26 Jul 2018

NZ High Commissioner to Samoa resigns

2:54 pm on 26 July 2018

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Samoa, David Nicholson, has resigned.

Mr Nicholson, who started in the role in 2016, confirmed on Wednesday he would step down on 6 August.

He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in 2012.

Last year, Mr Nicholson also juggled the role of Administrator to Tokelau for seven months before he was removed at the request of Tokelau's government.

MFAT said the move was to relocate the position to Wellington and dedicate it to one person.

At the time, a senior Tokelau cabinet minister, Kelihiano Kalolo, told RNZ Pacific there was disquiet over Mr Nicholson's role because of spending restrictions placed on Tokelau.

Tokelau's Taupulega, or council of elders, however, claimed the decision to remove Mr Nicholson as administrator was made without proper approval.

It is unclear why Mr Nicholson is resigning as High Commissioner.

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