NEW ZEALAND UNITED STATES COUNCIL
(www.nzuscouncil.com)

Media Release – 24 November 2006

Second US NZ Partnership Forum To Be Held 9-11 September 2007 In Auckland

The second United States New Zealand Partnership Forum will be held in Auckland, 9-11 September 2007, the NZ US Council announced today.

Speaking to the Council’s AGM this week, Chairman Rt Hon Jim Bolger said a high level American delegation was expected at the Forum which would build on the success of the inaugural event held in Washington DC last April.

“The Partnership Forum is an unparalleled opportunity for government, business and academic leaders from New Zealand and the United States to discuss strategic political and economic issues affecting both countries. Last April’s event in Washington has been credited with helping develop a new forward momentum in the relationship. Next year’s event will enable us to showcase the value and potential for co-operation with New Zealand to a group of highly influential Americans”.

Mr Bolger said the 2007 Forum will be held immediately following the series of APEC meetings in Sydney and could coincide with a senior political level visit from the US Administration to New Zealand.

“We look forward to welcoming around 30 senior American participants brought together by our counterpart organisation in Washington, the US NZ Council. Some of these will travel on to New Zealand after the Sydney APEC meeting. Naturally were senior members of the Administration such as the Secretary of State to take up invitations to visit New Zealand at that time, we would be honoured to invite them to address the Forum.”

Mr Bolger said he was confident of staging a high quality event in Auckland.

“Planning for the 2007 Forum is already advanced. Dazzle Events has been appointed event manager and the magnificent new Auckland Museum Conference Centre selected as the venue. The Forum’s theme will be announced early in the new year when invitations to participants on both sides will also be extended.”

Mr Bolger said the New Zealand delegation would be drawn from last April’s attendees and the Council’s wider support base which included key stakeholders in the relationship with the United States.

Ends

© Scoop Media