PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has announced that Ireland will open an embassy in New Zealand shortly.
Higgins made the announcement as he begins a state visit to the islands.
The President along with his wife Sabina Higgins met with Governor General Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne on the first day of their State visit to New Zealand.
According to a statement released by the President’s office, “the decision to establish an embassy reflects an exceptionally close partnership between Ireland and New Zealand in international affairs, including at the United Nations”.
New Zealand has also announced plans to open an embassy in Ireland.
Diplomatic relations between Ireland and New Zealand were established in 1965. Ireland’s Ambassador to Australia is also accredited to New Zealand. Niamh McMahon serves as Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Auckland, New Zealand.
The President will visit Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Waitangi while in New Zealand – a country in which around one in six people claim Irish heritage.
President Higgins is today to meet with the prime minister elect of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, who will become the third woman to lead a government in her country.
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