Club members visit New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Ambassador Mike Moore and his wife Yvonne hosted about 40 National Press Club members at the New Zealand Embassy on Dec. 1.

Moore discussed improving trade and strengthening military and security relations between New Zealand and the United States. He also analyzed regional politics, with an emphasis on Australia, China and other Asian countries.

Moore provided an update about New Zealand's continuing recovery from the series of earthquakes that have hit Christchurch over the last year.

Some parts of the city and suburbs will never be rebuilt, according to Moore, because the ground is too unstable. He said most New Zealanders have earthquake insurance, but the Christchurch tragedy was one of the biggest natural disasters in the country's history. Moore expressed gratitude for the aid provided by the United States and other countries.

The event, organized by the Club's International Correspondents Committee Chair Myron Belkind and member Frederica Dunn, featured New Zealand wine and food. The New Zealand Embassy is located on Observatory Circle near the British Embassy and the Naval Observatory.