Clark's 4th of July partying more than a social visit

Helen Clark last night made her first appearance at local celebrations of US Independence Day since she became Prime Minister - but her office was quick to warn against reading too much into her presence.

A jovial Helen Clark received a warm welcome at the US Embassy's colourful Wellington bash, where she delivered a short but positive speech emphasising the bright side of New Zealand's relationship with the United States.

"New Zealand and the United States have worked alongside each other in many conflicts from World War One on," Helen Clark said.

"Our servicemen and women are cooperating today in Afghanistan to help restore stability there and give development a chance, as well as to counter terrorism."

The Prime Minister then went on to say that New Zealand's relationship with the United States "is of fundamental importance to our country, and one which we greatly value".

"I know it will continue to grow and develop in the 21st century as it has in the past."

Helen Clark has not previously attended the embassy's celebrations as Prime Minister for a variety of reasons, her office said.

On some occasions she had been away on a winter holiday, and in other years the event fell on a Cabinet day, or a Sunday and she was out of town.

The last time she attended was as Leader of the Opposition.

However, while her office was keen to play down any significance in her appearance it is difficult to read the Prime Minister's move as anything other than purposeful - albeit small.

The Beehive's message was that the two countries remained "good friends".

No mention was made in the speeches by Helen Clark or United States Ambassador William McCormick about New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance, which has been a cause of unhappiness in the relationship.

Instead, both mentioned historical military collaboration, and Helen Clark also highlighted the US role as a "major trading partner".

Mr McCormick used his speech to talk about how much he has enjoyed New Zealand since his arrival late last year, when he replaced Charles Swindells.

The ambassador said the United States was "grateful" for New Zealand's role in stabilising the Solomon Islands and East Timor, and noted that "our Governments are also cooperating a great deal".

Diversity "is not just about acknowledging differences, but also about celebrating them," he said.