NZUS Council Launches www.nzuscouncil.com

For immediate release

2 March 2006

NZUS Council Launches www.nzuscouncil.com

The New Zealand United States Council expects its new website to respond to heightened public interest about the NZ US relationship, says Executive Director Stephen Jacobi

“With both major political parties now committed to expanding ties with the US, there is increasing interest in the relationship on the part of everyday New Zealanders. Some appear to think the relationship is going backwards, but in fact there is already a lot going on. The real question is whether the relationship is all it could be. That’s where the NZ US Council intends to make a difference” said Mr Jacobi.

The Council’s new website www.nzuscouncil.com provides information about New Zealand’s already significant links with the US and about New Zealand’s case for a free trade agreement, as well as information on the NZ US Council and Council activities.

“The website is aimed at New Zealanders wanting to inform themselves of the scope and dynamic nature of the relationship but anyone can sign up to receive a monthly update of news and additions to the site.”

“Deepening this country’s engagement with the United States will require the input of a whole range of people with a stake in the relationship. This new website tries to provide a more informed basis on which the public debate around the relationship can be conducted”.

Mr Jacobi thanked the Council’s supporters and especially Meat and Wool New Zealand for providing the funding for the development of the new site.

ENDS

About the NZUS Council

The New Zealand United States Council is a non partisan body funded by both business and the Government to promote New Zealand’s broader relationship with the US.

Two way trade with the US is valued at over $8 billion. The US is New Zealand’s second export market overall and the largest export market for dairy products, beef, and seafood. The US is New Zealand’s second largest purchaser of manufactured goods and among the top five markets for sheepmeat, forest products, fruit and vegetables. The US is the second largest source of imports and the third largest source of tourists who in the year to March 2005 spent $615 million (the highest daily spenders). The US contributes around 12 percent of all foreign direct investment.

The New Zealand Government, supported by the private sector, continues to make its case for a free trade agreement with the United States.

For further information see www.nzuscouncil.com

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