Ambassador and Mrs McCormick were made Lifetime Members of Old St Pauls.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Farewell from Ambassador McCormick

Every year, as the holiday season comes around - a new year poised to begin - I try to take advantage of the opportunity to look back over the year and take stock.

This has been especially true this year, as this holiday season coincides with the end of my tenure as Ambassador.  As I look back this time, I take stock not only of the past 12 months, but also of the full three years that it's been my honor to serve as United States Ambassador to New Zealand.

What strikes me most about that period is the tremendous friendship Gail and I have been shown by New Zealanders.  I firmly believe this mirrors the strong and natural friendship between New Zealand and the United States.  I have been privileged to see that friendship flourish over the last years, with a great deal of cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest:  Areas such as the critical scientific efforts being conducted in Antarctica;  the provision of assistance to communities within the Pacific region;  and the joint efforts to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.

So despite a tinge of regret at leaving this wonderful country, I find I have a great deal to celebrate this festive season.  I wish you all the merriest of Christmases, the happiest of New Years, and my fondest farewell.  (more)

Embassy Contributes Towards Merry Christmases

Every year the U.S. Embassy in Wellington conducts a Christmas toy drive:  Staff and friends of the Embassy donate toys which, in cooperation with the Wellington City Mission, are given as Christmas presents to children who otherwise might not have such a happy holiday.

During this year's toy drive, from 17 November to 23 December, over 125 toys and presents were collected. In addition, the Embassy collected over $500 worth of food stuff and dozens of bags of clothing for Mary Potter Hospice for the Mission to distribute.

Ambassador Brings Thanksgiving to Disadvantaged Wellingtonians

For the third year in a row, Ambassador Bill McCormick laid on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings for over 150 guests. On offer was a full meal of turkey and roast vegetables, a dessert course including pecan pie, and an assortment of fruit and festive candies. The guests were clients of Wellington's Downtown Community Ministry, which works with disadvantaged and at risk Wellingtonians.

"Thanksgiving in America is a time for family, friends, and community.  The Wellington community has been so generous and friendly to me, it's a privilege to be able to give something back," said Ambassador McCormick.

The event was staffed by volunteers, including over a dozen chefs from the NZ Chef's Association who worked to prepare the meal.  In addition to providing the food, the Ambassador also joined the volunteers from the U.S. Embassy who served it.  His restaurant background came to the fore as he worked the tables, stopping often to chat with his guests.

"It's great to stop and talk to folks, smiles on faces, and enjoying a good meal," said the Ambassador.  "Especially these folks, who ordinarily may not get to do that very much."

Sharing Common Ideals

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has concluded a very successful and friendly visit to New Zealand across the last weekend of July.  She arrived in Auckland on the evening of July 25th where she was met by NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Bill McCormick.

While here Secretary Rice was the guest of New Zealand government and on July 26th had meetings with Prime Minister Clark, Foreign Minister Peters, and Leader of the Opposition John Key.  She was also hosted at a function by the United States New Zealand Council where she spoke on the strong and enduring friendship between the U.S. and NZ.

Following a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, the evening concluded with a performance by the New Zealand Trio, a chamber music group, playing 'Helix', a piece by New Zealand composer John Psathas.  The following day, the Secretary left for Samoa to meet with Pacific Island Foreign Ministers.

One of the Kiwi NZPRT soldiers in Bamiyan ceremonially welcomes Laura Bush.

First Lady Laura Bush visits New Zealand troops in Afghanistan

United States First Lady Laura Bush visited New Zealand troops working in Afghanistan as part of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT). Her visit, on Sunday, was part of her third unannounced visit to Afghanistan, and occurred ahead of the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, to be held in Paris on June 12.

Mrs Bush was greeted by the New Zealand troops with a traditional challenge and haka before meeting with members of the NZPRT, including the NZPRT Commander, Colonel Darryl Tracy. Following the greeting, Mrs Bush remarked that the NZPRT has been very effective in Afghanistan … (more)

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• History Repeats in Rotorua
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