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Veteran broadcaster Paul Holmes is confused by the amount of anti-American sentiment from some Kiwis, saying they give the United States a bad rap.
Holmes and Peter S. Watson were awarded Woodrow Wilson Awards in Auckland last night, the first New Zealanders to be so recognised. The awards recognise leaders in public service from around the world and across the political spectrum.
Holmes, who received a Corporate Citizenship Award for his use of the media to promote an understanding of the US here, said: "I think (Foreign Affairs Minister) Mr Peters is right to point out an anti-Americanism that sits just below the surface and spends some time above it - I don't understand what it's about.
"But I'm a fan of the United States and I think that anything that promotes a greater understanding of New Zealand in the US and vice versa can only be a good thing."
Holmes, who spent part of his youth hitch-hiking through the US and working as a cowboy in Kansas, said a big part of New Zealand's future depended on its US relationship.
Mr Watson, who was hand-picked to work in three White House administrations from President George Bush snr to the present regime, received a Woodrow Wilson Public Service Award for his efforts on the international stage promoting the interests and image of New Zealand.
