U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta walks up steps before laying a wreath at the World War II Hall of Memories at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland September 21, 2012. Panetta announced that the U.S. has lifted a ban on visits by New Zealand warships to U.S. defence and coast guard bases around the world, further thawing relations after a 26-year stand-off on nuclear issues. REUTERS/Larry Downing (NEW ZEALAND - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY)