From June 10th, 2019 you will be able to apply for E-1 and E2 visas. Find out more about this new visa category to the right and below. 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 …
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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 …
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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.
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Ambassador Brown and Gail had a packed schedule in the Hawke’s Bay yesterday…
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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 …
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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 …
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Our condolences to the family and friends of Ema Piutau
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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’ …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Gail Brown. For the next blog post in the Pacific Women Leaders series, I met with Vania Wolfgramm. Vania is a former rugby player for the famous Black Ferns. She loves the sport. Now, as the Women’s Rugby Development Manager at New Zealand Rugby (NZR), her job is to share her passion for rugby with other young …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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»
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»
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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New Zealand Government Press Release Hon David Parker Minister for Economic Development. New Zealand tertiary students will be offered the chance to participate in NASA’s International Internships Programme, under an agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and NASA. “Through the programme, high-achieving students will have the opportunity to work in NASA’s best and most …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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“This is a historic day for the United States and New Zealand partnership…” – Ambassador Scott Brown. Press Release, U.S. Embassy Welllington, August 2nd, 2018. Ambassador Scott P. Brown strongly welcomes President Trump signing the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors Act, or KIWI Act, into law today in Washington, D.C. The KIWI Act will allow eligible New Zealand nationals to …
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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
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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, …
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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 …
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By Will Seal, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Consulate Auckland. Seeing the Aurora Australis, traversing the Antarctic Circle, and peering into never before seen stars in the centre of our Milky Way galaxy might individually sound like unique achievements – but for the crew and astronomers of NASA’s SOFIA airborne observatory, it’s all in a …
Read More» 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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Press Statement John J. Sullivan Acting Secretary of State Washington, DC April 23, 2018 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to send my best wishes to the people of Australia and New Zealand this Anzac Day on April 25, 2018. On the 103rd anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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. …
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Yesterday, U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown introduced the Free Agents Brass Band (FABB) to the enthusiastic crowd at Wellington’s Cuba Dupa carnival. The Embassy supported Cuba Dupa by bringing FABB from the U.S. to Wellington to perform at Cuba Dupa and a local school, as well as leading a music workshop with local musicians. When Hurricanes Katrina & Rita …
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Guest blog post by U.S. NZ Youth Councilor, Araina Kazia Pereira On International Women’s Day I was lucky enough to take part in a number of events. Firstly, a roundtable discussion with U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins alongside some incredible NZ women, American Chamber of Commerce members, exchange program alumni and youth council discussing both issues …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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By Gail Brown. For the next blog in the Pacific Women Leaders series, I met with Ana File-Heather, owner of Red Door Coffee Bar and Unique Island Streetwear. Ana File-Heather is desperately trying to hire a new barista. She owns the Red Door Coffee Bar in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, but, ironically, coffee isn’t the main thing she wants to …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Guest blog by David Clarke of the EcoQuest Education Foundation. EcoQuest Education Foundation Te Rarangahau Taiao (EcoQuest) is a Charitable Trust, registered with the Charities Commission. We have a commitment to service learning, providing students from the United States with opportunities for learning through real life case studies and research in a new environment in …
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Guest post by, Isabelle Walker, a member of the 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council. This October 17th and 18th I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 U.S.-NZ Youth Council Diplomacy in Action Conference in Wellington. The conference, hosted by the U.S Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), was a unique opportunity for emerging …
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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 …
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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 …
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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»
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 …
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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 …
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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»
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 staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. One of the greatest Kiwi traditions is the summer road trip. Well, it might not be summer just quite yet, but in the spirit of this celebration of the season, Ambassador and Gail Brown jumped in the car and headed off up the island this week, to the …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Mara Hosoda U.S. Consulate General staff. Views from the Field: Opportunities and Challenges facing Youth Employment in New Zealand and the U.S. Jobs and employment are critical to the successful growth and development of every economy. But what happens when there is a gap at the start of the employment stage? When youth and …
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The U.S. Embassy New Zealand is excited to share the following opportunity for students from Pacific island countries to apply for a merit-based scholarship to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s level study at the University of Hawai’i. Applications opened in August 2017 and will close February 1, 2018. What is the U.S. South Pacific Scholarship? The East …
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Registrations are open for the ‘Future Leaders of the Pacific’ conference in Auckland on Saturday 11th November! Register here. Join us to develop new skills and knowledge for youth participation in leadership and advocacy, and more importantly, to grow your network of leaders. In partnership with The Wonderful Group and The Moko Foundation, the US Embassy New Zealand is holding …
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On October 27 at Infrastructure New Zealand’s ‘Building Nations Symposium’ annual conference, Ambassador Scott Brown delivered remarks to an audience of over 300 senior executives and leaders of the infrastructure development sector. In his remarks the Ambassador noted the shared challenges faced by both countries in designing and implementing infrastructure that is both resilient to …
Read More» 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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. This September the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand welcomed a very special guest – Liliana ‘Lili’ Gil Valletta. A global business leader and entrepreneur, Lili emigrated from Colombia to the United States at age 17, and would later became one of the youngest executives at Johnson & Johnson, …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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. …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy Wellington. This week Phil Sage, Senior Director of Design and Development at Hasbro, was in Wellington on an Embassy-sponsored visit to speak at TEDxWellington and meet some of Wellington’s tech and entrepreneurship community. Phil’s TEDxWellington talk to a sellout audience of 1,000 (with a livestream audience of 5000, #1 trending …
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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.
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. The United States Marine Corps stood side by side with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) in Wellington and Christchurch in the annual Poppy Day Appeal. This is the tenth year that U.S. Marines have assisted with the …
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Each March a celebration of the rich history between Hawaii and Aotearoa descends onto the Hawaii Village at the Pasifika Festival in Auckland. Since launching the Hawaii Village in 2014, we continue to support the Hawaii Village Committee members who work tirelessly on a striking two day display of Hawaii arts, culture and food. This …
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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 …
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Applications are now open for the espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) 2017. Up to 20 international female candidates selected from countries around the world will be matched with leading female executives from America’s top sports organizations for a month-long mentorship (September 24, 2017 to October 31, 2017). The experience focuses on empowering emerging leaders to support their communities …
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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 …
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The Auckland University of Technology is kicking off our Project17 speaker series with a bang – Justin Milano (Good Startups, USA), serial entrepreneur, executive coach, intrepid traveller, author and producer will be sharing some valuable insights and inspiration… If you are an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, or simply want to encourage entrepreneurial thinking in yourself and your …
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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 …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. For the next Wahine Toa blog I traveled to the world’s southernmost marae which is at the bottom of the South Island in Bluff. I met Aimee Kaio, a dedicated social entrepreneur from Ngāi Tahu, Tuhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngā Puhi, whose …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Jacinta Ruru is New Zealand’s first Māori Professor of Law, co-director of Ngā Pae o te Maramatanga (New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence), and a two-time Fulbright award grantee. Jacinta’s utmost mission has been straightforward: to bring a strong Indigenous voice …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Wahine Toa Nicol ‘Kelly’ Takurua of Ngāti Porou descent, is a champion social worker in rural Southland. And , as she tells it, her interest in organizing and helping others with their lives is something she’s done all her life. Kelly’s family …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Brittany Teei is a former professional tennis player, social entrepreneur, founder of KidsCoin tech-company, and she’s only 27 years young. Blessed with a prodigious mind and heart, this tenacious Ngāi Tahu woman recently shared her incredible story at the Remuera Tennis Club …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. The next Wahine Toa feature is Deidre Otene of Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi. Over the last decade she has been at the forefront supporting Māori youth and women in grassroots communities. At the heart of her work is her own community in …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Libby Hakaraia is a trailblazing journalist, author and filmmaker, broadcasting New Zealand’s culture and cinematic stories to the world. A masterful auteur, Libby pioneered New Zealand’s first international indigenous film festival – Māoriland Film Festival. I visited this gifted storyteller in her …
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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 …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. In October, the United States Embassy in New Zealand brought together 140 Maori women from across the country for the Wahine Toa (“Women of Strength”) Leadership Conference, the culmination of two years of interviews and engagement with emerging female leaders from the …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. Our next Wahine Toa feature is Rukumoana Schaafhausen from Ngāti Haua. Her ardent desire to help her community, her church, and her Māori people is central to her story as the longest standing trustee for Waikato Tainui Te Kauhaunganui Inc, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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» 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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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“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 …
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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 …
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UPDATE: The Contest is now CLOSED. Thanks for all your stunning #NationalParksUSNZ entries, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service . Find out who the winner is right here . *** On October 4, 2016, the Embassy will launch a photo competition, #NationalParksUSNZ, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service. The winning entry’s prize includes a $400 gift card to REI (a well …
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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 …
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By U.S. Embassy Youth Council Members Sarah Peraira and Hannah Craighead. During the 22 and 23rd of August, we were lucky enough to attend the Open Source Open Society (OS/OS) conference in Wellington. The Conference theme was how technology and open ways of working can transform your life, your work, your organisation and our society. Through speeches, panels and workshops, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Thanks to the U.S. Embassy and KiwiConnect , Eric Hysen of the United States Digital Service came to New Zealand to keynote at the annual Open Source Open Society conference. At the conference Eric spoke on the challenges and rewards of modernizing U.S. Government systems. Eric is one of the Founding members of the USDS , and is the Digital Service Lead for the United States Department of Homeland Security. As a former employee at Google, Eric has worked …
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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 …
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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 …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. The next Wahine Toa feature is Rachel Taulelei. Rachel’s Māori heritage and advocacy for young entrepreneurs, women in particular, are among her most passionate inspirations. Business savvy, and an innate gift for innovation have led to extraordinary success —first as an entrepreneur …
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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» 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 …
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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 …
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Last June, the U.S. Embassy were proud to support New Zealand startup company Founders attendance at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summi t in Silicon Valley, USA. Let’s hear about their experience at GES2016… April McLennan – Founder & Trustee at Limitless Charitable Trust… There’s an excitement that comes with early morning starts. Flashback: 2.30am, June 18, 2016. Emerging from a bleary-eyed …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. The Ngāti Rārua iwi in the upper South Island is known for its strong female leadership, beginning with the women that the iwi was named after Raruaioio and Raruatere. Generations later their legacy holds true as they introduce a current female leader, Olivia …
Read More» 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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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» 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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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May 28-30: Re-post from The Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust website : Memorial Weekend 2016 (May 28-30) promises a heritage weekend with a difference for those who want to re-live the days from 1942-44 when U.S.Marines out-numbered locals in parts of Kapiti by 15-1. This is a great opportunity for those who lived through these times, their …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. NASA is on a mission to foster innovation around challenges affecting us at home and in space; this year it created the world’s largest international annual hackathons. On Friday April 22, 2016, Acting Consul General, Emily Armitage kicked off the 2016 NASA Space Apps Challenge …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Auckland. On April 13 and 14, 2016 the U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert and his wife, Mrs. Nancy Gilbert, made their first official visit to Dunedin, New Zealand. The Gilberts met with a cross section of Dunedin’s government, business, university, and civil society sectors. It was a …
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By Mike Cousins, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Google employee #43 (and now Silicon Valley entrepreneur/investor) Jeremy Wenokur was in New Zealand earlier this week to listen to and give startup advice to some of New Zealand’s young entrepreneurs. Jeremy’s NZ program included a roundtable (the kitchen table to be exact!) discussion with GRID Auckland startup residents, a Project Connect fireside chat …
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On March 11 we had the privilege of holding a reception at Camperdown in honor of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum , with representatives visiting Wellington from New York. With over 80 guests representing countries that lost citizens on September 11, 2001, and representatives from New Zealand’s first responders, we shared the story and role of the memorial and …
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Last week Nancy Gilbert hosted the Et Alia Art Group at Camperdown for a luncheon to share and discuss the Art in Embassies ‘Iconic Images’ exhibition. Nancy gave a history of the Art in Embassies program and the process behind their theme of iconic images of her home and host countries. She shared her favorite pieces with the …
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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 …
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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. …
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U.S. and New Zealand entrepreneurs, creative technologists, educators and investors visited New Zealand for the 2016 New Frontiers conference held in Whiteman’s Valley between February 12-26, 2016. The programming of New Frontiers was designed with three overarching themes: Planet, Story, and Economy. Each day featured a mix of U.S. and local keynote talks, in-depth panel discussions, open …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland. Auckland Consul General Melanie Higgins attended the 2016 Vex Robotics New Zealand National Championship, which was held on February 27-28, 2016 in Auckland. The robotics competition brings together high school teams from across New Zealand, competing to represent New Zealand at the Vex World Robotics Championships …
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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 …
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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» Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 4, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of New Zealand on the 176th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this February 6. The United States and New Zealand are …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate, Auckland On February 2, 2016, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert and Auckland Consul General Melanie Higgins had a day trip to Hamilton to meet with the local government, businesses, iwi and the university. It was a fun-filled day to learn more about existing U.S. and New Zealand connections …
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Andrea Bossenger, Deputy Principal at Auckland’s Manurewa High School is an alumna of the 2015 Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) program. Andrea trained as a geography teacher, but now teaches history and oversees the entire social science learning area for Manurewa, one of Auckland’s biggest schools. What was the focus of your recent SUSI program exchange? In July I …
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By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Embassy, Wellington. Wellington-based Marines have spent the last few weeks collecting toys for Kiwi kids who are having a hard time this holiday season. In the days before Christmas the Marines delivered them to the Wellington Children’s hospital and to the City Mission. The U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program began in 1947 …
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The latest Wahine Toa post by By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. This month I’d like to introduce Gina Rangi of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Raukawa iwi. Everything about Gina – her intellectual pursuit, ambition to create positive outcomes for Māori, and social life – is based on the premise that leadership is …
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Guest blog post by Rachel Harris and Jonathan Gee. As burgeoning business leaders move into the world, bridging the gap between one generation and the next is of vital importance. The State Department was proud to fund and support the Tuākana Youth Mentoring Program run by NGO Leadership New Zealand and the Fulbright New Zealand …
Read More» 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 …
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By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. As part of our now well established Wahine Toa series, I traveled to “King country”, home to the Waikato-Tainui iwi and a dear friend, King Tuheitia Paki. Pioneers of Kingitanga , (a collective spirit to unify Māori tribes under a Māori monarchy) the iwi holds an incredible …
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On the last weekend of Save Kiwi Month we’d like to share an update from the wonderful Kathy Brader, senior bird keeper at Smithsonian National Zoo on her work with kiwi. We interviewed Kathy last year at Wellington Zoo , when she was in New Zealand for her investiture as an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to kiwi conservation. Kiwi News …
Read More» On Monday October 19 Ambassador Mark Gilbert paid a visit to the National New Zealand Fire Service Headquarters in Wellington. He was hosted by Kevin O’Connor, National Rural Fire Authority Officer, and Paul McGill, Deputy National Commander of The New Zealand Fire Service, and expressed the deep appreciation of the United States government for the …
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On October 20, Ambassador Mark Gilbert addressed business leaders at the Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference in Auckland. He spoke about one of our key foreign policy priorities – mitigating climate change and working together to #ActOnClimate. Recently Secretary of State John Kerry addressed world leaders at the Our Ocean Conference in Chile, …
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By Caroline Toplis, Public Affairs, Wellington. September was a very cultural month for Embassy Wellington with a number of interesting visitors coming to town. We’ve had stimulating conversations and a peek into the world of New York publishing with Jonathan Galassi; soaring voices and more than a touch of glamor with Renée Fleming; and a …
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By Nancy Gilbert, wife of U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert. I continued my Wahine Toa journey south to the city of Christchurch, which is the base of New Zealand’s wealthiest tribe, Ngāi Tahu. At their impressive new headquarters I met Charisma Rangipunga, who, like so many Māori women I have come across, is talented on many …
Read More» Guest Blog by James Tremlett, Marine Conservationist and Social Scientist, Recipient of Duke’s Global Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Could you briefly tell us a bit about yourself? I was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau and for the past few years have made my home in Pōneke. I grew up relishing any contact with the …
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Social impact entrepreneur Soraya Darabi spent a week in New Zealand, September 1-4, speaking to audiences and groups about managing change and scaling startups in an Embassy funded program. In Auckland Soraya headlined Project:Connect (a tech/entrepreneurship/innovation seminar series, of which the Embassy is a founding partner) at AUT University to two audiences totaling over 250, …
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By Mara Hosoda, Public Affairs U.S. Consulate, Auckland. Despite all the progress that has been made in recent decades, civil rights and the status of minority groups in society still remains an important issue that needs to be addressed in America and around the world. Here at the Embassy we are passionate about engaging with …
Read More» By Public Affairs staff, U.S. Consulate Auckland. Fifty ‘Future Leaders’ from 19 Pacific Islands (#FPL15), including 30 New Zealand based participants, gathered in Auckland in early September for a four-day conference on social entrepreneurship and leadership. An important goal was to connect participants with Pacific diaspora communities in Auckland, the city with the largest Pacific …
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By Phil McKenna and Rob Tate, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Wellington. Embracing the enthusiasm for sports that is such a feature of both American and New Zealand culture, the Embassy in Wellington and the Consulate General in Auckland kicked off a two-day celebration of American Independence Day. Our celebrations this year were made even sweeter, …
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