23 Mar 2018

NZ appoints new Niue High Commissioner

3:01 pm on 23 March 2018

The New Zealand government has appointed Kirk Yates as the new High Commissioner to Niue.

Niue and New Zea land flags raised outside the fono.

The Niue and New Zealand flags. Photo: RNZ/ Sally Round

He replaces Ross Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's father, who has served in the role for nearly five years.

Mr Yates is an agriculture specialist within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has held diplomatic and development positions in Indonesia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Mr Ardern has accepted a new role as the administrator of Tokelau, based in Auckland.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand was working closely with Niue to develop its tourism infrastructure, including upgrading the Hanan airport runway.

Jacinda Ardern visited Niue earlier this month as part of her week-long trip around the Pacific Islands.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is greeted by her father Ross Ardern, the High Commissioner.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is greeted by her father Ross Ardern in Niue. Photo: Pool photo / Michael Craig / New Zealand Herald