Clinton announces US/NZ military talks

Listen to RadioLIVE reporter Paul Gallagher talk about Ms Clinton's arrival this morning by clicking on the Audio tab. Watch Duncan Garner's live cross from 12pm as he describes Ms Clinton's visit so far.

By James Murray with NZPA and 3news.co.nz staff

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced annual, high level ministerial and military talks at a news conference currently underway.

The Wellington Declaration has been agreed to by Ms Clinton and the New Zealand Government.

Prime Minister John Key described the US/NZ relationship as being in "great shape".

"Our relationship is the best it’s been for 25 years - thanks for your personal commitment to NZ and this relationship.

"Ours is a relationship built on shared values and principles where we have a great deal in common where we understand and respect one another."

"We have appreciated the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues; shared interests in the Pacific, security interests including Afghanistan, the trade agenda and US engagement in the region

"We've talked about playing our respective parts in delivering a safer, more secure global environment."

Ms Clinton thanked the audience for the powhiri she received and had praise for Wellington.

“This morning I took a walk around the coolest little capital in the world and enjoyed it immensely,” she said.

Her visit was part of an effort to "restore America's rightful place as an engaged Pacific nation".

"We have a strong partner in New Zealand," she said. "This is for us a very important relationship and it is probably, as the Prime Minister has said, at its strongest and most productive in 24 years."

Ms Clinton pointed to joint efforts between America and NZ to provide wind turbines for the bases in Antarctica, delivering aid in tsunami-hit Samoa and American Samoa, and also aid to Indonesia.

Afghanistan, and our continued military presence, was also on the agenda.

“I want to thank New Zealand for the work we are doing together in Afghanistan… but the sacrifice and service our soldiers are doing side-by-side is extremely important to our security.

“In a world where solving problems takes more partners than ever before, New Zealand punches way above its weight in every sector of the challenge today.

“I'm hopeful that the Wellington Declaration is a sign of even closer cooperation in the years ahead.

At the end of the conference, John Key made a minor slip - describing Ms Clinton as "President".

Quick as a flash, he rescued the situation by saying, "er, close".

Ms Clinton covered her face with her hand and laughed the situation off.

Protesters gather

During the conference 18 protesters waited outside Parliament.

They were led by anti-war activist Valerie Morse and chanted mainly against the war in Afghanistan.

Powhiri at Parliament

Mrs Clinton was greeted by Kura Moeahu - Parliament's Kaiwhakarite, or organiser - outside Parliament this afternoon as she took a long walk along the forecourt where she faced a traditional welcome.

At the steps of Parliament Mrs Clinton was met by Prime Minister John Key and Foreign Minister Murray McCully.

As per any US dignitary arriving in New Zealand, there was a large number of elite armed police stationed inside Parliament.

Hundreds of onlookers had gathered to see the US Secretary of State; after greeting Speaker Lockwood Smith, John Key and Mr McCully, Ms Clinton walked up Parliament's steps and paused briefly at the top to turn and wave to the crowd who cheered and clapped.

Unscheduled waterfront walk

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spent the late morning on an unscheduled walk of the Wellington waterfront this morning.

Braving cold and blustery weather, Ms Clinton wore a black overcoat and a blue scarf with brown sunglasses. Her security entourage followed close behind, 10 men in suits comprised of the US secret service and New Zealand's diplomatic protection service.

Early arrival

Earlier this morning. Ms Clinton arrived in Wellington soon after dawn amid heavy security.

Her white and blue plane was hard to miss with "United States of America" emblazoned along the side.

Security officers were the first arrive at the plane after it taxied to the military terminal.

They were followed closely by Murray McCully, Wellington's new Mayor - who had cycled to the terminal at 4.55am wearing a high-vis vest - Celia Wade-Brown, New Zealand ambassador to Washington Mike Moore, and American ambassador David Huebner who greeted Mrs Clinton as she alighted the plane.

The group walked quickly through the terminal with Ms Clinton climbing into a waiting black BMW; part of a 14-vehicle convoy headed for town.

High security

For many of those waiting for Mrs Clinton's arrival it had been an early and chilly start.

Several police officers and security officials had been at the airport since 2am today ensuring everything was ready.

That included scanning the runway, looking under every vehicle in the convoy and playing musical chairs with the vehicles to get the motorcade in order.

Police sniffer dogs were on hand to check the media and their gear as they arrived at 4:30am.

It was cold and blustery as Mrs Clinton stepped off the plane.

 She shook hands with those waiting to welcome her before hurrying into the warmth of the terminal.

She left about the airport 6.30am in a black BMW - part of a 14-vehicle convoy headed for town.

Her first official function will be a powhiri and welcoming ceremony on Parliament's forecourt this afternoon.

Mrs Clinton is in New Zealand as part of her two week 10-day tour of the Asia Pacific region flying overnight to Wellington from Papua New Guinea.

Barbecue tonight

She will meet today with Prime Minister John Key and other government ministers for top level talks before being guest of honour at a BBQ hosted by Mr Key in Wellington tonight.

She will fly to Christchurch tomorrow to attend two American embassy events and visit American troops stationed at US Antarctic Programme Centre.

3 News / RadioLIVE / NZPA