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