What’ll it be, Mrs Clinton?
Hillary’s Auckland dining and shopping spree
Hillary Clinton tucked into some of New Zealand’s finest cuisine before strolling back to her hotel at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour last night.
The former United States first lady looked relaxed and was flanked by a group of minders after her evening meal as she made her way home.
A staffer at Soul Bar confirmed that the former Secretary of State had eaten at the waterfront restaurant.
“She’s with a group of five people and there are plenty of security guards around,” the staffer said.
“She’s had a tomato salad for a starter and she’s just about to get a lamb rack.”
Earlier, the Democrats’ 2016 US presidential candidate ventured out for a spot of retail therapy in Parnell, and was seen visiting an art gallery.
Clinton is visiting the country for a speaking event in Auckland tonight, with tickets ranging in price from $195 to $595 for a private box seat.
She will also meet privately with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern while she is in town before heading to Australia for further events.
Her trip to Parnell Baby Boutique yesterday may well have been to find a suitable gift for Ardern’s baby, which is due next month.
But Clinton also describes herself as a “doting grandmother, among other things” on social media and may have wanted something for her daughter Chelsea’s two children.
Shop assistant Kersti Ward says when she saw security guards scoping the area, she figured Ardern was coming in to pick up something.
But she got a shock when she saw another familiar face come in.
“We talked about why she was in New Zealand and things like that. We just kind of chatted,” Ward said.
“She says the people are really friendly [in NZ] and everywhere she goes, there’s always a smile.”
But Ward was keeping mum on what the former first lady bought.
Clinton’s talk tonight will be moderated by former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley, who met her on previous visits to New Zealand with her husband, former president Bill Clinton. She is expected to speak about the US election, world affairs and her own future.