Programs and Events

Ambassador and Mrs. McCormick visit Southland

February 7, 2007

 

Ambassador & Mrs McCormick, Ivan Lines and Tommy Foggo. More Photos.

U.S. Ambassador William McCormick said that his wife Gail was looking forward to renewing friendships and acquaintances when the couple visits Southland over the next few days. In the 1970s Gail McCormick lived and worked in Winton on a sheep farm, long before she met Bill McCormick, who would go on to become Ambassador to New Zealand.

“I’m delighted to be back visiting Southland — living and working on a Winton sheep farm is an experience I’ve always treasured,” said Gail McCormick.

As well as being wife of the United States Ambassador, Gail McCormick finds time to be a travel writer and is an endurance swimmer who has swum the English Channel. Ambassador and Mrs. McCormick are well known for their chain of seafood restaurants 'McCormick and Shmicks,' which are found throughout the United States.

The trip has been organized in conjunction with Livestrands (an agricultural network).  While in the region, the couple will visit salmon and mussel farms, a sheep station, a dairy farm, and Stewart Island.

“The New Zealand agriculture and aquaculture sectors are some of the most diversified and efficient in the world. At Fieldays I saw amazing technology and innovations that you have developed for your farms.  At NIWA I learned about the tremendous potential for growth in the aquaculture sector.  At Lincoln University I learned about ongoing agricultural research to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ambassador McCormick.  “Over the next few days I’m looking forward to exploring what innovations the farmers of Southland have developed.”

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