Barack Obama

Washington, Oct 8 NZPA - United States President Obama has nominated a lawyer to be his ambassador to New Zealand.

A White House statement, which included another appointment, announced David Huebner was the President's choice.

"I am confident that these individuals will represent our nation well in these important roles," Obama said.

Mr Huebner was head of the China and international disputes practices at Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton. He specialised in international arbitration and mediation.

Based in Shanghai, he had experience handling disputes in the Pacific rim area.

He has served on law and other commissions and taught and lectured in legal and business areas.

Among non-profit work he was active in the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

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

The appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate.

If that was done he would be the new administration's first openly gay ambassador. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush both had openly gay ambassadors during their terms.

The announcements come days before Obama speaks to a gay fundraising dinner on Saturday and gay activists march on Washington on Sunday.