VZCZCXRO3469
RR RUEHNZ
DE RUEHWL #0983/01 3470330
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 130330Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
TO RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE 0443
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3598
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 4650
RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY 0489
RUEHNZ/AMCONSUL AUCKLAND 1040
RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA 0554
RHMFIUU/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 WELLINGTON 000983 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
STATE FOR EAP/ANP - DAN RICCI, SYDNEY FOR TSA ANDERSON 
 
E.O. 12985:  N/A 
TAGS: OTRA KHLS EAIR ASEC PTER TC NZ
SUBJECT:  NEW ZEALAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GREGORY KUVER AND TODD 
OLESON, JANUARY 13-22, 2007 
 
REF:  SINGAPORE 3543 
 
¶1.  (SBU) Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance to 
Transportation Security Administration Specialists Gregory Kuver and 
Todd Oleson to travel to Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand from 
January 13-22, 2006.  The purpose of this visit is to perform 
airport visits and air carrier station security assessments at 
Auckland International Airport, and to provide an out-brief with 
U.S. Embassy and New Zealand Government officials in Wellington. 
 
¶2.  (U) Embassy Wellington and Consulate Auckland have made hotel 
reservations as requested in reftel.  In Auckland reservations have 
been made at the Hilton Auckland, Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, 
Auckland. 
Ph: 64-9-978 2000; Fax: 64-9-978 2001; http://www.hilton.com 
Room type: 2 x Guest Rooms, non-smoking 
Rate: NZ$219.00 (includes GST) 
Confirmation for 13-19 January 2007 
Oleson # 3257639601 
Kuver # 3258512311 
 
Confirmation for 20-22 January 2007 
Oleson # 3264764542 
Kuver # 3260498690 
 
In Wellington, reservations have been made at the Novotel Capital 
Wellington, 133-137 The Terrace, Wellington. 
Ph: 64-4-918-1900; Fax: 64-4-918-1901; 
www.novotel.co.nz 
Room type: 2 x Guest Rooms, non-smoking 
Rate: NZ$111.37 (includes GST) 
Confirmation for 20 January 2007 
Oleson # 143111 
Kuver # 143114 
 
Post asks that you notify us immediately should your travel dates 
change so that we can cancel or adjust hotel reservations without 
penalty. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Embassy point of contact is Economic Officer Thomas J. 
Walsh.  Contact details are as follows: 
 
Office:  644-462-6182 
Fax:     644-472-3537 
Cell:    027-446-4467 
E-mail:  WalshTJ@state.gov 
 
¶4.  (SBU) Government of New Zealand point of contact is Mark Stephen 
at the Civil Aviation Authority.  He is the person responsible for 
interaction with Auckland Airport Authority, Customs, and the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  He will obtain badges and 
develop program.  Embassy suggests TSA make early contact with Mr. 
Stephen to finalize agenda. He can be reached at the following: 
 
Office:  644-560-9541 
Cell:    027-531-9232 
E-mail:  stephenm@caa.govt.nz 
 
Please advise the Embassy if there is additional assistance needed 
for access or appointments. 
 
¶5.  (SBU) All TDY visitors to Embassy Wellington are required to 
report to the Regional Security Office for a security briefing if 
they have not completed an approved overseas personal 
security-training course. 
 
¶6.  (U) Visitors should use local taxi service, which is generally 
safe, reliable and frequent.  Taxi fare from the airport to downtown 
Wellington hotels is approximately NZD $30.00; to downtown Auckland 
it is approximately NZD $60.00.  A commercial shuttle service is 
also offered at the airport. 
 
¶7.  (U) Travelers can exchange currency at the airport upon arrival 
and ATM machines are readily available throughout New Zealand. 
Check cashing privileges at the Embassy are restricted to traveler's 
checks only up to USD $300.00.  Personal checks will not be 
accepted. 
 
¶8.  (SBU) Biosecurity Fines: 
 
The Government of New Zealand instituted fines for non-declared 
biosecurity hazards on travelers entering New Zealand with 
 
WELLINGTON 00000983  002 OF 003 
 
 
undeclared plant, animal or food material.  Travelers found carrying 
these undeclared items will be immediately fined NZD $200.00 (USD 
$150.00).  Biosecurity is a serious issue in New Zealand and fines 
will be administered immediately and without warnings. 
 
¶9.  (SBU) Security Information: 
 
a.  (SBU) All U.S. citizen personnel serving under the Chief of 
Mission authority in a temporary status of 30 days or more must 
complete appropriate overseas personal security training prior to 
travel (04 State 66580).  Employees who have completed the Security 
Overseas Seminar course at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) after 
June 1, 2000, meet this requirement.  All other TDY personnel must 
either (1) complete the approved seminar at FSI entitled "Serving 
Abroad for Families and Employees" (SAFE), or (2) have their agency 
certify to the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security 
that the employee has undergone equivalent security training.  The 
contact for this training is Assistant Director for Training at 
(703) 205-2617.  Country clearance will not be granted for any 
traveler with planned TDY in excess of 30 days if this information 
is not stated/certified.  POC for additional information is RSO 
Wellington. 
 
b.  (SBU) The U.S. Mission in New Zealand currently rates the threat 
from transnational and indigenous terrorism as low.  There are no 
terrorist groups or support groups believed to be operating in New 
Zealand at this time.  In light of the worldwide security alert all 
visitors should heighten their security awareness and report any 
unusual incidents to the Regional Security Officer. 
 
c.  (SBU) Anonymous telephonic threats and obscure threat mail have 
occasionally targeted U.S. diplomatic missions in New Zealand.  In 
response to U.S. policies and actions, various groups in New Zealand 
have demonstrated occasionally at the Embassy in Wellington and at 
the Consulate in Auckland.  These demonstrations are usually small 
and are peacefully conducted.  During these demonstrations, the host 
country police and protective services normally provide adequate 
protection to the Embassy and Consulate. 
 
d.  (SBU) New Zealand is considered a medium threat crime 
environment.  As such, Wellington and Auckland have experienced an 
increase in violent and petty crimes, but they are usually 
non-confrontational in nature.  However, home invasion robberies and 
assaults, once very rare, are becoming more frequent.  Burglaries 
and thefts occur countrywide but primarily in the large cities of 
Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, and visitors should be 
especially aware that street crime, such as scams and pickpockets, 
is a daily occurrence in these cities.  Common sense precautions 
should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of 
opportunity. 
 
e.  (SBU) Generally, New Zealand does not play a significant role in 
the world drug situation; however, evidence indicates that New 
Zealand has been utilized as a transit point for shipments of 
Ecstasy, Heroin and Cocaine to Australia.  The most abused drugs in 
New Zealand are locally produced methamphetamine and cannabis. 
There have been increased amounts of lab seizures and violent crime 
associated with groups attempting to control this market. 
 
f.  (U) All forms of public transportation are generally safe at all 
times of the day; however, at night visitors should use common sense 
precautions so as not to become a target of opportunity. 
 
g.  (U) The traffic situation in Auckland can be difficult with a 
moderate amount of congestion.  Wellington and Christchurch traffic 
is significantly better; however, during rush hour moderate delays 
can be expected.  Visitors are advised that traffic drives on the 
left-hand side of the road.  Visitors are advised that traffic 
accidents are common and that it is safe to pull over so that police 
may take an accident report.  However, visitors who experience 
hostility or anti-American sentiment should depart the scene 
immediately and notify the RSO. 
 
h.  (SBU) Travelers intending to bring and use any USG provided 
electronic or photographic equipment must contact the RSO prior to 
introducing that equipment into the Chancery.  Personal electronic 
or photographic equipment is not permitted in the Chancery.  Only in 
severely limited cases will a notebook or laptop computer be 
permitted to be used in the Chancery. 
 
i.  (U) Precautions should also be taken to not discuss sensitive or 
classified information outside secure environments or over unsecured 
 
WELLINGTON 00000983  003 OF 003 
 
 
and/or cellular telephones, and to securely safeguard classified or 
sensitive information at the Chancery and not at hotels or 
residences. 
 
j.  (U) Visitors should also be aware of the State Department's 
Consular Information sheet for New Zealand and the most recent 
Worldwide Caution Public Announcements, which are available via the 
Internet at http://travel.state.gov 
 
k.  (U) In essence, visitors to New Zealand must exercise 
appropriate caution and be alert to their surroundings with regard 
to their personal security.  Suspicious incidents/activities should 
be reported to RSO Wellington (Telephone (64)(4)462-6000, 24 
hours/day). 
 
McCormick