US Vice President Joe Biden has sent an Independence Day message to New Zealand praising the connection between the two countries.
The message was played during an early Independence Day event hosted by US Ambassador Mark Gilbert and his family at the Westpac Stadium.
It's the first time a US vice-president has recorded such a message to New Zealand.
Mr Biden said America and New Zealand had always been bound together by a common commitment to a democratic, open and prosperous and secure world.
"As we continue our nations re-balance strategy in the Asia Pacific region, partners like New Zealand have never been more consequential.
"Nowhere is that more clear than the remarkable progress we have made with the Trans Pacific Partnership."
Mr Biden said in the coming pacific century there will be more accomplishments to come.