ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html> <head> <title> Welcome to the website of the New Zealand American Association </title> <meta name="keywords" content="New Zealand, NZ, Wellington, United States, U.S., America, American Club, American Association, Scholarship, Grants, 4th July, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Embassy, Ambassador" /> <meta name="description" content="The New Zealand  American Association is a non-profit organisation that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill between the United States and New Zealand." /> <style type="text/css"> html { height: 100%; } body { height: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; background: url('bg_1.gif') center repeat-y #D0D0E8; font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.5; } div { margin: 0px; padding: 0px; } div#outer_1 { width: 1000px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0 px; } td#lgo { width: 150px; height: 80px; } div#ws_1 { padding: 10px 50px; 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padding: 0" /></div> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Wellesley Wednesdays</span> <p><img class="frmd_l" src="networking.jpg"/></p> <p> The NZAA hosts an informal networking and after work social event on the last Wednesday of each month at the <a href="http://www.wellesleyboutiquehotel.co.nz" alt="Wellesley Boutique Hotel" target="_blank">Wellesley Boutique Hotel</a>, 2 Maginnity St., Wellington, 5:30-7:30pm <br /> Please <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>contact us</span></a> if you would like any further information or to join the email list. </p> <hr />&nbsp;<br /> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Annual Events</span> <dl> Every year the NZAA holds events in observation of the following: <dt>&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Memorial Day</B></dt> <dd>Monday 30 May, 2011</dd> <dd>Old St. Paul's</dd> <dt><strong>&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;Annual General Meeting</strong></dt> <dd>Wed 27 July, 2011</dd> <dd>Wellesley Hotel</dd> <dt>&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Thanksgiving</B></dt> <dd>Sun 27 November, 2011</dd> <dd>James Cook Hotel</dd> </dl> <div><img src="bg_lft_b.gif" border="0" width="225" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; border:0" /></div> </div> <div id="main"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">2011 Calendar of Events</span> <p><small>You can download the calendar as a <a href="NZAA_2011_Calendar.doc">Word document</a> (32KB)</small><br> <br> <B>February</B><br/> Wed 23rd  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> <br> <B>March</B><br/> Mon 7th  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Wed 30th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> <br> <B>April</B><br/> Mon 4th  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Tues 5th  Stephen Jacobi Cocktail Evening - please see <a href="StephenJacobiCocktailEveningInvitation201104.pdf">attached invitation</a> [PDF document 95.5KB]<br><br> Mon 25th  Wreath laying at the Cenotaph<br> Wed 27th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> <br> <B>May</B><br> Mon 2nd  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Wed 25th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> Mon 30th  Memorial Day at Old St. Paul's<br> <br> <B>June</B><br> Mon 13th  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Wed 29th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> <br> <B>July</B><br> Mon 4th  U.S. Independence Day Celebration  Venue TBA<br> Wed 27th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests and <B>Annual General Meeting</B><br> <br> <B>August</B><br> Mon 1st  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Wed 31st  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests <br> <br> <B>September</B><br> Mon 5th  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Sun 11th - 9/11 Ten Years On - service at St. Paul's Cathedral 12noon<br> Sun 11th -  Transmigration of Souls by Vector Wellington Orchestra at Michael Fowler Centre 2pm (<a target="_blank" href="transmigration911flyer.jpg">attached flyer here</a>, tickets at <a alt="Ticketek website" href="http://www.ticketek.co.nz">www.ticketek.co.nz</a>)<br> Wed 28th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> <br> <B>October</B><br> Mon 3rd  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Wed 26th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests<br> Fri 28th  Halloween celebrations<br> <br> <B>November</B><br> Mon 7th  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> Sun 27th  Thanksgiving luncheon at the James Cook Hotel<br> Wed 30th  Wellesley Wednesday informal networking of members and guests (final for 2011)<br> <br> <B>December</B><br> Mon 5th  Ladies Auxiliary Coffee Morning<br> <br> </p> </div> <p style="clear: both; padding-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; border-bottom: solid 1px #201068"><span class="txt_ttl">Past Events</span></p> <div class="news"> <a name="nws1"></a><span class="txt_ttl_s">Memorial Day 2011</span> <p> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td width=500 valign=top> The 2011 Memorial Service saw the largest number of attendees for many years. People were welcomed to the service by Pipes of the Scots College band. This was then followed by the presentation of colours by the US Embassy s Marine Guard Detachment. NZAA Chair Gregory Crott welcomed the congregation and acknowledged the special relationship our organisation has in organising this event with the US Embassy each year. The Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence did a reading and then followed an address by The United States Ambassador to New Zealand, David Huebner. </p> <p>The Wellington City Chorus sang the anthems and other songs befitting this service. Following the wreath laying, those who had lost a friend or relative in the line of duty were invited to place a poppy or American flag in the Citizen s Wreath. <br /> <br /> It was a moving Service of Remembrance and a special day for those who have lost loved ones during the war. The Memorial Day service sheet is attached and photos of the service can be found at the following link: <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand">http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="Memorial_Day_Service_Sheet_2011_20May.doc">Memorial Day Service Sheet</a> </td> <td> <img align=right hspace=10 src="trumpetplayer.jpg" /> </td> </td></tr></table> </p> <p> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="nws2"></a><span class="txt_ttl_s">Thanksgiving Luncheon 2010</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td width=400 valign=top> <br /> <br /> Our last official function on the 2010 calendar was Thanksgiving held at the James Cook hotel on 28 November. Just over 60 attended this function where they enjoyed a traditional lunch American lunch (with a New Zealand twist) that included turkey and pumpkin pie. A refreshed calendar of events will be posted on this site in the New Year with some minor changes to the website.<br> <br /> The managing committee look forward to your continued support in the New Year and on their behalf I wish all members and prospective members of the New Zealand American Association a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a prosperous New Year,<br> <br /> Greg Crott, Chair <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </td> <td width=360 align=center > <img src="thanksgiving2010photosmall.jpg"/><br> <small>Deputy Chief of Mission for the USA Embassy Mr Bob Clarke cuts the traditional turkey during the 2010 Thanksgiving lunch.</small> </td></tr></table> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <a name="nws3"></a><span class="txt_ttl_s">Independence Day 2010</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td> <br /> <br /> Joining forces with the U.S. Marines Corps and the <a target="_blank" href="http://awn.co.nz">American Women's Network</a>, the NZAA co-hosted the ultimate destination for 4th of July celebrations in Wellington. Graciously opening -- and decorating -- Marine House for the celebration, the U.S. Marines staffed the bar and the kitchen as NZAA Vice-Chair Larry Keim grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Kiwi, American, Australian and Chinese guests were treated to an impromptu speech by Ambassador David Huebner. The afternoon saw over 100 guests commemorate Independence Day, many decked out in red, white and blue! </td> <td width=340 align=center > <img src="ind2010.jpg"/><br> <small>Shown left to right: Eddie Bonnell (Georgia), Ambassador David Huebner, NZAA Secretary/Treasurer Theresa Winters (Illinois), James Parsons (Florida), and Daniil Ivshin (California).</small> </td> <td width=180 ></td></tr></table> </p> <p> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </p> <br /> <br /> </div> <div class="news"> <a name="nws3"></a><span class="txt_ttl_s">Memorial Day 2010</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td> <br /> Monday 31 May saw the annual Memorial Day service held at St. Paul's, in honour of fallen American servicemen and servicewomen who have died for their country.<br /><br /> Wreaths were presented and laid for the New Zealand Government, The United States Embassy, The Opposition, the New Zealand Defence Forces, the RSA, and the New Zealand American Association (Inc.).<br /><br /> 2010 marked the inaugural presence of the Cadets and Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, who performed an honour guard during the ceremony, which ended with light refreshments donated by the NZAA Ladies Auxiliary.<br /><br /> </td></tr></table> </p> <p> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Ambassador</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td valign=top > <br /> The reception introducing Ambassador Huebner to the NZAA on April 28, 2010 was a resounding success. Over 120 NZAA members and guests enjoyed canapes and drinks as they were enthralled with the Ambassador's captivating speech and interactive Q&A session afterwards. Feedback from the Embassy was that the Ambassador was pleasantly surprised with how many people came to meet him, and everyone enjoyed the event.<br /><br /> One of our newest members, Robert Digby, created an <a target="_blank" href="http://tinyurl.com/3x3zm8q">album of photos</a> of the exclusive evening. </td> <td width=420 align=center > <img src="amb2010.jpg"/> <small>Shown left to right: Dr. Duane McWaine, Katie Sleenan, Ambassador David Huebner, Maria Zoeller, and Sarah Good. The women flew down from Auckland for the event.</small> </td></tr></table> </p> </p> <p> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </p> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">NZAA Library Display</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td> Some of you visiting the Wellington public library recently may have seen our display on the first floor foyer.<br /><br /> This was put together by Committee member Krystine Tomaszkc with assistance from NZAA members Norah Hollick and Anita Robertson. The idea for the display was to advertise the Association to the general public, promote our objectives and to attract new members.<br /><br /> Sue Dale of the Wellington library said the display received a great deal of interest and many membership applications were taken during the week long display. The NZAA will look at repeating this again in the future.<br><br> </td> <td width=420 align=center > <img src="library_display_09.jpg"/> <small>Shown left to right: Sue Dale(L), Team Leader at the Wellington public library with Krystine Tomaszkc(R) in front of part of the NZAA display</small> </td></tr></table> </p> <p> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </p> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <a name="nws4"></a><span class="txt_ttl_s">Independence Day 2009 Celebration</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td valign=top > American Embassy Charg&eacute; d'Affairs David Keegan and his wife Sally were guests at the NZAA Independence Day lunch held at the James Cook Grand Chancellor on Sunday 28 June (ahead of 4th July). 65 members and guests enjoyed a generous and delicious meal - long standing members welcomed new faces.<br /><br /> David Keegan (who will return to the US in September) gave remarks and said how much he had enjoyed his time in New Zealand and that he appreciated the efforts of the New Zealand American Association in creating a positive profile of New Zealand and American friendship.<br /><br /> As David and Sally have been volunteers at the Karori Wildlife Sancturary the committee presented them with a native NZ flower print as a going away gift on behalf of the New Zealand American Association. </td> <td width=420 align=center > <img class="frmd_r" src="dave_sally_09.jpg"/> <small>Shown left to right: Richard Benge of the NZAA,<br> Dr. Sally Lindfors, Dr. David Keegan</small> </td></tr></table> <p> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Memorial Day 2009: <i>A Friend in Need</i></span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="mem09_gc_s.jpg"/> On Monday 25 May the New Zealand American Association held a service to commemorate Memorial Day.<br /> On this day the United States pauses to remember all Americans who have died in service to their country in time of war.<br /> In Wellington a service was held in Old St Paul s which was attended by the Charg&eacute; d'Affairs of the US Embassy, Dr David Keegan, and the NZ government was represented by the Minister of Defence, Dr. Wayne Mapp and the New Zealand Defence Force was represented by Lt. General Jerry Mataeparae.<br /><br /> Wreaths were presented and laid for the New Zealand Government, The United States Embassy, The Opposition, the New Zealand Defence Forces, the combined Councils of the Wellington region, The RSA, and the New Zealand American Association.<br /> Following the service a short ceremony was held to give thanks for the US Marine exhibit - <em>A Friend in Need</em> - that explores the experience of US Marines in New Zealand during WWII 1942  44. This will close Friday June 19 and reopen at the National War Museum in October. </p> <p>The event was widely covered in the media, including:<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/us-memorial-day-marked-marines-in-nz-2756576" title="Memorial Day in Wellington on TVNZ"><span>TVNZ News</span></a> (includes video, 1'43")<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/ckpt/2009/05/25/us_memorial_day" title="Memorial Day in Wellington on Radio NZ"><span>Radio NZ National</span></a> (audio 3'30")<br /><br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">NZAA Pays Tribute on ANZAC Day 2009</span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="anzac_day_09_s.jpg"/> On the morning of April 25, ANZAC Day, the NZAA paid tribute to New Zealand's service personnel.<br /><br /> The connection between the NZ and US services is a strong one, dating back to their shared experience during World War II fighting shoulder to shoulder in defence of the Pacific and Europe. To many, the 1942 <a href="http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/us-forces-in-new-zealand/arrival"><span>arrival of the 37th Army Division in Auckland, and the Marine 1st Division in Wellington harbour</span></a> is still the defining moment of the US-NZ friendship.<br /><br /> The strength of that friendship is still in evidence today, with <a href="http://newzealand.usembassy.gov/"><span>Marines of the US Embassy joining their NZ colleagues</span></a> distributing poppies to Wellingtonians, and collecting for Poppy Day. US Secretary of State Clinton also <a href="http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/04/122076.htm"><span>made a statement from Washington commemorating ANZAC Day</span></a>.<br /><br /> The NZAA was represented by Greg Crott (Chair), Larry Keim (Vice Chair), and Hon Rob Talbot (Past Chair) who laid a wreath at the Wellington Cenotaph. The message read <em>"In Remembrance of New Zealand and American Forces who joined together and paid the supreme sacrifice, defending our country and preserving our freedom"</em>.<br /><br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span><br /><br /><br /> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">US Charg&eacute; d'Affaires Hosts NZAA</span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="dcmr_picnic_s.jpg"/> On Saturday 7 March 2009 the New Zealand American Association held a '4th July' style summer barbecue at the home of US Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires David Keegan and his wife Sally.<br /><br /> US/NZ families living in Wellington, visiting Fulbright exchangers and New Zealand friends had a great barbecue constructing their own hamburgers and hotdogs.<br /><br /> The NZAA would like to extend its thanks to everyone who helped make this a great event, and especially to David and Sally, our fantastic hosts.<br /><br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span><br /><br /><br /> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">NZAA Farewells Ambassador and Mrs McCormick at Thanksgiving lunch</span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="amb_mc_farewell.jpg"/> Members of the NZAA gathered at the Boulot Restaurant in Wellington for both the happy event of celebrating Thanksgiving, and also the sad event of farewelling Ambassador Bill McCormick and his wife Gail, as his tenure as US Ambassador to New Zealand came to a close.<br /><br /> Ambassador and Mrs McCormick have been firm friends of the NZAA during their time in Wellington, and Ambassador McCormick's tenure has overseen an extraordinary strengthening in the relationship between New Zealand and the United States, with both countries now regularly describing the relationship as 'the strongest in decades'. This was exemplified by the visit of US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, earlier this year. During that visit, Secretary Rice described New Zealand as "a friend and ally".<br /><br /> NZAA Chair Greg Crott offered brief remarks thanking the McCormicks for the excellence of their service, and for their personal friendship to the NZAA and its members; remarks that several members rose to reiterate and expand upon. Ambassador and Mrs McCormick also addressed those gathered, and in turn thanked the NZAA and its members for their support and friendship, especially during the Ambassador's somewhat difficult 'settling in'. They said that they had fallen in love with New Zealand during their tenure, and promised that this year's Thanksgiving celebration would not be the last time we would see them.<br /><br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span><br /><br /><br /> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">NZAA hosts renowned Antarctic explorer Lonnie Thompson</span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="thompson_byrd_mem.jpg"/> Dr. Lonnie Thompson and his wife and longtime colleague, Dr. Ellen Mosley-Thompson  both internationally renowned polar explorers and climate change scientists  spent the week of Sept 23-30 in New Zealand, where Lonnie was honored by the NZAA as a  Byrd Scholar . While in Wellington, Dr. Thompson spoke to an audience at the US Embassy, giving a very well received presentation on climate change to an audience of scientists, climate specialists, and members of the NZAA.<br /><br /> In the evening the two vistors were guests of honour at a function at the US Emabssy Deputy Chief of Mission s residence where the Thomposn s gave an informal talk to New Zealand science counterparts and younger scientists who all have a strong interest and activity in climate science.<br /><br /> Dr. Thompson and Dr. Mosley-Thompson are both distinguished researchers who jointly oversee the Ice Core Paleoclimatology Group at the Byrd Polar Research Center at Ohio State University. In addition, Dr. Thompson is one of the main scientists referenced in Al Gore s  Inconvenient Truth ; is one of the world s most distinguished paleoclimatologists; and is globally recognized for his unique studies of ice cores from mountain glaciers and ice caps in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.<br /><br /> As well as speaking at the Embassy, Dr.'s Thompson and Mosley-Thompson visited a new ice core facility near Wellington; visited the Wellington memorial to US Navy Admiral Richard Byrd - one of the first Antarctic explorers; and were treated to a special presentation at the Antarctic Center at Victoria University, on its plans for collecting ice cores from mountains in NZ s Southern Alps.<br /><br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span><br /><br /><br /> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">NZAA hosts dinner with Stephen Jacobi following visit of Secreaty Rice</span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="jacobi_dinner.jpg"/> The New Zealand American Association hosted a dinner with special guest speaker Mr. Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the New Zealand United States Council, in the week following the New Zealand visit of Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State. Over 100 guests attended the dinner to hear Mr. Jacobi speak and, among other things, share wisdom gained in conversation with Secretary Rice.<br /><br /> The NZ US Council is a non partisan organisation funded by business and the Government and aimed at promoting the strongest possible relationship between New Zealand and the USA. In recent years the Council has played a key role in moving the relationship forward notably through organising two successful US NZ Partnership Forum events in Washington in April 2006 and in Auckland in September 2007.<br /><br /> Mr. Jacobi, a former diplomat and industry association CEO, outlined the progress made in making the relationship "the strongest it's been in decades" and previewed next steps, including the outlook for a future free trade agreement.<br /><br /> <span class="nt"><em>If you would be interested in attending events like this one in the future, then perhaps you'd like to consider membership in the NZAA. Please see our <a href="nzaa_membership.html"><span>membership information</span></a>, or read more <a href="nzaa_about.html"><span>about us</span></a>.</em></span><br /><br /><br /> </p> </div> </div> <p style="margin-top:0px; padding-top:25px; text-align: center; font-size: 8pt; border-top:0px solid #201068; clear: both">&copy;&nbsp;New Zealand American Association (Inc.)<br />Established 1939</p> </div> </body> </html>