine, Kapiti US Marines Trust, MacKays Crossing, Marines, Paekakariki, Whareroa Farm

U.S. State Department Announces 2018 Young Pacific Leaders Grant Recipients

WASHINGTON – Twelve winners have been announced for the  U. S. Department of State’s 2018 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Small Grants Program . The selected teams, representing 11 different Pacific countries, will receive up to $13,750 in grant-funding to implement projects in the region related to the program’s core themes of education, environment and resource management, civic leadership, and economic and social development. In addition to funding, YPL grantees attended a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 May, 2018 | Categories: News | Tags: 2018 Young Pacific Leaders, Auckland, New Zealand, WeAreYoungPacificLeaders, Young Pacific Leaders, YPL

Earth Day 2018: U.S. Embassy support for environmental projects in New Zealand and the South Pacific

This week marks Earth Day, a day where we celebrate the ingenuity of those making tangible efforts to protect our environment. Now celebrated worldwide and officially observed by the UN, Earth Day began in the United States in 1970 as a response to public concern over rising pollution levels and anger over a massive oil ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 April, 2018 | Categories: Environment, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Bats, Earth Day, ESTH, Kapiti Island, Niue, Piha, Te Ara, Whales

Turn the Plastic Tide—for Seabirds, the Environment, and Human Health

When the United States Embassy in New Zealand asks if you’ll do an Earth Day post about impacts of mismanaged waste on the global environment—with a focus on seabirds—what do you do? Quick, call  Lilly Sedaghat  and  Steph Borrelle ! Sedaghat is one of my four fellow Fellows ( 2017-2018 Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellows , that is), currently studying waste management in Taiwan. Borrelle is ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 April, 2018 | Categories: Education, Environment, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Conservation, Fulbright New Zealand, plastic, seabirds

Brian Knep – the ‘Art Loves you’ exhibit

By U.S. Consulate Auckland Public Affairs staff. In collaboration with the Tauranga Art Gallery, Brian Knep, creator of the interactive art piece Healing Pools and Academy Award winner, visited New Zealand to showcase his artistic creation. The first artist-in-residence at Harvard Medical School, Knep is a world-leader in combining STEM and art – his exhibition is currently on ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 April, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News | Tags: Academy Award, Art Loves you, Auckland University of Technology, Brian Knep, Collab: Creative Technologies, STEM, Tauranga Art Gallery, Yoobee

Earth Day 2018: Celebrating Kiwi-American cooperation in tackling environmental challenges

April 22nd celebrates Earth Day; a day to raise awareness of current environmental challenges and celebrate progress in environmental protection over the past decades. New Zealand and the United States share a long history of scientific cooperation, particularly in environmental science, and working together to tackle environmental issues – as a result, science is a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 April, 2018 | Categories: Agriculture, Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News | Tags: Antarctica, Earth Day, Niue, NIWA, NOAA, South Pacific, The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area, U.S.-NZ relationship

Hawaiian cultural group “Island Breeze” connects with audiences across New Zealand.

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate Auckland. The high-energy, Hawaii-based Island Breeze team recently wrapped up a two-week cultural exchange tour of New Zealand with the support of the U.S. Embassy in NZ. While here, they highlighted the amazing culture of our 50th state, Hawai’i, and our shared Polynesian heritage – making stops in Auckland, Tauranga, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 April, 2018 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: 123rd Regatta of Turangawaewae, art, Auckland, cultural traditions, fashion, Hawaii, Island Breeze, language, Pasifika Festival, Rotorua, Tauranga, Waikato

Scott Brown: Pacific’s neighbourhood watch

Via NZ Herald. People that only do good things when someone is watching are really in it for themselves. Altruism by definition is motived by concern for others. Since my arrival here, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Kiwi generosity and strong independence in action, as you make quiet contributions to the benefit of your neighbours. We know ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 3 April, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: Ambassador, Ambassador Scott Brown, NZ Herald, Pacific's neighbourhood watch, Samoa

Warbirds, Police Dogs, Seeds, Community Service and Cultural Linkages in Diverse Mainland Visit

In the lead-up to Easter, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown visited Ashburton, Christchurch, and Wanaka to promote linkages with the United States. In Ashburton on March 28, Ambassador Brown spoke to the local Rotary Club Dinner after visiting the South Island Seed Dressing Company and calling on the local Mayor, Donna Favel, and members of the District Council. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 3 April, 2018 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ashburton, Burn Cottage Vineyard, Canterbury Justice, Canterbury Police, Centre for Space Science Technology, Christchurch, e Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, PYLAT, Rotary Club, South Island Seed Dressing Company, Wanaka, Warbirds Over Wanaka

Join in the March Madness Basketball Challenge!

The United States Embassy in New Zealand is running a March Madness Bracket Challenge during the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. You, the New Zealand public, can join the challenge and submit brackets in our online group to compete against Ambassador Scott Brown. Creating a bracket involves predicting who you think will win ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 March, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Basketball, March Madness, NCAA, Sport

Mauri Stones Ceremony and Design Unveiling

Admiral Harry Harris, along with Ambassador Scott Brown, New Zealand Minister of Defence, Hon. Ron Mark and Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Lt. Gen. Tim Keating participated in a mauri stones ceremony at the site of the United States Memorial, which will be installed at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this year. The ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 March, 2018 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, History, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Admiral Harry Harris, Ambassador Brown, PACOM, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

Inaugural Auckland Fishackathon tackles maritime issues through innovation

Almost half of the world’s population relies on fish and seafood as a key source of protein – yet, overall, 80 percent of the world’s fish stocks for which assessment information is available are reported as fully exploited or overexploited, requiring effective and precautionary management. As part of tackling this issue, February 10-11th 2018 saw three teams ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 February, 2018 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Craig Halbmaier, Enspiral Dev Academy, fish, Fishackathon, Foundation North, GridAKL, marine species, New Zealand Defence Force, Team Okean

VOTING IN 2018 U.S. ELECTIONS

Your vote counts!  Did you know that many U.S. elections for house and senate seats have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters?  All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 February, 2018 | Categories: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Absentee Voters, Vote, vote 2018, Vote U.S. Elections

Event – The Human Connection:  World War I Messages To The Future, Left In Darkness For 100 Years.

The Human Connection:  World War I Messages To The Future, Left In Darkness For 100 Years. Free entry, Wednesday, February 28th, 6 pm The Great War Exhibition, Dominion Museum Building, Wellington Details here: Facebook Event . In 2014, National Geographic Photographer, Emergency Physician & Explorer, Dr. Jeff Gusky made a startling discovery. The underground site with the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 February, 2018 | Categories: Culture, History, News | Tags: ANZAC, Dominion Museum Building, The Great War Exhibition, The Human Connection, Wellington

Pacific Women Leaders: Niki Rattle

By Gail Brown. For the next blog post in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met with Niki Rattle – Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament. “It’s the sweetest coconut juice in the world,” says the Speaker of Cook Islands Parliament, Niki Rattle as I sit down to interview her on a hot  November day in Rarotonga. The ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 February, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, News, Pacific Women | Tags: American Red Cross, Cook Islands, Cook Islands Parliament, Gail Brown, Niki Rattle, Pacific Women Leaders, Prime Minister Henry Puna, Rarotonga

TechCamp New Zealand: Transforming Health Communications in the Pacific Region

Auckland, New Zealand. 24-26 January 2018. Bringing together Pacific health leaders to strengthen innovation, solutions, and communication around mosquito-borne diseases, including Zika and dengue, in the Pacific region. TechCamp New Zealand is a two-day interactive technology-focused workshop aimed to support organizational capacity and strengthen innovation, solutions, and communication around mosquito-borne diseases, including Zika and dengue, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 January, 2018 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, East Asia & Pacific, Environment, News | Tags: and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Australia, Australia’s Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, NASA GLOBE Observer Program, National Institute for Health Innovation, New Zealand, New Zealand’s Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Niue, Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific health, Pacific Island Health Officers’ Association, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, TechCamp, TechCampNZ, the Zika Foundation, Tonga, U.S. Navy, University of Otago

Alexia Hilbertidou experiences the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit

The Embassy was  honored to send  two of New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs – Jessica Manins ( ProjectR  Director) and Alexia Hilbertidou (Founder of  GirlBoss ) – to the 2017  Global Entrepreneurship Summit  (GES) in India late last year. We highlighted  Jessica’s experience last week. Next up, Alexia… *** Guest blog post by Alexia Hilbertidou I was so excited to represent New Zealand at the Global ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 January, 2018 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, President of the United States, Science & Tech | Tags: Alexia Hilbertidou, Donald J. Trump, GES, Girlboss, Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Hyderabad, India, Ivanka Trump, Jessica Manins, Tech

Jessica Manins experiences the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit

The Embassy was honored to send two of New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs – Jessica Manins ( ProjectR Director) and Alexia Hilbertidou (Founder of  GirlBoss ) – to the 2017  Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in India late last year. In the coming week, we’ll highlight Jessica’s and Alexia’s personal experiences at GES 2017. First up Jessica… *** Guest blog post by Jessica Manins I recently ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 January, 2018 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Alexia Hilbertidou, GES, Girlboss, Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Hyderabad, India, Ivanka Trump, Jessica Manins, Tech

The fifth Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Honolulu – January 16-18, 2018

The fifth Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Honolulu, Hawai‘i will take place January 16-18, 2018, through a partnership between the East-West Center’s Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) and the U.S. Department of State . This comprehensive conference will provide emerging Pacific leaders, ages 25-35, with new skills and knowledge to advance the region’s economic vibrancy and civic engagement, thereby contributing to regional security ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 January, 2018 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, East Asia & Pacific, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: #YPL18, PIDP, Young Pacific Leaders, Young Pacific Leaders Conference

A Tour of American University Campuses

Guest blog post by Christian Dimitrov. Christian Dimitrov is a Year 13 student at Auckland’s King’s College. He recently travelled to the U.S. to visit a number of universities before moving there to study, and wanted to share his experiences with other prospective students and families. Brown University Location: Providence, Rhode Island Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,580 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 December, 2017 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: Auckland’s King’s College, Brown University, Christian Dimitrov, Cornell, Duke Perkins, Education, Harvard, Higher Education, MIT, Princeton, Princeton Tiger, UPenn, Yale

Christmas at the White House 2017

The First Family will celebrate their first Christmas in the White House with a nod to tradition.  This year’s theme, “Time-Honored Traditions” was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House. Read more at Whitehouse.gov. Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 December, 2017 | Categories: News, President of the United States | Tags: Christmas 2017, Donald J. Trump, First Family, First Lady Melania Trump, Time-Honored Traditions, White House

Pacific Women Leaders: Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the  Pacific Women Leaders  series, I met Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson – Environmentalist and Climate Change Communicator.   Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson proudly speaks about her culture as the reason why she started her work as first a journalist then as an environmental writer, communicator and now a policy advisor on environmental ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 December, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: Climate Change, Environmentalist, Gail Brown, Jacinda Ardern, Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Pacific Women Leaders

Ambassador says thanks for welcome – Op Ed, Cook Island News

Thursday December 07, 2017. Cook Island News. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome I received on my introductory trip to the Cook Islands. I met with leaders of government, business and civil society. I learned much about the people, culture and heritage of the Cook Islands. I was impressed by your commitment to preserving your language and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 December, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, News, Press Releases | Tags: Aitutaki, Cook Island News, Cook Islands, Pacific region, Penrhyn, Rarotonga, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown

Creative Leadership and its impact on the Future of Work

Views and learnings from #CLNZ17 by U.S. Youth Council member, Araina Kazia Pereira. Let’s talk all things business, high performing teams, doing life in community, the heart of what it means to be a creative leader and how this approach is going to shift the future of our workplaces. The #CLNZ17 conference created by @justadandak saw leaders from various ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 December, 2017 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: #CLNZ, #CLNZ2017, Aithan Shapira, Araina Kazia Pereira, Creative leadership, DK, Elysa Fenenbock, Google, Gus Balbontin, MIT Sloan School of Management

Toys for Tots 2017

Press Release This Saturday (December 9, 2017) Marines from the U.S. Embassy will be at Johnsonville Mall from 0900-1500 collecting new toys for local organizations which are working to bring joy to kids having a tough time at Christmas. “We’re asking Wellingtonians to help us create smiles this Christmas. Everybody deserves a gift at Christmas—especially kids ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 December, 2017 | Categories: News | Tags: Toys for Toys, US Marines, USMC

U.S. Antarctic Icebreaker to visit New Zealand

Media Release. The United States has sought, and been granted, New Zealand’s permission for a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) POLAR STAR (WAGB-10), to make a port call at Lyttelton on its way to complete its seasonal operations in support of the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program. The visit ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 December, 2017 | Categories: News, Press Releases, Science & Tech | Tags: Icebreaker, Lyttelton, New Zealand, POLAR STAR, U.S. Antarctic Program, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker

The world’s largest marine protected area goes into force in the Ross Sea

The Department of State welcomes the entry into force of the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area (MPA) – the world’s largest – covering 1.55 million square kilometers (about twice the size of the State of Texas or about 7% of the Southern Ocean), of which 1.12 million square kilometers is fully protected. The Ross ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 December, 2017 | Categories: Environment, Key Documents, News, Our Ocean, Science & Tech | Tags: Antarctic Marine Living Resources, MPA, Ocean, Ross Sea, Ross Sea Region Marine, Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area

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. Thank ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 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

U.S. creative leadership experts share creative business strategies with business leaders and startup founders

The Embassy invited U.S. creative leadership experts, Aithan Shapira ( MIT Sloan School of Management ) and Elysa Fenenbock (Designer in Residence at  Google ), to keynote at a Creative Leadership conference ( #CLNZ2017 ) to 160 business leaders and startup founders. Areas covered included realigning your teams and projects with design thinking, looking at jazz as a way to respond to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 December, 2017 | Categories: Business, News, Science & Tech | Tags: #CLNZ2017, Aithan Shapira, Bizdojo, Creative Leadership conference, Elysa Fenenbock, Google, Mahuki, MIT Sloan School of Management, Xero

Thanksgiving lunch for Wellington’s needy

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. The Embassy held its annual Thanksgiving lunch for Wellington’s needy today. The event is arranged in partnership with local charity, the Downtown Community Ministry and the New Zealand Chef’s Association. Food was donated by local and American companies and chefs from restaurants around the city cooked the traditional ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Downtown Community Ministry, Thanksgiving, Wellington Chef association

New Zealand’s support to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria

We are grateful to the Government and people of New Zealand for its support to the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.  New Zealand has helped contribute to the 128,000 meals and 120 pallets of water since they arrived on ground, ready to eat to assist those affected by the hurricane. We deeply appreciate ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 November, 2017 | Categories: News | Tags: Hurricane Maria, New Zealand, NZ Defence, Puerto Rico, Warfighter Disaster Response Team

International Education Week with Te Puoho Katene

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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Education USA, IEW, International Education Week, Stanford University, Te Puoho Katene, U.S. Department of Education, Victoria University

Kiwis, Alexia and Jessica, are off to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India.

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The Embassy is honored to send two of New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs – Jessica Manins ( ProjectR Director) and Alexia Hilbertidou (Founder of GirlBoss ) – to the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India later this month. The United States of America and the Republic of India are proud to announce ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, President of the United States, Science & Tech | Tags: Alexia Hilbertidou, Donald J. Trump, GES, Girlboss, Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Hyderabad, India, Ivanka Trump, Jessica Manins, Tech

International Education Week with Hunter Fitzpatrick

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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Education USA, Hunter Fitzpatrick, IEW, International Education Week, Massey University, U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Education

International Education Week with Alisha Huang

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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Alisha Huang, IEW, International Education Week, Radio City Rockettes, Rockettes, U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Crowdfunding expert, Kate Drane, in NZ to share her thoughts on crowdfunding

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Kate Drane, Senior Director of Outreach for Tech and Hardware at San Francisco-based crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, is in New Zealand on an embassy run program, to share her thoughts on the future and current trends of crowdfunding. Monday saw Kate engage with Kiwi entrepreneurs at GRID Auckland’s Innovation Hub, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech | Tags: and the Christchurch Chamber Of Commerce., Auckland University of Technology, Callaghan Innovation, Creative HQ, Crowdfunding, ellington Regional Economic Development Agency, entrepreneur, Kate Drane, local crowdfunding platform PledgeMe, Project Connect

The Ambassador visits innovation hubs Mahuki and ProjectR

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. U.S. Ambassador Brown had a follow-up visit on November 6 to two of Wellington’s innovation hubs,   ProjectR  (co-working space for startups in the Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality /Mixed Reality space) and  Mahuk i (an innovation accelerator program for startups in Galleries Libraries Archives and Museums (GLAM) sector). The Mahuki residents, in ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ambassador, AR, GLAM, innovation, Mahuki, ProjectR, VR

Ambassador and Mrs. Brown visit Old St Paul’s and meet members of the Kapiti US Marines Trust

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. On November 2nd, Ambassador and Mrs. Brown were joined by USMC General Cavanaugh’s wife, Mrs. Sherry Cavanaugh for their first visit to a number of Marines heritage sites in the Wellington region. The group began the day by touring  Old St Paul’s , the church in Wellington city that was frequented ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Culture, News

Social Enterprise World Forum – Reflections and Learnings from Holly & Araina

The U.S. Embassy was proud to be apart of the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF),  which was held in Christchurch back in September. U.S. Embassy Youth Council members,  Holly Sutich and Araina Kazia Pereira, share their thoughts on their first SEWF experience… *** My Reflection of SEWF 2017 By U.S. Youth Council member, Holly Sutich. Going into the Social Enterprise World Forum, I ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 November, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Araina Kazia Pereira, Holly Sutich, SEWF, SEWF experience, Social Enterprise World Forum

Ambassador Brown visits the Massey University College of Creative Arts

On November 6th, Ambassador Brown made his first visit to the  Massey University College of Creative Arts (CoCA)  in Wellington, at the invitation of Pro Vice-Chancellor Claire Robinson. The visit started with a sneak peek tour of CoCA’s new School of Music and Creative Media Production, which is yet to formally open. Associate Professor Andre Ktori, Head of the Music School, explained ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 November, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Culture, News | Tags: Ambassador Brown, Associate Professor Andre Ktori, Claire Robinson, CoCA, Head of the Music School, Massey University College of Creative Arts

Pacific Woman Leader: Ema Piutau

By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the Pacific Women Leaders series I met a fearless young woman, Ema, who has spent her professional career working in the criminal justice system in my new found home of New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Ema is serious about delivering justice and she has committed her life to advocating for ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 27 October, 2017 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: #PacificWomen, Breakthrough Centre NZ, Ema Piutau, Gail Brown, New Zealand Department of Corrections, Pacific Women Leaders, Samoa

Punahou School of Hawai’i and Riverdale School of New York learn about social responsibility, economics, and the environment

By Jenna, Rika, Shane, and Zach (Students of Punahou School) Punahou School of Hawai’i and Riverdale School of New York learn about social responsibility, economics, and the environment on a cultural exchange program in Christchurch, Hamilton, and Auckland. In July 2017 select students of Punahou School based in Honolulu, Hawai’i visited New Zealand as a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 26 October, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: and Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Hawaii, New York, Punahou School, Riverdale School, The Ministry of Awesome

Our Ocean 2017 Conference – Commitments made by the United States

From OurOcean2017.org Over recent decades, our marine environments have undergone widespread deterioration. To turn this tide, the world must commit to sustainable action and invest in innovative solutions. Organised since 2014, the Our Ocean conferences are all about driving these commitments. The 2017 edition of Our Ocean hosted by the European Union in Malta, generated an unprecedented ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 October, 2017 | Categories: News, Our Ocean | Tags: Climate Change, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Marine Pollution, Marine Polution, Marine Protected Areas, Microsoft, Our Ocean, OurOcean, USAID

#USNZYouthCouncil Catchup

By U.S. Embassy Youth Councilor, Victoria Triegaardt. With the new Ambassador settling into his role at the Embassy there’s been a flurry of activity for the U.S. NZ- Youth Council. At the start of September there was a career development morning where the Youth Councilors heard from New Zealand alumni of State Department programs and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 October, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown, U.S. Embassy Youth Council, USNZYouthCouncil, Victoria Triegaardt

Young Pacific Leaders Conference 2018 – Apply Now…

UPDATE: This has happened. We’re looking for young Maori and Pacific Islanders who are passionate about improving their communities and countries! If you’re between the ages of 25-35, apply today to attend our Young Pacific Leaders conference in Hawaii in January.  Apply by 3 NOVEMBER here ! More Information: The fifth Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Honolulu, Hawai‘i will take ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 October, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Events, News | Tags: #YPL18, East-West Center, Maori, Pacific Islanders, Pacific Islands Development Program, Young Pacific Leaders 2018

Pacific Women Leader: Papali’i Mele Maualaivao

By Gail Brown. Welcome to the second blog post in a  series of stories highlighting Pacific women  for their contributions to humanity and the communities they serve.  Like the colourful decoration perched above her ear, Papali’i Mele Maualaivao reminds me of an exotic Pacific flower – bright, and bursting with enthusiasm. She channels her energy into empowering women across the Pacific ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 October, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Pacific Women | Tags: #PacificWomen, Cook Islands, Girls Leading Our World, GLOW, Mele Maualaivao, National University of Samoa, Niue, Pacific Women Leaders, Papali’i Mele Maualaivao, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Samoa, Tokelau, UN Women, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women

Back from Camp Reception

The U.S. Embassy hosted its ‘Back from Camp’ reception on September 21, 2017. Recently returned camp counselors were greeted by U.S. Embassy Staff, and alumni and staff from local camp placement providers. The U.S. camp counselor program is one of the most popular exchange programs in New Zealand, with nearly 900 participants across almost every ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 11 October, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Travel & Tourism, Youth Outreach | Tags: summer camp counselors

2019 Diversity Visa Program Online Registration is Open!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Unfortunately, due to technical issues, the current registration period for Diversity Visa-2019 is being extended, and all enrollments made prior to, will need to be resubmitted.  The new entry period for DV-2019 will open for electronic entries at noon, Eastern Daylight Time, Wednesday, October 18, 2017, and close at noon, Eastern Standard Time, Wednesday, November 22, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 October, 2017 | Categories: News | Tags: 2019 Diversity Visa Program, Diversity Visa Program, DV Lottery, DV-2019

Deputy Chief of Mission Sue Niblock hosts some of Wellington’s LGBTI+ Community

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. On 26 September 2017, the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Sue Niblock hosted a reception for the LGBTI+ Community in her residence in Wellington, to show the embassy’s solidarity with the New Zealand Rainbow community. In her inaugural reception in the country, the DCM reiterated the State Department’s ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 30 September, 2017 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, Deputy Chief of Mission, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News | Tags: Auckland Pride Festival, Deputy Chief of Mission, LGBTI, New Zealand Queer Film Festival, New Zealand Rainbow community, Rex Tillerson, State Department, Sue Niblock, Wellington Pride Parade

Pacific Women Leaders: Fealofani Bruun

By Gail Brown. Welcome to the first in a series of stories highlighting Pacific women for their contributions to humanity and the communities they serve.  Earlier, I traveled to Samoa with my husband, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown, to present his credentials to the new Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.  After having the pleasure of meeting His Highness, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 September, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: #PacificWomen, Fani, Fealofani (Fani) Bruun, Gail Brown, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, Moana movie, Pacific Women Leaders

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Auckland and Memorial Service in Christchurch

By Public Affairs Staff, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. This Monday, September 11th marked the 16th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.  Each year in New Zealand the tragedy is remembered by firefighters from around Aotearoa with a Memorial Climb of Auckland’s Sky Tower and a memorial event in Christchurch. More than ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 September, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Auckland, Events, History, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: 9/11 Memorial sculpture in Christchurch, Auckland, Christchurch, Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown

Pacific Women Leaders: highlighting Pacific women’s contributions to humanity

By Gail Brown, wife of US Ambassador Scott Brown New Zealand and Samoa, known for their natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and thriving societies, was top of my husband’s list to serve our country as United States Ambassador abroad. New Zealand is home to some of the largest Pacific people’s diasporas, and a gate-way to South ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 September, 2017 | Categories: News, Wahine Toa | Tags: Gail Brown, Pacific Women Leaders, Samoa

U.S. is ‘Country of Honor’ at NZIEC

The New Zealand International Education Conference (NZIEC), hosted by Education New Zealand, was held at Sky City welcoming more than 700 guests over two days.  This year saw the United States recognized as the inaugural ‘Country of Honor’, reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between these nations’ education sectors.  The depth and breadth of opportunities was ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 30 August, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Education New Zealand, EducationUSANZ, Higher Education, New Zealand International Education Conference, NZIEC

Alexia Hilbertidou – NASA SOFIA Experience

Guset blog post by Alexia Hilbertidou. I was chosen by space agency NASA to ride on-board their 747 jumbo jet aircraft during a special overnight mission. In one 10 hour flight, I travelled at -70C and zero per cent humidity while measuring stardust and taking in the breath-taking displays of the atmosphere, such as the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 30 August, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand, Youth Outreach | Tags: Girlboss, NASA, SOFIA

Come and join us at NZIEC

TUESDAY 22 AND WEDNESDAY 23 AUGUST 2017 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SKYCITY CONVENTION CENTRE   The U.S. Embassy is partnering with Education New Zealand, featuring the USA as Country of Honor at this year’s New Zealand International Education Conference (NZIEC) .We will be showcasing the United States’ prominence in international education at the U.S. Lounge, in the Expo Hall with a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 August, 2017 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: Education USA, New Zealand International Education Conference, NZIEC

Josie Weston was a #USNZCampCounselor

People often ask where the camp experience can take you, and how it contributes to your employability and personal development. Some people may have the misconception that working at a summer camp in America is just a gap year; and that it won’t contribute to someone’s future. Boy, are they wrong! Camp not only develops ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 August, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Camp America, Josie Weston, Photo competition, summer camp, summer camp counselors, USNZCampCounselor

Visa Wait times

Wait times for visa appointments in New Zealand are currently longer than normal. We recommend applying for your visa at least 90 days before your travel dates, and submitting your ESTA form at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel. To check the latest wait times, please visit  http://usvisas.state.gov . Please do not pay for ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 August, 2017 | Categories: Visas

Recent Events Strengthen US-New Zealand Navy Relationship

New Zealand Defence Force Press Release. The importance of building and maintaining strong regional relationships between navies was emphasised by the United States Commander Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, when he visited the Devonport Naval Base today. Admiral Swift was a keynote speaker at the Fleet Warfare Forum hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 August, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Key Officials, News, Press Releases | Tags: 7th Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, Admiral Swift, Devonport Naval Base, Fleet Warfare Forum, Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, United States Commander Pacific Fleet, US Navy

Liana Smith was a #USNZCampCounselor

There isn’t much that can prepare you for the Camp America experience – so much happens in those unforgettable few months that it’s difficult to explain for the unlucky few outside the camp ‘bubble’. While travelling by yourself or throwing yourself completely out of your normal routine in a new country can be daunting, it’s ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 August, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: Camp America, Niall Yates, Photo competition, summer camp, summer camp counselors, USNZCampCounselor

Niall Yates was a #USNZCampCounselor

Guest blog post by Niall Yates. I am going to give you a first-hand insight into the experience of working as a summer camp counselor in the United States of America. Some days are tough, some days are tougher, but some days make you wish you could never leave, and that every season was summer. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 11 August, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, News | Tags: Camp America, Niall Yates, Photo competition, summer camp, summer camp counselors, USNZCampCounselor

Patient Day 2017

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. This year New Zealand took part in the United States Department of Commerce U.S. Commercial Service’s Patient Day Global Forum Series. The global series is happening from March through October 2017 in countries around the world including China, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Canada, Austria, Italy, Egypt, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 August, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Auckland, Business, Commercial Opportunities, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: DoubleJump Interchange, Executive Director, Hadley Slade-Jones, Patient Day, Patient Day Global Forum Series, PwC New Zealand, United States Department of Commerce, USCS

Christchurch U.S.-NZ Youth Council chat with U.S. diplomat Craig Halbmaier

Guest blog post by Robbie Morrison, 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council member. Christchurch U.S.-NZ Youth Council chatting science, technology, health, and trade promotion with U.S. diplomat Craig Halbmaier. The Christchurch branch of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council is always excited to engage with experts, dignitaries and officials from the United States. On Friday 14 July the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 August, 2017 | Categories: News, Science & Tech, Trade, Youth Outreach | Tags: Craig Halbmaier, Health, Science, Technology, trade, U.S.-NZ Youth Council, USNZYouthCouncil

Ambassador Brown on a Tech Tour of Wellington

Ambassador Brown spent August 1 meeting leaders of New Zealand’s dynamic innovation and start-up sector, an important economic and cultural U.S.-New Zealand link, in Wellington. Start-ups demonstrated their technology and explained where they are seeking to partner with U.S. expertise and investment to grow further. The tech tour included  Mahuki – Innovation Hub of Te Papa ,  Creative HQ   ProjectR ,  BizDojo , and  Xero . Wellington ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 August, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Bizdojo, Creative HQ ProjectR, Mahuki - Innovation Hub of Te Papa, tech tour, Wellington, Xero

EcoQuest Directed Research Project

Guest blog post by Jessica Olsen. It’s 6:30pm, marking the start of a new night’s work. Weta are nocturnal; to study them, you have to align your schedule to theirs. Weta begin to emerge as soon as the sun starts to set, so we strap on our head torches and get ready to head into the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 3 August, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, EcoQuest Directed Research Project, Jessica Olsen, New Zealand, NREN, Te Rarangahau Taiao, The EcoQuest Education Foundation, Weta

A Touch of Magic – Rameka Carbon Forest

Guest blog post by Rameka Carbon Forest volunteers. In 2016, a U.S. Embassy small grant award added the perfect touch of magic to ensure that our reforestation project could bloom – helping to transform the Rameka Carbon Forest just like Cinderella turned into the belle of the ball.    The ugly duckling Planting may seem ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 July, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Abel Tasman National Park, Conservation, Rameka Carbon Forest

Happy New Year! Celebrating Matariki and Makahiki in New Zealand

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The U.S. Embassy was proud to once again support Auckland Council’s ‘Matariki Festival’, celebrating and highlighting the traditions and significance of the Māori New Year. Our very own state of Hawaii also celebrates a mid-winter New Year, Makahiki, welcoming a new year of bountiful harvest. While historically Māori ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 30 July, 2017 | Categories: Art & Culture, Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis | Tags: Craig Halbmaier, Halau O Moana Nui A Kiwa, Māori New Year, Matariki Festival, Te Kora Kora Street Festival

Photo Contest – #USNZCampCounselor

The United States Embassy is launching a photo competition, #USNZCampCounselor, to celebrate the unique and life-changing opportunity that Kiwi youth can take working as a camp counselor at a summer camp in the United States. The contest’s objective is to give young New Zealanders working as summer camp counselors in the US the opportunity to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 July, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: Kathmandu, Photo Contest, United States, USNZCampCounselor

Ambassador Scott Brown’s inaugural 4th of July Independence Day in New Zealand

Ambassador Scott Brown’s inaugural 4th of July Independence Day in New Zealand with a packed reception at the Hunter Lounge at the Victoria University of Wellington. Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee, represented the New Zealand government and was joined by hundreds of others including Ministers, members of the New Zealand Parliament, military, cultural and media representatives ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 July, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, News | Tags: 4th of July Independence Day, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee, Gail Brown, Independence Day 2017, U.S. Ambassador Brown

Kia ora Aotearoa!

By U.S. Ambassador, Scott Brown. Kia Ora Aotearoa!  I am proud, humbled, and delighted to begin my service officially as the Ambassador of the United States to New Zealand.  My wife Gail and I were very moved by the warm welcome, the beautiful Maori pōwhiri, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Guard of Honour ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 June, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, President of the United States | Tags: Ambassadorship to New Zealand, ambscottbrown, Dame Patsy Reddy, Donald J. Trump, Government House, Governor-General of New Zealand, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, Maori pōwhiri, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown

Join us in welcoming Ambassador-Designate Scott Brown and his wife Gail.

Join us in welcoming Ambassador-Designate Scott Brown and his wife Gail.  They are arriving in New Zealand shortly and wanted to introduce themselves.  Watch this video to learn more about Ambassador-Designate Brown, his family and career, and why the partnership between the United States and New Zealand is so important. Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 June, 2017 | Categories: Ambassador, Connecting with Kiwis, News | Tags: Ambassador, Ambassador-Designate Scott Brown, Gail Brown, Scott Brown

U.S. tech investment duo Steve Meller & Larry Howell visit NZ to discuss Govtech

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. The U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) welcomed U.S. tech investment duo Steve Meller and Larry Howell to New Zealand last week for a series of events and meetings in Wellington and Auckland. The area of focus for the week was the GovTech space – the area of digital transformation within the public sector ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 June, 2017 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, Doing Business in the U.S., News, Science & Tech | Tags: Bizdojo, CreativeHQ, CreativeHQ Startup Garage, demo day, Innovation and Employment, Larry Howell, MBIE, Ministry of Business, R9 Accelerator, Steve Meller

Bill Reichert’s 10 insights from Silicon Valley: the fundamentals of modern day entrepreneurship

Guest blog post by, U.S. Youth Councilor, Michael Max. Bill Reichert is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, mentor, author, and among other things; an influential speaker. Bill has more than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and is passionately focused on early-stage I.T companies, contributing his valuable insights and extensive networks to guide companies towards success.  He ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 June, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, President of the United States | Tags: Auckland University of Technology, AUT, author, Bill Reichert, Donald J. Trump, entrepreneur, Mentor, Michael Max, Project17, venture capitalist

Call for Implementing Partner: TechCamp New Zealand for Health Communicators

Application End Date: 10 July 2017 at 9:00am New Zealand Time Maximum Award Amount: $100,000 USD Contact: Auckland Public Affairs Section, HosodaMK@state.gov PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland, New Zealand seeks proposals for a project entitled “TechCamp New Zealand for Health Communicators.”  The proposed project will consist of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 June, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Key Documents, News, Public Affairs, Science & Tech, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: business professionals, community leaders, Federal States of Micronesia, Fiji, government officials, Health Communicators, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Public Affairs Section, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, TechCamp, U.S. Consulate General in Auckland, U.S. Department of State

Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, in New Zealand

Secretary of State Tillerson: “I am really delighted that we were able to make this stop in New Zealand to reaffirm the strong partnership that exists between the United States and New Zealand.” *** During his visit to New Zealand, Secretary of State Tillerson was welcomed with a pōwhiri at Premier House, followed by a meeting ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 June, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, Economic Affairs, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Documents, Key Officials, News, President of the United States, Press Releases, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand, Vice President of the United States | Tags: Donald J. Trump, Mike Pence, Prime Minister Bill English, Rex Tillerson

Memorial Day Services 2017 – Auckland, Kapiti, Wellington

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Auckland: Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 June, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Chargé D’Affaires, News | Tags: Auckland, Auckland War Memorial Museum, CDAGreen, Chargé d’affaires Candy Green, Kapiti, Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust, Mayor Phil Goff, Memorial Day, NZ American Association, Paekakariki, Queen Elizabeth Park, Staff Sergeant Halterman, U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins, U.S. Defense Attaché Colonel Christopher Patton, U.S. Memorial Day Service, Wellington

Secretary of State Tillerson Travel to Sydney and Wellington

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Official UNCLASSIFIED For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON May 30, 2017 Secretary of State Tillerson Travel to Sydney and Wellington U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will be in Sydney, Australia, June 5–6, with Secretary of Defense James Mattis to participate in the 2017 Australia-U.S. Ministerial ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 May, 2017 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, Political Affairs, Press Releases, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Rex Tillerson

The 2017 Auckland Writer’s Festival with Paul Beatty and Jennifer Niven

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate Auckland. On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the Auckland Writer’s Festival launched once again, a multi-day event celebrating the achievements of many award winning authors from New Zealand, the United States – including Man Booker prizewinner Paul Beatty, and young adult author Jennifer Niven – and many other nations. In ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 May, 2017 | Categories: Art & Culture, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News | Tags: Alfriston College, Auckland Writer’s Festival, Jennifer Niven, Man Booker prizewinner Paul Beatty, U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins

Future Realities in New Zealand with Caitlin Burns

By Public Affairs Staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The U.S. Embassy was proud to support Jessica Manins, CEO of Blackeye VR , in bringing U.S. transmedia producer, Caitlin Burns to keynote at the Future Realities VR/AR conference in Auckland and Wellington as part of New Zealand’s first nationwide Tech week . During her time in New Zealand, Caitlin met with some of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 May, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, Events, News, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: AI, AR, AR VR Garage, Auckland, Augmented Reality, Blackeye, Caitlin Burns, Creative HQ, Future Realities, Mahuki, SoulMachines, Te Papa, Tech space, Virtual Reality, VR, Wellington

Standardized testing for American Universities

Guest blog post by Aubry Tedford. Words like ACT and SAT have been known to strike anxiety, stress, and fear in many high school students. One single test seems to have so much emphasis on college admissions and future careers. These tests are important, but it is also important not to stress over one component ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 May, 2017 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: ACT, American Universities, Aubry Tedford, Education, EducationUSA, SAT, standardized testing, STEAM, U.S. Education

Mahuki welcomes Disney Imagineer, Mk Haley, to Wellington

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Last week, we welcomed Disney Imagineer, Mk Haley, to Wellington. With Support from the U.S. Embassy, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Florida State University and Creative Program Manager at Walt Disney’s Imagineering, Mk Haley, gave a series of talks in Wellington. The week was hosted by Mahuki – Te Papa’s innovation hub . Mk Haley’s first talk ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 8 May, 2017 | Categories: Business, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: Archives, Bizdojo, Candy Green, Chargé d'Affaires, Creative HQ, Disney, Disney Imagineer, entrepreneur, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Florida State University, Galleries, GLAM, Libraries, Mk Haley, Museums, Te Papa

Tropical Cyclone Cook

The U.S. Consulate General Auckland will dismiss most staff two hours early today, Thursday April 13th, due to Tropical Cyclone Cook.  Consular services will not be affected, so we are available to help everyone with an appointment scheduled for today.  The Embassy in Wellington will maintain normal operating hours.  Please note that Friday, April 14th ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 April, 2017 | Categories: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Notification, Security & Emergency Messages | Tags: Tropical Cyclone Cook

Mele Murals at Māoriland Film Festival with artists Estria Miyashiro and John Hina

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The fourth annual Māoriland Film Festival took place in Ōtaki, a small town north of Wellington, earlier this month.  Māoriland is New Zealand’s only indigenous film festival and brings together native films and filmmakers from around the world for a celebration of culture and storytelling through film. The festival, whose artistic ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 April, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, News | Tags: Estria, Estria Miyashiro, John Hina, Maoriland film festival, Mele Murals, Ōtaki

American Universities: How to Find the Right One

Guest blog by student, Aubry Tedford. Picking the right college is like picking your wedding dress. You have a checklist of what you want, you know the setting and budget, but you don’t know which one is going to give you that indescribable feeling. My name is Aubry Tedford and I will be attending university in ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 March, 2017 | Categories: Education, News | Tags: American Universities, Aubry Tedford, college, college checklist, Education, Education USA, U.S. university

Chargé d’Affaires, Candy Green visits NASA’s Super Pressure Balloon Operations in Wanaka

Repost from  blogs.nasa.gov/superpressureballoon . Acting U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand Visits NASA’s Super Pressure Balloon Operations in Wanaka; Some 250 Attend Open House. The acting U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Chargé d’Affaires Candy Green, paid a visit to Wanaka Airport, New Zealand, March 23 to see first-hand NASA’s super pressure balloon operations, the science it supports, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 March, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Lauder Station, NASA, NIWA, NOAA, Wanaka

Building a global digital government network

Guest blog by Emma Gawen on the 2016 Global Digital Leaders Exchange. In October 2016 Emma took part in the inaugural Global Digital Leaders Exchange, a program instigated by Megan Smith (the 3rd Chief Technology Officer of the United States under President Obama) and the U.S. Digital Service, and run by the State Department’s International ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 March, 2017 | Categories: Alumni, Connecting with Kiwis, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Scholarships and Exchanges | Tags: 1776, Andreessen Horowitz, Barack Obama, Columbus, Detroit, Global Digital Leaders Exchange, International Visitors Leadership Program, IVLP, Michigan, Ohio, OpenGov Hub, Silicon Valley Bank, SUPERPUBLIC

Charge d’Affaires Candy Green visits the NIWA’s Lauder Station on March 24 2017

Charge d’Affaires Candy Green, along with embassy staff, visited the NIWA ‘s Lauder Station on March 24 2017. Lauder Station is one of the five leading atmospheric research stations in the world. Lauder continues to lead global scientific efforts tracking the hole in the Earth’s ozone layer, and now has a growing role at the forefront of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 March, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Environment, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Lauder Station, NASA, NIWA, NOAA, Wanaka

Apply now for U.S.-NZ Youth Council 2017!

UPDATE: Applications are now closed. To apply for the Youth Council, please 1) submit the online Application Form and 2) email your CV to HosodaMK@state.gov by Friday March 31, 2017 at 5pm. Website: nz.usembassy.gov Facebook: @newzealand.usembassy Twitter: @usembassynz  Hashtag: #USNZYouthCouncil. Background The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand Youth Council program started in 2010 by former U.S. Ambassador David Huebner. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 March, 2017 | Categories: News, Youth Outreach | Tags: U.S.-NZ Youth Council 2017, USNZYouthCouncil, Youth Council

Chargé d’Affaires Candy Green Goes Regional in the South

In the evening of Thursday 9 February 2017, Chargé d’Affaires Candy Green flew to Invercargill on a trip that would take her to the southernmost city of New Zealand and its environs to engage with the people – and fauna – of Southland. A major highlight of the trip to Southland was the 2017 World ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 March, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, News, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Alex Moser, Ari Edgecombe, Candy Green, Chargé d'Affaires, ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill, Kevin Ford of Charlemont, Leann Brimmer, Loren Opstedahl, Maggie Passino, Massachusetts, New Zealand Aluminium Smelter, NZAS, Visual Arts Curator, World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships

A Young Entrepreneur’s Experience: Applying Justin Milano’s 4 Pillars of Entrepreneurial Success

Guest Blog by Thomas Goodin, Young Entrepreneur and Alumni of Young Enterprise Scheme and VentureUp Justin Milano was the first speaker for the 2017 Project Connect series, presenting at AUT on the Four Pillars for Entrepreneurial Success. Justin helps entrepreneurs build thriving companies. As a serial entrepreneur and executive coach, he uses a unique blend ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 March, 2017 | Categories: Auckland, News, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: ATEED, Events and Economic Development, Justin Milano, Matt Stenton from Auckland Tourism, Thomas Goodin, VentureUp, Wile E. Coyote, Young Enterprise Scheme

Here’s President Trump’s first address to Congress

President Trump delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress on February 28. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States — and citizens of America: Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our nation’s path towards civil rights and the work that still remains ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 March, 2017 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, President of the United States, Vice President of the United States | Tags: address to Congress, Barack Obama, Congress, Donald J. Trump, Mike Pence, POTUS

U.S. Antarctic Icebreaker visits New Zealand

While docked at Lyttelton, crew members of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star assisted the New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand Police throughout the night in providing assistance as needed in cordoned areas affected by the recent fire in the Christchurch Port Hills.   U.S. Antarctic Icebreaker to visit New Zealand. U.S. Embassy ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 February, 2017 | Categories: Chargé D’Affaires, Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News, Our Ocean, Press Releases | Tags: Amundsen-Scott South Pole Stations, CDAGreen, Chargé d'Affaires, Lyttelton, McMurdo Station, POLAR STAR, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Bill English of New Zealand

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Bill English of New Zealand spoke on the telephone today.  The two leaders affirmed the close friendship and bilateral partnership between the United States and New Zealand. The two leaders discussed regional issues, including challenges to regional peace and security, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 February, 2017 | Categories: News, President of the United States | Tags: Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Bill English, United States

Learn about Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

From ShareAmerica . Rex Tillerson, a globe-trotting oil executive and engineer, is the new U.S. secretary of state and chief foreign affairs adviser to President Trump. He was confirmed February 1 as the 69th secretary of state, a position first held by Thomas Jefferson and most recently by John Kerry. Five predecessors won the Nobel Peace Prize. Rex ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 February, 2017 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, President of the United States | Tags: Donald J. Trump, John Kerry, Rex Tillerson

UPDATED: Executive Order temporarily suspending entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals from seven countries

An order issued by a U.S. District court in the state of Washington  on February 3 bars the U.S. government from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Order 13769, “Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals,” including those related to visas and travel for nationals of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 January, 2017 | Categories: Alert, Key Documents, News, Non Immigrant Visas, President of the United States, Press Releases | Tags: Donald J. Trump, Executive Order, Immigration and Nationality Act, nonimmigrant visas, section 212(f), travel.state.gov

Readout of Secretary Mattis’ Call with New Zealand Minister for Defense Gerry Brownlee

Press Operations – Defense.gov Release No: NR-026-17 Jan. 24, 2017 Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke by phone today with New Zealand’s Minister for Defense Gerry Brownlee to discuss the U.S.-New Zealand defense relationship. Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Brownlee for New Zealand’s support on various areas of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 26 January, 2017 | Categories: News, President of the United States, Press Releases | Tags: Minister for Defense Gerry Brownlee, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, U.S Navy destroyer USS Sampson, USS Sampson

The Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States

Here’s newly sworn-in President Trump’s full speech   President Trump delivered this inaugural address on January 20, 2017. THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 January, 2017 | Categories: Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, President of the United States, Vice President of the United States | Tags: Barack Obama, Donald J. Trump, Inauguration, Mike Pence

Emergency Message UPDATE for U.S. Citizens: Earthquake & Tsunami November 14, 2016

U.S. Consulate General Auckland. UPDATE Earthquake & Tsunami – November 21, 2016 U.S. Navy’s USS Sampson helps with the North Canterbury Earthquake Disaster Recovery Assistance. Read more . *** Emergency Message UPDATE for U.S. Citizens: Earthquake & Tsunami – November 15, 2016 A message for US Citizens: Please direct anyone with friends or family in Kaikoura to make ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 January, 2017 | Categories: Consular Affairs, Consulate General, Emergency Services, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. & New Zealand, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: AMCITS, Geonet, New Zealand, North Canterbury Earthquake

Wahine Toa: Ranei Wineera – Parai

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Ranei Wineera-Parai is a change agent whose formidable community development work touches and improves lives in her home town of  Porirua and its environs. Ranei has mana tangata whenua (indigenous rights) through her Ngāti Toa iwi.   I had the privilege ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 January, 2017 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, Wahine Toa | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Indigenous Women’s Conference, mana tangata whenua, Nancy Gilbert, Ngāti Toa iwi, Porirua, Ranei Wineera – Parai, Wahine Toa

Calling Secondary Teachers: Apply for a fully funded 2017 exchange program in the United States

Apply by Friday January 20, 2017 at 5pm online using the Google Form . See Information Sheet for details. What is the program about? The Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary Educators (Teachers) is an intensive post-graduate level academic program with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign secondary educators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 January, 2017 | Categories: Education, News, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S. | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Education, News, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary Educators, SUSI

Auckland Careers Advisor Learns about Admissions at American Universities (Part 2)

Guest post by Kubi Witten-Hannah. PART 2 ( read PART 1 here ). My campus tour was an intense experience.  It started on the 15th July at Rutgers, New Brunswick and finished 9 days later at Rutgers, Newark.  It covered a total of 18 Universities and 22 campuses.  It was a really well put together tour with a mix ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 December, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: ACAC, Ambassador Gilbert, Auckland Careers Advisor, EducationUSA, IACAC, International ACAC, Katie Sleeman, Kubi Witten-Hannah, National Association for College Admission Counseling

Auckland Careers Advisor Learns about Admissions at American Universities (Part 1)

Guest post by Kubi Witten-Hannah ( read PART 2 here ). International ACAC (IACAC) was founded in 1991 and is affiliated with the US based National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). IACAC brings together over 2,000 professionals from more than 90 countries worldwide.  The membership includes school counsellors and university liaison staff to work cooperatively to help students access postsecondary ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 December, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: ACAC, Ambassador Gilbert, Auckland Careers Advisor, EducationUSA, IACAC, International ACAC, Katie Sleeman, Kubi Witten-Hannah, National Association for College Admission Counseling

Wahine Toa: Kerensa Johnston

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Kerensa Johnston is an accomplished lawyer who passionately advocates for Indigenous and human rights.  Her stellar career spans from the halls of academia to the court room and led to her recent appointment as first female CEO of Wakatū Incorporated. Wakatū is ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 December, 2016 | Categories: Agriculture, Connecting with Kiwis, First People's Connect, Wahine Toa | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Kerensa Johnston, Māori heritage, Māori Women’s refuge, Nancy Gilbert, Nelson, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama, Taranaki, Te Atiawa, Te Tau Ihu iwi, Wahine Toa, Wakatū, Wellington Community Law Centre

USS Sampson – Kaikoura Earthquake Disaster Recovery Assistance.

From stuff.co.nz – America has come to Kaikoura – and they’re lending a hand to quake-hit locals. Sailors from the warship USS Sampson had arrived to help out as recovery efforts gathered steam in the town, which bore the brunt of a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday. Read the full article here . Our Coverage: An interview with CDR Tim LaBenz, Commanding ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Emergency Services, News | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, CDR Tim LaBenz, Earthquake, Kaikoura, natural disasters, New Zealand Civil Defence, NZ Defence Force, USS Sampson

International Education Week with Teague McKenna Harvey

This week marks the 17th 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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 17 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: #IEW2016, Ambassador Gilbert, Case Western Reserve University, IEW, International Education Week, Teague McKenna Harvey, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of State, University of Auckland

What happened? A message about the recent earthquake from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington.

A message about the recent earthquake from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington. What happened? A M7.5 earthquake occurred northeast of Culverdon, New Zealand at 00:02 NZDT on 14 November 2016. Strong shaking was felt throughout New Zealand and lasted for over two minutes in some locations, and there have been aftershocks. However, while this event has had a significant ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Earthquake, eqnz, Kaikoura, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington

U.S. Navy P-3C Orion provides assistance to New Zealand after earthquake

From Patrol Squadron 47 Public Affairs. OKINAWA, Japan – Members with the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 assisted New Zealand in field survey operations following an earthquake in the South Island of New Zealand Nov. 15. VP-47’s aircrew, accompanied by two Royal New Zealand Air Force airmen, took off from the Royal New ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, News, Press Releases | Tags: Earthquake, Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron, Kaikoura, Royal New Zealand Air Force, US Airforce, VP-47

International Education Week with Rebecca Gray

This week marks the 17th 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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: #IEW2016, International Education Week, New Jersey, Princeton, Princeton University, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of State

International Education Week with Zeesha Braslawsce

This week marks the 17th 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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 15 November, 2016 | Categories: Education | Tags: #IEW2016, Case Western Reserve University, IEW, International Education Week, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of State, University of Auckland, Zeesha Braslawsce

Statement from U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert

Just after the strong midnight earthquake shook New Zealand, the United States embassy Wellington went to work to help assess the damage and assist those in need. We successfully connected with all embassy staff and families, and while some minor breakages and small cracks are apparent, everyone is safe and accounted for. We quickly saw ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Former Ambassadors, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, North Canterbury Earthquake

International Education Week with Alison Andrews-Paul

This week marks the 17th 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 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 November, 2016 | Categories: Education | Tags: Alison Andrews-Paul, Baylor University, IEW, International Education Week, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of State

Press Availability with Secretary of State, John Kerry and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Premier House Wellington, New Zealand November 13, 2016 from State.gov PRIME MINISTER KEY: Okay, good morning. So we had a great opportunity to welcome Secretary Kerry to New Zealand and to catch up with him after his brief but I’m sure important trip down to Antarctica. Let me just start by ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, President of the United States | Tags: Barack Obama, Donald J. Trump, John Kerry, Prime Minister John Key

Secretary of State John Kerry’s Remarks After Returning From Antarctica

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Christchurch International Airport Christchurch, New Zealand November 12, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Hi, everybody. How are you? QUESTION: Hi there. QUESTION: Welcome back to New Zealand. SECRETARY KERRY: Well, let me just say what an extraordinary experience it was and how impressed I am by the remarkable commitment of so ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2016 | Categories: Environment, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, Science & Tech | Tags: Antarctica, John Kerry, Remarks

Engaging Youth on the road to the U.S. Elections 2016

“How will the new U.S. President affect New Zealand? What is the impact of gerrymandering on the U.S. elections? How does the Electoral College work? Who do you think will win the Presidential Election?” These questions and more have been posed by New Zealand youth in high schools and universities. Students’ questions reflect their interests ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 8 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Elections, Former Ambassadors, Youth Outreach | Tags: U.S. Ambassador Gilbert, U.S. Elections, U.S. Elections 2016, USNZYouthCouncil, Youth Engagement

#NationalParksUSNZ Photo Competition – and the winner is….

On October 4, 2016, the Embassy launched a photo competition, #NationalParksUSNZ , celebrating the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service . The winning entry’s prize included a $400 gift card to REI and a chance to feature in Air New Zealand’s in-flight magazine. Contestants were asked to submit photos of U.S. National Parks they have visited— in the United States —to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 7 November, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, National Parks | Tags: #NationalParksUSNZ, Photo competition, U.S. National Park Service

Secretary Kerry Travels to Antarctica, New Zealand, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Peru

From state.gov. For the latest visit State.gov. Photos from the trip» Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Antarctica, New Zealand, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Peru from November 10 – November 18.   From November 10-12, Secretary Kerry travels to Antarctica, where he will visit McMurdo Station, the largest research station of the U.S. Antarctic Program, as well as surrounding areas on Ross Island, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 November, 2016 | Categories: Environment, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, Press Releases | Tags: Antarctica, John Kerry, New Zealand, NSF

U.S. Universities Expo 2016 – Auckland and Wellington

By Education USA NZ staff. Students, parents, coaches, and school personnel from across New Zealand met with visiting admissions representatives from American universities as part of the fourth annual U.S. Universities Expo, September 4-6, 2016. The touring university reps visited secondary schools, hosted information sessions, and participated in free public fairs in Auckland and Wellington. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 October, 2016 | Categories: Education, Former Ambassadors, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Ambassador Mark Gilbert, Binghamton University, Colgate University, Education New Zealand, EducationUSA, EducationUSA NZ, educationusanz@state.gov, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Fulbright New Zealand, Indiana University, International Exchange Programs, National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, New Zealand Qualifications Authority, NZQA, Portland State University, Purdue University, Sister Cities, Study Auckland, U.S. Universities Expo 2016, Uniexpo16, University at Buffalo, University of Arizona, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Kentucky

By TV, Twitter and Facebook, U.S. presidential debates are coming

The first debate will be held at 2PM (NZ time) on Tuesday 27 September. See below for some of the ways you can watch it online. From ShareAmerica… Televised presidential-candidate debates have become a mainstay of U.S. elections since the first one in 1960 drew an audience of 74 million people. But that was just a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 27 September, 2016 | Categories: Elections, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, President of the United States | Tags: Clinton, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Elections, U.S. Elections 2016

The DV-2018 program registration period opens October 4th

The DV-2018 program registration period will run from noon, EDT on October 4, 2016, through noon, EST November 7, 2016. The Department will conduct the DV-2018 program entirely electronically, including electronic entry. Paper entries will not be accepted. The Department website for the submission of E-DV entries is dvlottery.state.gov    Registered entries that comply with form submission ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 September, 2016 | Categories: Immigrant Visas, Key Documents, News | Tags: DV Lottery, DV-2018, dvlottery.state.gov, Green Card

Talking Crisis Management and Security with Youth Council and Robert Jensen

By Daniel Millward, U.S. Embassy Youth Council Member. Risk is a fact of our everyday lives.  But what happens when an everyday risk becomes a one-off crisis?  The Auckland Youth Council met with a master of the science (and art) of risk mitigation and crisis management – and learned he had some, but not all ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 19 September, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, Youth Outreach | Tags: Auckland Youth Council, Barack Obama, counter-proliferation, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, Daniel Millward, Federal Bureau of Investigation, LLC, natural disasters, pandemics, Strat3, U.S. Embassy Youth Council, U.S. national security, U.S.-NZ Youth Council

Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Worldwide Caution, September 10, 2016

Worldwide Caution September 10, 2016 As part of the State Department’s continuous efforts to provide U.S. citizens traveling abroad with information about relevant events, we are updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Current information suggests that terrorist groups ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 September, 2016 | Categories: Messages for U.S. Citizens, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP, Worldwide Caution

Marking the Fifteenth Anniversary of 9/11 in Auckland and Christchurch

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate Auckland. In Auckland on Sunday, September 11th, more than 160 firefighters, joined by U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert, climbed the stairs of the Sky Tower in memory of firefighters lost in the September 11 World Trade Center attacks, as well as those New Zealand firefighters who have lost their lives ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 September, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News | Tags: #NeverForget, #NYC, 9/11, Auckland, Barack Obama, Cantabrians, Christchurch, Hamilton, John Kerry, Kiwi firefighters, Mayor Lianne Dalziel, September 11th, Tamahere, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert, World Trade Center

August was an action-packed youth outreach month

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. The month of August was action-packed with youth outreach in Auckland, which gave U.S. Consulate General staff members and kiwi youth the opportunity to engage on issues of significance to both the United States and New Zealand. Topics of discussion this month included the U.S. presidential elections ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 September, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Elections, Environment, Former Ambassadors, President of the United States, Sports Diplomacy, Youth Outreach | Tags: Alex Dunlap, American Insights, Auckland Grammar School, Baseball New Zealand, Conor Dickinson, Donald J. Trump, Hobsonville Point Secondary School, Kennon Kincaid, Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, U.S. Ambassador Gilbert, U.S. Consulate General, U.S. Elections process, Youth Outreach

Project16 – Creativity in Business

By U.S. Embassy Youth Council members James Coventry, Liana Kaiwai, and James Tawhiao. Lasting only a day, but packed with enough advice and inspiration for a whole week, Project16 was a crash course in making dreams reality, achieving success and doing the unthinkable. The conference kicked off with an address by U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. It ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 September, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, Events, News, Science & Tech | Tags: Auckland University of Technology, AUT, Business, Project16, Tech, USNZYouthCouncil, Wahine Toa

President Obama Announces New Policies to Promote Conservation & Build Resilience to Climate Change

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release September 01, 2016 FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces New Policies to Promote Conservation and Build Resilience to Climate Change, with a focus on Pacific Islands In celebration of today’s opening of the World Conservation Congress, which the United States is hosting for the first time, President Obama ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 September, 2016 | Categories: Environment, Fact Sheets, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Our Ocean | Tags: Barack Obama, Environment, Key Officials, News, Our Ocean, OurOcean, Pacific, Promote Conservation Pacific

U.S. Universities visit N.Z.

Office of Public Affairs U.S. Embassy, Wellington August 31, 2016 This weekend, representatives from ten major U.S. universities, and from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will be available to answer questions from New Zealand students about studying in the United States. “It’s a unique opportunity for Kiwi students to meet recruiters and alumni from ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 31 August, 2016 | Categories: Education, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: #USUNIEXPO16, EducationUSA, New Zealand, U.S. Universities Expo

U.S. Ambassador Gilbert and Alex Dunlap Team up to Coach Kiwi Baseball Students

By Alex Dunlap, Winter Fellow, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. The Baseball New Zealand 13 and under team recently completed tournament play in the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Maryland.  This year, the tournament field consisted of 10 champions from across the United States and 8 international teams representing Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 29 August, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Former Ambassadors, Sports Diplomacy, Youth Outreach | Tags: Aberdeen, Alex Dunlap, Ambassador Gilbert, Auckland, Baseball New Zealand, Cal Ripken World Series, Chicago White Sox, Maryland, Sports Diplomacy, Study in the U.S., The Fieldhouse, U.S. Consulate General, Winter Fellow, Youth Outreach

A bit of everything really

Guest blog post by Josiah Tualamali’i. A 21 year old Samoan Kiwi studying Politics and History at the University of Canterbury & member of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council. Around our main Universities in Aotearoa, the US Embassy NZ has their Youth Councils. This helps the US Embassy NZ to build a two-way relationship with ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 August, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: Aotearoa, Barack Obama, Dr Aime Black, Dr Dava Newman, German Aerospace Centre, Hurunui Youth Council, International Development Disaster Assistance Response Team, Los Angeles County Urban, NASA, Rob Tate, SOFIA, Te Tohu Tokomaha Award, the Deputy Director of NASA, the Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Youth Council, University of Canterbury, USNZYouthCouncil

Security Message for American citizens – Auckland

Security Message for American citizens. United States Consulate Auckland, New Zealand Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Demonstration 24 August 2016 The Ethiopian and New Zealand Youth organization has planned a demonstration in front of the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 25 August 2016. They anticipate about 50 ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 August, 2016 | Categories: Messages for U.S. Citizens, Security & Emergency Messages

U.S. Consulate Auckland & Sir Peter Blake Trust staff Plant over 200 native trees on Motutapu Island

Inspired by the 2016 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, U.S. Consulate Auckland & Sir Peter Blake Trust staff Plant over 200 native trees on Motutapu Island. By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro kicked off on Saturday August 6 with an ode to Brazil’s unique history, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 August, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, National Parks | Tags: 2016 Olympic Games, Motutapu Island, Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro, Sir Peter Blake Trust, U.S. Consulate Auckland

Assistant Secretary Russel Travel to Laos and New Zealand

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 9, 2016. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel will travel to Laos and New Zealand August 11-16. In Laos, Assistant Secretary Russel will meet with Lao officials and attend the East Asia Summit Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting. This will be the last ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 August, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Press Releases, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Barack Obama, Daniel Russel, East Asia Summit

“NASA’s Juno project and the Mission to Jupiter” Principal Investigator Scott Bolton shares all

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On July 4, 2016 NASA’s Juno mission arrived at Jupiter to study the large, distant planet. Studying what Jupiter is made of and what lies beneath its swirling clouds is critical to understanding how the solar system and Earth came about. Auckland was fortunate to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 4 August, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: AUT University, Dr. Bolton, Dr. Scott Bolton, Juno, NASA, NASA's Juno mission, Professor Sergei Guylyaev, Space, the Director of the Institute for Radio Astronomy and Space Research

Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key

The White House Office of the Vice President For Immediate Release July 21, 2016 Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key Government House Auckland, New Zealand PRIME MINISTER KEY:  Okay, so good morning.  Can I start by acknowledging the Vice President?  We’re delighted to have you in New Zealand, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 22 July, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Events, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Prime Minister John Key

Vice President Biden is Coming to New Zealand

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2016 Vice President Biden travels to Los Angeles California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Melbourne & Sydney Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. On July 13, 2016, following the Vice President’s remarks on trade enforcement in San Diego, California, he will travel to Los Angeles, California to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 12 July, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Events, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News | Tags: Biden, Joe Biden, VP Biden

Remarks of Ambassador Mark Gilbert at the 240th Anniversary of American Independence Day

Remarks of Ambassador Mark Gilbert on the Occasion of the 240th Anniversary of American Independence Day, July 7, 2016 E ngā mana E ngā reo E ngā manuhiri taiea Kia ora koutou katoa Tēnā koutou mai tōku whenua America Tēnā koutou mai tōku Rangatira Matua Barack Obama Ko ngā Rocky Mountains ōku Maunga Ko te ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 11 July, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, East Asia & Pacific, First People's Connect, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, National Parks, Our Ocean | Tags: 240th Anniversary of American Independence Day, Barack Obama, Independence Day, National Parks Service, NPS100, Remarks, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert

Girls in Tech Founder, Adriana Gascoigne, Empowers, Educates and Engages in New Zealand

By Mike, Emily and Shivani, Public Affairs. Adriana Gascoigne, Founder and CEO of Girls in Tech , recently visited New Zealand to keynote at Project Connect in Auckland and Wellington – a speaker series founded by the U.S. Embassy and the Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT).  Alongside the Project Connect talks, Adriana had a series of meetings, round-table discussions and dinners throughout the country – including a ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 July, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Business, Connecting with Kiwis, Education, Events, Former Ambassadors, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: Adriana Gascoigne, Auckland Consular Corps, Barack Obama, BizDojo Wellington, Creative HQ Wellington, Girls in Tech, GRID Auckland, Jade Software, Project Connect, St Margret's College Christchurch, STEM, the Christchurch City Council, The Mind Lab, The Ministry of Awesome Christchurch, USNZYouthCouncil

Journey to the Last Frontier

Over the next year, leading up to the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary , our virtual intern, Ryan Valencia , will be publishing blog posts on various U.S. National Parks. This time, Ryan takes us to the Denali National Park and Preserve . * * * Journey to the Last Frontier, by Ryan Valencia. At this very moment, Americans from across the mainland are preparing to escape to the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 July, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, National Parks | Tags: 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, Denali, Denali National Park and Preserve, National Parks, NPS100, Ryan Valencia

Working together to Address Non-communicable Diseases in the Pacific

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)–heart disease, cancers, lung disease and diabetes–are a major issue for the Pacific. NCDs are the leading cause of death in the Pacific and in some Pacific Island countries life expectancy is declining as a result of NCD-related premature deaths. Developing a sustainable ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 June, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, East Asia & Pacific, Science & Tech, Youth Outreach | Tags: Health, NCDs, Non-communicable diseases, Nukualofa, Pacific, Tonga

Reflections on The Life of a Diplomat and U.S. Department of State Refugee Coordinator

Guest blog post by James Coventry, Auckland U.S.-NZ Youth Council Member and Shivani Ranganathan, Public Affairs/ Political-Economic Sections, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. During the week of June 1st through June 20th, the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland participated in multiple events to celebrate World Refugee Day. On Monday June 13th, members of the Auckland National ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 June, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Child and Family Matters, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, East Asia & Pacific, Human Rights, U.S. Agencies, Youth Outreach | Tags: Craig Halbmaier, James Coventry, Kelston Girls’ College, United Nations, USAID, USNZYouthCouncil, World Refugee Day

U.S. Diplomats Talking American Issues of Civil Rights and the 2016 Elections with NZ High School students

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On June 16, 2016, diplomats Emily Armitage and Cavan Fabris spoke to Auckland High Schools about the American Civil Rights Movement. These presentations were a part of the American Insights Program which offers opportunities for schools to engage directly with U.S.diplomats. The diplomats introduced the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 June, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Education, Former U.S. Government Leaders, History, Human Rights, Youth Outreach | Tags: Auckland, Barack Obama, Cavan Fabris, Civil Rights Movement, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Education, Emily Armitage, History, Human Rights, U.S. Civil Rights, U.S. Elections, Youth Outreach

Travel to a Prehistoric Paradise

Over the next year, leading up to the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary , our virtual intern, Ryan Valencia , will be publishing blog posts on various U.S. National Parks. This time, Ryan takes us to the  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . * * * Travel to a Prehistoric Paradise, by Ryan Valencia. Imagine a dense fog-filled jungle, full of exotic birds of every color singing from the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 21 June, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, National Parks, News | Tags: 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, National Parks Service, NPS, NPS100

Celebrating Youth Week: Giving Back is Giving Forward—Aroha mai, Aroha atu

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. Held every May, Youth Week is a New Zealand nationwide festival of events to celebrate the talents, passion, and success of local young people. Youth Week recognizes the contributions and achievements of young people in New Zealand and is organized by Ara Taiohi, a National ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 June, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Consulate General, East Asia & Pacific, Education, Environment, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand, Youth Outreach | Tags: Ara Taiohi, Auckland, Consul General Melanie Higgins, Consulate General, Culture, East Asia & Pacific, Education, Emeline Afeaki, Environment, Global Citizenship at Young, Mangere Otahuhu, MP Su’a William Sio, Pasifika & Free, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand, U.S. Consulate Auckland, University of Auckland, Young, Youth Outreach, Youth Week

Running “In the Footsteps of the Marines” with Pride

By Dr. Aime Black (Public Affairs Section) & LtCol John Black (Office of Defense Cooperation) The torrential downpour that plagued the Kapiti Coast stopped just in time for approximately 200 runners and walkers to pay tribute to the U.S. Marines stationed along the coast during WWII. U.S. Embassy Wellington, New Zealand staff, including five active ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 June, 2016 | Categories: History, News, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: In the Footsteps of the Marines, Kapiti Coast, Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust, MacKays Crossing, Memorial Day 2016, Paekakariki, U.S. Marines, USMC

U.S. Embassy Wellington Call for Proposals

The U.S. Embassy in Wellington announces a small grants funding opportunity of up to $5,000 USD for projects in the realm of Environment, Science, Technology, and Health. 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 to national goals ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 June, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Environment, News, Our Ocean, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: Environment, Grant, grant opportunity, grants funding opportunity, Health, NGO, Science, Technology

Pre- Departure Orientation to Prepare New Zealand Students for Study in the United States

U.S. Embassy Wellington and U.S. Consulate General, Auckland Host Pre-Departure Orientation to Prepare New Zealand Students for Study in the United States. By Shivani Ranganathan Pol-Econ/Public Affairs Intern, U.S. Consulate General Auckland. On May 27, 2016, the U.S. Embassy Wellington and U.S. Consulate General, Auckland were joined by twenty exceptional New Zealand students planning to ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 June, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Education | Tags: Aime Black, Berkeley, Cornell University, education advisor, Harvard University, Katie Sleeman, New York University, Pre-Departure Orientation, Stanford University, The University of California

Ambassador and Mrs Gilbert in Auckland, May 2016

By Phil McKenna, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. Ambassador and Mrs Gilbert  in Auckland, May 2016 On the evening of Friday, May 27 Ambassador and Mrs. Gilbert hosted a dinner at the Consul General’s residence with alumni from the field of education.  They discussed education issues in New Zealand and the United States. The guest list ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 8 June, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Public Affairs, U.S. & New Zealand | Tags: 850 firefighters, Andrea Bossenger, Auckland Sky Tower, Eisenhower Fellows, Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge, Fulbrighters, Graeme Ball, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, Lisa Mave, Mayor Brown, New Zealand Defence Force, Sarah Spicer, Study of the United States Institutes, SUSI, Tony Franklin-Ross

The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Auckland- Joint Seminar

By: Shivani Ranganathan, Mara Hosoda and Amanda Leavall, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On Friday, June 3rd, 2016, Associate Professor Jennifer Curtin from The University of Auckland- Politics and International Relations and Dr. Rhonda Evans, Director from the Edward A. Clark Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies at The University of Texas ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 June, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, Education, Events, U.S. & New Zealand, Youth Outreach | Tags: Associate Professor Jennifer Curtin, Austin, Craig Halbmaier, Dr. Rhonda Evans, Edward A. Clark Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies, University of Auckland, University of Texas

NZDF PERSONNEL JOIN LARGEST HUMANITARIAN MISSION IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

NZDF Media Release Nine New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have embarked on the US naval hospital ship USNS Mercy as they take part in the largest multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Wing Commander (WGCDR) Michelle White, who is the Senior National Officer of the NZDF contingent and ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 June, 2016 | Categories: East Asia & Pacific, Featured Event, Former Ambassadors, News, Press Releases

Congratulations to our three 2016 U.S. Study of the United States Institutes participants!

By Phil Mckenna and Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland The U.S. Consulate warmly welcomes and congratulates its 2016 U.S. Study of the United States Institutes (“SUSI”) participants—Sarah Spicer of Dunedin’s Logan Park School, Anthony Franklin-Ross, the Methodist Minister in Napier, and Lisa Mave of Auckland’s Diocesan School for Girls. The SUSI ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 28 May, 2016 | Categories: Alumni, Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Education, Scholarships and Exchanges | Tags: Anthony Franklin-Ross, Lisa Mave, Logan Park School, Sarah Spicer, Study of the United States Institutes, SUSI, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

U.S. Diplomats’ Insights on World War I, Civil Rights, American Literature and the American Elections

By Victoria Triegaardt, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Wellington and Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. The last three months were action-packed with opportunities for U.S. Diplomats to reach out to youth in Auckland and Wellington high schools. Upon request from New Zealand high schools, U.S. Diplomats presented U.S. history topics through ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 27 May, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Education, History, Human Rights, Public Affairs, Youth Outreach | Tags: American Literature, Conor Dickinson, Deputy Chief of Mission Candy Green, Economics Officer Andy Covington, Education, History, Human Rights, Megan Salmon, Onslow College, Pakuranga College, Public Affairs, Public Affairs Officer Rob Tate, Rongotai College, Scott Ceier, Sergeant Jay Rusniak, U.S. Civil Rights, U.S. Diplomats, Wellington Girls’ College

Wahine Toa: Liana Poutu

The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Wherever you may travel in the Taranaki region, you stand in awe of the stunning Mount Taranaki that unites the eight surrounding iwi through history and lore.  In Māori legend, Taranaki migrated from Taupo after losing a battle with Tongariro over the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 20 May, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Culture, Wahine Toa | Tags: Liana Poutu, Maori, Maori Women Leaders, Nancy Gilbert, New Plymouth Girls High School, Pihanga, Taranaki, Taranaki iwi, Taranaki Māori, Taranaki-Whanganui, Taupo, Te Atiawa iwi, Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa, Treaty of Waitangi, Wahine Toa, whakapapa, Women Leaders

U.S.-New Zealand Youth Council Kick-Offs for 2016

By Mara Hosoda and Victoria Triegaardt, Public Affairs U.S. Consulate Auckland and U.S. Embassy Wellington. The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand has run the U.S.-New Zealand Youth Council program since 2010. The program is based on the university structure with a student group at the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 18 May, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, U.S. & New Zealand, U.S. Consulate Auckland, U.S. Embassy Wellington, Youth Outreach | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Auckland University of Technology, Craig Halbmaier, Robert Tate, U.S.-New Zealand Youth Council, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, USNZYouthCouncil, Victoria University of Wellington

Tripartite Economic Alliance

By Phil McKenna, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. For a number of months, U.S. Consulate General in Auckland has been busy  the high-profile Tripartite Economic Summit between the cities of Auckland, Los Angeles, and Guangzhou, which took place from 16–17 May at the huge ANZ Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. The summit program included ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 16 May, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Business, Former Ambassadors, Science & Tech | Tags: #tripartiteAKL, ATEED, Auckland, entrepreneurs, innovators, Los Angeles, Tripartite Economic Alliance

US Embassy Staff & Friends Visit Kapiti Island

By Victoria Triegaardt, Public Affairs Intern, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. U.S. Embassy Staff & Friends Visit Kapiti Island to Take Part in the Unveiling Of New Information Panels. Two weeks back was National Park Week in the U.S. and in celebration the U.S. Embassy joined the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) to unveil new signs on Kapiti ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 May, 2016 | Categories: Environment, First People's Connect, National Parks, News | Tags: Department of Conservation, DOC, Kapiti Island, National Park Week, National Parks Service, Ngāti Toa, NPS100, Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, U.S. Embassy Youth Council, Victoria Triegaardt

Kiwi women entrepreneurs hear from Nancy Gilbert & U.S. Ambassador LeVine

U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Suzi LeVine and Nancy Gilbert spoke with a group of women entrepreneurs at BizDojo at a Collider Wellington on Tuesday March 29, while in New Zealand on a family holiday. Ambassador LeVine has an extensive background in tech, working at Microsoft and Expedia, and founding her own companies, prior to her appointment as President ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 1 April, 2016 | Categories: Business, Events, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: Ambassador LeVine, Barack Obama, Collider Wellington, entrepreneur, Nancy Gilbert, Switzerland

Ambassador and Consul General meet with resettled refugees in Auckland

Ambassador Gilbert and Consul General Higgins met with migrants and resettled refugees in Auckland yesterday to learn about their adjustment to life as “Kiwis.”  Participants were complimentary of support from the Ministry of Social Development and Umma Trust, which run programs to help refugees to settle in Aotearoa.  Participants said overall they were very grateful ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 March, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Child and Family Matters, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Former Ambassadors, Human Rights, News | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Consul General Higgins, Ministry of Social Development, refugees, Umma Trust

Mana Moana: Hawaiian Migration to Aotearoa in March

By Mara Hosoda, U.S. Consulate, Auckland Mana moana (“the power of the ocean”) was especially strong this month, connecting Kanaka Maoli (native people from Hawaii) to their Maori and Pacific cousins in Aotearoa. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate are proud to support and be a part of the many Hawaiian exchanges that occurred in March. ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 24 March, 2016 | Categories: Alumni, Art & Culture, Auckland, Business, Child and Family Matters, Connecting with Kiwis, Consulate General, Events, First People's Connect, Former Ambassadors, Travel & Tourism, U.S. & New Zealand, U.S. Consulate Auckland, U.S. Embassy Wellington | Tags: Ali’i Kalani’opu’u, Arts Envoy, ATEED, Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii, Kanaka Maoli, Kenneth Makuakane, mahiole, Mana moana, Pasifika Festival, Paula Fuga, Star Gossage, Ultimate Waterman Challenge, Waianae, Zane Kekoa Schweitzer

FBI Statement on Director Comey’s visit to New Zealand

Media Statement, March 9th, 2016. FBI Director James B. Comey met this week with our partners in New Zealand to discuss a host of important issues regarding the safety and security of the citizens of both countries. The U.S.-New Zealand law enforcement partnership remains steadfast, and we welcome the opportunity to work together to share critical information ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 9 March, 2016 | Categories: Press Releases | Tags: FBI, FBI Director, James B. Comey

Celebrating 100 Years of the U.S. National Parks Service with New Zealand Friends at Tongariro

Office of Public Affairs U.S. Embassy, Wellington Tongariro, New Zealand’s oldest National Park, has been chosen as the site for a celebration to mark a century of U.S. National Parks. “National Parks engage communities through recreation, conservation, historic and cultural preservation. They highlight values we share with the people of New Zealand,” says U.S. Ambassador ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 2 March, 2016 | Categories: Environment, Former Ambassadors, National Parks, Press Releases, Public Affairs | Tags: Ambassador Mark Gilbert, Department of Conservation, DOC, National Park Service, New Zealand, NPS, NPS100, Tongariro

United States Women’s Soccer Star Tells Youth to Train Hard and Promote Diversity through Sport

By Emily Armitage, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate Auckland. In partnership with the Department of State’s SportsUnited and Proud to Play NZ, United States Embassy New Zealand had the pleasure of hosting retired United States Women’s National Soccer Team midfielder Lori Lindsey in February 2016.  Throughout her successful career, Lori represented the United States at the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 19 February, 2016 | Categories: Auckland, Connecting with Kiwis, News, Sports Diplomacy | Tags: AUT, Department of State, LGBT, Lori Lindsey, Millennium Sports Institute, Mount Roskill Grammar School, Mt. Albert Grammar School, Ngati Whatua, Proud to Play, SportsUnited, Tawa College, United States Women’s National Soccer, Wellington Girls’ College

Cooley Law Krinock Lecture

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. The University of Waikato Law School—Te Piringa in partnership with the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School invited Ambassador Gilbert to meet law students and give the annual Krinock Lecture on February 2, 2016. Ambassador Gilbert’s lecture was entitled “Turning countries and businesses into people: the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 10 February, 2016 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Education, Former Ambassadors, Scholarships and Exchanges, U.S. & New Zealand, U.S. Consulate Auckland | Tags: Ambassador Gilbert, Cooley Law School, Krinock Lecture, Te Piringa, University of Waikato, University of Waikato Law School, Western Michigan University, Western Michigan University Cooley Law School

Statements by the U.S. President and New Zealand Prime Minister on the TPP signing

Statement by the U.S. President on the Signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership: For more than five years, a group of 12 countries have negotiated a forward-looking trade deal that sets new, high standards for trade and investment in one of the world’s fastest growing and most important regions. Today, these countries signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 5 February, 2016 | Categories: East Asia & Pacific, Economic Affairs, News, Trade | Tags: TPP, Trans-Pacific Partnership

Explore the Grand Canyon of the Old West

Over the next year of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary , our new virtual intern, Ryan , will be publishing blog posts on various U.S. National Parks. The first was on the great Yellowstone National Park . Today he talks to us about the Grand Canyon. *** Explore the Grand Canyon of the Old West, by Ryan Valencia. At the heart of the ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 14 January, 2016 | Categories: Environment, National Parks, Science & Tech | Tags: American Southwest, Arizonan park, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Mather Campground, National Park Foundation, National Parks, National Parks Service, North Rim Campground, NPS100, U.S. National Parks, World Heritage Site

Discover America’s Cowboy Country

Over the next year, leading up to the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary , our new virtual intern will be publishing blog posts on various U.S. National Parks. The first is the great Yellowstone National Park . But first, a little bit about Ryan… My name is Ryan Valencia and I am in my final year at the Penn State University in Pennsylvania, ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2015 | Categories: Environment, National Parks, Travel & Tourism | Tags: Anthropology, backcountry, bighorn sheep, Discover America, elk, grizzly bears, History, mountain goats, Pennsylvania, USA, where I study International Politics, wolves, Yellowstone National Park

New Consul General touches down in Auckland

By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Melanie Higgins is the new U.S. Consul General in Auckland and despite only having been in the role for just over a month she has already gained a great amount of diverse experience and insight into life in New Zealand and her new role. Local community leaders from ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 13 November, 2015 | Categories: Connecting with Kiwis, Consular Affairs, Consulate General, News | Tags: Mangere Art centre, Melanie Higgins, U.S. Consul General in Auckland

Young Kiwi women inspired by American icons

By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs U.S. Consulate, Auckland. The United States and New Zealand share a distinguished place on the world stage in producing inspiring female icons, from Rosa Parks and Kate Shepard to Beyonce and Helen Clark. This October we were proud to cohost an inspiration in her own right: Dr Terry Babcock-Lumish, an ... Read More»

By Public Affairs Section | 6 November, 2015 | Categories: Art & Culture, Education, Former U.S. Government Leaders, President of the United States, Public Affairs, Science & Tech | Tags: Akina Foundation, Amelia Earheart, American entrepreneur, Barack Obama, Donald J. Trump, Dr. Babcock-Lumish, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, Hillary Clinto, Madeline Albright, Margaret Sanger, Rachel Carson, Renee Richards, Rosa Parks