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US ambassador to NZ David Huebner - Source: ONE News -
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The man who is vital in building New Zealand's relationship with
the most powerful nation in the world has arrived to take up his
new job.
New US ambassador David Huebner, a 49-year-old lawyer, revealed to
ONE News that he is keen to indulge in every part of Kiwi culture,
from wine and food to rugby.
"I'm looking forward to in essence drinking from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the mainland," Huebner says.
The ambassador is a fine wine lover and a big rugby fan, particularly keen on the Sevens, happy to immerse himself in every part of the event.
"I don't have a particular costume in mind but if that is a tradition, it's a tradition that'll be complied with," he says.
Huebner is the first openly-gay US ambassador to New Zealand.
His partner of 20 years will be joining him in New Zealand, but they will not be taking advantage of the country's civil union legislation.
"I look forward to the day where the civil union or the marriage is the law of the entire land of the United States and we won't be doing a ceremony anywhere until that day," says Huebner.
He describes New Zealand's relationship with the US as extremely close and warm.
Despite that though, he won't be asking us to boost our commitment in Afghanistan.
"On a per capita basis, New Zealand's commitment is extraordinary and substantial and no I don't expect to be given instructions to try to alter that equation," says Huebner.
Huebner plans to first settle down at his new residence and next week he has some adventure tourism planned.
