Tuvalu's high commissioner-designate to New Zealand says he expects his country to benefit significantly from the opening of a High Commission in Wellington.
Samuelu Laloniu says being in Wellington should improve how the country talks with New Zealand and other donor countries and make it easier to advocate in Tuvalu's interest, over such concerns as climate change policy.
Mr Laloniu says opening a High Commission in New Zealand is something that Tuvalu has hoped to achieve since it gained independence over 30 years ago.
A Tuvalu woven mat Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana
"We have been planning for quite a very long time, but resources has constrained that from happening. But finally, after 30 years, this milestone has finally been reached, so this is huge."
Samuelu Laloniu moves into the role of High Commissioner after previously running Tuvalu's consulate office in Auckland.
