Chris Seed Appointed Acting High Commissioner to London

Mr Seed, one of New Zealand’s most experienced diplomats, will travel to London late next week to assume his new role.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced a key transition in the leadership of the New Zealand High Commission in London, appointing former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Chris Seed, as the Acting High Commissioner.

Mr Seed, one of New Zealand’s most experienced diplomats, will travel to London late next week to assume his new role. His extensive career includes serving as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Canberra and Port Moresby, among other significant diplomatic postings.

The announcement follows the departure of outgoing High Commissioner Phil Goff. Mr Peters acknowledged Mr Goff’s long-standing service to New Zealand, despite the recent controversy that led to his removal from the post.

“As we indicated last week, while his comments made his position as New Zealand High Commissioner untenable, the decision to remove Mr Goff from London was nevertheless a very difficult one,” Mr Peters said.

“Mr Goff has contributed significantly to the interests of our country over a long period of time. As a senior Minister with a range of domestic and international portfolios, Mayor of Auckland, and later a diplomat, Mr Goff has dedicated his professional life to serving the New Zealand people. We continue to hold him in high esteem, and we wish him well.”

Mr Goff is scheduled to leave London this weekend. Meanwhile, the process for appointing a permanent High Commissioner is ongoing, with an official announcement to be made once the UK Government grants approval.