NEW ZEALAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR NASA DELEGATION

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000726 SIPDIS DEPT PASS TO NASA/ID - LISA HACKLEY DEPT FOR OES/SAT AND EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA TSPA NZ SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR NASA DELEGATION KING, MATTHEWS, THOMPSON, TSAY, AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 12 REF: STATE 181139 ¶1. Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance to NASA delegation Michael King, Elaine Matthews, Anne Thompson, and Si-Chee Tsay to travel to Christchurch, New Zealand from August 29-September 12, 2004. The purpose of this visit is to attend and present papers at the 8th International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Conference. ¶2. Embassy understands no assistance is required. ¶3. Embassy point of contact is Economic officer Joy Yamamoto. Contact details are as follows: Office: 644-462-6182 Fax: 644-472-3537 Cell: 027-446-4467 E-mail: yamamotojo@state.gov ¶4. Visitors should use local taxi service, which is generally safe, reliable and frequent. Taxi fare from the airport to downtown Christchurch hotels is approximately NZD35. ¶5. Travelers can exchange currency at the airport upon arrival and ATM machines are readily available throughout New Zealand. ¶6. Biosecurity Fines: The government of New Zealand instituted fines for non- declared biosecurity hazards on travelers entering New Zealand with undeclared plant, animal or food material. Travelers found carrying these undeclared items will be immediately fined NZ$200 (US $150). Biosecurity is a serious issue in New Zealand and fines will be administered immediately and without warnings. ¶7. Security Assessment: a. There are no local 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 office. b. 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 were of a small scale and were peacefully conducted. During these demonstrations, the host country police and protective services provided adequate protection to the embassy and consulate. c. While New Zealand is considered a low threat crime environment, Wellington and Auckland have experienced an increase in violent and petty crimes. Home invasion robberies and assaults, once very rare, are becoming more frequent. Burglaries and thefts occur countrywide. Visitors should be aware that street crime is a daily occurrence in the larger cities, including Wellington and Auckland. Common sense precautions should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of opportunity. d. All forms of public transportation are generally safe at all times of the day. Swindells