29 May 2014

Jones in new NZ ambassadorial position

11:46 am on 29 May 2014

The New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced Shane Jones as new Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development.

Mr Jones will also serve as High Commissioner to several small island developing states in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which will be announced once diplomatic formalities have been completed.

Mr McCully says the appointment signals a clear intention the New Zealand government to improve economic outcomes in the Pacific, and to make a more constructive contribution to economic development in small island developing states.

He says Mr Jones will focus on supporting income generating opportunities for Pacific countries in sectors like tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries.