US envoy who presided over thaw dies

A former United States Ambassador to New Zealand, Josiah Beeman, has died.

Mr Beeman, who was 70, was ambassador from 1994 until 1999. He oversaw a marked improvement in relations between the two countries after the Anzus impasse.

He helped to organise Jim Bolger's visit to Washington in 1995 - the first by a New Zealand Prime Minister in 12 years.

Mr Beeman was appointed by President Bill Clinton, and Mr Clinton's 1999 New Zealand visit - the first by a US President for 32 years - was another indication how much relations had thawed.

Mr Beeman's six years in New Zealand were not without controversy, with disputes over parallel importing, labelling of GM products and a potential deal where New Zealand would lease F-16 fighter jets.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said she was saddened by his death. "He was a charming and highly effective envoy who enjoyed a long 5 1/2-year term."