Cablegate: New Zealand Nomination for Fsn Political

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000549

SIPDIS

FSINFATC FOR SPAS/POL - BILL INGRAM AND HAITHAM AL-MUSSAWI
DEPT FOR EAP/ANP - THOMAS RAMSEY

E.O. 12985: N/A
TAGS: AFSI AFSN PGOV PREL NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND NOMINATION FOR FSN POLITICAL
TRAINING COURSE, SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 7

REF: STATE 115052

1. Embassy Wellington submits the following nomination
for the FSN Staff Political Training Course to be held in
Washington from September 26 - October 7, 2005.

2. Name: Craig Brian Greaves
Grade: 9 Step 2.
Length of Service: Start date - May 16, 2005.
English language ability: level 4 (native speaker).

Time spent in the U.S.:
November 1998: Washington DC. Purpose: Brief period
before travelling to Bosnia to work for a DC-based
research and polling firm (Greenberg Research Inc).

December 1998 - March 1999: Washington DC. Purpose:
Internship with DC Legislative and Regulatory Services.

February 2000: San Francisco. Purpose: One week
personal vacation.

Previous training in the U.S.: None.

Previous nomination for political training course: No.

3. Narrative: Although Craig Greaves has been at Embassy
Wellington for just a short time, after being recruited
directly from the New Zealand Parliament, he has already
become invaluable to us. We foresee a great future here
for years to come.

Our post is small, and just graduated from SEP post
status, which has significantly increased our reporting
load. Most of the work falls on the three-officer Pol-
Econ Section, and virtually all political reporting is
currently done by the Pol-Econ Counselor and the entry-
level, first-time Poloff. Recognizing the shortage, an
FTE was approved for a new mid-level officer for the
section, but the bureau does not have the funds to fill
the slot. It will be at least two years before the funds
are allocated.

In addition to this, there is no predecessor's work for
Craig to draw on, as he is the first Embassy Wellington
LES to perform this extensive reporting role. Further, no
Wellington LES has ever taken this training course.
Therefore, Post considers it is imperative that Craig be
selected for this course at this time. The timing is
particularly optimal as it will immediately precede the
formation of the new Parliament and it will advance
Craig's ability to counsel and support the new Ambassador.

New Zealand - U.S. relations are good overall but we
differ on many issues of concern to the United States.
Already Craig has proved invaluable in providing access to
leading decision makers both inside and outside of the
political community.

The training course would provide him with the necessary
complementary skills and background knowledge needed to
clarify USG positions in an effort to influence key
players throughout New Zealand as well as presenting
essential insights in understanding how Washington
operates and what USG policymakers need.

Craig is skilled enough to perform many of the functions
of a reporting officer; he brings with him an array of
skills, contacts and knowledge that improves the Mission's
understanding and interpretation of the domestic political
environment. Craig is also hard working, a fast study,
and unfailingly considerate, and we think he'd be a great
asset to the class.

The Ambassador and the DCM strongly support his nomination
and firmly believe Craig's immediate participation in this
course will significantly advance the Mission's
objectives.

Swindells

© Scoop Media