British High Commissioner arrives

12 August, 2014

The new British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Jonathan Sinclair, is looking forward to strengthening the significant relationship Britain already has with New Zealand.

“Our ties go back a long way and we have shared much together over those years – history, culture, a love of sport, a similar outlook on many global issues, and our shared values.

“We are in a rapidly changing world and there has been a significant shift in economic gravity, but our shared political, social and economic values continue to bind us together. These values, brought so clearly into focus last week at the commemorations to mark the start of WW1, are as relevant today as ever.”

Mr Sinclair takes up his position as British High Commissioner today. He will be sworn in as the Governor of the Pitcairn in Auckland on Friday.

Mr Sinclair said his predecessor Mrs Vicki Treadell had done a huge amount to refresh the relationship between Britain and New Zealand “and I promise to build further on her work.”

Britain had changed significantly over recent years. “It is cosmopolitan, innovative and forward looking. The IMF predicts it will be the fastest growing G7 economy this year. Inflation is down to 1.9% and employment is hitting new record highs.

“Britain is very definitely open- for-business”.

New Zealand had also undergone significant change in recent years. “This includes a change demographically and in its international trade links, with a clear shift towards Asia.

“Britain still remains a very attractive trading partner. We offer a significant ‘high value’ market for New Zealand products. We share a common language, laws and financial frameworks; and we can provide a ready spring-board for those wanting to move into a European market of 500 million consumers.

“These will be some of the issues I’ll be highlighting during my term in New Zealand.”

Mr Sinclair was until recently National Policy Adviser in UK Trade and Investment. Other roles have included Head of the Intelligence Policy Department at the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, Head of the Political Team in Washington, Head of the European Communities Team in London, and First Secretary in New Delhi. He was also Private Secretary to the former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Mr Sinclair is married to Helen and they have three children. His twitter address is @JWRSinclair.

ENDS

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