List of high commissioners of the United Kingdom to New Zealand facts for kids
The High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to New Zealand is a very important person. They are the main diplomatic representative for the United Kingdom in New Zealand. Think of them as the leader of the UK's team that works to keep good relations with New Zealand.
The United Kingdom and New Zealand are both part of a group called the Commonwealth of Nations. This group includes countries that used to be part of the British Empire. Because they are in the Commonwealth, these countries send "High Commissioners" to each other, not "ambassadors." It's just a different name for a similar job between Commonwealth countries.
The British High Commissioner in New Zealand also has another big role. They are the governor for the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands. These islands are a British Overseas Territory, which means they are part of the UK but are self-governing. The High Commissioner used to also be the High Commissioner for Samoa, but that's no longer the case.
The main office for the High Commissioner is called the High Commission, and it's in Wellington. The UK government also has another office, called a consulate general, in Auckland.
Who Are the UK's High Commissioners to New Zealand?
Since 1939, many people have served as the British High Commissioner to New Zealand. Here is a list of those who have held this important role:
- 1939–1945: Sir Harry Batterbee
- 1945–1949: Sir Patrick Duff
- 1949–1953: Sir Roy Price
- 1953–1957: General Sir Geoffry Scoones
- 1957–1959: Sir George Mallaby
- 1959–1963: Sir Francis Cumming-Bruce
- 1969–1973: Sir Arthur Galsworthy
- 1973–1975: Sir David Aubrey Scott
- 1976–1980: Sir Harold Smedley
- 1980–1984: Sir Richard Stratton
- 1984–1987: Terence Daniel O'Leary
- 1987–1990: Robin Byatt
- 1990–1994: Sir David Moss
- 1994–1998: Robert Alston
- 1998–2001: Martin Williams
- 2001–2006: Richard Fell
- 2006–2010: George Fergusson
- 2010–2014: Victoria Treadell
- 2014–2017: Jonathan Sinclair
- 2018–2022: Laura Clarke
- 2022–present[update]: Iona Thomas
See also
