Biography of Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Robert Kaiwai

Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Robert Kaiwai

Mr Robert Kaiwai took up his posting as Consul-General to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in December 2011.  Resident in Hong Kong, the Consul-General is also cross-accredited to Macau.

Before his posting to Hong Kong, Mr Kaiwai was High Commissioner to Kiribati from 2008 to September 2011.  He also served concurrently as Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Marshall Islands.

Mr Kaiwai joined the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2001.  He first worked in the Ministry’s Environment Divison, and was later seconded to the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change Office in 2003, where he led a senior policy team in the development of domestic climate change policy.  He also served as Deputy Director, New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office in Taiwan from 2004 to 2007, and was Deputy Director of the Middle East and Africa Division from 2007 to 2008.

Prior to joining the Ministry, Mr Kaiwai lived and worked in Japan and returned to New Zealand in 1996 with the Japanese company Juken Nissho. Initially as Loss Control Manager before being promoted to General Affairs Manager in 1998.

Mr Kaiwai is currently a member of the New Zealand Business Advisory Board, which was established by The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and the New Zealand Consulate-General as a means of improving communication between the Chamber, NZTE, NZCG and the Hong Kong and New Zealand business communities.

Mr Kaiwai also currently serves as an Advisory Board Member of the Victoria University of Wellington‘s International MBA Program in Hong Kong., which is administered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Asia-Pacific Institute of Business.  He is also a Branch Patron of the Royal Overseas League Hong Kong.

Mr Kaiwai holds a Master of Science from Shizuoka National University, Japan, and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from Victoria University, New Zealand.  He speaks English, Japanese (intermediate) and conversational Mandarin.

Mr Kaiwai is married to Miyako Osawa. 

Achievements

• Secondment to MFE from MFAT led a senior policy team in the development of domestic climate change policy.
• Recipient full Scholarship to Shizuoka National University/ Japan.
• Eight time World Outrigger Canoe Champion.
• Two time Winner USA Canoe Champs, Catalina (LA)
• Multiple NZ Surf Life Saving Title Holder
• Wellington and Japan Provincial Rugby Rep
• 3rd Teams World Ocean Kayak Championships, Cape Town South Africa 2004
• Former Nationally Ranked Multisport/Triathlete
• Former K1 20km Senior Marathon Champ