American envoy leaving NZ after four years

United States Ambassador Charles Swindells is leaving after four years in New Zealand.

His departure was announced in invitations sent out yesterday for July 4 Independence Day celebrations that will also double as a farewell function.

Mr Swindells' successor has not yet been named by the White House.

He took up his post in 2001 just a month after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The ambassador, a suave and personable figure, has been the US face in an uneasy relationship. New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy, its unwillingness to contribute troops to the war against Iraq, and its unease at US policies on international issues such as global warming continue to be major irritants.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday that she had enjoyed a warm personal relationship with Mr Swindells.

"The ambassador and Mrs Swindells have been wonderful representatives of their country and contributed a great deal to the ongoing friendship between New Zealand and the US."

National's foreign affairs spokesman, Lockwood Smith, said Mr Swindells had been a good ambassador, but he might have become frustrated that he could not achieve things he might have wanted with the Government.

- NZPA