Wellington, Dec 4 NZPA - United States ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner is expected to arrive next week.

Mr Huebner is scheduled to meet US president Barack Obama this weekend, before making his way to New Zealand. Mr Huebner was recently appointed, saying he is honoured to work in the South Pacific.

Mr Huebner, who would also serve as an ambassador to Samoa, is the third openly gay ambassador in US history. He introduced his partner, Duane McWaine, to the US Senate panel.

Based in Shanghai, he was head of the China and international disputes practices at the law firm Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton.

He has also served on law and other commissions, lectured in legal and business areas, and was active in the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Mr Huebner is from Pennsylvania and a graduate of Princeton and Yale.