'First daughters' team up for Apec fun

By John Andrews

United States "first daughter" Chelsea Clinton may be escorted by her New Zealand counterpart, Anna Shipley, next month.

Chelsea, President Bill Clinton's only child, is likely to accompany her father on his five-day trip to New Zealand.

Nineteen-year-old Chelsea is likely to be hosted by Prime Minister Jenny Shipley's only daughter, Anna, aged 22.

Anna Shipley is a Canterbury University political science graduate and works for a Wellington telecommunications company.

While Mr Clinton is in Auckland at the Apec meeting, Anna is likely to be Chelsea's escort around the city, shopping and sightseeing.

The President apparently has a night free of engagements after the summit ends on Monday, September 13. A private Auckland dinner for the Clintons and Shipleys is a possibility.

Apec is very much a family affair for New Zealand's first couple, with Mrs Shipley hosting the summit and husband Burton in charge of arranging programmes for foreign leaders' spouses.

Anna Shipley will be on much more familiar territory over the following two days when the President's state visit moves to Christchurch and Queenstown.

Skiing and jetboating may be on Chelsea and Anna's itinerary while Mr Clinton tests his golfing prowess at Millbrook Resort's picturesque course.

From Queenstown, the Clintons will fly back to Christchurch for a state dinner.