The American Club of Christchurch
The American Club of Christchurch is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. We are a group of Americans, Canadians and friends who meet socially. We also act as a support group and network for those who are interested in moving to the Christchurch area or who have recently settled here.
U.S. Consular Officer to visit Christchurch - Report of Birth Abroad and Passport Interviews
Mr. Dana Deree, the United States Consul in New Zealand will be in Christchurch on Thursday, May 10th (1pm – 4pm), and Friday, May 11th (8.30 – 2pm), to accept Passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications from American Citizens who would normally need to apply in person at the Consulate General in Auckland: e.g. Applications for minors, and first adult passports.
The interviews will take place in Christchurch at
U.S. Antarctic Program Offices
Christchurch International Airport
International Antarctic Centre
Roy Place (off Orchard Rd)
38 Orchard Rd, Christchurch
To meet security requirements an appointment is essential. If you wish to make an appointment, please telephone Consulate General Auckland on 09 303-2724 ext: 2800, 2842, 2848, 2856, or email aucklandacs@state.gov.
Appointments last approximately five minutes. All application forms absolutely must be completed in advance and original supporting documents available for the Consul to sight. You must also make all required photocopies of the supporting documents, and we will advise you upon making your appointment, the number of photocopies you will be required to bring. The Consul will certify the photocopies and return the original documents to you.
You will be asked to bring some of the following documents dependent on the application you are making:
PARENTS’ U.S. PASSPORTS
CHILD (REN)’S U.S. PASSPORTS
CHILD (REN)’S BIRTH CERTIFICATES
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
DIVORCE DECREE
FOREIGN PASSPORTS
NATURALIZATION PAPERS
DRIVER’S LICENSE
POLICE REPORT
The fees will not be collected at the interview. You will be asked to post the application form, the certified copies, a bank check for the relevant fee and a return courier envelope to the Consulate in Auckland.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact this office, 09-303-2724 extn: 2800, or aucklandacs@state.gov.
4th of July Party
The American Club of Christchurch annual 4th of July celebration will be held on Saturday, July 7 from noon – 3pm. Again this year we'll have the Club's Annual General Meeting at noon followed by the party.
Keep an eye on the website and watch your in basket for more details about the AGM, nominations for the Club Committee and the venue for the party.
It's Renewal Time!
Special note: It's time to renew your Club membership. Invoices for those who haven't yet renewed will be sent out. Your Committee is recommending that membership dues be changed to $25 a year for both individuals and families effective now. This will be voted on at the AGM.
Important Tax Information
This is from the Consulate in Auckland:
There is a new tax form that you may need to file with the IRS. It's a Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets - Form 8938. This form is for U.S. taxpayers with specified foreign financial assets that exceed certain thresholds.
If you maintain significant assets outside the United States, you can go HERE to determine if you need to file this form, as well as to download a copy of the form. Please also be advised that there are significant penalties attached if you are required to file this form and do not.
If you have questions, please contact the IRS or your local tax preparer.
Membership Notice
Have you paid your dues this year? Whichever way you pay, please fill in the Membership Application form here.
How to pay your Membership fee:
- You may pay by Direct Deposit: American Club of Christchurch Inc – Westpac Account number 03 1592 0573543-00. Please ensure your names are in the Reference box.
- Or you may pay by check and send to: American Club of Christchurch Inc, PO Box 1603, Christchurch 8140.
Receipts will be mailed to you along with your 2011 laminated numbered Membership card.
Membership in the American Club of Christchurch Inc runs from January to December each year. Because the fees have been intentionally kept at a low level, the fee is the same whatever date you join. These fees are $50 per couple or family, or $25 for a single person only, to attend events.
Please bear with us as we update our records. Whichever way you choose to pay your dues, we are requesting that you please complete the following form and email or mail it back it to us with your details, comments, suggestions, etc. We are establishing a more efficient system for monitoring Membership.
Visitors and Guests: If you are not yet a paid Member you are welcome to attend one of our functions as a Visitor or Visitors, to get an idea of the group, to help you decide.
US Voter Registration
This in from Kent: The Overseas Vote Foundation has just sent me cards to handout in the campaign to help US citizens overseas to register to vote. They have a secure, non-partisan, on-line voter registration ‘wizard’ on their website now to assist Americans to register to vote and request their absentee ballots. (All the information you need is in this PDF.)
Club Update
Family Get togethers: If anyone is interested in hosting a get together or function at their home or place of business, just let us know. We’re happy to discuss options, what’s involved, and how we all help together. We are so appreciative for the Members who have already hosted functions. We usually bring our own pot luck food and drink, and the Club is willing to pick up charges that might be incurred by the hosts.
It’s time to officially thank Members Sean and Met Lonnecker, Linda and Patrick Holt, Susan Jackson, Ashley and Stella Robinson and Don and Faye Howard for inviting Members into their homes for functions or events. Also, it’s time to acknowledge the generosity and support from management and staff at the Copthorne Hotel Commodore on Memorial Avenue for hosting a function and providing meeting rooms.
Front pages for your home town newspaper
You can keep up with what's happening in your home town. There are direct links here to newspapers all over the US, North America and the world. YoU can find this link on the What's Going on in the US page.
American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand
Download their latest newsletter. Also AmCham has a special offer for their members.
TAX HELP!
A number of people have asked us about getting their American taxes handled. We now have a recommended offshore tax expert who can help. See our Tax Help page.
USA News
You can now get a quick update of what's going on in the US. Check out the What's Going On In The US page.
Meetings
The American Club of Christchurch usually meets once a month. Meetings are informal and everyone is welcome to join us. Formalities are kept to a minimum and any Club business is handled before the "meeting". See the Events page for meeting dates.
Membership
Membership in the American Club of Christchurch is open to Americans, Canadians, and others who have lived in North America or have a connection with that part of the world. Membership is $25/individual and $50/family.See the Membership page for join the American Club Christchurch online.
Newsletter
Also take a minute to sign up for our free newsletter. We'll send you information about American Club Christchurch activities and other fun stuff that you might enjoy! If you have news or items of interest to Members, please contact us to have them included in the next American Club Christchurch newsletter issue.
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