KEY POINTS:
The Government is gearing up to host two VIPs with United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice due to visit New Zealand this month, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd due to arrive next month.
The working date for Dr Rice's visit is July 26, which will be after the Asean Regional Forum in Singapore.
The working date of Mr Rudd's visit is August 18, which would mean a stop in New Zealand on his way to the Pacific Islands Forum in Niue.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will be attending the ARF in Singapore and has developed a strong working relationship with Dr Rice, especially on the issue of North Korea's denuclearisation.
Relations between the United States and New Zealand have improved markedly in the past few years.
Mr Rudd has visited New Zealand before but not since becoming Prime Minister last November. Mr Rudd is expected to hold bilateral talks in Auckland.
