US diplomat outlines plans for NZ role

File photo / Richard Robinson

WASHINGTON - The nominee to be the United States ambassador to New Zealand says he hopes for closer ties despite a more than two-decade row over nuclear weapons.

New Zealand declared itself nuclear-free in 1986 and refused entry to US nuclear ships, leading the United States to suspend its defence obligations to the then ally under a three-way treaty with Australia.

Ambassador-designate David Huebner told his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday (Friday NZT) that New Zealand has nonetheless been an "extraordinary partner" on security issues, pointing to its deployment of elite special forces in Afghanistan.

"One of my priorities would be exploring ways in which we can deepen and expand that kind of engagement on the full range of issues," Mr Huebner told the Senate foreign relations committee.

He said he expected broader ties "recognising that there will for the indefinite future be certain constraints on the actual military relationship" due to the nuclear issue.

President Barack Obama, in a shift in US policy, has set a goal of eventually abolishing nuclear weapons.

If confirmed by the Senate as expected, Mr Huebner would be the third openly gay ambassador in US history.

Mr Huebner, who would also serve as ambassador to Samoa, introduced to the Senate panel his partner, Duane McWaine, and said the couple had just marked 20 years together.

President Obama appointed Mr Huebner after tense relations with the gay community.

Many gay activists avidly supported President Obama's campaign but say he has done little since taking office for gay rights -- only paying lip service to ending a ban on gays in the military and flat-out opposing gay marriage.

Mr Huebner was head of the China and international disputes practices at law firm Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton. He specialised in international arbitration and mediation.

Based in Shanghai, he had experience handling disputes in the Pacific rim area.

He has served on law and other commissions and taught and lectured in legal and business areas.

Among non-profit work he was active in the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Mr Huebner is from Pennsylvania and a graduate of Princeton and Yale.

- NZPA