18 January 2013

US - NZ 2013 Pacific Partnership Forum To Showcase Shared Interests, Leadership

Major Business and Government Leaders Expected at May 19 - 21 Event in Washington, DC

(Auckland, NZ / Washington, DC) The US - NZ 2013 Pacific Partnership Forum will be held in Washington, DC from May 19 - 21 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Forum will bring together New Zealand and U.S. game-changing leaders from business, government, and non-profit organizations to explore the next opportunities for economic growth and cooperation.

Organized by the United States | New Zealand Council in Washington, DC and the NZUS Council in New Zealand, the two-day meeting will focus on the two countries’ shared interests and complementary visions for the future.

The success stories and vision of both NZ and US companies will be prominently featured.

"Today’s NZ - US relationship is about leadership, innovation and a readiness to be a catalyst for positive change in the world”, said William Maroni, president of the US | NZ Council.

“By showcasing examples of real innovation, next year’s Forum will help inform, inspire and shape the next generation of though leaders in business and public policy.”

The 2013 Forum will be the fifth gathering of its kind. It comes at a time when countries and companies will compete to discover, define and deliver the next opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Forum also occurs at a time when newly-appointed Members of President Obama’s Cabinet and newly-elected Members of the U.S. Congress will be defining their goals for the next two to four years.

“Next May is likely to be a particularly important time in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations,” said Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the NZUS Council.

“The 2013 Pacific Partnership Forum will foster the type of dialogue that can help move TPP to a successful completion.”

New Zealand and the United States are influential global voices for open markets, regional growth and stability, individual freedoms, and a sustainable environment. The 2013 Forum will build on this legacy by focusing on Asia-Pacific issues. The program will include dynamic keynote presentations, diverse panel discussions, valuable networking opportunities, executive-level exchanges, and a variety of social and cultural activities.

Exclusive sponsorship opportunities to host specific portions of the Forum are available, and the event is open to interested parties. For more information, please contact 2013Forum@USNZcouncil.org.

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The United States | New Zealand Council is the only independent, non-profit group dedicated exclusively to advancing the bilateral business, strategic, and cultural relationship by:
- promoting shared interests in trade, investment, economic growth, and security;
- providing thought leadership on important Asia-Pacific regional matters; and
- expanding collaboration and understanding in such areas as science and technology, the environment, education, entertainment and the arts. Since 1985, the Council has advocated for its US and NZ members’ interests in Washington and Wellington. For more information, visit: www.USNZcouncil.org

The New Zealand United States Council is committed to fostering and developing a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between New Zealand and the United States. Founded in 2001, the Council is an advocate for the expansion of trade and economic links between the two countries including a comprehensive free trade agreement achieved either bilaterally or in the context of an expanded Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The Council works closely with business groups in New Zealand and with government agencies, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Embassy in Washington. For more information, visit: www.nzuscouncil.com

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>