Diplomatic "rockstar" Hillary Clinton is winging her way to Australia after being farewelled from Christchurch by Mayor Bob Parker and NZ ambassador to the US Mike Moore.

The declaration is so light on where the NZ-US relationship goes from here that it could have floated out of the Beehive on hot air.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged last night that the Wellington Declaration she signed with NZ was effectively a document of symbolism rather than substance.

Hillary Clinton was effusive in her praise for NZ after signing a deal bringing the countries closer together today.

Hillary Clinton's 60-strong entourage pales in comparison to some statesmen.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton braved the cold and blustery Wellington weather in an unscheduled walk along the waterfront.

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Wellington soon after dawn this morning amid heavy security.

Australian PM Julia Gillard is today trying to convince the Indonesian President to grant clemency to convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby, according to a report.

Julia Gillard is hoping to get New Zealand support for a new refugee facility in East Timor.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is to visit NZ for talks early next year likely to yield progress in aligning the two nations' economies, says John Key.

After what had potential to be a very bumpy journey after a weather radar problem on the plane, New Zealand has arrived at the East Asia Summit.

The 'Paul Henry' affair may well come up in talks between John Key and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a summit in Hanoi.

The ground-breaking Wellington Declaration will be signed next Thursday when Hillary Clinton visits New Zealand.

Hillary Clinton will make a 'significant announcement' about a warmer relationship in NZ next month.

Goff has spent much of the past week playing political football with two of New Zealand's major trading relationships.