USA Trip
By the time you read this I should be staying on a cattle ranch in Texas, USA. Last night I had a tasty bison steak for dinner, commercially farmed from buffalo.
I'm extremely fortunate to be hosted by the US government on a study trip looking at trade, food safety, agriculture and politics.
I’m part of a group of 22 people from around the world and so far it’s been a fascinating experience. I'm learning so much about America and other countries around the world, and already I’ve built some strong friendships that will be beneficial in my political career.
In Washington DC - the political engine room of America - we focussed on trade and met with officials to discuss laws around importation and food safety. I organised meetings with officials from Fonterra and Beef and Lamb New Zealand to get an understanding of the day to day issues they face here in America.
I also caught up with our new Ambassador Rt Hon Mike Moore who has just started here. Last week he met President Barrack Obama to help strengthen the relationship between our countries, which is getting stronger all the time.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has told Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully that our relationship is the best it’s been for 25 years. Mrs Clinton was planning to visit New Zealand earlier this year but had to postpone after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Hopefully she will visit later in the year – it would be great to show her Kapiti Island like we did with Prince William earlier this year.
The US and New Zealand are taking part in trade negotiations with other Pacific nations including Australia, Brunei, Chile, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. If this deal can be pulled off it will have major benefits for New Zealand with new trade, jobs and export opportunities.
We got to see this trade happening first-hand at the world’s second biggest fish and vegetable market in New York. It was amazing to see all the trucks unloading and I even spotted some New Zealand-farmed salmon on sale. I meet an American restaurateur who is passionate about New Zealand venison and a strong promoter of our food and wine.
It’s amazing to think what's involved from paddock to plate in providing him with a reliable supply of chilled venison that he turns into gourmet dishes on the other side of the world.
I'm very lucky to be on this tour and it makes me realise just how important America is to our country. Nearly 200,000 US visitors came to New Zealand last year and they are our third largest trading partner.
Trips like this will help build that relationship even further.
New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, Rt Hon Mike Moore and Hon Nathan Guy