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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Roy FERGUSON
Embassy: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800
Fax: [1] (202) 667-5227

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: David Huebner
Embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467,
Box 1, FPO AP 96531-1001
Telephone: [64] (4) 472-2068
Fax: [64] (4) 471-2380
Consulate(s) General in: Auckland

Consulate(s) General:
Los Angeles
12400 Wilshire Bl., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 207-1605

New York
222 East 41st Street, Suite 2510
New York, NY 10017
PH: (212) 832-4038
FAX: (212) 832-7602

Pago Pago
Beach Road, Apia, Western Samoa
P.O. Box 1876


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for New Zealand
Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC, U.S.A.
Embassy of the United States of America in New Zealand


FOREIGN RELATIONS

New Zealand's foreign policy is oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific economies. The country's major political parties have generally agreed on the broad outlines of foreign policy, and the current coalition government has been active in multilateral fora on issues of recurring interest to New Zealand--trade liberalization, environment, and arms control. New Zealand values the United Nations and its participation in that organization.

It also values its participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO); World Bank; International Monetary Fund (IMF); Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); International Energy Agency; Asian Development Bank; South Pacific Forum; The Pacific Community; Colombo Plan; Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); and the International Whaling Commission. New Zealand also is an active member of the Commonwealth. Despite the 1985 rupture in the ANZUS alliance, New Zealand has maintained good working relations with the United States and Australia on a broad array of international issues.

In the past, New Zealand's geographic isolation and its agricultural economy's general prosperity tended to minimize public interest in world affairs. However, growing global trade and other international economic events have made New Zealanders increasingly aware of their country's dependence on stable overseas markets.

New Zealand's economic involvement with Asia has been increasingly important through expanding trade with the growing economies of Asia. New Zealand is a "dialogue partner" with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and an active participant in APEC. On April 7, 2008 New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with China, the first developed country to do so.

As a charter member of the Colombo Plan, New Zealand has provided Asian countries with technical assistance and capital. It also contributes through the Asian Development Bank and through UN programs and is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific.

New Zealand has focused its bilateral economic assistance resources on projects in the South Pacific island states, especially on Bougainville. The country's long association with Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa), reflected in a treaty of friendship signed in 1962, and its close association with Tonga have resulted in a flow of immigrants and visitors under work permit schemes from both countries. New Zealand administers the Tokelau Islands and provides foreign policy and economic support when requested for the freely associated self-governing states of the Cook Islands and Niue. Inhabitants of these areas hold New Zealand citizenship.

In 1947, New Zealand joined Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to form the South Pacific Commission, a regional body to promote the welfare of the Pacific region. New Zealand has been a leader in the organization. In 1971, New Zealand joined the other independent and self-governing states of the South Pacific to establish the South Pacific Forum (now known as the Pacific Islands Forum), which meets annually at the "heads of government" level.

U.S.-NEW ZEALAND RELATIONS
Bilateral relations are excellent. The United States and New Zealand share common elements of history and culture and a commitment to democratic principles. Senior-level officials regularly consult with each on issues of mutual importance. In March 2007, Prime Minister Clark visited Washington, DC, where she met with President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

The United States established consular representation in New Zealand in 1839 to represent and protect American shipping and whaling interests. Since the U.K. was responsible for New Zealand's foreign affairs, direct U.S.-New Zealand diplomatic ties were not established until 1942, when the Japanese threat encouraged close U.S.-New Zealand cooperation in the Pacific campaign. During the war, more than 400,000 American military personnel were stationed in New Zealand to prepare for crucial battles such as Tarawa and Guadalcanal.

New Zealand's relationship with the United States in the post-World War II period was closely associated with the Australia- New Zealand-United States (ANZUS) security treaty of 1951, under which signatories agreed to consult in case of an attack in the Pacific and to "act to meet the common danger." During the postwar period, access to New Zealand ports by U.S. vessels contributed to the flexibility and effectiveness of U.S. naval forces in the Pacific.

Growing concern about nuclear testing in the South Pacific and arms control issues contributed to the 1984 election of a Labour government committed to barring nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered warships from New Zealand ports. The government's nuclear-free policy proved incompatible with long-standing, worldwide U.S. policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence or absence of nuclear weapons onboard U.S. vessels.

Implementation of New Zealand's policy effectively prevented practical alliance cooperation under ANZUS, and after extensive efforts to resolve the issue proved unsuccessful, in August 1986 the United States suspended its ANZUS security obligations to New Zealand. Even after President George H.W. Bush's 1991 announcement that U.S. surface ships do not normally carry nuclear weapons, New Zealand's legislation prohibiting visits of nuclear-powered ships continues to preclude a bilateral security alliance with the U.S. The legislation enjoys broad public and political support in New Zealand. The United States would welcome New Zealand's reassessment of its legislation to permit that country's return to full ANZUS cooperation.

Despite suspension of U.S. security obligations, the New Zealand Government has reaffirmed the importance it attaches to continued close political, economic, and social ties with the United States and Australia. New Zealand actively engages in peacekeeping and international security efforts around the world. It has deployed both SAS and regular armed forces personnel to Afghanistan, together with naval and air assets to the Persian Gulf. New Zealand has worked closely with the U.S. to promote free trade in the WTO, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, and other multilateral fora.

The U.S. and New Zealand work together closely on scientific research in the Antarctic. Christchurch is the staging area for joint logistical support operations serving U.S. permanent bases at McMurdo Station and South Pole, and New Zealand's Scott base, (located just three kilometers from McMurdo Station in the Ross Sea region).

NATIONAL SECURITY
New Zealand has three defense policy objectives--defend New Zealand against low-level threats, contribute to regional security, and play a part in global security efforts. New Zealand has considered its own national defense needs to be modest. Its defense budget generally has provided for selected upgrades in equipment. Shortly after winning the 1999 election, the Labour government canceled a lease-to-buy agreement with the U.S. for 28 F-16 aircraft. However, Labour did embark on a significant defense upgrade and acquisition plan. All three services have benefited from the upgrades/acquisitions. In 2001, the government contracted to purchase 105 LAVIIIs for U.S. $300 million, with delivery completed in 2005. The Army also purchased 321 Light Operational Vehicles to make its forces more mobile. In 2002, New Zealand announced planned upgrades of its P-3 and C-130 Hercules aircraft, and purchased two Boeing 757 aircraft for U.S. $100 million. In 2006 New Zealand contracted with NH Industries to purchase eight NH-90 aircraft to start delivery in 2009. In 2007 they entered an agreement to purchase 12 A-109 light helicopters from Agosta to also start delivery in 2009. The P-3s, C-130s, and B-757s are all currently being upgraded/modified; one of the two B-757's modifications have been completed, and it has returned to service. In 2007, the Navy began accepting delivery of the Project Protector program, with an estimated value of U.S. $250 million, consisting of one multi-role vessel (MRV), two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and four inshore patrol vessels (IPVs). The Navy's two ANZAC frigates were to receive ship support systems upgrades in late 2008/early 2009, and the Navy is requesting additional funding for weapons systems upgrades for 2010-2012.

In May 2001, the government announced it was scrapping its combat air force. New Zealand states it maintains a "credible minimum force," although critics maintain that the country's defense forces have fallen below this standard. New Zealand still maintains the fleet of A-4 Skyhawk jets and Aerromacche jets left over from the scrapping of its combat air force. Its attempts to sell the jets have thus far failed.

With a claimed area of direct strategic concern that extends from Australia to Southeast Asia to the South Pacific, New Zealand necessarily places substantial reliance on its defense relationship with other countries, in particular Australia. However, acknowledging the need to improve its defense capabilities, the government in 2005 announced the Defense Sustainability Initiative allocating an additional NZ $4.6 billion (U.S. $3.19 billion) over 10 years to modernize the country's defense equipment and infrastructure and increase its military personnel. The funding represented a 51% increase in defense spending since the Labour government took office in 1999.

New Zealand is an active participant in multilateral peacekeeping. It has taken a leading role in trying to bring peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction to the Solomon Islands and the neighboring island of Bougainville. New Zealand maintains a contingent in the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers and has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations in Angola, Cambodia, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavia. It also participated in the Multilateral Interception Force in the Persian Gulf. New Zealand's most recent peacekeeping operations experience has been in Timor-Leste, where it initially dispatched almost 10% of its entire defense force and continues to sustain a modest force. New Zealand participated in Operation Enduring Freedom through deployment of security experts as well as the Special Air Service (SAS) elite troops and has fielded a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan's Bamian province. The SAS were also deployed in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2005. New Zealand continues to sustain its PRT in Afghanistan and deployed a frigate to the Gulf of Oman on three rotations, with the most recent in spring 2008. In support of the effort to reconstruct Iraq, New Zealand deployed an engineering team to the country. In August 2009, the government announced the SAS were to be redeployed to Afghanistan. The first of three rotations arrived in Afghanistan in September 2009. The New Zealand-led PRT will, over the next 3-5 years, draw down its military component and increase its civilian contribution to focus more on reconstruction and capacity building. New Zealand will establish a permanent diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, transferring that responsibility from its mission in Tehran.

New Zealand participates in sharing training facilities, personnel exchanges, and joint exercises with the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Tonga, and South Pacific states. It also participates in exercises with its Five-Power Defense Arrangement partners--Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore. Due to New Zealand's nuclear-free legislation and policy, defense cooperation with the United States has been limited in certain areas since 1986.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--David Huebner
Deputy Chief of Mission--Robert J. Clarke
Political and Economic Counselor--Peter G. Tinsley
Public Affairs Counselor--Mark L. Wenig
Agricultural Attache--Laura Scandurra
Defense Attache--Capt. Dawn Driesbach, USN
Management Officer--Judith Semilota
Consul General (Auckland)--Randy Berry
Consular Affairs (Auckland)--Nicholas Greanias
Senior Commercial Officer (Sydney)--David Murphy

The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is located at 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 64-4-472-2068, fax 64-4-471-2380). The Embassy website is http://wellington.usembassy.gov/; the South Island Virtual Presence Post is at http://southisland.usvpp.gov/. The U.S. Consulate General in New Zealand is located on the 3rd Floor, Citibank Building, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland (tel. 64-9-303-2724, fax 64-9-366-0870).The website for the Embassy in Samoa is http://samoa.usembassy.gov/.


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for New Zealand check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (NZD) New Zealand Dollar
Electrical 230 Volts
Telephones Country Code 64, City Code, South Island 3+6/7D, Wellington 4+6/7D, Auckland 9+6/7D



Climate
New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is December to February whilst winter is June to August. Average summer temperature is 22° Celcius (72° Farenheit) and winter 9° Celcius (48° Farenheit).

Clothing
In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. A jacket is recommended only for those intending to visit a better restaurant or evening show. A waterproof jacket and umbrella is advisable.

Currency
New Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Current exchange rate is approximately 1USD =NZ$1.25 Please check with your bank for current exchange rates. Travellers cheques and most major international credit cards are accepted.

Banking and Business Hours
Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and are closed on public holidays. Increasingly, stores in major cities are extending their hours through to Saturday and Sunday. Those stores catering largely to visitors are open every day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day.

GST
Most goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services tax. This is usually included in the price, although some hotels and restaurants may quote prices excluding GST.

Best Travelling
September to April (Summer). New Zealand is also a ideal touring destination in the winter.

Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 240 volts via a slant 3 pin outlet. Hotels often provide a 110 volt socket for electric shavers only. For all other equipment, an adaptor and a voltage converter are necessary.

Medical and Emergency Facilities
Medical and emergency services are available but not free to visitors. Please arrange for insurance coverage before your departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.

Road Rules
New Zealand road rules follow international standards. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road (the same as in the UK and Japan, and opposite to the USA and Europe).

Petrol (Gasoline)
Averages around $1.15 cents (NZ$) per litre throughout New Zealand.

Tipping
New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention.

Departure Tax
A departure tax of approximately NZ$25 is payable by anyone (over the age of 12) departing via the international airports. This fee can be paid by credit card and varies depending on your departure airport.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco..............................200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams tobacco

Liquor.................................4.5 litres

Perfume..............................reasonable for personal use

Cameras.............................no restrictions

Film....................................no restrictions

Others................................goods up to a value of nz$700

Currency.............................no restrictions - import/export

Agricultural - Prohibited:

Because of the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the new zealand economy, certain animal products, fruit, plant material or foodstuffs that could contain plant or animal pests may not be allowed into the country. for further information, contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate. the import of the following items is also prohibited: firearms and weapons (unless a special permit is obtained from the new zealand police); ivory in any form; tortoise or turtle shell jewellery and ornaments; medicines using musk, rhinoceros or tiger derivatives; carvings or anything made from whalebone or bone from any other marine animals; cat skins or coats and certain drugs (eg diuretics, depressants, stimulants, heart drugs, tranquilisers, sleeping pills) unless covered by a doctor's prescription.



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