Peters announces Consul-General for Brisbane

Career diplomat Nick Hurley will be New Zealand’s Consul-General in Brisbane, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today.

 

“The government is opening a new Consulate-General in Brisbane to boost New Zealand’s diplomatic representation in Australia.

 

“Queensland is very significant for New Zealand, with two-way trade worth around NZ$2 billion, and important linkages in the areas of innovation, science and technology which we are keen to develop further.

 

"Queensland is also a very important source of tourists, as well as home to a large number of New Zealanders.

 

"The decision to establish a new post in Brisbane has been made in the wider context of the major funding boost for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Budget 2008.

 

"Our funding is designed to assist New Zealand’s diplomatic network take a step up in promoting our trade and foreign policy interests, and to improve its ability to help New Zealanders in trouble overseas.

 

“As Consul-General, Mr Hurley will of course work closely with our High Commission in Canberra," Mr Peters said.

 

Mr Hurley is currently director of the Economic Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and was previously High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, among other postings. He takes up his posting in July.