Powhiri, meeting the PM, dinner and more golf for Barack Obama's second day

Thursday, 22 March 2018

Barack Obama and John Key play golf at Tara Iti, Mangawhai, Northland

Barack Obama is getting in one more round of golf before a formal powhiri, meeting the PM and schmoozing with an exclusive guest list on his second day in New Zealand.

Obama awoke on Thursday at swanky lodge The Landing in Northland after being whisked by helicopter on Wednesday up to Kauri Cliffs golf course to duel 18 holes with ex Prime Minister John Key.

Key's 'Team NZ' won the close match with a playoff on the 18th hole.

Barack Obama tees off at Tara Iti as he chase a win over former PM John Key.

Obama has his chance to even the score after teeing off at the exclusive Tara Iti golf course in Mangawhai.

Barack Obama plays the exclusive Tara Iti golf course with John Key.

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It's understood Obama dined Wednesday night with 20 guests including Air New Zealand chief executive Chris Luxon at the Purerua Peninsula resort - and got up close and personal with a Kiwi.

With ex US Ambassador Mark Gilbert, Obama met a Brown Spotted Kiwi on The Landing's grounds.

President Obama got to meet a ‘real’ Kiwi!

Barack Obama, in beige and white, plays the Tara Iti golf course. John Key is sporting the black top and blue pants.

A post shared by Mark Gilbert (@ambmarkgilbert) on Mar 21, 2018 at 2:50am PDT

Former US Ambassador to NZ Mark Gilbert, Barack Obama, John Key and Craig Heatley on the golf course.

Obama could be seen chatting with John Key as he and a small group played at Tara Iti. He had earlier borrowed Key's mobile phone to call current National Party leader Simon Bridges for some good natured banter about his loss at Kauri Cliffs to Key.

Great to see @POTUS44 enjoying his time in NZ. @RtHon_JohnKey pic.twitter.com/wEo4lT98Wy

— AirNZMedia (@AirNZMedia) March 20, 2018

Obama then returns to Auckland for a Powhiri at Government house, and will meet privately with PM Jacinda Ardern. The Kermadec ocean sanctuary is expected to be a topic of conversation.

From there Obama next appears at an invitation-only dinner, where he will speak to 1000 guests in a moderated conversation hosted by actor Sam Neil for the New Zealand-United States Council.

Up to 15 MPs from Labour, National, NZ First and the Greens are expected to attend the Viaduct Events centre dinner along with New Zealand corporate high flyers, mayors from around the country, media personalities Mike Hosking and Duncan Garner and a slew of lobbyists.

NZ’s Northland turns on stunning day for @BarackObama at Kauri Cliffs @RtHon_JohnKey pic.twitter.com/jJrDzW7lPt

— AirNZMedia (@AirNZMedia) March 21, 2018

Outstanding day at Kauri Cliffs!

A post shared by Mark Gilbert (@ambmarkgilbert) on Mar 21, 2018 at 2:45am PDT

Obama will be in New Zealand until Friday, with one more function expected Friday morning, before flying out to Sydney. Following his trip to Australia, he will visit Japan.