Just-arrived US ambassador already a firm Kiwiphile

ROSS GIBLIN/The Dominion Post

US AMBASSADOR DAVID HUEBNER: "I am very pleased the president asked me to come here instead of other places.''

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America's new ambassador loves New Zealand already because it has most of his favourite vices.

David Huebner held a press conference at his new home in Lower Hutt shortly after his arrival in Wellington yesterday, and immediately established his credentials as a Kiwiphile.

The Flight of the Conchords, wine, cheese, beer and rugby are just a few of his favourite things.

Previously a Shanghai-based lawyer, Mr Huebner followed the rugby sevens in Hong Kong, eschewing American football as too effete.

"I respect the fact that even at the highest levels you don't wear all that armour plating."

In a break from the usual diplomatic protocol, Mr Huebner shook the hand of every journalist and camera operator before – and after – the conference, also scoring points by speaking to reporters even before calling on Prime Minister John Key.

He had practised lines on the "excellent" state of the bilateral relationship and his hope to advance trade, military, and social ties.

But his anecdotes and one-liners may give his staff the odd grey hair.

Mr Huebner, "just the right side of 50" (he's 49), said he had used up his State Department shipping allowance freighting his wine collection but had since discovered the quality of New Zealand viticulture.

"I'm looking forward to drinking from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the Mainland."

The first openly gay envoy appointed by President Barack Obama, he joked with one reporter who asked if he would dress up for the Wellington Sevens. "Would you ask a straight ambassador that question?"

He said he hoped his partner, psychiatrist Duane McWaine, would join him soon.

He was "absolutely delighted" to be in New Zealand. "I am very pleased the president asked me to come here instead of other places."