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Recent Events 2010 April:
The Council hosted a dinner in honor of Prime
Minister John Key at the NZ
Embassy
April 13 in cooperation with Ambassador Roy Ferguson. Embassy staff and Chef
Nathan Bates provided an elegant setting and a superb dinner. Over the
course of
the evening
Prime Minister spoke personally with most of the 160 guests and sponsors in
attendance. During the dinner the Prime Minister
delivered the keynote address
and concluded the evening with investiture of the US-NZ Council President, John
Mullen, into the New Zealand Order of Merit. The Council is grateful for the support of the table sponsors: Blank Rome, Cargill, Citigroup, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Fonterra, L3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, MARS Inc., National Australia Bank, Time Warner, Toyota, Westpac, Weyerhaeuser. 2009 November: On November the 14th President Obama annouced in Tokyo, Japan that the US would, "be engaging with the trans-pacific partnership countries with the goal of shaping a regional agreement that will have broad-based membership and the high standards worthy of a 21st century trade agreement." US Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk elaborated on the President's statement as follows: "we will seek with current and future TPP nations to shape a platform with the scope, coverage, and standards to successfully integrate the Asia-Pacific economies." President Obama's decision to re-engage in the TPP negotiations has been widely applauded by the other seven TPP countries as a strong indication of US engagement in the Asia Pacific region and also as a building block for a larger free trade area of the Asia Pacific. The Council will continue to work closely with our corporate members, the broader US business community, trade and other business organizations, bilateral and regional groups, and US and NZ government entities to build support for the TPP agreement. To read more about the TTP click here. In late November we were delighted to welcome Jourden Williams to the Council from the University of Otago, where she is studying political studies and economics. Jourden will remain with the Council through late February. October: On October 6 to 8 in Washington, the Council hosted the 3rd Partnership Forum, which was attended by distinguished delegations from the two countries and again acclaimed as a major success. Under the Chatham House rule, 120 high-level officials from government, business, academia and the media covered a wide range of issues including increased co-operation and engagement on matters concerning regional security and stability, trade and economic development, business innovation, energy and the environment in the Asia Pacific region. Both governments again have praised the Forum for its significant contribution to what both Secretary Hillary Clinton and NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully term the strongest bilateral relationship in a quarter century and for its ability to bring focus to the exceptional regional partnership of these two Pacific Rim neighbors. To read more about this, click here. Shortly following the Forum, Sasha Maher returned to Auckland University, following three months at the Council to complete her thesis for a double PhD in International Business and Anthropology. Sasha worked tirelessly on the Forum and was a critical element in its success, for which the Council is extremely grateful.
June: New Zealand has just been named as the most peaceful country in the world in the latest Global Peace Index. The rankings, compiled by the Vision of Humanity organization, defines peace as the 'absence of violence' and combines 23 indicators ranging from a nation's level of military expenditure to its relations with neighboring countries and the level of respect for human rights. New Zealand's first place ranking follows a second placing (behind Singapore) in the World Bank and IFC's 2009 Doing Business report, measuring ease of conducting business, and a fifth ranking in the Wall Street Journal and Heritage Foundation's 2009 Index of Economic Freedom, measuring liberty of business and trade. Preparations for the US-NZ Council 2009 Partnership Forum, to be held in Washington, D.C. from October 6th to the 8th, are continuing. Much progress has been made on fundraising from corporate sponsors, the agenda and schedule is beginning to take shape, and invitations to potential US delegates have been sent out. Council President John Mullen traveled to New York at the end of June to consult with supporters of the Council, including leaders from Google, Westpac, and Commonwealth Bank, among others. Meanwhile, the NZ delegation now prospectively includes members of Cabinet and leaders from the Opposition in Parliament, along with nearly two dozen Chairmen and CEO's from NZ's largest companies. Intern Lucy Coghill leaves the Council at the end of June to continue her studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. May: On May 13th, the US-NZ Council, in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hosted a speech by the visiting NZ Minister of Trade, Hon. Tim Groser. Held at the Chamber's offices on Lafayette Square, Groser stressed the importance of completing the Doha Round of world trade talks, and raised the possibility of expanding the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks beyond the current eight participants, suggesting Japan as a candidate. The Minister was in Washington to meet with top trade officials in the new administration, including U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Groser also met with the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change, Todd Stern, in his capacity as the Associate Minister for Climate Change Issues. A copy of the Minister's speech can be found here. The Council welcomed Gabrielle Rush of the NZ-US Council, our New Zealand-based counterpart organization, to Washington at the beginning of May. While here, Ms. Rush attended the Annual General Meeting of the Council, held on May 5th at the offices of Blank Rome on New Hampshire Avenue. To see a copy of the President's Annual Report, click here. April: On April 7th, the US-NZ Council hosted the NZ Foreign Minister, Hon. Murray McCully, at a roundtable luncheon at the Van Scoyoc & Associate offices on Constitution Ave. Held in a boardroom overlooking the Capitol building, over 30 guests listened to McCully speak about the bilateral relationship between the two newly elected governments, including his outlook for future cooperation. In attendance was Ambassador Christopher Hill, who gave a brief introductory speech welcoming McCully, as well as top officials from the State Department, the US Trade Representative office, the NZ Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Also in attendance were many of our Board members, and executives from our Corporate members. The luncheon followed McCully's first meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where each side reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation as 'Pacific nations'. Of particular note was the announcement of a new New Zealand initiative to assist the United States denuclearization efforts. New Zealand has pledged to provide NZ$685,000 (approximately US$350,000) to support the Department of Energy in equipping Kazakhstan's borders with radiation monitors and providing related infrastructure and training. This contribution builds on the success of a similar arrangement signed in May 2007, through which New Zealand contributed similar assistance to help secure Ukraine's border. March: On March 10th, the Co-Chairs of the Friends of New Zealand Congressional Caucus, House Representatives Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) and Kevin Brady (R-TX) sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to continue US involvement in the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership free trade agreement (TPP) negotiations. The letter was signed by 45 Congressmen from both sides of the aisle. It was sent days after the US Trade Representative decided to halt US participation in TPP negotiations until the new administration has conducted a broad review of trade policy. A copy of the letter to the President can be found here. On March 4th, the US-NZ Council President, John Mullen, testified before the Office of the United States Trade Representative at a public hearing regarding the TPP. A transcript of Mr. Mullen's testimony can be found here. February: The Council farewells Eamon Curran, a young New Zealander who had been working full-time at the Council for six months. His energy, initiative and enthusiasm will be missed. Eamon is currently embarking on a Masters of International Studies as he returns to Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand. January: In January, the Council held its bi-annual board meeting at the Van Scoyoc offices. The agenda covered fundraising for the Partnership Forum, progress on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and a letter from the Friends of New Zealand Congressional Caucus to President Obama. In early January, Lucy Coghill, a young New Zealander joined the Council. Lucy, originally from Tauranga, is currently in her 4th year at Victoria University in Wellington, where she is studying Law and International Relations. She will be spending one semester at American University. She hopes to apply for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade when she graduates. We welcome Lucy to the team. 2008 November: In November, Council President John Mullen had a very productive ten-day trip to New Zealand and meet with new (and former) officials of the New Zealand government, senior executives from major multi-national companies and members of the media. November witnessed a significant change in the political landscape in both countries. On November 5th, in a historic election, Barack Obama became America's first black president. Days later in New Zealand, John Key and the National Party were voted into power. October: On October 30th, the Council attended an event at the East-West Centre, which saw USTR Barbara Wiesel explain the US decision to join the TPP. New Zealand's National Museum, Te Papa, in collaboration with National Geographic, opened its Whales exhibition in Washington DC. Ambassador Ferguson, along with many other members of the NZ community in Washington attended the reception on the 15th and enjoyed outstanding New Zealand wine and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a special Maori performance. On October 7, the Council attended a meeting at the US Chamber of Commerce, where the discussion centered on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. September: On the 22nd September, US Trade Representative Susan Schwab announced that the United States will enter negotiations on the full "P4" (Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership) Free Trade Agreement. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark hailed the decision as "a major step forward", with Trade Minister Phil Goff describing it as "of huge significance and benefit for New Zealand". On September 9, the Council presented its 5th Torchbearer Award to Ambassador Chris Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs in recognition of his exceptional leadership in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and New Zealand. Ninety Council members, US and NZ government officials and corporate executives attended the reception and dinner at the Madison Hotel in Washington. NZ Ambassador Roy Ferguson, Council Chairman Paul Cleveland and past Torchbearer recipients Clayton Yeutter and Cal Dooley all remarked on the dramatic positive change in the bilateral relationship over the past several years, now widely acknowledged as the strongest in a quarter century, and Ambassador Hill's central role in achieving it. The Council is delighted to welcome Eamon Curran to the team. Mr. Curran, an Otago graduate, comes to the Council from London, where he spent two years working for Dod's Political Communications. His experience in business development and the political sphere will prove an invaluable asset to the Council. July: NZ Ambassador Roy Ferguson graciously opened his residence for a Council cocktail reception on July 22nd. Current corporate and Council Board members enjoyed outstanding New Zealand wine and hors d'oeuvres along with officials from a dozen companies with commercial interests in New Zealand. June: The US-NZ Council, with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, co-hosted a luncheon on Monday June 9th for the Honorable Phil Goff, New Zealand Minister of Trade and Defense. The Minister addressed "Evolving Asia Pacific Regionalism: Challenges and Opportunities", which covered regional economic integration in Asia including East Asian Summits, transpacific economic developments including APEC and the "P4" initiative recently joined by the United States, and New Zealand's own recent free trade agreement with China. For Minister Goff's prepared remarks click here. June was Jeremy Quinn's last month as the Council's Director of Operations. The Council is grateful for his outstanding and loyal service and wishes him the best as he moves forward with his life and career. May: The Council also held its Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2008. Beyond normal reporting to the board, the meeting covered planning for next Torchbearer Award dinner, planned for September 2008, and the 2009 Partnership Forum. April: Council Members gathered at Blank Rome for a luncheon roundtable discussion regarding the recent decision by the US to enter into negotiations on investment and financial services with the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, also known as the "P4" group. February: U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab announced February 4, 2008 that the United States will join negotiations on investment and financial services with the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, also known as the "P-4" group, which includes: Singapore, Chile, New Zealand and Brunei. The USTR's press release can be found here. The United States - New Zealand Council applauds the announcement. Council President John Mullen called it a "positive development" and "a logical first step for the United States" as it carries out the 'detailed exploratory process to determine whether it should participate in the full Trans Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership' mentioned in the USTR press release. The United States - New Zealand Council's press release can be found here. A number of U.S. organizations support the negotiations including, but not limited to: the United States Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, National Foreign Trade Council, Emergency Committee for American Trade and Coalition of Service Industries. (Click on the organization's name to view their press release.) 2007 September: The second United States New Zealand Partnership Forum was held in Auckland on 9, 10 and 11 September 2007. The Partnership Forum was an invitation only event that brought together leaders from American and New Zealand governments, businesses and academic communities to discuss how the economic, political and personal ties between the two countries can be strengthened and developed to meet the commercial, security, energy and environmental challenges of the Asia-Pacific region and today's global economy. Under the banner of "Partnership and Innovation" the Forum focused on the potential for the United States and New Zealand to cooperate on matters of regional security and stability, economic development and sustainability in the Asia Pacific region. For more information, news articles, lists of delegates, speeches, etc. please visit our Partnership Forum page. July: New Zealand MPs, Gerry Brownlee and Shane Jones, chairman and deputy chairman of the New Zealand United States Parliamentary Friendship Group respectively, came to the Washington for a series of meetings, including calls on their counterparts, co-chairs of the Friends of New Zealand Congressional Caucus, Representatives Ellen Tauscher and Kevin Brady amongst others. They were accompanied by NZUS Council Executive Director Stephen Jacobi who stayed on in Washington to further plan for the upcoming Partnership Forum. June: In the Council's continuing series of luncheon roundtables, New Zealand Leader of the Opposition, John Key addressed members and friends of the Council at Van Scoyoc Associates on June 28, 2007. Mr. Key discussed the current political environment in New Zealand and engaged guests in a lively question and answer session following lunch. May: The Council was pleased to co-host a luncheon roundtable with the US Chamber of Commerce for Trade and Defense Minister Phil Goff on May 9, 2007. The luncheon address highlighted New Zealand's perspective on developments of the WTO's Doha round of trade talks. The Council also held its Annual General Meeting on May 22, 2007. Beyond normal reporting to the board the meeting covered planning for the upcoming Partnership Forum. March: The Council hosted a reception for visiting NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark on the Roof Terrace of the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington. A large turnout of friends and admirers of New Zealand enjoyed the early spring evening, outstanding hors d'oeuvres and wine, and meeting the Prime Minister in a spectacular setting with clear views of the White House and beyond to the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and down the Potomac. Following Council President John Mullen's introduction, the Prime Minister made remarks to the guests and then presented to former Council President Fred Benson his award as an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services in furtherance of NZ-US relations. See http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/list.asp?id=38 Following the reception, the Prime Minister's official party, the two Ambassadors, and a small number of US Government officials, Members of Congress, corporate sponsors and Council officials gathering in a Hay-Adams private dining room for a dinner hosted by the Council. Both events were sponsored by Council members Boeing, Pernod Ricard, and Time Warner. The Council's reception and dinner were the only evening events in Washington for the Prime Minister. Following meetings the next day with President Bush, Secretaries Gates and Rice, US Trade Representative Schwab, and Speaker Pelosi, among others, the Prime Minister went on to Chicago and Seattle before returning to New Zealand. February: Council Board Member Peter Watson received the Smithsonian Institution's Woodrow Wilson Center's Award for Public Service at a gala dinner in Auckland in early February. http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm/events/docs/about/index.cfmfuseaction=news.item&newsid=224334 Later in February, Peter was recognized at another Auckland dinner, receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award from Auckland University. http://alumni.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/for/alumni/news/archive/2006/october/daa_announced.cfm
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