Would-be US ambassador praises 'extraordinary' NZ

The nominee to be the United States ambassador to New Zealand says he hopes for closer ties despite the row over nuclear weapons that has lasted for more than two decades.

Ambassador-designate David Huebner told his confirmation hearing in the US Senate yesterday that New Zealand had nonetheless been an "extraordinary partner" on security issues, pointing to its deployment of special forces in Afghanistan.

"One of my priorities would be exploring ways in which we can deepen and expand that kind of engagement on the full range of issues," Mr Huebner told the Senate foreign relations committee.

He said he expected broader ties "recognising that there will for the indefinite future be certain constraints on the actual military relationship" due to the nuclear issue. President Barack Obama, in a shift in US policy, has set a goal of eventually abolishing nuclear weapons.

If confirmed by the Senate as expected, Mr Huebner would be the third openly gay ambassador in US history.

He introduced the Senate panel to his partner, Duane McWaine, and said the couple had just marked 20 years together.

Mr Obama appointed Mr Huebner, who is from Pennsylvania, after tense relations with the gay community. Many gay activists avidly supported Mr Obama's presidential campaign but say he has done little for gay rights since taking office.

Mr Huebner, a graduate of Princeton and Yale, who would also serve as ambassador to Samoa, was head of the China and international disputes practices at law firm Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton. He specialised in international arbitration and mediation.

To watch the full hearing click here