Who is in the High Commission

The New Zealand High Commission is an overseas post of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The High Commission is staffed by a team of 20 diplomats and local staff.

High Commissioner

The current New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom is Mr Derek Leask. Mr Leask is also Ambassador to Ireland and Nigeria.

Mr Leask is one of New Zealand’s most senior diplomats. He has considerable breadth of experience, and his most recent position was as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington, where he was responsible for trade and economic matters.

Mr Leask was New Zealand’s Ambassador to the European Communities from 1994 to 1999 and, in addition to the Brussels posting, has served previously in Suva, Ottawa and London (1985-1989). He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1969.

Mr Leask took up his posting to the United Kingdom in March 2008. His personal interests include golf and New Zealand history.

Deputy High Commissioner

New Zealand's Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland is Belinda Brown.  

Belinda joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in 1988. Her career has been focused on trade and economic roles, and has included postings in London and Riyadh. From 2003 - 2006, Belinda was Consul-General in Noumea, accredited to French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna.

Between postings she has also held roles in the Europe, Economic, Public Diplomacy and Pacific Divisions of MFAT.