USDA COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR U.S. SECRETARY OF

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 WELLINGTON 000613 SIPDIS USDA FOR FAS/FAA/YOUNG AND HODGE, FAS/ISS BUDGET STAFF, OIG/HOLST E.O 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR NZ SUBJECT: USDA COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE MICHAEL O. JOHANNS AND DELEGATION TOFAS 08 REF USDA FAS 673310 AND USDA 673342 ¶1. Embassy grants country clearance for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Michael O. Johanns; Press Secretary Edgar Loyd; Under Secretary J.B. Penn; Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator A. Ellen Terpstra; FFAS Special Assistant Jennifer Ehn, OIG Special Agent James Holst; and OIG Special Agent Mark S. Hopko to travel to Auckland and Hamilton New Zealand, August 21 - August 23. Country Clearance also is granted for OIG Special Agent Christopher J. Acton and Director of Advance W. Scooter Slade to travel to Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland August 17 to August 23 to support the visit of the Secretary. SIPDIS ¶2. Secretary Johanns and delegation will be met upon arrival at Auckland airport and ground transportation provided as per travel arrangements sent under separate cover. ¶3. Point of contact at the American Embassy is the Agricultural Attache David Rosenbloom. His contact details are: Tel: 64-4-462-6012 Cell phone: 64-274-512-534 Fax: 64-4-462-6016 Email: david.rosenbloom(at)usda.gov ¶4. Travelers can exchange currency at the airport upon arrival and ATM machines are readily available throughout New Zealand. ¶5. 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. ¶6. Security Assessment: 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. ¶7. USDA approval is requested for estimated costs incurred by the Embassy to support Secretary Johanns' travel to New Zealand as follows: Airfare $2,300 Per Diem $4,100 Overtime $4,000 Control Room/ Hospitality $1,400 Control Room/ Equipment $250 (Room will include two computers with internet access, printer, and fax/copier Control Room DDI Lines/internet $200 Cell Phone Rental $175 (Estimate does not include usage charges.) Office Supplies $100 Vehicle Rental $350 ¶8. Representation costs associated with reception at at Langham Hotel on August 22 are estimated at $3,900. This includes food and beverage costs for approximately 100 guests representing New Zealand government, farm, agribusiness, and general business communities. Post requests that FAS Wellington's representational funds authorized under Post's GA be increased to reflect this cost. ¶9. Daily room rate at the Langham Hotel is $174, including 12.5 percent GST. This rate includes breakfast. Lodging authorized for Auckland is $144. Embassy recommends that travel orders reflect actual lodging costs allowed. ¶10. Expenses incurred by OIG Agents for requested and authorized services and equipment, including estimated cost for two rental vehicles and cell phones (does not include phone usage charges) of $1,200 will be charged to separate accounting classification provided reftel. BURNETT