Connie Lawn: Dispatches from Washington, D.C

This past week has been an extremely busy one for New Zealand – related matters in the Nation’s Capitol. We like such busy weeks, and want more of them.

Events included the visit of NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully; the US-NZ Partnership Forum; the naming of a terrific new US Ambassador to New Zealand, and a Hangi at a Virginia winery, sponsored by the hard working members of Kea North America.

First, the new Ambassador, because it is the most colorful story. David Huebner may be the best qualified of all the Ambassadors named by this country to NZ, and I have covered many of them in 30 years. He was a senior partner of a major law firm, is a China expert, and has a string of honors to his name. He is also an openly gay activist. In fact, President Obama made special mention of him on Saturday night, during a major speech to a gay rights convention.

When the nomination was made public last week, many of my friends in the White House made certain I knew about it. I told them it looked like a great appointment, and believed he would be well received in New Zealand. I also do not believe he will have any difficulty winning Senate confirmation.

The second major event was the US-NZ Partnership Forum. Foreign Minister Murray McCully called it “a collection of leading business people and political leaders from NZ and the United States who work together to try to advance the relationship across ..many spheres.” In addition to his statements at the forum, he talked about NZ business and trade at a reception at the NZ Embassy. It was a terrific reception, and I was pleased to see many important Kiwis whom I have known and admired for years.

The third major event was the Minister’s meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It went very well, and both officials made long statements afterwards. The Secretary of State said “they reaffirmed the strong partnership between the US and NZ which has enhanced peace and prosperity in the Pacific and beyond for many years.” She said, “we share democratic values, common historical, economic, and cultural ties.” The two officials discussed a wide range of matters, including New Zealand’s participation in Afghanistan, its prompt relief efforts after the tsunami, and its contribution of H1N1 vaccine stock to developing countries. Secretary Clinton also welcomed the nomination of Ambassador Huebner, and said he would “strengthen and deepen our partnership even further.”

In response to a question, Secretary Clinton also said “we are resuming our intelligence sharing cooperation, which we think is very significant.” She added, “NZ Special Forces, the SAS, are among the very best that are deployed.” She also said they discussed nuclear non proliferation and climate change.

For his part, Foreign Minister McCully said the next USAmbassador “would give further impetus and momentum in a relationship that is already working very successfully indeed.” The Minister said he and Secretary Clinton also discussed Antarctica, the wind turbines, the world economy, and a host of other matters.

After all the hard work of the week, over 100 Kiwis and their friends went to La Grange Vineyard in rural Virginia for a Hangi. It was a terrific social event, and the leaders of Kea North America worked hard on it. They included Geoff Andrews, Dave Keagan, Russell Pike , and others. Yacht designer Bruce Farr was also there. One of the chefs, Tom Parsons, sadly lost family members in Samoa. We all shared his sorrow. The Hangi was extremely intense work. We hope they attempt it again next year. Kea North America is a hard working group, and it making great strides in representing New Zealand, and bringing the New Zealand community and its friends closer together. Images from the event below:

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What a week! On top of all of this, President Obama won the Noble Peace Prize, and US scientists bombed the moon. We can only guess what surprises are in store this week! Connie Lawn

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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