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 once a month. 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.
 September 11th Tribute to Firefighters' and Fallen Heroes
The Second Annual Tribute takes place at 11am on Saturday September 11, 2010, at the Firemens’ Reserve, corner of Kilmore and Madras Streets, in central Christchurch.
The reserve features girders from the World Trade Centre that were given to Christchurch by Mayor Bloomberg of New York “for memorial and historic purposes”.
Preliminary Schedule of Events
- 10.50am – Dignitaries assemble in foyer of Oxford Terrace Church
- 10.58am – Dignitaries walk slowly toward the designated area near the riverbank
- 11.00am – Murray Jamieson, local representative of the NZ Fire Department will describe the proceedings
- Blessing
- Councillor David Cox, representing Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker
- Murray will then introduce Paul Fifflick, Regional Security Officer representing US Ambassador Huebner
- Additional speaker representing NZ Fire Service
- Murray will then speak, then ask for a minute’s silence
4th of July Party
On Saturday, July 3rd, approximately 35 members of the American Club of Christchurch got together to celebrate the 4th of July at the home of Scott Loeffler (Club Treasurer) and Evelien Huismans on their 10 acre property. It was fabulous weather and the party was held outside. One of the highlights was homemade sausages from Scott's cattle grilled on the BBQ. Members also brought lots of delicious food that was shared and enjoyed by all.
The day was also a farewell party for Sean and Met Lonneker and their two kids who are moving back to the States as part of Sean's work in the Army. Sean (Club Vice President) and Met have been instrumental in getting the Club started and organising many Club events during their time in Christchurch. The annual Luau party will be sorely missed. We wish them all the best.
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 thre 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.
US Embassy
U.S. Embassy in Wellington on Facebook and Twitter: “The U.S. Embassy in Wellington has just started a Facebook Page. It is in its early days, but it will quickly become an integral part of the US Mission in New Zealand‘s online outreach. Please become a Fan of the Facebook page, and send the link below out to your contacts. http://www.facebook.com/newzealand.usembassy Also note that the U.S. Embassy has photo galleries on FlickR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand/ And is tweeting at: http://www.twitter.com/usembassynz ”
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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