Ambassador keen to restore trust

Press, 26 October 1989, Page 7

Ambassador keen to restore trust

PA Wellington The new United States Ambassador to New Zealand, Mrs Della Newman, said yesterday she would be making every effort to restore full trust and confidence to the relationship between the two countries. Presenting her credentials to the Governor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, at Government House, Mrs Newman said New Zealand and the United States had enjoyed a close and friendly relationship for more than 150 years, since the appointment of the first American Consul at the Bay of Islands in 1839. The two countries shared a common cultural heritage and language and had long taken

inspiration from each other’s discoveries and achievements. “In times of threat and danger we have stood side by side to defend our homeland and the ideals of freedom and democracy which we both cherish so highly,” Mrs Newman said. But while the ties between the two countries were historically strong, recently there had been disagreements about fundamental security policy matters which were of great importance to the United States. “... I personally will make every effort to restore a relationship of full trust and confidence between our two nations,” “I will also work to solidify the close links which we continue to

maintain in many areas and to build a positive atmosphere in U.S.-New Zealand relations.”

Mrs Newman replaces the previous United States Ambassador, Mr Paul Cleveland, who left New Zealand in May. Sjnce his departure the embassy has been directed by its deputy chief of mission, Mr Alphonse La Porta.

Mrs Newman was challenged through United States congressional hearings as being underqualified for the appointment.

The New Zealand assistant secretary for public affairs, Mr Hugo Judd, said in a statement on Tuesday that Mrs Newman had a distinguished background in commerce and community organisation.