Cablegate: Former New Zealand Iv to Lead Us - Nz Business

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000837

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ECA/PE/V/G/F- TBLATT, JHATHAWAY
INFO ECA/PE/V/C/N; EAP/PD-AGRIMES, EAP/ANP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO NZ
SUBJECT: FORMER NEW ZEALAND IV TO LEAD US - NZ BUSINESS
RELATIONS COUNCIL.

1. Former participant on the IVLP program Mr. Stephen Jacobi
(grantee from June 2003) has been appointed Executive
Director of the New Zealand United States Council. The
Council is an influential lobby group that enjoys the ear of
NZ officals. Within days of his appointment, Jacobi wrote a
newspaper piece calling on the Government to strengthen ties
to the United States.

2. In 2002, Mr. Jacobi was identified by the Political
Economic Section of US Embassy Wellington and nominated for
the program as a future leader in US-NZ business relations.
This has proved to be an excellent nomination.

3. A NZ US Council press release states: "The New Zealand
United States Council is a non-partisan body funded by both
business and government to promote New Zealand's
relationship with the United States. Stephen Jacobi, a
member of the Council's Advisory Board since 2002, was
formerly Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest
Industries Council. "When it comes to securing New Zealand's
future, the United States is an indispensable nation and
this is clearly recognized by the major political parties as
well as the business community" said Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger,
Council Chairman, "the Council is determined to see the
already significant relationship further developed and we
are delighted to have attracted someone of Stephen Jacobi's
caliber and reputation to help us achieve this".

4. On 25 October 2005 Stephen Jacobi wrote a column in the
business section of the Dominion Post newspaper (the
Wellington daily which has the second largest circulation
and the most political coverage) in which he outlines the
aims and objectives of the NZ US Council and the future
prospects for closer economic and trade relations. A full
transcript of the piece can be found at:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3454580a1 865,00.html

5. In his column, Jacobi reminds readers of the firm and
positive relationship between New Zealand and the United
States, ".there's no getting past the fact that New Zealand
has a key interest in the strongest possible relationship
with the United States" and, that the NZ US Council was,
"prepared to stand up for the importance of a strong
relationship between the two countries". Regarding a free
trade agreement, he says, "Whether or not an FTA can be
achieved, New Zealand's best interests in the US remains.
Now that the new (NZ) government has been finalized, the
council stands ready to work for a relationship that
reflects New Zealand's values and interests, and contributes
to our broader economic goals".

5. Post has enjoyed a positive relationship with Mr. Jacobi
since his return from the IV Program. We will continue to
work constructively with him in his new role.

BURNETT

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