US Secretary of Homeland Security in NZ from Sunday

United States Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will visit New Zealand from Sunday.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said she would attend the fourth US/NZ Partnership Forum in Christchurch from February 20-22.

Ms Napolitano heads the 200,000-strong US Department of Homeland Security, responsible for domestic security ranging from global terrorism threats and natural disasters to immigration and trade security.

Her visit was a testament to the "new level of dialogue and cooperation New Zealand is enjoying with the US as a result of the Wellington Declaration," Mr McCully said.

"We already work closely with the US on challenges like counter-terrorism and disaster response. We plan to do more work together in the Pacific, on border security and to ensure the smooth flow of trade between New Zealand and the US, as mandated by the Wellington Declaration."

The Wellington Declaration was signed last year, formalising New Zealand's relationship with the US and promoting future cooperation.

- NZPA