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">To Apply</span> <p> <img class="frmd_l" src="trst_chr.jpg"/> Application forms for both trusts can be found below, and further details on applications are available from NZAA Trust Funds Chairman and Trustee, Hon Rob Talbot.<br /><br /> Applicants will be required to provide their CV plus full details of their proposed study and travel programme.<br /><br /> Email: <a href="mailto:robtalbot@paradise.net.nz"><span>robtalbot@paradise.net.nz</span></a> Mailing address:<br /> <em>PO Box 22028<br /> Khandallah<br /> Wellington 6441<br /> NEW ZEALAND</em><br /><br /> <strong>Application forms</strong><br /> <a href="pdfs/app_abet.pdf" target="_blank"><span>The Admiral Byrd Scholarship Trust</span></a><br /> <a href="pdfs/app_tmst.pdf" target="_blank"><span>The Tracey & Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust</span></a><br /> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </p> <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">New Zealand American Association Trusts</span> <p><img class="frmd_r" src="thompson_byrd_mem.jpg"/> <strong>The Tracey & Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust</strong><br /><br /> The Tracey and Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust was established in 1993 with funds left to the NZ American Association by the Simpson family. The family is now recognised for its dedicated support for furthering relations between New Zealand and the United States, by an ongoing grants programme administered by the trustees.<br /> Funds are available from the Tracey & Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust for grants towards education, study and travel, to qualifying activities associated with improving understanding and relations between New Zealand and the United States.<br /> Study by approved applicants must be undertaken at duly accredited US Universities and educational institutions.<br /><br /> <strong>The Admiral Byrd Scholarship Trust</strong><br /><br /> The Admiral Byrd Scholarship Trust was established with the surplus funds remaining following the completion of the Byrd Memorial on Mount Victoria, Wellington. The iconic memorial, which is now a prime tourist attraction in Wellington was dedicated in 1962 and refurbished in 1993.<br /> The Trust is able to provide ongoing support through its grants programme towards Admiral Byrd's pioneering Antarctic research. Grants are available to approved applicants from the Admiral Byrd Scholarship Trust for activities including research and study relating to Antarctica.<br /><br /> <strong>Trustees</strong><br /> The trustees for both The Admiral Byrd Scholarship Trust and The Tracey & Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust are: Hon Rob Talbot (chair), Mr John Gordon, Mr Raymond O'Brien, and Mr Gregory Crott. </p> </div> <div class="news"> <p style="clear: both; padding-top: 25px; border-bottom: solid 1px #201068"><span class="txt_ttl"><a name="antarctic"></a> Antarctic Studies Update</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 15px"> <img class="frmd_r" alt="" title="" vspace=20 src="antarctic02427.jpg"/> <em>Update from Robert Brears, a postgraduate student at the University of Canterbury.</em><br /> <br /> One month has passed by since I began the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctica Studies at the University of Canterbury. From 9-5 everyday for the past four weeks we have had lectures on every topic associated with Antarctica- from atmospheric weather of Antarctica to Antarctic literature. What is amazing about the course is that every lecture is delivered by experts and organisations involved with research in Antarctica. For example, we had a lecture on the role of Antarctica in New Zealand's foreign policy delivered by the Head of the Antarctica Policy Unit of MFAT, several lectures delivered by senior managers of Antarctica New Zealand, lectures by leading researchers from GNS and Victoria University and a lecture by the United States Antarctic Program on United States-New Zealand cooperation in Antarctica. <br /> <br /> <img class="frmd_l" alt="" title="" vspace=20 src="antarctic01320.jpg"/> On the weekend, we had a field trip to the University of Canterbury's Cass field station. The purpose of this field trip was to acquaint ourselves with the gear we will be taking to Antarctica. This involved setting up our Scott Polar tents, installing weather stations and familiarising ourselves with GPS units. We had an Antarctic Field Trainer present to give us tips on how to set up our tents in extreme weather conditions- important because we have to establish our own camp and live in Scott polar tents for 10 days in the snow while we conduct our field research projects!<br /> <br /> I am now eagerly counting down till the day of departure- currently Friday 17th December. In the meantime we are going to Antarctica New Zealand for 'kitting out'. This will involve 2 hours of trying on every piece of extreme weather clothing required to make sure it all fits. Then on Friday we will assemble around 6am and wait to board the C-17 and after a 5.5 hour flight land on the ice!<br /> <br /> I have attached a couple of pictures of myself in the meantime.<br /> <br /> Thank you and thanks once again as the scholarship has made my dream possible,<br /> <br /> Robert <br /> <br /> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">A Kiwi On Broadway</span> <p style="margin-left: 15px"> <em>Report from Kate McGill, an emerging New Zealand actor from Wellington, who was recently the recipient of a grant from the Tracey & Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust, to enable her to undertake an internship at the prestigious Tectonic Theater Project in New York.</em><br /> <br /> Kia Ora NZAA Members,<br /> <br /> I am sitting down while the wonderful Wellington wind blows and rain pours outside and attempting to write to you and express my thanks for your support of three wonderful and life-changing months in the United States of America.<br /> <br /> This trip would not have materialized without the generous support of the Tracey and Marjorie Simpson Trust.<br /> <br /> <img class="frmd_l" alt="Kate in Times Square, New York" title="Kate in Times Square, New York" src="timessquare360.jpg"/> I went to the States to experience life there - to see how an artist from New Zealand would fit in the big melting pot that is America and to learn about different forms and approaches to making theatre. My first challenge was to spend a little under two months in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where I soaked up the Midwestern lifestyle and participated in a wonderful community theatre program - <a target="_blank" href="http://web.mac.com/stuarthandloff/GALSCO_website/Colonisation.html">PikNik Theatre Festival</a>. The second part of my journey led me to New York City, New York to intern with the world-renowned theatre company TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT.<br /> <br /> Upon arrival in New York, New York, I was met with the end of the Summer heatwave: Full, sweaty subways, the city alive with outdoor music and theatre, lots of food and high fashion. I set about trying out the famous NY style pizza, going to Broadway and off-Broadway shows, and plunging into Central Park to making a short film.<br /> <br /> I had four days before my internship began, which were highly productive and lots of fun: I was asked to review a New Zealand show in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=3312">NY International Fringe Festival</a>. I sat in on a screenplay reading in Greenwich Village with acclaimed NZ actors: Claire Chitham, Michelle Ang, James Stewart and Morgana O'Reilly. I saw the beautiful Frick collection, went out to Staten Island, bumped into Mickey Rourke while out for a drink with a friend and got taken to the famous SoHo Clubhouse.<br /> <br /> Then week two began and so did my month-long internship. Tectonic Theater Project makes theatre that often comes from true stories. They are well known for manipulating and using unique and interesting forms to enhance their work theatrically. I applied for an internship with them, to gain more insight into verbatim theatre, to observe their approach to devising/making theatre, and also be part of how a large theatre company operates  as that opportunity is, unfortunately, not available in New Zealand.<br /> <br /> <img class="frmd_r" alt="Kate Rehearsing at The Tectonic Theater Project, New York" title="Kate Rehearsing at The Tectonic Theater Project, New York" src="rehearse360.jpg"/> Upon arrival on day one, I was told I would be assisting Directors Moises Kaufman, Leigh Fondakowski and stage manager Samone Weissmann for the entire rehearsal process for THE LARAMIE PROJECT and the epilogue THE LARAMIE PROJECT: 10 YEARS LATER. I was thrilled. While I did have to get coffee, print scripts and run general errands, I also got to observe Broadway stars, new talent and a magnificent director at work. Just observing was exciting and taught me so much. You can imagine my surprise when one of the key actors Kelli Simpkins' show in Chicago got extended and I was asked to fill in for her three days a week, take comprehensive notes which I sent to her, and still do all the other 'intern' jobs. I don't think they had any idea that I had any acting training, so it was wonderful for them to have someone who could keep rehearsals moving, but even better for me, because I got great feedback and advice, learnt a swell General American accent and series of provincial accents, and was getting to perform with and in front of superb arts practitioners.<br /> <br /> This experience has given me confidence to attempt to use theatre to respond to what I see in my community and in the world. I found a wonderful quote which encapsulates what I feel I have learned in the last few months  The arts are more than mere entertainment... they should also be the vessel which houses the conscience of a nation; ask the difficult questions others would rather leave unasked& so it is left to artists to ask the relevant question  Robin Soans.<br /> <br /> The internship was a great success. I learnt so much and made an impression on the company. I am thrilled to say that Tectonic have offered me a job coming on tour with them, in the role of understudy and stagehand. If visas and plane tickets come through, I head off in three weeks.<br /> <br /> Before then, I am meeting up with Wellington theatre managers to discuss the development of my own verbatim piece and a solo show manipulating a real story into fiction through theatrical form. Regardless of what happens; what was set up to be a highly educational trip has affected my career in an extremely positive way.<br /> <br /> Not only that - I feel enriched in the broader sense, more cultured. I have met Americans from all walks of life - Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, from all different States - I've been exposed to education, arts, racism, freedom, suppression and a culture I didn't fully understand but now have a sense of.<br /> <br /> Without the generous support of the Tracey and Marjorie Simpson Trust and NZAA, I would not have been given these opportunities and experiences. You have made it possible for me to have a future in the arts both home and internationally. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br /> <br /> Nga mihi nui,<br /> Kate McGill<br /> <br /> <br /> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Letter From America</span> <p style="margin-left: 15px"> <img class="frmd_r" src="ny1small.jpg"/> <em>Received from Laura-Lee Frings, who received a grant to undertake an internship at the NZ Mission to the UN in New York late last year.</em><br /><br /> Dear NZAA members,<br /><br /> Someone once said to me that in New York City two things disappear quickly: time and money. I can confirm, that both indeed, go very quickly.<br><br> As my time in New York City draws to an end, I want to share with you all a little about my trip, as it is due to the generosity of the Tracey and Marjorie Simpson Memorial Trust that I have been able to come to the USA and have so many wonderful experiences. <br><br> During my time in New York I have been interning at the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations. It has been a wonderful experience to work for the Mission. It makes me incredibly proud of my country, and this is largely owed to the staff at the mission whose continual hard work and integrity contribute greatly to the excellent reputation that New Zealand has in the UN. <br><br> <img class="frmd_l" src="ny2small.jpg"/> In terms of day-to-day life, in my first two months I lived in Stuyvesant town in the East Village, a quiet oasis from the bustling city. I fell in love with the East Village, it oozes vibrancy and life, and I found it incredibly hard to move once my sublet finished. I am currently living the  real Manhattan life  I now live in a windowless room in the Financial District! Although it s not my beloved East Village, it s New York none-the-less.<br><br> If I was to tell you what I have done over the last two months you would need a day to read it all. I have taken every moment I have had to enjoy my time in the USA. In order to keep it short, and entertaining, I have created my own  top ten list of my experiences so far. On my return, I will bore anybody who would like to hear more with the finer details!</p> <p> <B>TOP TEN</B><br> <img class="frmd_r" src="dc1small.jpg"/> <ol><li>Sitting in Security Council during leader s week  mere meters from Sarkozy, Obama, Brown and others.</li> <li>Walking the New York neighborhoods  I walk to and from work every day taking different routes (I even walk like a New Yorker now).</li> <li>Outdoor concerts in Bryant Park.</li> <li>Being a part of the hectic Prime Minister s visit to New York in September.</li> <li>New York pizza  I could eat it every day.</li> <li> Obamanisation - seeing the impact that the Obama has had on US policy and position in the UN, and of course seeing him deliver his climate change speech  this was truly moving.</li> <li>My long weekend in Washington DC. </li> <li>Experiencing the comradery between kiwis in America.</li> <li>Meeting the locals  New Yorkers don t deserve the reputation they have; I have found them to be extremely friendly and polite people.</li> <li>The Metropolitan Museum of Art (closely followed by the Frick Collection and Moma). How could anyone ever get bored in this city!</li></ol></p> <p style="margin-left: 15px"> <img class="frmd_l" src="ny4small.jpg"/> Again, I wish to extend my thanks to the NZAA for your generosity and support. I look forward to seeing you all soon.<br><br> Kind regards<br><br> Laura-Lee </p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Antarctic Lecture</span> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=10 border=0> <tr><td valign=top> <br /> The Admiral Byrd Scholarship Trust recently joined the Victoria University <a target="_blank" href="http://www.victoria.ac.nz/antarctic">Antarctic Research Centre</a> in sponsoring the visit of the eminent American climate scientist, Dr Robert Bindschadler. A world authority on Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets, Dr Bindschadler was until recently Chief Scientist of NASA's Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory. Dr Bindschadler is pictured with the chairman of NZAA Trust Funds sub-committee, Rob Talbot, following the Lecture on "Ice Sheets in a Warming World", given to a large audience at Victoria University. <td width=340 align=center > <img src="admbyrdsmall.jpg"/> <small>Hon. Rob Talbot and Dr Robert Bindschadler.</small> </td></tr></table> </p> </div> <div class="news"> <span class="txt_ttl_s">Kiwi in D.C.</span> <p> <img class="frmd_r" src="trst_grntee.jpg"/> <em>Received from Hugo Ludbrook, who received a grant from the NZ American Trust Funds towards his study at American University, Washington DC.</em><br /><br /> Greetings from America,<br /><br /> The purpose of my trip to the United States was two-fold, to study International Relations at a top notch institution and observe the US Presidential elections.<br /><br /> American University in Washington DC has really impressed me so far. I am taking four Senior-level courses in their School of International Service, they are: Israeli Politics, International Financial and Monetary Relations, Energy Politics, and The United Nations. These courses are proving to be thoroughly interesting and taught by world class lecturers.<br /><br /> Classes here are much smaller and run in more of a seminar-style fashion which allows for a lot of debate within the class which is always lively. What I really like is that at the start of each class we spend 20-30 minutes talking about current events which are related to the course. I find this extremely useful as we apply what we are learning in class to the real world.<br /><br /> The US Presidential election is proving extremely interesting to observe. Simply having the ability to actually talk with Americans day-in and day-out about their views on the issues which the presidential candidates are talking about is proving invaluable to my understanding of the US political system. The ability to go to talks on campus - I saw Newt Gingrich give a brilliant analysis of the elections. In particular I have enjoyed seeing the strong movement in Washington, DC which is demanding representation in Congress and the Senate. Their slogan is: "No Taxation without Representation." It continues to baffle me that at the heart of world democracy these citizens do not have a voice.<br /><br /> People are shaping this election as the "election of the century", so I am trying to embrace everything and anything of relevance so that when I look back on my time here I can talk in depth about this particular election campaign.<br /><br /> One of my lecturers tells our class each time we meet how lucky we are to be living through and observing a financial crisis. To a certain extent he is right, it has been absolutely fascinating watching the crisis unfold before our eyes over the past month or so, and more recently seeing the bailout plan go through Congress. In my class on International Financial and Monetary Relations we spend about half the lesson simply talking about the credit crisis, the bailout plan, and the effects it will have on the world economy. We are watching history unfold, and although it has the potential to have detrimental effects on the economy it is nonetheless fascinating to observe and attempt to comprehend what went wrong, and what needs to be done to solve it. This could potentially be a turning point in human history, and so to be here in the middle of it is an experience I will never forget.<br /><br /> So yes, I am loving my time here. I am meeting great people, not only American, but people from all around the world. I am making the most of my time here and know that it is going to have a huge impact on me for the rest of my life.<br /><br /> Yours sincerely,<br /><br /> Hugo Ludbrook </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>