US Embassy New Zealand

20/08/2026

Ambassador Jared Novelly recently visited Wellington-based OpenStar Technologies to see how a Kiwi start-up is tackling one of science’s biggest challenges: nuclear fusion.

Founded in a Mount Victoria, Wellington flat in 2021, OpenStar is now developing a new approach to fusion energy, with ambitions stretching well beyond New Zealand - including growing its footprint in the United States.

And fusion energy? Apparently it’s always “10 years away.” OpenStar is working hard to make that joke obsolete.

Big thanks to Ratu Maitara, Thomas Berry and the team for the tour. 🇺🇸🇳🇿

20/08/2026

Showing up. Listening. Getting things done together.

Ambassador Novelly congratulated Prime Minister Mark Brown on his re-election and met with him to discuss the growing U.S.-Cook Islands relationship, from ocean science and maritime security to economic opportunity and practical ways our countries can deepen cooperation.

“The Pacific has a funny way of making distance on a map seem pretty irrelevant. We’re neighbors out here, and good neighbors show up for each other. Congratulations to Prime Minister Brown on his re-election. I look forward to what we can accomplish together.” - Ambassador Novelly. 🇺🇸🇨🇰

See one part of that partnership in action: Watch our Cook Islands Ocean Exploration series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtnRn4li56s&list=PLHBAyDeQuqdY

20/08/2026

What’s beneath the Pacific? We’re working together to find out.

Ambassador Jared Novelly joined Cook Islands leaders, traditional leaders, scientists, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) representatives, and the crew of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer at Avatiu Wharf for an official welcome reception hosted by the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.

The visit marks another step in growing U.S.-Cook Islands cooperation on deep-ocean exploration and scientific research, bringing our scientists and experts together to better understand what lies beneath the Pacific.

“We’ve barely dipped our toes into the Cook Islands’ enormous ocean territory. And when I say ‘dipped’ apparently NOAA’s response is to send a ship capable of looking several miles beneath it. I respect that level of commitment to taking a metaphor literally.” - Ambassador Novelly. 🇺🇸🇨🇰

See the science, technology, and people behind the partnership: Watch our Cook Islands Ocean Exploration series here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtnRn4li56s&list=PLHBAyDeQuqdY

16/08/2026

Requirements for U.S. citizens holding dual nationality:

✅You must enter and leave the United States on your U.S. passport. You are not allowed to enter the United States on your foreign passport based on U.S. law.

✅ U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. visa or ESTA.

✅ If your child is a citizen of the United States, he or she is not eligible for a U.S. visa. This is true even if you have not taken steps to document your child as a U.S. citizen. If you want to enter or leave the United States with your U.S. citizen child, you must obtain a U.S. passport for the child.

✅ As a U.S. citizen, you are obligated to comply with U.S. tax laws. You may want to consult a tax advisor experienced in filing taxes for dual nationals.

🔗: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/personal-needs/dual-nationality.html

16/08/2026

“New Zealand is sending some of its best into the fire - literally.

“A huge thank you to the Kiwi firefighters and personnel heading to the United States to support wildfire response efforts.

“To everyone deploying: thank you for answering the call, thank you for standing alongside Americans, and most importantly, come home safe.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone making the trip, and to the families sending them off.” - U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly. 🇺🇸🇳🇿

Today a large contingent of firefighters deployed to the north-west of the United States of America to support the country’s wildfire response.

This Fire and Emergency New Zealand lead deployment is supported by our partner agencies. Of the 57 deployed personnel leaving this week, 43 are from Fire and Emergency, 4 from Department of Conservation, 5 from Forestry Companies and 5 from New Zealand Defence Force.

Each person has been chosen for their specialist skills, the firefighters are experienced working in arduous conditions, including steep terrain and high temperatures in remote areas. The team will be taking on multiple roles from firefighting, helibase managers, logistics, liaison officers and chainsaw specialists provided by DOC and Forestry.

Two other deployments are already on the ground in the US and Canada, with five Incident Management personnel working on fires in Washington State and Oregon and six in British Columbia.

Kia kaha to our people and our American whānau, you have our support ❤️

14/08/2026

Thirty nations. More than 30 ships. 30,000 personnel. And somehow everyone managed to find parking in Hawaii.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest international maritime exercise and a pretty extraordinary demonstration of what partners can accomplish when we train, plan, and operate together.

Great to see HMNZS Te Mana among the ships taking part alongside the United States and partners from across the U.S.-Pacific.

In this video, Te Mana’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tuijo Thompson, reflects on a successful exercise for the Royal New Zealand Navy, and where they’re heading next.

Exercises end. The relationships, trust, and ability to work together when it matters are what we take home.

Fair winds, Te Mana. - U.S. Ambassador Novelly 🇺🇸🇳🇿

U.S. Pacific Fleet Royal New Zealand Navy

Watch the Royal NZ Navy video:

11/08/2026

Passport PSA for U.S. Dual Nationals:

U.S. citizens are REQUIRED to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport.

This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals.

Dual national U.S. citizens may NOT use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.

If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport. If your U.S. passport is expired or expires soon, renew before your trip!

Passports should generally be valid at least six months after the date of entry to a foreign country.

🔗 https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/personal-needs/dual-nationality.html

11/08/2026

“First trip to the Cook Islands as the inaugural U.S. Ambassador, which sounds very historic until you realize my first major diplomatic challenge was figuring out how to convince everyone I actually had to leave.

“From the moment I stepped off the plane, the generosity and warmth of the Cook Islands people made me feel at home. I came here to listen, learn, build relationships, and see firsthand what our two countries can accomplish together.

“I’m leaving with new friends, plenty of ideas, and the growing suspicion that “visiting every island” is going to become an extremely convenient piece of official U.S. foreign policy.

“Being the first credentialed U.S. Ambassador to the Cook Islands is an honor I take extremely seriously. The United States is a Pacific nation, and relationships here aren’t built from 2,000 miles away. They’re built by showing up, listening, sharing a meal, having a laugh, and coming back.

“To everyone who welcomed me: meitaki ma’ata.
You have a friend in me, a friend in the United States, and, unfortunately for you, an Ambassador already looking for an excuse to return.” - U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly 🇺🇸🤝🇨🇰

📸 🔗 http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand/

10/08/2026

While in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Ambassador Jared Novelly met with Karla Eggleton, CEO of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, to discuss opportunities to strengthen tourism links and promote greater travel between the United States and the Cook Islands.

"The best souvenirs aren't the ones you fit in a suitcase, they're the stories and memories you bring home." - U.S. Ambassador Novelly.

Tourism plays an important role in bringing people together, creating economic opportunities, and deepening the connections between our communities.🇺🇸🇨🇰

09/08/2026

Ambassador Jared Novelly was honored to attend the Cook Islands' Constitution Day celebrations last week in Rarotonga, joining government leaders, dignitaries, and the Cook Islands community to mark this important national occasion.

The celebration highlighted the Cook Islands' rich culture, history, and traditions, while providing an opportunity to recognize the enduring friendship between the United States and the Cook Islands.🇺🇸🇨🇰