Senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) diplomat, Ardi Barnard, has today been announced as New Zealand’s next Consul-General to Shanghai.
“China is one of New Zealand’s most significant relationships,” said Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta in announcing the appointment.
“As we mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between our nations, we recognise our significant economic, people-to-people, and cultural connections.
“We continue to support New Zealand companies, including many iwi businesses, in order to further boost and diversify our growing exports, and provide greater economic security to all New Zealanders,” Ms Mahuta said.
Mr Barnard (pictured) has most recently been serving as lead adviser in the Ministry’s Auckland office. He has also recently served as the consular case operations manager for the Afghanistan Departures Taskforce.
Mr Barnard has had several overseas postings including in Riyadh and Cairo, and as Deputy Head of Mission in Seoul.
He will take up the new role in February.
